How Our Bodies Use Cannabis

Any substance that claims to treat as wide of a range of ailments as cannabis seems like snake oil. But, as the author puts it, “There is biological plausibility for these claims”.

Our bodies are built with an endocannabinoid system. This system responds to molecules made in our body — such as anandamide (a neurotransmitter labeled the “bliss molecule”) and 2 arachidonoyl glycerol — and compounds found in cannabis: THC, CBD, etc.

Receptors in the body are unlocked by the above “homemade endocannabinoids” and those found in cannabis through CB1 and CB2 receptors. (Take a look at the infographic in the article for a visual of the endocannabinoid system.) These receptors help to regulate mood, appetite, memory, inflammation, etc.

For example, endocannabinoids like anandamide, or THC, work “like a key that unlocks 'receptors' on the surface of different types of cells. By unlocking receptors on different brain neurons THC creates sensations ranging from paranoia to euphoria and the munchies.”

There are more than 500 chemical compounds in cannabis; not all work or unlock receptors like THC does, and not all are understood — but the discovery of the system make cannabis a potential treasure trove of medicine.