How important is the endocannabinoid system?
This week we’re delighted to be joined by Endocannabinologist & Certified Cannabinoid Medicine Specialist, Dr Rachel Knox. Rachel occupies many roles within the cannabis space and is a leading cannabinoid medicine expert, having delivered a Tedx talk on the endocannabinoid system.
Join us as we discuss the ECS’s role within the human body, the dangers of THC overconsumption, and potency regulation.
Episode Summary
• Rachel is one of four doctors in her family, who are all interested in using cannabis medically.
• The endocannabinoid system keeps in balance the body's other physiological systems and was discovered in the late 80’s/early 90’s.
• There are over 21,000 peer-reviewed research papers between cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. This number far outweighs the papers on any other named drug or bodily system.
• Rachel is the chair of the Oregon Cannabis Commission, an organisation who provide guidance and advice to the Oregon Health Authority (Government Agency).
• Rachel is also working with the Minority Cannabis Business League Association, a not for profit business league created to serve the specific needs of minority cannabis entrepreneurs, workers, and patients/ consumers.
• Another one of Rachel’s roles is a board member for The American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine. Its members are clinicians and researchers active in the field of endogenous, plant-derived and synthetic cannabinoids and those who support the medical use of cannabinoids. It is the gold standard for the education and dissemination of clinically relevant information in the emerging field of cannabinoid and endocannabinoid medicine.
• The academy is hoping to create a fellowship track for specialisation in Endocannabinoids and Cannabinoid Medicine, meaning doctors will be able to become board certified.
• The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signalling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC.
• Every mammal has this system, which keeps us in balance and modulates other systems within the body including the endocrine system, neurological systems and the skin.
• Endocannabinoid receptors exist on a cellular level within mitochondrial membranes in every one of our cells. When we are sick or diseased, we experience endocannabinoid dysfunction.
• It is possible to metabolise THC and CBD at different rates.
• Pharmaceutical drugs in comparison to medical cannabis and CBD are easier to measure, predict and dose, although they come with many more side effects. Plant-based medicine, on the other hand, provides similar symptomatic release at lower doses.
• The endocannabinoid system is often referred to as the endocannabinoid ‘dome’ as it operates in a way which is more than unilateral. Endocannabinoids bind to receptors from all bodily systems.
• The recreational desire for consuming cannabis is to ‘feel’ something, meaning strains of Cannabis with high potency THC have been selectively bred to fill this consumer demand.
• Although Rachel sees cannabis as a broadly safe substance, there can still be issues with its medicine derivatives. For example, CBD Isolate, Epidiolex can cause nausea, sedation and liver toxicity at high doses.
• THC potency is not widely regulated within the USA, which has led to an increase in cases of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome in markets where adult use is allowed. The remedy for this condition is THC cessation.