How Does It Work?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is what keeps the body in a healthy state, also known as homeostasis. It is the checks and balances for your body. Basically, our bodies are like a machine, and for a machine to work properly, it needs its fluids and temperature to be at certain levels. We have receptors all over the body that let other parts of the body know when certain things need to be done. It deals with our immune system, pain, feeding, neuroprotection and reward system among other things. It regulates neurotransmissions so it may also influence neurological and central nervous system diseases. Research shows that in the GI tract, it may help inflammation from colitis. It protects synaptic plasticity (your ability to adapt) and may also help shield us against traumatic memories.

Endocannabinoids are made within our own body, endo meaning within. They are known as ligands. The two most researched ones are the anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl (2-AG). They work with receptors called CB1 & CB2 receptors. They are like the Master Keyholes for our bodies. The endocannabinoids are the keys. The CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain, they are in the cerebellum, amygdala, cortex, hippocampus & basil ganglia. They can also be found in peripheral nervous system, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, cardiovascular system, GI tract, and reproductive system. The CB2 receptors are found in peripheral tissues like the adipose, cardiovascular, liver, bone, & GI tract. They send messages throughout our body when something is wrong that needs to be fixed. For example, if someone has a seizure, the endocannabinoid cells can turn off this over productivity of the electrical impulses. As Dr. Francis D’Ambrosio explains, when in a seizure state it is like you’ve turned the faucet on, and you can’t shut it off, so the cup is overflowing. The endocannabinoid system is essentially the plumber you call to shut off the water. Its main job is to basically shut off sections of the body when it’s overworking and/or working poorly. Then, it turns on sections of the body that need to be turned on to fix the problem so we can be in a steady state or wellness state.

Cannabis creates cannabinoids also, they are called phytocannabinoids, phyto meaning from plant. Those phytocannabinoids happen to match our endocannabinoid system. Our body sees endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids as basically the same thing. This means they can react with our ECS without any problems. This can help us out when our body is not providing enough anandamide (AEA) or 2-arachidonoyl (2-AG), the endocannabinoids that are created by our own bodies. We could possibly treat many different ailments and diseases with cannabis. This makes cannabis a great medicine, and you cannot overdose when taking it, which is a huge plus. Currently the five main reasons cannabis is used is depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain (to get off opioids), and headaches. For pain it stimulates the brain’s cannabinoid receptor that regulates pain and reduces pain levels. For insomnia the cannabinoid receptor will send a message to increase levels of sleep promoting adenosine and suppress the brains arousal system.[1]

Cannabis has over 1400 different molecules. It is not just the THC, CBD or terpenes, it is the entire cannabis composition that is needed. All those together are going to elicit the right response. How they are grown and manufactured throughout the whole process will change the molecules in each cultivar or plant. Also, how it is consumed and how your body reacts to it also plays a part. The challenge may be finding the one that works for you as an individual. The trick seems to be the terpenes which causes the smell and flavor of each cultivar. For example, Pinenes has a Pine odor and can help with things like pain relief and inflammation. While Linalool is floral smelling and may relax muscles, reduce anxiety and soothes the mind. Or beta-caryophyllene that smells sweet, woody, with a clove taste and helps as an anti-inflammatory, pain & neuroprotective effects. Also, keeping a journal may help in that process to remember which ones helped and how they helped. Another issue is that cannabis is federally still a schedule 1 drug. This means if you do not live in a state where it has been legalized, you do not have the option to try cannabis medically.

All in all, cannabis could be used for so many different medical issues. The fact that is works so well with our ECS system, does not have many side effects and you cannot overdose on it, it seems like it was made for us to use. The difficult part will be finding the ones that help on an individual patient basis. Remember to use your nose when it comes to finding one that will work for your individual needs. It is very important to continue research on the medicinal uses of cannabis. We have only scratched the surface. Just as important is talking about it. The more people can learn about the amazing benefits of cannabis and its potential, the quicker it will be accepted and elevated into a brighter light.

Terpenes are the Key

LETS TAKE A DIVE INTO TERPINES!

Main 5 Terpenes

Terpenes are an important part of the cannabis plant. Not only do they help protect the plants from predators and attract pollinators, but they also contribute to the aroma and flavor of the cannabis. Terpene aroma molecules and cannabinoids work synergistically with one another to produce nuanced and chemovar-specific effects. There are about 245 different scent molecules in cannabis which vary depending on strain of cannabis. Research has shown that different terpenes have different effects for the consumer. The primary terpenes are pinene, limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, and linalool.

