The science of medical Cannabis: How it works for you

The Science of Medical Cannabis: How It Works for You

Medical cannabis is more than just a remedy for pain or anxiety; it’s a sophisticated and scientifically-backed therapeutic option. Understanding how medical cannabis works can help you make informed decisions about using it for health and wellness. In this article, we explore the science behind medical cannabis, including the role of cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), their interaction with the body, and the crucial function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in maintaining health.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. They are responsible for the plant's therapeutic effects, and they work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. There are over 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis, but THC and CBD are the most well-known and studied.

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis, meaning it is responsible for the "high" that many people experience when using cannabis. However, beyond its psychoactive properties, THC has powerful therapeutic effects, particularly for pain relief, nausea reduction, and appetite stimulation. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it useful for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, and some neurodegenerative diseases.

• CBD (Cannabidiol): Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not cause a “high.” CBD is gaining recognition for its diverse therapeutic benefits, including anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. It has been shown to support mental wellness, reduce stress, improve sleep, and even help manage symptoms related to conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and certain skin disorders.

Both THC and CBD work in tandem, but each has unique therapeutic properties that make them valuable for different health conditions. Some cannabis strains and products are specifically designed to have higher levels of CBD for non-intoxicating therapeutic use, while others may emphasize THC for pain management or other medical purposes.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS): The Body’s Internal Regulator

The endocannabinoid system is a critical part of the body’s physiology and plays a pivotal role in regulating a wide range of bodily functions, including pain, mood, appetite, sleep, and immune response. Discovered relatively recently in the 1990s, the ECS is an intricate network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids (cannabinoids that are produced naturally within the body) that work together to maintain balance or homeostasis within the body.

The ECS consists of three main components:

1. Endocannabinoids: These are naturally occurring compounds produced by the body that mimic the effects of plant-derived cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The two most studied endocannabinoids are anandamide (often referred to as the “bliss molecule”) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These molecules bind to cannabinoid receptors, helping to regulate various physiological processes.

2. Cannabinoid Receptors: These receptors are found throughout the body, with the highest concentration in the brain and immune system. The two primary types of cannabinoid receptors are:

   • CB1 receptors: Predominantly found in the brain and central nervous system, CB1 receptors play a role in mood, memory, pain sensation, and movement control. THC binds strongly to these receptors, leading to its psychoactive effects.

   • CB2 receptors: These are primarily found in the peripheral tissues and the immune system. CB2 receptors are involved in modulating inflammation and immune responses. CBD interacts with CB2 receptors, which is why it has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

3. Enzymes: Enzymes in the ECS break down endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their function. The two main enzymes involved are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide, and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), which degrades 2-AG.

How Cannabis Interacts with the ECS

When you consume cannabis, the cannabinoids—primarily THC and CBD—interact with the ECS to produce their therapeutic effects. These cannabinoids can bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, helping to regulate various physiological processes.

• THC and CB1 Receptors: THC binds most effectively with CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system. This interaction leads to the well-known "high" and is responsible for many of the pain-relieving, appetite-stimulating, and anti-nausea effects of cannabis. When THC activates CB1 receptors, it can also trigger the release of dopamine, contributing to feelings of euphoria. This makes THC effective for managing conditions like chronic pain, nausea, anxiety, and stress.

• CBD and CB2 Receptors: CBD, on the other hand, has a weaker binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, but it influences the ECS in a unique way. CBD works as a modulator, meaning it doesn't bind directly to these receptors as strongly as THC. Instead, CBD influences the ECS by increasing the levels of endocannabinoids in the body. It also interacts with other receptors, such as serotonin and vanilloid receptors, which play roles in mood regulation and pain perception. This is why CBD is so effective for conditions like anxiety, inflammation, epilepsy, and sleep disorders.

CBD has been found to enhance the therapeutic effects of THC while mitigating some of its psychoactive side effects. For this reason, many cannabis-based products combine both cannabinoids in varying ratios to achieve balanced therapeutic outcomes without overwhelming patients with the psychoactive effects of THC.

The Role of Cannabis in Supporting Health

By interacting with the ECS, cannabis helps to restore balance within the body. This system is responsible for regulating key bodily functions, and when it is out of balance—such as in cases of chronic pain, inflammation, or mental health disorders—the introduction of plant-based cannabinoids can help restore harmony.

• Pain Relief: Cannabis is widely recognized for its ability to manage chronic pain, whether from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or nerve pain. THC’s interaction with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system can help reduce pain perception, while CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects can target underlying causes of pain, such as tissue inflammation.

• Anxiety and Stress Management: Many patients use cannabis for its calming and anti-anxiety effects. CBD, in particular, has been shown to reduce anxiety by interacting with serotonin receptors, which help regulate mood. THC can also be used in lower doses to induce relaxation and relieve stress.

• Neuroprotection: Cannabis, particularly CBD, has shown promise in supporting brain health. It has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that may help in the management of neurological conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. CBD’s ability to modulate the ECS can protect neurons from damage and promote healing.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Inflammation is at the root of many chronic conditions, and cannabis can help regulate the immune response. By interacting with CB2 receptors, CBD helps reduce inflammation and has shown effectiveness in treating autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Conclusion

The science of medical cannabis is complex, but its potential to help manage a variety of health conditions is clear. By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, cannabis-based products like THC and CBD offer targeted therapeutic effects that can alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and support overall wellness.

At MOCA Health, we are committed to offering high-quality medical cannabis products that are crafted to support the endocannabinoid system and help you achieve better health outcomes. If you are considering medical cannabis for your health condition, we recommend speaking with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your needs. The therapeutic potential of cannabis is vast, and understanding its science is key to unlocking its full benefits.