Chances are good you’ve never heard of the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). When I was in school, we did not study this subject. The reason is clear. It wasn’t identified until the early 1990s. Yet, if it had been, there might have been suspicion of any results since the researchers were exploring THC (technically Tetrahydrocannabinol) from the cannabis plant – marijuana. They might have questioned ‘was it just a lot of hype from people who wanted to legalize drugs?’
What is the Legal Status?
I live in Oregon where cannabis (with active THC) is legal for recreational purposes. There are more states where it’s available for medical use. But in all states, products with CBD (that do not contain the element making you “high”) are readily available, on the open market.
While legal status has been in flux for years, in 2018 the federal Farm Bill made hemp legal in the US; thus, it was impossible to keep CBD oil on the black market – or illegal. One writer explained it would be similar to making oranges legal while proclaiming OJ off-bounds.
Rather more humorous is that because all hemp-derived products were removed from the Controlled Substance Act that now means that if CBD comes from hemp, it is legal in all states. But if the exact CBD comes from cannabis (marijuana), it’s not legal – even though it is the same product. They have the same molecules.
I’ll get back to the ECS (Endocannabinoid System), but want to clarify some THC and CBD points first.
How are Cannabidiol (CBD), THC, Marijuana and Hemp Related?
It starts with the Sativa plant (or cannabis sativa). This plant is also known simply as cannabis or hemp. Somewhere between 80 and 113 chemicals have been found in the plant. Collectively, the active elements are known as cannabinoids. The most famous, or infamous, of these is THC (to be specific Delta-9-tetrahydrocannodiol). Remember that THC is the substance that creates the ‘high’ that many seek.
There are different varieties of the sativa plant, just as there are numerous varieties of garden tomatoes. One form, hemp, has almost nil amounts of THC – so no ‘high.’ CBD is derived from this hemp variety. I learned a good deal of this during a tour of a cannabis farm a few years back: see Bucket List Oddity: A Cannabis Tour — Aging with Pizzazz.
THC in Medicine
I’m not going to cover significant information on THC as it is not legal in many states. However, I want to mention that it is used in some pharmaceutical products. One, commonly known as Sativex, is used in more than 25 countries outside the US. The technical name is Nabiximols and THC is an active ingredeint. This nasal/mouth spray was approved in 2010 by the UK, by Canada and Ukraine in 2021, and many other countries in between those years.
Sativex is used to alleviate spasticity and muscle tightness, neuropathic pain, overactive bladder and other symptoms suffered by Multiple Sclerosis patients. When CBD is used alone the effectiveness has been inconsistent and unremarkable for these patients. That’s not where the CBD story ends however.
What about CBD (Cannabidiol) for Health Care?
CBD seems like the new ‘cure-all.’ When products claim so many advantages, it’s a bit difficult for us to determine what is helpful, what is hype?
These days you may be offered CBD in your after-gym smoothie, at the local coffee shop, in a pastry or gummy, or as I read recently, even in a “CBD-infused sports bra.” Hmmmm. So, is it just the latest and greatest fad or does it have merit? And what about warnings?
…..
Warnings of CBD First
Before mentioning side-effects or concerns, remember that almost all foods, plants, chemicals or ingredients, produce a poor reaction for some people. Almost nothing is totally safe. But according to the World Health Organization report on CBD:
“In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential….
To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems
associated with the use of pure CBD.”
Side Effects do Exist
Some people can experience fatigue, nausea and mood swings, like irritability. Similar to warnings about grapefruit (and juice), CBD can increase blood thinning, and interact with meds already taken as blood-thinners.
People taking too much Tylenol worry about the effect on liver activities; high doses of CBD may do the same. Those with any liver conditions are always warned to take low doses of CBD if using it at all.
Amounts greater (stronger) than 200 mg/day can cause dry mouth, light-headedness and drowsiness or low blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic adds warnings of possible diarrhea and reduced appetite. As with almost all pharmacological substances, CBD comes with a warning for women pregnant or breast-feeding.
