Your Endocannabinoid System
Listen friends… there’s a secret system in your body, that no one has clued you in on. It’s called the endocannabinoid system, and it craves a little cannabis. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is like your body’s hidden support network, working behind the scenes to keep everything balanced. When you consume cannabis, cannabinoids interact with this system, elevating the experience from a simple high to something deeper, a tool for relaxation, introspection, and even personal growth. But this fascinating network didn’t just pop up with modern cannabis culture—its roots run deep in human history.
Quick Cannabis History
People and weed, we go way back, with evidence of cannabis use spanning thousands of years across multiple cultures. As we co-evolved with this plant, our bodies developed the ECS, creating an intricate relationship that allowed us to naturally respond to the cannabinoids in cannabis. Ancient civilizations knew this connection well, incorporating cannabis into their rituals and healing practices, recognizing it as a powerful, plant-based ally. Our history with cannabis speaks to a shared evolution, where both humans and this ancient plant contributed to the way we experience life.
Your Brain On Cannabinoids
At the heart of this system are the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are scattered throughout the brain and body. CB1 receptors are concentrated in the brain and central nervous system, where they influence things like mood, memory, and pain perception. CB2 receptors, meanwhile, are primarily found in the immune system and help manage inflammation and immune response. Together, these receptors act as “locks,” with cannabinoids like THC and CBD being the “keys” that unlock various effects within our bodies and minds, creating that calming, centered feeling that so many people seek.
Introspection and Personal Growth
The ECS has an impact on mood, gut health, appetite, pain, and even our sleep cycles, helping us feel balanced and connected to ourselves. For some, this system’s unique interaction with cannabis can elevate experiences, leading to moments of introspection, spiritual growth, and self-discovery. Whether it’s sparking creativity, enhancing mindfulness, or guiding you toward a deeper understanding of yourself, cannabis and the ECS can be a gateway to spiritual journeys and a tool for finding balance in today’s fast-paced world.
My Relationship with the Devils Lettuce
While I wanted this post to be a learning opportunity for this community, I want to stress that everyones relationship with the plant will vary. For me, I felt quite literally as if I unlocked a new part of myself shortly after discovering the psychoactive effects. The first time I smoked weed, I felt like I had been swallowed whole by an ocean. To be more specific, that ocean felt awfully related to my past, my insecurities, and my anxieties. It unlocked certain traumas I had and released those I no longer connected with. That being said, I don’t really know why I went back for more time and time again. It was relaxing in the correct setting, it rid me of my battle with insomnia, and I always woke up feeling fresh as a daisy. In true neurodivergent fashion, I decided to be a little extra with my use of the lords cabbage. I read all the articles and fun-facts, I completely dove into the world of cannaculture, I took a smoke centered vacation to Vegas, and I even worked in a dispo where I had access to every method of consumption possible. Now, with a new 9-5 and in an effort to be more present, I’ve cut back a smidge, and redefined my relationship with the plant. These days I use it to bring peace, to occupy my mind while I do mindless tasks I’d rather ignore, or to meditate.
As many stoners might tell you, the paranoia is real when you go past your limits. Should you surpass those limits, the most important thing you can do afterwords is put yourself in a good headspace. If you have watched the Netflix series, How to Change Your Mind, you may have noticed the narrator mentioning that the most important thing you can do for your self when your in a strange new headspace is to put yourself in a good environment. Surround yourself with good company, good food, and slow paced music. Try to stay away from anything over stimulating, and remember that your totally fine, you just need to ride the wave. Many spiritual souls may not want to take part and that’s totally fine as well. I urge you to consider taking CBD if you want to avoid any psychoactive effects while still caring for your ECS.
*Disclaimer* I am not a doctor or medical professional, please do your own research before taking anything your doctor didn’t tell you to.
Sources:
Grinspoon, P. (2021, August 11). The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: Signaling and function in the central nervous system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(3), 833. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030833