Endocannabinoid homeostasis system discussion/ info??

MinnBobber

Well-Known Member
Hi,
I've been attending public mtgs on expanding med cannabis here and have found some very interesting information. I don't see any posts on this here????

At these meetings, I've been saying that after reading dozens of clinical studies on med cannabis it appears that it has the ability to prevent/ mitigate/cure a huge number of medical conditions/diseases. It seems like it would be impossible for one medicine to do ALL of this so I've been searching for info on how can this possibly be the case.

http://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system

The body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the largest group of receptors in the body and this system allows like cells communicate with each other AND with other groups of cells that perform a different function.
The whole purpose of this ECS is to keep the body/ mind/ emotions in balance---tuned up. When anything gets out of balance, the ECS works with all body elements (respiratory system, nervous system, digestive system, emotional systems, immune system, etc ) to get the body back in balance.

But, many people don't have enough internal natural endo cannabinoids.
Research has shown that small doses of cannabinoids from cannabis can signal the body to make more endocannabinoids and build more cannabinoid receptors.

Other articles indicate that as we age, our ECS produces less endocannabinoids and we are more susceptible to diseases which a healthy, active ECS system catches earlier, when we get out of balance/ before the disease progresses to a critical level.

So, our miraculous herb helps beef up our own internal ECS system which guards against any unhealthy change from "in balance".

That's why it seems to do the impossible---helps with dozens of maladies.

Some of the studies are difficult to totally understand, like all body systems flow one direction (from pre xxx to post XXX) with the exception of endocannabinoids which can flow backwards to give feedback to the area upstream--- for example, an area is firing up the pain nerves like crazy to protect the body from bigger damage but this can then flow backwards to tell the nerves to back it down a little, don't need all that nerve action any more.

Interesting little side bits of info from some studies too. Like, ECS receptors are in almost all cells and systems EXCEPT at the base of the brain which controls basic breathing and this is why it's almost impossible to OD on cannabis as it will not stop your breathing VS opiates which control pain another way by numbing/slowing down everything and too many slow down/stop your breathing.

It is fascinating info----google search for more articles.
 

Mulehead

Well-Known Member
This blew me away when I first learned that we have an ECS.
It's like Mother Earth put our sacred herb here just for us!
I hope the future cures from MMJ open the door for more natural herb studies.
IMO we have all we need growing naturally from the ground.
Fuck Rx drugs made by man approved by "the man" (and all their side effects)!

@MinnBobber brilliant topic to discuss brother!
Looking forward to learning more about our ECS's, and how to keep em firing on all cylinders!
 

t-dub

Vapor Sloth
Yes, there are no cannabinoid receptors on the brain stem, so unlike opiates if you take a large dose it doesn't depress breathing and heart rate which leads to overdose death. This is why Narcan can take a person totally blitzed on opiates and about ten seconds after the injection they are fine. It completely flushes the opiates from the receptor sites restoring the persons normal function.
 

little maggie

Well-Known Member
I read today, in an article on endo cannabinoid research ithat they are finding that there are gender differences in the effects of drugs. The research- on most drugs- is done with males for whatever reason so that it does not necessarily apply to women. The article was talking about the need for more women research subjects. I hope someone follows through with that.

They've known about cannabinoid receptor sites for years. I think it's been at least 20 years since I read about them but the government wouldn't allow research.
 

killick

But I like it!
@MinnBobber I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of cutting your post into a med vet group I belong to. You've nicely articulated the very basic thought that has started rattling around in my brainbox recently. A guy can learn a lot by checking out new posts - thanks for sharing :)
 

MinnBobber

Well-Known Member
@MinnBobber I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of cutting your post into a med vet group I belong to. You've nicely articulated the very basic thought that has started rattling around in my brainbox recently. A guy can learn a lot by checking out new posts - thanks for sharing :)
........................................................................

No problem killick.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) even includes emotions/memories/the mind. I read studies from all over the world and Israel is a leader in cannabis research. They studied cannabis and their vets with PTSD. They categorized the results as SPECTACULAR. Maybe it helps the part of the brain that decides which memories to keep/discard?

