The Endocannabinoid System

Why cannabis affects people the way it does?

 

HIGHLIGHTS

- Along with cannabis plants, human beings already have cannabinoids in their chemical makeup.

- Humans have an endocannabinoid system directly affected by the cannabinoids in cannabis when it's consumed.

- The effect of this interaction is different for everyone.

 

Cannabinoids: The Link Between Cannabis and Humans

Both cannabis plants and people have chemical compounds in our systems called cannabinoids. In humans, they're called endocannabinoids; in plants, they're called Phyto cannabinoids. The cannabis plant has many cannabinoids, but the two best known and studied are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

THC is responsible for how the brain and body respond to cannabis, including the psychoactive effect, or "high," and the associated physical impairment.

Unlike THC, CBD does not generally produce a "high." There is some evidence that CBD may block or lower some of the effects of THC on the brain when the amount of CBD in a product is equal to or higher than the amount of THC. 

Humans produce cannabinoids internally through an essential system in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Studies suggest the ECS plays a role in regulating stress recovery, nervous system protection, immune system response and homeostatic balance (our overall state of optimal health function and stability). Our endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors all over our bodies to help regulate those functions.

Humans have two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. Receptor sites are found in many organs and areas of the body, but CB1 receptors are found primarily in the central nervous system, which contains the brain and the spinal cord. Since CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain, our cognitive functions are impacted when external cannabinoids are introduced into our bodies. Conversely, CB2 receptors are found primarily in the immune system.

When cannabis is consumed, cannabinoids like THC and CBD mimic our naturally occurring cannabinoids and bind to our receptors. Because many of those (CB1) receptor sites are located in the central nervous system that cannabis is likely to produce changes to our cognitive and physical states.

 

The Response to Cannabis is Entirely Individual.

Everyone’s chemical and physiological makeup is different. The ECS receptor site locations and the number of sites can vary from person to person. That is why the same strain of cannabis can affect people differently. Additional factors that contribute to the potential disparity in effects can also include the genetics, sex, current health, and age of an individual.

Being aware of this unique interaction between cannabis and the human body helps you understand how to make the right choice for yourself. Consider this information, along with the method and amount of consumption and the levels of THC and CBD in a strain, when choosing to use cannabis products. If you’re new to consuming cannabis, consider starting at very low THC and CBD levels as you learn how your body responds.

 

 

 

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