What is endocannabinoid deficiency?

Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) is a condition where an individual produces fewer cannabinoids than necessary for optimal health, vitality, and well-being. Scientists believe that CECD may play a role in various conditions, including:

• Fibromyalgia
• Pain
• Anorexia
• Depression
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Migraine
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Neuropathy
• Huntington’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Sea-sickness
• Autism

What are Endocannabinoids?

Endocannabinoids are naturally synthesized in humans, reptiles, birds, and fish. The prefix “endo” means “made in the body.” These compounds are part of the larger endocannabinoid system, which regulates appetite, pain perception, mood, memory, and more. The endocannabinoid system has three main components:

1. Endocannabinoids: Anandamide, 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), N-Arachidonoyl Dopamine (NADA), and Virodhamine (OAE).
2. Endocannabinoid Receptors: CB1 and CB2.
3. Endocannabinoid Degrading Enzymes: Such as MAGL and FAAH.

How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work?

Enzymes regulate the endocannabinoid system by either stimulating the synthesis of endocannabinoids to increase their levels or signaling their destruction to decrease their levels. Endocannabinoids are lipids that interact with the nervous system to cause specific changes in the body. They bind to individual endocannabinoid receptors to produce these changes. Endocannabinoids act in contrast to better-known neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Endocannabinoid Receptors

There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors:

1. CB1 Receptors: Found mainly in the brain, especially in the limbic system, which regulates internal organ functions, behavior, emotions, memory, sleep, and more. Activation of CB1 receptors may:
   • Relieve depression
   • Increase myelin formation
   • Reduce intestinal inflammation and permeability
   • Lower blood pressure
   • Reduce anxiety, fear, and paranoia
   • Increase BDNF levels and PPARγ
   • Downregulate GPR55 signaling
   • Decrease prolactin
2. CB2 Receptors: Found primarily in the spleen, tonsils, thymus, and immune cells, with only a small number in the brain. Alterations in CB2 receptor function can occur in various diseases, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurodegenerative, psychiatric, autoimmune, or painful conditions.

The Magic of Phytocannabinoids

Some plants, specifically cannabis, produce substances similar to endocannabinoids that interact with our body’s cannabinoid receptors. These phytocannabinoids, or plant cannabinoids, can have a profound effect on the body. While many plants produce substances that act on cannabinoid receptors, cannabis is the only one known to produce cannabidiol (CBD). Other plants containing cannabinoids include:

• Kava (Piper methysticum)
• Black Pepper (Piper nigerum)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Acmella (Acmella oleracea)
• Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
• Truffles (Tuber melanosporum)

Phytocannabinoids often have therapeutic effects when they interact with our body’s endocannabinoid receptors.

Endocannabinoid Deficiency, CBD Oil, and Migraine

Research published in Neuroendocrinology reviewed scientific publications to explore the concept of CECD and its potential role in triggering migraines. The study found that anandamide controls migraine-related receptors and significantly affects the periaqueductal gray matter, an area known as the “migraine generator” in the brain. Cannabinoids block the spinal, peripheral, and gastrointestinal actions that drive pain associated with headaches, fibromyalgia, IBS, and other conditions. Increasing cannabinoid levels can reduce symptoms associated with CECD.

Other ways CBD can help with migraines include:

• Activation of the 5-HT1A Receptor: Regulates anxiety, addiction, appetite, sleep, pain perception, nausea, and vomiting. CBDA (the raw form of CBD) shows an even higher affinity for this receptor.
• Antagonizing GPR55 Receptors: These receptors help control bone density and blood pressure and promote cancer cell proliferation when activated. CBD’s antagonistic action may explain its use by people with osteoporosis and high blood pressure.
• Activation of TRPV1 Receptors: Involved in regulating pain, body temperature, and inflammation.

How to Use CBD Oil for Endocannabinoid Deficiency?

Determining the ideal dosage of CBD varies by individual. Analyzes suggest a standard starting dose of 25 mg of CBD, taken twice daily. If this amount has no effect, increase the dosage by 25 mg every 3-4 days until the desired results are achieved. If the condition worsens, reduce the amount by 25 mg until the right balance is found.

Always consult a doctor before starting or changing any supplement regimen to ensure it is appropriate for you.