I spoke at the public mtgs and passed this on, that it is shameful that vets in US commit suicide at 22 per day yet cannabis cannot be given to them as feds still classify as Schedule I drug with no med value whatsoever. I was emotional at the mtg and said Schedule 1 designation is a bigger lie than the world is flat. They are only dealing with adding intractable pain but I suggested they do something for vets next and they need change now as folks are dying out here.

Every vet is a hero yet we pump them full of drug cocktails that make their problems worse. In my written comments to the State I did mention your info on Canada, that vets can get cannabis and a vaporizer subsidy. Hopefully the US is on the road to change but it's damn slow.

The ECS seems to be the key to help prevent/control/cure dozens of diseases and in the future, maybe the smart folks will all have daily TEA ( THC Every Afternoon) :) Those Brits were right....
 

farscaper

Well-Known Member
if only we all realized there are people out there all over right now... being treated like criminals just because they are feeding their nerves what they want.

I will never forget the first time I tried cannabis... my world changed from the sound and feeling of white snow static on an old TV set.... to birds chirping. and wind blowing...

cannabis can make you whole when there is a hole.
 

hibeam

alpha +
I have posted elsewhere that I have some genetics that cause my adrenalin to be in a constant state of overdrive. You know how stimulants help hyperactive people calm down? THC, the zoomy kind, helps me mellow out. I think it might be the back flow talked about here. At first I feel a little extra anxious from a hit, but very quickly I have this breakthrough moment and such calm sets in, a high energy calm. And most importantly, a persistent inner voice telling me I must plan plan plan so I do not live my life WRONG, a voice that meditation and other techniques failed to silence, THC replaces that voice with one that says just embrace it all. I am sure the herb has an integral place in my being, no guilt, no doubt, especially since vapor and edibles. It pushes up enough to reach simple self acceptance. Maybe kicks in more right brain thinking?
 

Mulehead

Well-Known Member
More ways our ECS effects all of our systems, that I for one didn't even consider.



Cannabis Oil: A Medical Marvel For Your Skin?
Posted on March 13, 2015
As medical and personal use of marijuana become increasingly legal, many new ways to intake cannabis are now available. In addition to inhaling smoke, people can benefit from the medical cannabinoids in cannabis by vaporizing, ingesting, and absorption via the skin.

Plant cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are fat soluble and readily absorbed by the skin. These medicinal molecules may well be most perfectly administered, for many conditions, via topical products applied directly to the skin’s surface, such as cannabis-infused massage oil. To clarify, this is not “hemp oil” from the seeds of low cannabinoid hemp, but made from the flowers (buds) themselves, and filled with cannabinoids.


© freshidea – Fotolia.com

The importance of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to the healthy functioning of the skin is only now becoming clear, as the profound ways the ECS effects all our systems are continually discovered. This system,with natural receptors (CB1 and CB2) found in brain, immune and most types of cells, including those in the skin, and natural endocannabinoids our bodies produce, are perhaps the greatest discoveries in human physiology of the last 50 years.

During these same time, researchers discovered the ability for plant based cannabinoids from cannabis, including THC and CBD, to activate the ECS. These cannabinoids offer great potential for preventing, treating, and curing common skin diseases. Massages using cannabis infused oil may be an optimal way to address skin maladies. Cannabinoids may be very useful in treating skin cancer.

The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) has been found to play a key role in the health of the skin, prompting these Italian researchers to study cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabidivarin (CBDV) to study effects on skin cells. The Italian study skipped THC because of its psychoactivity, but THC has been shown to be powerfully therapeutic. THC is actually closer to AEA in function than is CBD, so it would have been interesting if it were included in the study.

Many skin conditions are inflammatory in nature and the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids on skin cells have been demonstrated. Both THC and CBD show anti-inflammatory effects.

