Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency: a hypothesis under study
You've read our little guide to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and you're wondering what research says about CBD and the other cannabinoids?
In this new guide we will explain what the clinical endocannabinoid deficiency hypothesis is and what research says about it so far.
The Endocannabinoid System
As we have seen in this article, the endocannabinoid system acts on most major systems of the human body. It is the system of systems, so to speak. Everywhere in our body there are receptors sensitive to cannabinoids, such as CBD or THC. These receptors are found in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord), but also in the peripheral nervous system (nerves), muscles and peripheral organs, as well as the immune system. It plays an important role in the body's balance.
The endocannabinoid system was discovered in a study on the effects of cannabis, and more specifically THC, on the brain. Later other studies led to the discovery of anandamide by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The name anandamide is composed of ananda (bliss in Sanskrit) and amide (its chemical function).
Anandamide is a cannabinoid neurotransmitter produced by the human body, therefore it is an endocannabinoid. Phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant, such as THC, can bind to the same receptors as anandamide and other endocannabinoids; CBD has a low affinity for these receptors and acts more indirectly.
Whether CBD (Sativa cannabis) could influence an endocannabinoid system that would be deficient is still a research question, without any answer to date.
What then happens if there is a clinical deficiency of endocannabinoids, what are the symptoms of this deficiency?
The term "clinical endocannabinoid deficiency" was coined by Dr. Ethan Russo, a renowned neurologist. He is a former president of the International Cannabinoid Research Society and former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, and has served as medical director of Phytecs. He has worked for many years on cannabis-based approaches to chronic pain.
According to his hypothesis, some diseases, especially those related to inflammation, could involve a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency.
According to this hypothesis, a lack of endocannabinoids could be associated with various disorders. The ECS is involved in pain management, immune response, inflammation, appetite, metabolism, mood, memory, anxiety, etc... In France, hemp flowers and leaves containing less than 0.3% THC can be sold (Conseil d'Etat, 29 December 2022), but CBD foods, including oils to swallow, are not authorised in the EU.
The cannabinoids found in hemp (Cannabis Sativa, rich in CBD and low in THC) can act on some of the same targets as the endocannabinoids naturally produced by the body. Studies show that they interact with the endocannabinoid system; their role in the body's homeostasis is still being studied.
While studies on the endocannabinoid system, CBD and THC are in full swing, the effects of CBD remain to be demonstrated, apart from a medicine based on cannabidiol authorised on prescription for certain rare forms of epilepsy. Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency is currently a research hypothesis, which has not been confirmed to date.
CBD is not a medicine: if you have health problems, ask a doctor for advice, and tell him about any CBD product you use, as interactions with some medicines are possible.
