Written by Maryanna Phinn

All advanced vertebrates including humans and animals have complex internal biological systems and organs with specific roles and defined interdependent functions that make the body work at optimal levels. For example, the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for sending and receiving messages and responding to voluntary and involuntary stimuli. The digestive system’s job is to break down food, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. The immune system’s role is to detect and defend the body against bacteria, viruses and harmful pathogens. The rest of the systems, including the muscular, skeletal, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, integumentary (skin, hair, nails), renal and circulatory systems, have similar roles to help mammals to function normally.[i]

Remarkably, another complex biological system has joined this important list – but it was unknown to scientific and medical communities just 30 years ago. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is found throughout the bodies of animals and humans and functions like a signaling system. It was first identified by researchers in the early 1990s.[ii] The name is a shortened version of “endogenous cannabinoid” which means it is something that originates inside the body. ECS derives its name from the cannabis sativa plant, mainly from the hemp and marijuana species, after years of research on cannabis led to its discovery.

ECS and Maintaining Stability

The role of ECS is to regulate and maintain homeostasis. This means it triggers reactions within the body to maintain equilibrium and remain stable and balanced in response to internal or external environmental changes.[iii]  A well-balanced ECS keeps many important bodily functions stable in pets and humans such as mood, learning and memory, emotions, pain, sleep, appetite, nausea, inflammation, reproduction and fertility, and coordination and movement. An unbalanced ECS can create many complicated problems in animals and humans, such as stress, anxiety, fear, paranoia, poor balance, incessant pain and inflammation, poor sleep or appetite and digestive problems.[iv]

ECS Explained – Endocannabinoids, Receptors and Enzymes

ECS is comprised of three major components: endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes. Each component has a special role in maintaining the body’s ability to achieve homeostasis.

Endocannabinoids are produced in three forms. They are naturally occurring within the body, or they are plant-based or man-made.  The natural endocannabinoids are chemical compounds that the body produces internally when an imbalance is detected. Upon activation, they bind to the ECS receptors and trigger responses within the body.

Phytocannabinoids are similar to natural endocannabinoids but they are plant-based and introduced from outside the body. For example, CBD is a phytocannabinoid. When CBD is ingested or consumed it can bind to the receptors and trigger reactions. Doc’s Hemp CBD products use only organically grown hemp bred for its high phytocannabinoid content.

Synthetic or man-made cannabinoids are designed to imitate the structures of endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids by targeting specific receptors. These are not recommended because they can cause adverse side effects and some are even illegal.[v]

Cannabinoid Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors, called CB1 and CB2, are found on the surface of cells throughout the body. The CB1 receptors are found primarily in the central nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, organs and tissues. CB2 is mainly in the peripheral nervous system especially the immune system. Endocannabinoids bind to both receptors, which is often described as a “lock and key” type application. If the body is emitting a signal that there’s a problem with pain, nausea, inflammation, stress or anxiety, for example, the endocannabinoid will “unlock” the receptor designed to relieve or correct that specific problem.[vi]

Enzymes

Enzymes are the third component of ECS. Their job is to break down endocannabinoids once they complete their work. These enzymes are called fatty acid amide hydrolase which breaks down one of two endocannabinoids produced in the body called anandamide (AEA). The other enzyme is called monoacylglycerol acid lipase and breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG). Of note, the body produces AEA and 2-AG on an “as needed” basis so the amounts or levels produced are still unclear.[vii]

ECS and Future Research

So much is still unknown about ECS and the complexities of how it works. But, in the United States, there has been a significant jump in the amount of research dedicated to cannabis and cannabinoids, mainly for hemp and CBD and marijuana and THC, due to the changes in many state and federal laws. This is spurring widespread growth of hemp-related health and wellness CBD products for not only humans, but also for many animals. Ultimately, this will advance and expand research on ECS and how its role for maintaining homeostasis impacts all biological systems within the body.

We at Doc's Hemp take CBD for horses and CBD for dogs seriously. That is why our products are organically grown, harvested and processed using the safest technology. Doc's Hemp horse supplements are available in oil and powder and in a variety of sizes. Doc's Hemp is trusted by veterinarians and horse owners.

** Ted Talk: Demystifying the endocannabinoid system. | Ruth Ross | TEDxMississauga https://youtu.be/8GsmTFytBYI

 

[i] https://www.thoughtco.com/animal-organ-systems-4101795; Strauss, Bob (2020, July, 27). The 12 animal organ systems. ThoughtCo.com.

 

[ii] https://echoconnection.org/discovery-endocannabinoid-system/; Echo (2017, May 15, 2017). The discovery of the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids. EchoConnections.org.

[iii] https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Homeostasis+(Biology); Homeostasis (Biology). (2003).  Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition.

 

[iv] https://holistichound.com/endocannabinoid-system/; Holistic Hound (2020, February 26). Dogs, cats and the endocannabinoid system. HolisticHound.com.

 

[v] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29770251/Maroon , Joseph, Bost, Jeff. (2018, April 26) Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surgical Neurology International.

 

[vi] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29533978/ Zou, Shenglong, Kumar, Ujendra. (2018, March 13). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: signaling and function in the central nervous system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

 

[vii] https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system; Raypole, Crystal (2019, May 17) Reviewed by Carter, Alan. A simple guide to the endocannabinoid system. Healthline.com.