The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) functions as a critical suprasystem of human physiology. As such, it modulates homeostasis across cellular-, tissue-, organ-, and organism levels. This means that it is fully intertwined with our bodies’ other physiological systems.
Despite being discovered in 1992, the ECS is till not included in medical education. This leaves a significant gap in physicians’ understanding of human physiology. A comprehensive understanding of the ECS improves the medical understanding of a wide range of conditions, including pain, inflammation, neurological disorders, and mental health issues.
Is this about medical cannabis?
The ability of our medical students and doctors to provide the best possible patient care is fully dependent on their comprehensive understanding of human physiology and pathology. That is what medicine is.
While it is true that medical cannabis exerts many its therapeutic effects by modulation of the ECS, the associations between cannabis and the ECS are merely circumstantial. The associations between the ECS and physiology are of much higher medical relevance and importance.
The ECS modulates homeostatic mechanisms in
- pain management
- neuroplasticity
- thermoregulation
- circadian rhythms
- immunity
- oxidative stress
- lipid metabolism
- glucose metabolism
- neuromodulation
- cardiovascular function
- bone metabolism
- gastrointestinal function
- reproduction
and more.
While the ECS can be modulated by phytocannabinoids, like THC and CBD, the ECS is also directly influenced by:
- stress reduction & mindfulness
- exercise
- omega 6- and omega 3-rich foods
- our gut microbiome
- real life social interactions
The endocannabinoids, Anandamide, or arachidonoylethanolamine, and 2-AG, or 2-arachidonoylglycerol are both made from arachidonic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid. Excessive consumption of omega 6-rich vegetable oils can thus lead to increases in endocannabinoid tone, affecting appetite and metabolism through mechanisms fairly similar to ‘getting the munchies’, since all omega 6 fatty acids can be converted into arachidonic acid by our bodies.
Education about the ECS can help destigmatize cannabis-related discussions in medical settings, leading to more open and honest doctor-patient communications.
By incorporating ECS education, medical schools can ensure that future physicians base their practices on the most current scientific understanding of human physiology and potential treatments.
In conclusion, educating medical professionals about the ECS is not just about filling a minor knowledge gap – it’s about empowering the next generation of healthcare providers with crucial information that can significantly impact patient care, drug development, and our overall understanding of human health and disease.