Throughout this week, our topic of interest within our Neurochemistry course was endocannabinoids (eCBs). But before misconceptions take place, as marijuana is commonly associated with endocannabinoids, take a look at what we learned and conclusions that we came to within our discussion throughout the week. What I didn’t expect to learn this week, and what I believe is not generally known within the public, due to the negative stigma surrounding marijuana in particular, is that endocannabinoids are natural substances that are found within our body. There are many important functioning mechanisms surrounding this system. Cannabis, an active ingredient in marijuana, a substance not naturally found within the body, often associated with cutting loose and having a good time, has been shown to possess an active ingredient (cannabidiol (CBD)) beneficial to those suffering form cancer, epilepsy, as well as chronic pain, as it is able to bind in this newly discovered endocannabinoid system. Take a look and see:
Within the body, there is an endogenous cannabinoid system that is involved in various functions throughout the body: such as appetite, anxiety, learning, memory, growth and development. When looking specifically at the ligands or mediators that bind (endocannabinoids or eCBs) to the receptors, researchers have found that marijuana, specifically the active ingredient THC, is what can bind within this system on the membrane surface of a cell. Specifically in regards to cannabis, researchers are realizing it is important to keep in mind what is called the “entourage effect”. The entourage effect is an understanding that in order to get the best results, every ingredient within cannabis must be present. However, this is where the controversy surrounding this topic comes into play. If every ingredient in cannabis is present, negative side effects are going to occur, as is commonly associated with the recreational use of marijuana (disorientation, lack of physical coordination to name a few). As new treatments are being developed for those suffering from cancer, epilepsy or chronic pain, researchers are finding it very difficult to extract a specific component of cannabis without tinkering with the repercussions of this extraction. The other main ingredient found in cannabis is cannabidiol. This active ingredient has been shown to be fairly beneficial to those suffering from seizures, as this ingredient within cannabis does not actually bind to a receptor within the endocannabinoid system. However, as it does not actually bind, it must be used with THC in order to get the best results, but with these best results comes some negative side effects.
In regards to the ongoing controversy surrounding the legalization of marijuana or not, I cannot help but state, “who am I to judge somebody else’s pain?” I have never had cancer, epilepsy, or chronic pain. If cannabis in its totality, or one of the ingredients in cannabis, cannabidiol, has been found to be beneficial to those who suffer from one of those unfortunate diseases mentioned earlier, who am I to state that one’s quality of life is not as important as keeping marijuana off the streets? Those who want to get ahold of marijuana will regardless if marijuana is legalized or not. Future research hopes to be able to produce therapy treatments that can be beneficial without the negative side effects. Although I personally believe marijuana is a gate-way drug, the addiction comes in the form of a physical dependence, not a physiological dependence. As I stated earlier, I reiterate on the fact that who am I to judge someone’s long-term pain? We can only hope that research is getting closer to finding a solution that avoids the negative symptoms associated with cannabis, while benefiting the quality of life of the individual taking the therapy treatment.
Endocannabinoids: Who am I to judge somebody else’s pain?
