An amazing system we never knew we had…The ECS – Endocannabinoid System…but first let’s look at some history. It all starts with a plant…
Cannabis – a case of a good plant with a bad rap. Cannabis species has been documented in the fossil record as far back as 19.6 million years ago where it originated on the Tibetan Plateau in Central Asia. It has also found in Europe as far back as 1 million years ago. However, as its presence in the Western Hemisphere is only noted after the 16th century, it is speculated that it was a companion plant that was brought along with explorers in their travels.
Throughout history this plant has been used to aid humans and their animal companions in achieving better health. Cannabis has a long history of use in medical applications and we are just now realizing how it works, why and what we can use it for in the future.
The Cannabis plant is a simple, annual, flowering plant that has male and female individuals to allow for pollination/reproduction. All parts of the plant are useful from its flowers, leaves, seeds and stalks. Hemp hearts in your smoothie anyone?
The cannabis plant produces hundreds of molecules, all with potential for medical use. These are grouped into 3 categories: Cannabinoids, Terpenes and Flavonoids.
Cannabinoids: these are chemical substances, that join the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain.
The reason the cannabis plant is so special and such a focus is that it provides an “Entourage Effect”. This is how all the components of the plant, noted previously, work together. This produces a more effective therapy on a biological system – us and our pets! Allows our bodies to become more balanced, regulated and reach a state of homeostasis.
Full circle back to The ECS – the endocannabinoid system. Such a system, so much to know – here’s an overview;
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has unique characteristics differing from other neurotransmitter systems. Endocannabinoids act as neuromodulators that inhibit the release of other neurotransmitters such as GABA (the main inhibitor neurotransmitter) and glutamate (the main exciter neurotransmitter).
The ECS is essentially an intercellular communication system. Its’s basic functions for the mammals bodies were summarized in 1998 by Professor Di Marzo as “relax, eat, sleep, forget and protect.”
We ALL have ECS receptors in all parts of our bodies; the 2 main ones being CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors are found most abundantly in the brain. However, CB1 receptors are also found in several peripheral organs and tissues such as adipocytes (fat cells), liver, lungs, smooth muscle, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, vascular endothelium, reproductive organs, immune system, sensorial peripheral nerves and sympathetic nerves.
CB2 receptors are mainly restricted to the periphery in the immune system cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, B-lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes and microglial cells
Essentially, we can re-balance our systems by giving it what it needs. By providing neuro-modularly and immuno-modulatory effects, our endocannabinoid system's main function is to achieve and maintain homeostasis.
Cannabis - It’s NOT just about THC and CBC – it’s so much more.
We look forward to working with you and your pet.
We will work with you to find most effective therapeutic approach to helping your pet, from cannabis to traditional medications. We are here to keep your pet safe and provide you with a trusted source of information.
The healthcare team of Eagle Ridge Veterinary Hospital and The Landing Veterinary Clinic
https://norml.org/marijuana/library/recent-medical-marijuana-research/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system/
https://www.purinainstitute.com/sites/g/files/auxxlc381/files/2018-08/DISHAA.pdf
Cannabis – a case of a good plant with a bad rap. Cannabis species has been documented in the fossil record as far back as 19.6 million years ago where it originated on the Tibetan Plateau in Central Asia. It has also found in Europe as far back as 1 million years ago. However, as its presence in the Western Hemisphere is only noted after the 16th century, it is speculated that it was a companion plant that was brought along with explorers in their travels.
Throughout history this plant has been used to aid humans and their animal companions in achieving better health. Cannabis has a long history of use in medical applications and we are just now realizing how it works, why and what we can use it for in the future.
The Cannabis plant is a simple, annual, flowering plant that has male and female individuals to allow for pollination/reproduction. All parts of the plant are useful from its flowers, leaves, seeds and stalks. Hemp hearts in your smoothie anyone?
The cannabis plant produces hundreds of molecules, all with potential for medical use. These are grouped into 3 categories: Cannabinoids, Terpenes and Flavonoids.
Cannabinoids: these are chemical substances, that join the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain.
- Phyto-cannabinoids – these are produced by the plant itself. The most “famous” of these are THC and CBD.
- Endo-cannabinoids – these are produced by almost every organism in the animal kingdom – yes that means you and your pet too! The main ones being ANA (anandamide) and 2 -AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol)
- Synthetic cannabinoids – these are produced in a laboratory setting, such as “Marinol”, “Cesamet”.
- Myrcene – with anti-inflammatory and sedative effects, this terpene can be found in wild thyme, hops, mango.
- Pinene – most widely distributed in nature, found in pine/conifer tree resin. Has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, bronchodilator effects. Like a breath of fresh air on a forest walk.
- Limonene – second most common terpene, found in lemons/citrus fruits. Its uplifting scent can have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
- Linalool – this is what gives lavender it’s calming effects. Along with pain control, anti-seizure and anti-anxiety effects.
- Eucalyptol – found in eucalyptus of course! Many plants have this terpene to help them repel insects. Has uses for asthma, sinusitis, anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic effects.
- Caryophyllene – this is found in all cannabis varieties and is what “sniffer dogs” are trained to detect. Black pepper is where we find it in our households. Used for its antifungal and anticoagulant effects.
The reason the cannabis plant is so special and such a focus is that it provides an “Entourage Effect”. This is how all the components of the plant, noted previously, work together. This produces a more effective therapy on a biological system – us and our pets! Allows our bodies to become more balanced, regulated and reach a state of homeostasis.
Full circle back to The ECS – the endocannabinoid system. Such a system, so much to know – here’s an overview;
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has unique characteristics differing from other neurotransmitter systems. Endocannabinoids act as neuromodulators that inhibit the release of other neurotransmitters such as GABA (the main inhibitor neurotransmitter) and glutamate (the main exciter neurotransmitter).
The ECS is essentially an intercellular communication system. Its’s basic functions for the mammals bodies were summarized in 1998 by Professor Di Marzo as “relax, eat, sleep, forget and protect.”
We ALL have ECS receptors in all parts of our bodies; the 2 main ones being CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors are found most abundantly in the brain. However, CB1 receptors are also found in several peripheral organs and tissues such as adipocytes (fat cells), liver, lungs, smooth muscle, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, vascular endothelium, reproductive organs, immune system, sensorial peripheral nerves and sympathetic nerves.
CB2 receptors are mainly restricted to the periphery in the immune system cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, B-lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes and microglial cells
Essentially, we can re-balance our systems by giving it what it needs. By providing neuro-modularly and immuno-modulatory effects, our endocannabinoid system's main function is to achieve and maintain homeostasis.
Cannabis - It’s NOT just about THC and CBC – it’s so much more.
We look forward to working with you and your pet.
We will work with you to find most effective therapeutic approach to helping your pet, from cannabis to traditional medications. We are here to keep your pet safe and provide you with a trusted source of information.
The healthcare team of Eagle Ridge Veterinary Hospital and The Landing Veterinary Clinic
https://norml.org/marijuana/library/recent-medical-marijuana-research/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system/
https://www.purinainstitute.com/sites/g/files/auxxlc381/files/2018-08/DISHAA.pdf
