How Medical Cannabis Works:
Understanding the endocannabinoid system

How Medical Cannabis Works: Understanding the Endocannabinoid System

Medical cannabis has become a widely used treatment for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other health concerns. Understanding how medical cannabis works in the body is essential for patients seeking effective treatment options. At the core of its therapeutic effects is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that play a crucial role in regulating key physiological processes.

In this article, we’ll explore how medical cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, the functions of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and how these compounds contribute to pain relief, mood regulation, improved sleep, and overall health.

The Endocannabinoid System: A Vital Regulatory Network

The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors found throughout the body, primarily in the brain, nervous system, immune system, and peripheral organs. Its primary function is to maintain homeostasis, which is the body’s state of balance. This system regulates a wide range of physiological processes, including:

• Pain sensation

• Mood and emotional regulation

• Sleep patterns

• Appetite and digestion

• Memory and learning

• Inflammation and immune responses

The ECS consists of three key components:

1. Endocannabinoid's: These are naturally occurring compounds produced by the body that bind to cannabinoid receptors. The two primary endocannabinoid are anandamide and 2-AG, which mimic the effects of cannabinoids found in cannabis.

2. Cannabinoid Receptors: These receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, are found throughout the body. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system, influencing pain perception, mood, memory, and motor function. CB2 receptors, found mainly in the immune system, help regulate inflammation and immune responses.

3. Enzymes: These enzymes are responsible for breaking down the endocannabinoid once they have fulfilled their function. The most notable enzymes are FAAH, which breaks down anandamide, and MAGL, which breaks down 2-AG.

The ECS constantly works to restore balance to the body. However, various factors, such as stress, illness, or injury, can disrupt this balance, which may contribute to various health conditions. This is where medical cannabis comes in.

THC and CBD: The Two Main Cannabinoids

Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, but tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most well-known and researched compounds. These cannabinoids interact with the ECS in different ways to produce various therapeutic effects.

THC: The Psychoactive Cannabinoid

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, meaning it’s responsible for the "high" commonly associated with marijuana. However, THC also has significant therapeutic properties, particularly in the treatment of pain, nausea, and inflammation. THC primarily binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, which leads to the following effects:

• Pain relief: THC can help reduce pain by altering how the brain perceives pain signals.

• Mood enhancement: THC can elevate mood and help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Increased appetite: Known as the "munchies," THC can stimulate appetite, which can be beneficial for patients with conditions like cancer or HIV/AIDS who may have difficulty eating.

• Relaxation and sleep support: By interacting with the brain's systems that regulate sleep, THC can help promote better sleep, especially for those with insomnia.

While THC offers significant therapeutic benefits, its psychoactive effects can be a concern for some patients. This is where CBD comes into play.

CBD: The Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid

CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and does not produce the "high" associated with THC. However, CBD offers a broad range of medicinal benefits without the intoxicating effects. CBD interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, but its effects are generally more indirect than THC’s. Some of the benefits of CBD include:

• Pain management: CBD can help reduce inflammation and chronic pain by interacting with the ECS. It has been shown to be particularly helpful in conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

• Anxiety and stress reduction: CBD has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, making it a useful treatment for individuals suffering from generalised anxiety, PTSD, or social anxiety disorders.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: CBD is well-known for its ability to reduce inflammation, which can help treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune disorders.

• Improved sleep: While THC is known to promote sleep, CBD can help with sleep quality by addressing the root causes of poor sleep, such as anxiety or pain.

One of the significant advantages of CBD is its lack of psychoactive effects, making it a great option for patients who want the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without feeling "high."

How Cannabis Supports the Endocannabinoid System

The therapeutic effects of cannabis are the result of cannabinoids like THC and CBD interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. These cannabinoids work by either mimicking or enhancing the effects of the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoid. This interaction helps restore balance to the ECS, alleviating symptoms of various conditions and promoting overall wellness.

For example, when the body experiences stress, injury, or illness, the ECS can become imbalanced, leading to issues like chronic pain, inflammation, or mood disorders. By introducing THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids, the body’s ability to restore homeostasis is supported, and patients can experience relief from symptoms like pain, anxiety, and sleep disruptions.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Health

Medical cannabis offers a promising approach to supporting the endocannabinoid system and improving health. Through cannabinoids like THC and CBD, patients can experience relief from a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and more. By understanding how cannabis works with the body’s ECS, patients can make informed decisions about incorporating medical cannabis into their treatment plan.

At MOCA Health, we are dedicated to helping patients access the healing potential of cannabis in a safe, regulated, and effective way. Our Telehealth consultations make it easy for patients across Australia to connect with licensed healthcare professionals and receive personalised cannabis care.

If you are considering medical cannabis for your health, understanding how it works within your body is the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.