matches phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Examples of phytocannabinoids, are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). THC and CBD are the most studied phytocannabinoids of the cannabis plant. Around 144 different phytocannabinoids have been isolated from the cannabis plant. THC can bind to the CB1 receptor to achieve homeostasis. CBD cannot bind to the CB1 or CB2 receptor. CBD prevents Anandamide from breaking down by blocking the enzyme FAAH. As a result, your body will have more Anandamide available to create more homeostasis.
Sometimes, the body does not create enough endocannabinoids from your diet, or does not create enough CB1 or CB2 receptors necessary to achieve homeostasis. This sets the body up for several disease states such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, Depression, Anorexia Nervosa, and Diabetic Neuropathy. This is what is known as Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome5. Supplementation with different types of cannabis medicine can help to correct imbalances within different types of endocannabinoid deficiency syndromes. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand what the endocannabinoid system is, what imbalances in the endocannabinoid system look like, what cannabis medication to recommend for different endocannabinoid systems, and how to adequately inform and educate each patient.
There are many organizations that provide continuing education and various types of certification programs on the endocannabinoid system and cannabis medicine. Listed to the right are a few organizations that can offer continuing education on medical cannabis and the endocannabinoid system.
Dr. Dustin Sulak at healer.com
-Amy Dustin, RN