Tag: Cannabinoids

Categories
General Health

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is a commonly discussed topic when it comes to the consumption of cannabis. Simply put, it refers to the synergistic impacts of the different chemical compounds that cannabis contains. But there is more to know about this phenomenon.

Understanding the chemical compounds inside cannabis

To have an in-depth understanding of the entourage effect, you have to first know the most essential compounds inside cannabis.

  • Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are some of the most essential substances found in cannabis. They are known to stimulate the endocannabinoid system which is responsible for modulating appetite, sleep, pain, and several other bodily functions.

In a cannabis plant, there are more than 120 cannabinoids with each having its particular function. Some of the most common cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While THC causes the intoxication associated with marijuana, CBD cannot get you high.

  • Terpenes

If you have interacted with cannabis before, you will agree that the substance has some aroma. The aroma could be lavender, citrus, pepper, pine, etc. Terpenes are the chemical compounds that ensure that cannabis has these varying aromas. These compounds are developed in the resinous glands of the cannabis plant. It is worthwhile to note that spices, herbs, fruits, and other plants also contain some terpenes.

Apart from producing the aromas, terpenes are also believed to offer some therapeutic benefits. These benefits include reducing anxiety and inflammation.

More on the entourage effect

The combination of various cannabis compounds tends to change or improve the medicinal effects of the cannabis product. Additionally, the combination can also change the psychoactive effects and flavors of the products. Notably, some synergistic effects are formed through the integration of the different cannabis compounds. This phenomenon is called the entourage effect.

As a result of the entourage effect, the cannabis product will contain some properties that you cannot find in pure CBD or THC. According to a lot of cannabis experts, the entourage effect may play a key role in boosting the medicinal importance of cannabis. It could encourage the substances to interact with the endocannabinoid receptions in the central nervous system and brain to relieve some medical conditions.

What does the research say about the entourage effect?

In 1998, Professor Shimon Ben-Shabat and Professor Raphael Mechoulam conducted a study on the entourage effect. They discovered the cannabis compounds boosted the activity of the receptors in the endocannabinoid system. A few studies were carried later to confirm the claims of the 1998 study, and the discoveries were similar.

Another study was carried out by Russo in 2010 to check the effects of Sativex, a drug that contains both CBD and THC. The research had a group of people taking the drug as well as a control group taking only THC. The study showed that 40% of the patients experienced a substantial pain-killing impact of the product. When compared to the controlled group, the Sativex was more potent than taking only THC or CBD.

In 2016, research was conducted to study the effects of cannabis on people smoking pure THC as well as those smoking products with both CBD and THC. The result revealed that individuals taking only pure THC encouraged cognitive issues such as memory problems.

Through the analysis of these various studies, it could be inferred that the entourage effect created by the combinations of different cannabis compounds could make a big difference in the benefits of cannabis.

With more research on the entourage effect of cannabis, we may soon discover some amazing ways through which cannabis could change our lives.

Categories
Endocannabinoid System General Health

The Endocannabinoid System: What is It and How Does It Work?

The body is made up of several systems which work together to ensure that humans function optimally. One of the most vital systems in the body is known as the endocannabinoid system. In this post, we will explain what this system is and how it performs its work.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

The endocannabinoid system is a nerve signaling system that is responsible for the regulation of the function of the central nervous system (CNS). This system also aids the maintenance of homeostasis, which refers to the state of body equilibrium. Homeostasis is essential for optimal functioning of the organs as well as the maintenance of emotional, cognitive, and physiological balance in the body.

How does the endocannabinoid system work?

To explain how the endocannabinoid system works, we need to describe its various major components and how they interact. The three components of this system are discussed below:

  • Endocannabinoids

These are the molecules that are produced in and by the body. Their effects and structures look like the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Currently, two types of these endogenous cannabinoids have been discovered. The first one is anandamide (AEA) whereas the second is called 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG).

The body synthesizes these compounds based on their needs at any given time. Otherwise known as endogenous cannabinoids, these endocannabinoids assist in guaranteeing the smooth operations of the internal organs.

  • Endocannabinoid receptors

The endocannabinoid receptors are located in different parts of the body. For the endocannabinoid system to take any action, it must receive signals from the receptors after they have interacted with endocannabinoids. For instance, if you are dealing with an infection or injury that affects homeostasis, the endogenous cannabinoids will bind with the receptors to send a signal to the endocannabinoid system to modulate the homeostasis of your body.

The two types of endocannabinoid receptors are CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. While CB1 receptors are in abundance in the central nervous system, CB2 receptors concentrate in the peripheral nervous system. It is worthwhile to note that endocannabinoids are capable of binding to any receptor. However, the location of the receptor will determine their effects.

  • Enzymes

Once the endogenous cannabinoids have performed their roles, they need to be broken down. Notably, two types of enzymes are in charge of the breakdown. Fatty acid amide hydrolase is responsible for breaking down AEA while monoacylglycerol acid lipase will ensure the breakdown of 2-AG.

Although numerous things have been studied about how this system functions, tons of things are still unknown. Hence, there is a need for further studies on how the system works.

Other body’s systems influenced by the endocannabinoid system

Expectedly, the endocannabinoid system doesn’t function alone as its performance affects other systems in the body. The affected systems include

  • Cardiovascular system
  • Central nervous system
  • Reproductive system
  • Immune system
  • Gastrointestinal system
  • Skeletal system
  • Metabolic system

Without a doubt, the endocannabinoid system is a vital system that stabilizes and promotes the internal processes of the body.