Pinene smells like pine or pine needles. It is a bronchodilator and potent antimicrobial agent. It has significant anti-cancer and anti-depressant properties and helps with inflammation. It increases focus, self-satisfaction and energy. Also helps with memory retention and alertness.

Limonene has more of a citrusy smell like lemons or oranges. It has anti-depression, anti-anxiety, anti-fungal, anti-cancer qualities and can help with gastric reflux. It also can stimulate the immune system.

Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis. It smells like musk, cloves, herbal, and even citrusy. It is an antiseptic, anti-bacterial, antifungal and helps with inflammation. It is sedating and relaxing. It also enhances THC psychoactivity.

Caryophyllene smells peppery, woody or like spices or cloves. It does not show any physical effects but has great medical effects. It helps with inflammation, muscle spasms, pain and insomnia. Also is a great antioxidant and helps with neuroprotective effects.

Linalool can smell like floral, citrus, and spice. It helps with insomnia, stress, depression, anxiety, pain and convulsions. It also has some anti-cancer effects. It has a sedating and calming effect.

In the past cannabis was considered basically a sativa or an indica strain. Sativa plants were considered more up-lifting where the indica plants were considered more sedating. That is not always the case anymore. Crossing a sativa strain with an indica strain creates a hybrid, which can have different effects. You can have a plant that is 60% sativa and 40% indica and the effects may still lean more towards a sedating effect even though the indica is the lower percentage. Knowing the terpenes or the smell of the product can assist you with knowing what the effects would be and what product would work the best for you. Your olfactory system has a great memory. That is why certain scents can bring back memories from your past. There is a strong connection between cannabis and your olfactory system. Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in odor sensitivity, learning and memory. CB1 receptors of your ECS system have been found to influence olfactory functions. Once you find a strain or strains that give you the effects you’re looking for, your olfactory system will help remember the smell or smells that had the best effects for you. So, follow your nose because your nose knows.

Terpene Grouping

Given that there are approximately 245 terpenes that are found in cannabis plants, it can be difficult to remember each terpene and the effects of them. Terpenes can be categorized into four different groups to make it easier for consumers to find a product that will work for them. They are earth, fruit, fuel and floral. If the product smells fruity, it usually will have an uplifting and energetic effect. If it smells floral, it would have more of a haze or contemplative effect. If it is earthy smelling, it normally would have a sedating and calming effect. If there is a fuel smell, effects are energetic, euphoric and can have the potential to cause anxiety for some. Grouping terpenes together in these categories can help consumers understand how different strains can have different effects. This information can assist them in finding a product that will work for their needs. It is a great starting point and can be very helpful when looking for something that helps with something specific like energy, relaxation, anxiety, pain or sleep to name a few.

What we currently know is only the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids along with other compounds of cannabis and the effects they all have. We do know that they all work together to produce a fuller, more nuanced experience for the consumer. This is known as the entourage effect. Each compound within the cannabis plant has their own unique effects and benefits, but their behavior may change or be altered in the presence of other compounds. So, they may react a little differently depending on other compounds in the plant which may cause a slightly different overall effect. More research is needed regarding this but overall using the four categories when choosing a strain is a good place to start. The effect of cannabis is highly individual. Other things to consider are personal biology, expectations, along with the consumers experience level and tolerance with cannabis. All these things can influence what may or may not work for a person. One strain may have different effects on different people.

Practical Application

Streamlining the cannabis categorization into the four groups helps the consumer navigate the variety of strains easier to find a product they want or need. For example, if you are looking for something that would help with pain, you may want to go for the more earthy scented strains. If you are looking for something for energy you may want to go with the strains that smell more like fuel. Keep in mind the strains in the fuel category can cause anxiety in some people, so if that happens a strain from the fruity side may be better for you because it also has uplifting and energizing effects. If you are looking for something to help with anxiety or stress, a floral smelling strain may be the way to go. If you need your mood elevated or uplifted the fruity side is a good place to start. Once you have found a strain or strains that work for your needs and wants, it will be easier to find others that should work for your needs simply by using smell. Your nose has a great memory and will remember what scents caused the effects that worked well for you and what you liked.

Below are the main terpenes you will find in cannabis, along with their effects and some examples of what strains have them. If the strain is considered more of a Sativa there is a S. If it is considered more of an indica it will have an I. If it is a hybrid it will have an H.