Cannabis: The Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis is a very complex plant that has thousands of cannabinoids in which each one contains distinct properties that can benefit an array of alignments. Uniquely, compared to other analgesic compounds, cannabis is not physically addictive. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that turns the immune system against the body’s own brain and spinal cord which results in disconnect throughout the body. MS is one condition that shows promise of the medical implication of cannabis to treat neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and overall protection of the central nervous system from demyelination of neurons (Baker, D., Jackson, S. J., & Pryce, G., 2007). As stated by Zajicek and Apostu, “Other prevalent symptoms include muscle stiffness and spasticity, poor mobility, pain, memory problems, tremor and balance trouble, urinary disturbance and sexual dysfunction.” Naturally occurring …show more content…
The primary function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain homeostasis within the body by regulating and reducing bodily damage and pain in tissues. The endocannabinoid system has receptors CB1 and CB2 that are located throughout the body which are stimulated through cannabinoids. CB1 receptors are primarily activated through D9-THC which can produce psychoactive effects. CB2 receptors are stimulated primary though CBD which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. As stated in Cannabinoids, multiple sclerosis and neuroprotection cannabinoids can halt progression of MS in many ways. As shown in figure one of Cannabinoids, multiple sclerosis and neuroprotection, cannabinoids allow immune cells access into the brain. Activation of CB1 receptors can avert excitotoxicity (killing of neurons by overstimulation of glutamate) by regulation of glutamate within the brain. Cannabinoids that stimulate the CB1 receptors act as an antioxidant which will neutralize glutamate release. CB2 receptors when stimulated with cannabinoids act as inflammation searchers by promoting anti-inflammatory