Purity of Product
Quality assurance remains an issue. CBD is sold as a supplement, not a food or medicine. The FDA doesn’t regulate the safety or purity of dietary supplements. This is true for all supplements, many of which I take. Still, the truth is you can’t be certain of the active ingredients or labeled strength.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a 2017 report published by JAMA noted that of 84 CBD products purchased online and tested for quality, a quarter or more contained less CBD than labeled. Additionally, 18 were found to contain THC.
Do your research on companies. And for goodness’ sake, don’t agree to any “regular payments” from your bank account in exchange for a large discount for on-going purchases. If possible, get a sample first, and buy only from reputable firms or a botanical pharmacy.
Possible & Proven Benefits of CBD for General Population
There are prescription-CBD medications especially effective for anti-seizures. The grandchild of our friend Shirley found great relief from such seizures when at 8 years old, her parents felt they had to try something else. Typical medications weren’t working; this did. I can’t remember, but imagine they used Epidiolex (usually prescribed for children at approx. 25 mg/kg daily). But there are more uses for cannabidiol.
CBD is either used experimentally, being studied or promoted for a wide range of conditions, such as:
— Seizure disorders
— Inflammation
— Anxiety
— Insomnia (suggested for both falling and staying asleep)
— Chronic Pain (including from arthritis)
— Diabetes
— Multiple Sclerosis
— Schizophrenia (used with caution and verified pure CBD)
— Parkinson’s Disease (although some early studies indicate that those with PD who take large doses of CBD might make erratic muscle movements or tremors worse).
— Addiction issues (lessening cravings of tobacco and heroin, and according to animal studies, perhaps alcohol, opiates and stimulants)
The following sections might explain why these benefits may exist. I remind us that this information is relatively new and more studies to confirm such claims continue. YET, it appears that CBD may have positive systemic effects on the body’s own healing behavior.
Simplest Guide to the ECS – Endocannabinoid System
I am not a chemist, nor researcher, but I will attempt the easiest description of the complicated ECS system that I can. This includes how CBD may work within it, according to research to date. Because of its (relatively) new discovery, it is not something most docs have studied. There may remain more questions than answers.
Important to note – The ECS is present and active in your body regardless if you use cannabis, or never have. While it does react with cannabis-related products, the system can be thought of as the body’s own drug supplier – when it’s necessary.
Homeostasis – as far as I see – is the most important concept to understand as the primary role of the ECS. Homeostasis is your body dealing with outside forces to maintain your optimal operations.
3 Parts of the Endocannabinoid System
In the most general of terms, the ECS has 3 core parts and they all interact. They do so quickly, when needed. As such, ‘typical’ levels or presence of the 3 active players have not been identified.
The Chemicals
In your body, molecules related to cannabidiol are called “endocannabinoids.” “Endo” referring to produced in your body, not ingested. Usually only two are referenced as being identified to date:
— AEA (anandamide) or
— 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglyerol)
The Receptors
The receptors can be thought of as a place where the chemicals do their work. The receptors bind these chemicals – and allow them to start their process. Coincidentally, there are two main receptors:
— CB1 (mostly in the central nervous system)
— CB2 (mostly in the peripheral nervous system, so nerves in our extremities, but also in the digestive and immune systems)
The chemicals (whether endocannabinoids or ingested forms) target different receptors based on the issues at hand, such as will they be addressing pain or inflammation.
The Enzymes
The job of the enzymes is to breakdown the chemicals mentioned above (the endocannabinoids) after their function is complete. Once again, there are two main enzymes, one which breaks down AEA and the other 2-AG.
How Does this System Function?
It appears that the reason I find claims for CBD so overblown is that since the Endocannabinoid System works to maintain homeostasis, it operates with many bodily functions. I am still a bit suspect, and expect any day to see claims to stop smelly-feet or nose-picking. However, the ECS is complicated and may start to explain why THC and/or CBD are touted by so many users.
Remarkably, CBD does not work like THC. The latter (THC) can bind to both the receptors explained above (CB1 and CB2). Cannabidiol does not bind to either. Experts theorize two possible paths of action: either there is an undiscovered receptor, or CBD prevents the enzymes from breaking down the endocannabinoids, thus having a longer effect on the body.