Cannabinoids also act on the genetic level to help calm skin diseases. The field of Epigenetics studies how “molecular mechanisms in the environment control gene activity independently of DNA sequence.” Activities such as exercise and factors such as nutrition and stress can change how genes are expressed. Endocannabinoids made by your own cells and phytocannabiniods from cannabis sativa also can change genetic expression in medically useful ways, addressing diseases from psoriasis to cancer.

The report concluded: “These findings show that the phytocannabinoids cannabidiol and cannabigerol are transcriptional repressors that can control cell proliferation and differentiation. This indicates that they (especially cannabidiol) have the potential to be lead compounds for the development of novel therapeutics for skin diseases.”

THC infused oils may offer many benefits missing from potions without this main cannabinoid. One of these benefits might be the “psychoactivity” seemingly dreaded by cannabinoid researchers. Patients may well enjoy the blissful experience, and even consider it part of the cure.

Watch for Part 2 of this series for more on the science, on the new found epigenetic capabilities of cannabinoids, how marijuana’s amazing molecules adjust gene expression to protect skin.
 

MinnBobber

Well-Known Member
Yes, the ECS system is fascinating.
I attend the meetings of the Mn State Health Dept,Cannabis Advisory Committee which is comprised of med professionals in the area of pain. Their current task is to decide if they should add "intractable pain" to our current list of qualifying condition.
I needed to know if mainstream medicine recognizes the ECS system or if it's buried with deceit and lies like information on cannabis. In so many words, I got back that ECS system is recognized BUT denies that cannabis helps it. Included response, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". WTF It is true, if you'd just open your eyes and ears.

The benefits list grows every day, like the skin condition study mulehead posted. I just found a Univ of Texas study shows Cannabis CB1 stifles Survivan, a protein that protects cancer. Survivan is overexpressed in nearly every human tumor but is barely detectable in normal tissue. Survivan is the trigger/ the signal that cuts off a (cancer ) cell's normal signal to die--allows it to keep growing and growing without old cells dying like they normally do.
That one study shows the potential of cannabis to treat (cure??) nearly every type of cancer tumor YET med professionals still don't care to listen.

Israeli study on PTSD. Note--22 US vets commit suicide every day, many many with PTSD. Study is not complete yet, but initial finding is SPECTACULAR RESULTS with "functional restoration" (medical-speak).
But, no US research on PTSD due to Schedule 1 classif.

IMO, before more states allow med cannabis or recreational cannabis, the most important , big picture problem is the damn Schedule 1 classif.
As long as that stands, it's a huge barrier in oh-so-many ways.
- No research is allowed as a Sched 1 substance.
- Sched 1 status is used in state votes as---Don't vote yes as it's Sched 1, Fed illegal and proves it has no med value.
- Here in MN, Dr's are opting out of signing up patients---fearful of handing out Schedule 1/ what if Feds change and crackdown--like Fed DEA raids if legal shops in callif
- bizarre prison sentences becuz Schedule 1

Committee Dr enters testimony that when his patients who were on heavy opiates also added cannabis, none then used less opiates. Direct contradiction to FACT that states with med cannabis, opiate OD deaths went DOWN almost 25%. US has 16,000 prescription painkiller OD deaths each year. Imagine the lives saved if med cannabis was everywhere.

Comm has decreed that "Cannabis is not a magic bullet" in report going to governor. Sweet Jesus, what standard are you using?? From studies showing help for Alzheimers to cancer to PTSD to Crohn's to MS to Epilepsy, etc.

The comm mtgs drive me crazy cuz people are dying out here and they plod along with baby steps.
In what qualifies for intractable pain definition, they agreed to EXCLUDE SKELOTALMUSCULAR PAIN-Again, WTF, if you are in intractable pain---who cares what it's from, let them have their natural medicine.

Currently for a cancer patient to qualify, they need to have a Dr certify that they are terminal with less than a year to live AND have extreme pain or are wasting away. Can you say "bureaucratic bullshit".
Terminal with 18 months to live and extreme pain--DNQ.

I read an opinion piece today that the battle for Cannabis is over---don't believe it. Too many ignorant people in power.
Rant over..........
 
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