Understanding Why We Developed an Endocannabinoid System

We developed an endocannabinoid system (ECS) to maintain internal balance or homeostasis. Our body is a complex electrical circuit that simultaneously processes millions of biochemical reactions per second. These reactions lead to the production of several products and by-products that make our daily activities possible. The constant production and accumulation of these products and their derivatives can lead to an imbalance in our system, thus, building up a large concentration of toxic compounds which may become toxic to the body. Our body must maintain its internal balance to stay alive, which is where the ECS comes into the picture.

The ECS is a control system that modulates the activity of other systems making sure everything is kept in balance. Notably, while the ECS was discovered because of cannabis, it was not originally created because we needed to consume the cannabis plant. It is just a coincidence that the cannabis plant happens to synthesize compounds that share structural similarities to endogenous compounds like anandamide and 2-AG, otherwise known as endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system play a vital role in neuronal development, inflammation, brain plasticity, energy balance, appetite regulation, motility, regulation of stress hormones, learning and memory.

The ECS was also discovered to contribute to runners’ high and endurance during long exercises, thus making scientists believe it can serve as an important point of call that contributes to recovery in athletes. Engaging in physical exercise can activate the endocannabinoid system and trigger endocannabinoid activity. The activity of these endocannabinoids can be improved by using plant-based cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBC, CBN, CBG and THC.

How The ECS Can Contribute To Recovery in Athletes

Athletes generate a lot of chemicals during exercises, some of which lead to fatigue, inflammation and increased exposure to muscular wear and tear. The ECS and its receptors can come in handy in serving as drug targets to manage several conditions linked to prolonged exercises in the following ways;

1. Pain relief
2. Promoting neuronal development
3. Decreased rate of inflammation
4. Providing energy balance
5. Maintaining immune balance.
6. Managing cardiovascular functions
7. Peripheral and central control of gut functions

All these can be achieved by leveraging the interaction between the ECS, its receptors and cannabinoids. Note that cannabinoids can be endogenous (cannabinoids synthesized by the body) or exogenous (cannabinoids from plants and other sources).

Many scientists, including Raphael Mechoulam, have discussed the role of the ECS in treating pain. Fatigue manifests as pain, inflammation, loss of functional mobility, weakness, decreased force generation, and reduced concentration. These are directly linked to the activity of the ECS and its CB1 and CB2 receptors. During strenuous exercise, the body activates the ECS to release endocannabinoids to increase endurance. Targeting these receptors with cannabimimetic compounds can relieve pain and reduce inflammation while promoting concentration.

Compounds that show anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and analgesic properties were discovered to promote recovery from exercise-related fatigue. This can be achieved with CBD and other non-psychotropic cannabinoids like THCV and CBG.

During exercise or prolonged physical activity, the body may generate several molecules, some of which lead to oxidative stress and can damage proteins, lipids, glucose and nucleic acids in cells. These are the basic units of life, and their destruction can hamper the well- being of the body. Triggering the ECS can go a long way in dealing with free radicals, which may accumulate in muscles to cause fatigue and inflammation.

The CB2 receptors are commonly found in the immune system and play important roles in modulating immune responses. This can come in handy in targeting neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. So far, the anti-cancer role of cannabinoids like CBD, THC, THCV and CBG has been reported by several researchers.

Looking forward with the ECS

The ECS holds a bright future as a target site for healing modalities aimed at promoting recovery in athletes. When fully harnessed, the ECS and its receptors can also serve as a point of treatment for several disease conditions, including cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, digestive disorders, mental disorders and more.

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Freelance Cannabis Writer and Content Strategist | I add fun to the complexities of cannabis science | Speaker at the 2022 Emerald Conference | Sports Cannabis Contributor Writer

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