Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED)
What is the Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED)?
The CED is a theory developed in 2001 by Dr. Ethan Russo, MD, a board-certified neurologist, psychopharmacology researcher, and former Senior Medical Advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Russo believes there is an underlying endocannabinoid “tone” that reflect the levels of AEA and 2-AG. Two natural produced molecules, known as endocannabinoids. The theory proposes that sometimes the “tone” drops out of balance causing an “imbalance” or “deficiency”. This deficiency can then manifest itself in psychosomatic symptoms like migraines, anxiety, and sleeping issues. In order remedy this deficiency by bring the “tone” back in balance the use of phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids are recommended.
What is the EndoCannabinoid System (ECS)?
When the ECS is in balance it promotes sharing, humor, & creativity not to mention decreased pain, reduced anxiety and improved sleeping. As a physiologic system central to the health & healing of every human and most animals, the ECS operates as a homeostatic regulator by regulating internal & cellular homeostasis via the interaction of molecules and receptors. The system is comprised of (2) parts, cannabinoid receptors which are embedded in cell membranes though out the body and endocannabinoids which are natural created molecules. Endocannabinoids interact with the receptors as agonist (initiates) which increase receptor uptake or antagonist (inhibits) which blocks uptake. Receptor CB1 interacts with the nervous system and is in connective tissues and organs like the brain, receptor CB2 interacts with the immune system and is in the spleen.
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What are Cannabinoids & Receptors?
Cannabinoids
There are (3) kinds of cannabinoids; endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic.
Endocannabinoids are molecules that stimulates cannabinoid receptors. The human body creates (2) types of endocannabinoids. N-Arachidonoylethanolamine also called Anandamide (AEA) – 1992 and most often the tonic signaling agent of the ECS and regulator of synaptic transmission. Sn-2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) – 1995 and acts as a phasic signal activator in neuronal depolarization and mediator of synaptic plasticity.
Phytocannabinoids are plant substances that stimulate cannabinoid receptors. While there are over 113 cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant the most known (3) are cannabinol (CBN) discovered in 1940 by British Chemist Robert S. Cahn, cannabidiol (CBD) referred to as the “wonder molecule” was discovered in 1942, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the phytocannabinoids that gets the most spotlight for its psychoactive properties. Discovered in 1964 by
Synthetics are man assembled molecules that stimulate cannabinoid receptors.
- Dronabinol (Marinol)
- Nabilone (Cesamet)
Cannabinoid Receptors
The (2) receptors CB1 and CB2 when discovered in 1988 and are embedded in cell membranes (GPcR)
- CB1 – nervous system, connective tissues, gonads, glands, and organs (brain)
- CB2 – immune system (spleen) anti-inflammatory
How do they help?
- Brain – THC > CB1
- Body – CBN > CB2
- CBD > GPcR5 – G Protein-coupled receptor
Where do I start?
- Determine why you believe cannabinoids may help.
- Choice how “high” or “impaired” you feel is ok for you.
- Select a delivery method that works for you.
- How much is right for you. Dosage – start small, set a baseline, stay consistent
- Buy some CDB products
(migraine / ibs / fibromyalgia)
(InfoGraph)
(oil / flower / extract / food)
(5mg x 2 per day / 10mg x 2 per day / 40mg+ per day)
(4 week daily dose notebook)
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