Cannabis as medicine

The Endocannabinoid System

Discovered in the early 1990s by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the father of medical cannabis research – the basis for understanding how cannabis affects our organism.

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Discovered in the early 1990s by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the father of medical cannabis research, the endocannabinoid system forms the basis for understanding how cannabis affects our organism. The endocannabinoid system is a key regulator of various bodily functions.

Es gibt kaum einen funktionellen Prozess, der nicht bis zu einem gewissen Grad davon beeinflusst wird.

Despite the outstanding importance of the endocannabinoid system as a key regulatory mechanism in the biochemistry and physiology of the body, knowledge about this system is still quite limited, especially among German physicians.

Aufklärung & Ausbildung

This is exactly where we at LGP see a great need for education and training.

In the initial consultation, which you can conveniently carry out digitally from home, our trained doctors will not only inform you about cannabis as medicine, but also about the ECS and its tasks.

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Fundamentals

Structure of the ECS

The endocannabinoid system is made up of three components that work together to maintain homeostasis – the body's internal balance.

Cannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids belong to the class of cannabinoids. These chemical compounds are found in the cannabis plant. They bind to the cannabinoid receptors and thus influence the release of messenger substances in the brain. The two most well-known phytocannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

Endocannabinoids (the body's own cannabinoids) also belong to the class of cannabinoids. These are made by our body and mimic the way phytocannabinoids work.

Cannabinoid Receptors

There are two main receptors in the ECS – CB1 and CB2.

A receptor can be thought of as a lock to which a corresponding substance fits like a key (if it has the right structure). If the key gets into the lock, further chemical processes take place inside the cell.

Enzymes

The ECS is largely under enzymatic control. The level of endocannabinoids is determined by the balance between making enzymes and breaking them down. They ensure that the endocannabinoids are used when they are needed.

What are cannabinoids?

Two sources, one mode of action

Both plant-based and the body's own cannabinoids act through the same receptors – they differ mainly in their origin.

Die Rolle der Endocannabinoids besteht darin, die Homöostase (Gleichgewicht) zu erhalten. Sie sorgen dafür, dass unsere Zellen effektiv, aber nicht übermäßig miteinander kommunizieren.

Cannabinoid Receptors

CB1 and CB2 compared

Endocannabinoids activate the receptors like a key in a lock – with different tasks depending on their location in the body.

CB1 receptors

CB1 receptors are predominant in the central nervous system, where they curb excessive transmission of messenger substances. As soon as nerve cells release an excessive amount of chemical messengers, the endocannabinoids act as a kind of brake to ensure a balance.

CB2 receptors

CB2 receptors are distributed throughout the body, particularly in the cells of the immune system and gastrointestinal tract.

Endocannabinoids activate CB2 receptors located on cell membranes. Once activated, CB2 receptors trigger numerous immune-altering effects that depend on the type of cell and its environment. The activation of CB2 receptors leads to a reduction in the release of inflammatory messengers (cytokines). This has positive clinical implications.

References

Bibliography

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