The body’s internal Endocannabinoid System acts a bit like a control panel in a plane, tracking that we are flying right or need quick alteration. The far-reaching effects (what I interpreted as overblown claims) have more to do with the size and scope of the ECS itself.
How wide can this scope of the ECS be? Amazingly wide. The following conditions and processes are linked to the ECS by almost 200 scientific sources listed alphabetically in research here.
- appetite and digestion
- bone remodeling and growth
- cardiovascular system function
- chronic pain
- Inflammation and other immune system responses
- learning and memory
- liver function
- metabolism
- mood
- motor control
- muscle formation
- reproductive system function
- skin and nerve function
- sleep
- stress
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Like the gauges on the dashboard of that imaginary plane, ECS can send important signals if you are hungry (and need to eat), tired (and need to rest), hot (and need to sweat), etc. Whether it is your hormone levels, temperature fluctuations, excessive heart beating, feeling unhappy, elevated blood pressure or inflammation, the ECS steps in to bring you back to optimal operation.
Our natural, internal body chemistry does all this automatically. CBD can evidently make it work more efficiently.
Age and the Endocannabinoid System
Surprise, surprise (not). As we age the ECS becomes less effective and produces less of the natural occurring endocannabinoids. CBD contains phytocannabinoids (‘phyto’ meaning from a plant source instead of our body), which supplements the ‘home-made’ substances and augments the functions of the ECS.
It’s possible that CBD may be a bigger boost to health for those in their 2nd 50-years, than for the general, younger population.
Four Longevity-related Benefits of CBD
1. Lower Blood Pressure
High B/P puts extra strain and pressure on the heart and blood vessels (see multiple posts at AgingWithPizzazz.com). These can be precursors to kidney disease, cardiovascular events or even a stroke. These issues – as well as high B/P – become more common as we age. While more confirmation is needed, one 2017 study found that a single dose of CBD reduced B/P. For how long, it’s unknown, but no B/P medication is a one-shot deal.
2. Stress and Anxiety
This duo has long been linked to cardiovascular issues, which in turn are both related to premature death. That’s no surprise. But a study out of the University of Washington demonstrated that CBD could help reduce stress and anxiety – no matter the dosage. [It’s not a laughing matter, but I must mention that the author’s name was Stoner. It made me smile, but I apologize to the author as I imagine she is tired of the word-play.]
3. Bone Health Boost
We’ve heard it before. As we get older our bones get more brittle, and breaks (especially of the hip) more dangerous. Falls and their complications are leading causes of death in those over 65. According to a study from the universities of Tel Aviv and Hebrew, regular CBD consumption can prevent breaks, help in healing if they happen and generally strengthen the bone. All of which lead to more quality aging.
Bone health may make you think of aging joints and arthritis.
For those of us who follow politics, it is interesting to know that
there is now a bipartisan push
to legalize medical marijuana to relieve arthritis.
In other words, there is joint support for joint support for joint support.
It may pass if they have a ‘high’ voter turnout.
4. Memory Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
The cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully understood; the role of CBD in its treatment even less so. However, some early studies have shown that CBD might be helpful in treatment protocol and managing certain symptoms, especially memory. The theory is that because cannabidiol has the ability to reduce neuroinflammation, it may aid memory. I doubt that the elusive cure is on the near horizon, but CBD may be in the mix.
Final Thought
The ECS – Endocannabinoid System may be new to you; it was to me. Yet, this internal auto-pilot system might account for a lot. IF (and notice that’s a BIG, capitalized ‘IF’) CBD can positively benefit the ECS process, it’s worth consideration. Let’s keep our eyes alert for more research on this topic, assuming that it doesn’t just need more acceptance.
Most importantly, homeostasis is a major component of Aging with Pizzazz. The thought that it can be optimized is very encouraging.
One last word about the possible effects of marijuana.
A young researcher in a pharmaceutical lab reported that
“we managed to kill a rat with marijuana today.”
“To be fair,” he added
“it took around 20 lbs. of it and we had to drop it on him quite a few times.”
—
[A reminder that Aging with Pizzazz.com does not offer medical advice. None of the content here should be used as a substitute for meeting with your health care provider and seeking advice specifically for your situation.]
Title Picture: This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY via creative commons
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