The Trials and Tribulations of The Endocannabinoid System
A Self Revealing Interview With This Newly Discovered System in Our Body by Marilyn Pierce RN
Welcome to our show today. I am so excited for you to meet our guest. Before we start the interview, let me give you a quick introduction.
Our guest has been present in our body for a long time, but has only recently been scientifically discovered, researched and named. As the largest neuro-regulatory system in the body, our guest’s main role is maintaining homeostasis. Working constantly, from the time we are implanted in the womb until we die, our guest collaborates with other systems in our body, such as
· the nervous system
· the gastrointestinal system
· the immune system
· the cardiovascular system
And this just names a few. Using only three components, receptors, enzymes and biologically active fatty molecules (called cannabinoids), our guest accomplishes healthy regulation of the entire body continuously throughout our lives. The research about our guest is making headlines for it is being realized. Health and healing are true possibilities when working with these amazing qualities. I ask you all to help me welcome our very busy and critically important guest, The Endocannabinoid System.
(applause)
Host: Welcome to the show. I’m so glad that you were able to find the time to speak to us.
ECS: I’m glad to be here. Thank you for having me.
Host: The Endocannabinoid System is a mouth full! I understand that you have an acronym, would it be all right if I call you ECS for the interview?
ECS: Absolutely, please call me ECS. I’m glad my acronym is becoming more recognized these days.
Host: Thank you ECS. I know we only have you for a short time today, so I want to ask a few quick questions and then allow you to get back to the very important business of homeostasis. My first question is about your history. I know that you have recently been discovered by scientists in the 1990’s. How long have you actually been with us in our bodies?
ECS: It is true that I have only been discovered in the last 30 years or so. However, I have existed unnoticed for approximately 500 million years. I am not only in humans, but also in birds, reptiles, fish, mammals and amphibians. You could say I am ubiquitous. (1)
Host: 500 million years! You don’t look a day over a million.
ECS: Well thank you, I plan to be around for another half billion years or more at least.
Host: How did you get your name?
ECS: Funny you should ask. I was named after the Cannabis sativa plant. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam was researching the cannabis plant and discovered the chemical compound tetrahydrocannabinol. He called it a cannabinoid after the plant in which it was found. About 30 years later, I was discovered. They decided to name me after the same plant. I’m flattered by this. Cannabis sativa is a wonderful plant medicine that has been used by humans for over 10,000 years. This plant and I are like brothers from a different mother. I enjoy working with cannabis as a medicine for healing and I am grateful for the support that this plant brings to me and my work in the body.
Host: It sounds to me like a mutually beneficial relationship.
ECS: Yes, it is. I anticipate continuing to work with cannabis medicine in the future. We are the perfect synergistic couple. I believe in the future of our collaboration. In the near future, we are looking forward to being involved in a healthcare revolution.
Host: Speaking of work, I know that you are associated with all the other known large systems in our bodies. What are some of the specific functions that you actually affect or influence?
ECS: As a system, I am involved in multiple daily functions of life such as
· regulation of appetite and digestion
· immunity
· inflammatory responses
· memory
· pain and pleasure
· sleep
· body temperature
My system is filled with receptors that are activated by my endocannabinoids when they are created within the body. When the work is done, the endocannabinoids are broken down by enzymes. More endocannabinoids can be made to order, and are ready to help whenever needed. I think of the body as a large organization. I am an integral part of keeping all who are a part of this organization healthy and calm so they can do their best work.
Host: Well, thank you for all you do. You seem to be the glue that holds us all together! Since you are involved in so many body systems and functions, how can we help to support you? I mean, what can I do to be sure I am keeping my ECS happy and well cared for?
ECS: What a kind thing to ask. I appreciate all support and yes, there are a few ways to maintain my best tone. For instance, maintaining a healthy diet will provide the nutrients I need to create the endocannabinoids as needed. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and omega-3 fatty acids is so helpful. Some of the most wonderful foods to eat would be walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, anchovies, sardines and eggs. Also, using some common herbs such as black pepper, cloves, oregano, lemon balm and cinnamon provide additional support to help stimulate my receptors which gives me such pleasure. One of my endocannabinoids is a cousin to dark chocolate and cacao. It only takes a small amount of either to bring a smile to my day. (2)
Host: I can definitely help with the chocolate. What else can we do to support you?
ECS: Since I am working all the time to heal and maintain homeostasis, all healthy behaviors will optimize my efforts. I can name just a few like
· exercise
· meditation
· acupuncture
· socializing with friends who make you feel happy
· spending time in nature
or any activity that decreases stress and helps to keep your body in a good healthy state.
I also want to add, if I have been overextended for long periods of time without support, I may not be able to keep homeostasis, and the body systems may become ill. There is the option of supplementing with our friend Cannabis sativa aka medical cannabis. This is a very complex topic, but there is value in understanding that this plant is medicine. The phytocannabinoids in the plant can help when systems need a boost. I would be glad to come back again and speak about using cannabis as medicine another time.
Host: Thank you for the offering. We shall plan to do that. I know you have to get back to work, so I want to close by saying are there any parting thoughts you would like to leave us with?
ECS: Thank you for asking. I know that the template for traditional medicine is to take a pharmaceutical pill for every illness or symptom. Sometimes that will work, but generally speaking, this has not been working for chronic lifestyle illnesses. Taking a pharmaceutical pill is usually not a sustainable solution.
Since I’ve been around so long, I see a difference in the environment and I see the toxins that humans are exposed to now, and they are working against us. But if we join together we can give ourselves the best possible odds of living in health and wellness for a very long time. Health is a journey and we are all in it together.
Host: That is a beautiful stopping point. I want to thank you for your time and for all you shared about yourself. Thank you for sharing how we can support you and live our best healthy lives. If we need to reach out, how can we find you?
ECS: I can be found working in the body. My receptors are in every system and my cannabinoids are always available when needed. Thank you for having me and for helping me to share my story.
Host: Our deepest thanks to you ECS, we are so grateful that you are always present and supporting us to stay well. We will have you back on the show soon and look forward to learning more from you. Thank you all for listening.
(1) McPartland JM, Matias I, Di Marzo V, Glass M. Evolutionary origins of the endocannabinoid system. Gene 2006;370:64-74.doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2005.11.004.
https://cannabis.semel.ucla.edu/endocannabinoid/
(2) (Clark, 2021, p. 407) C., Clark, C. S., & AMERICAN CANNABIS NURSES ASSOCIATION. (2021) Cannabis Handbook for Nurses (us Ed). Wolters Kluwer.
