Cannabinoid Deficiency May Explain A Variety Of Health Conditions

As we know, endocannabinoids are naturally produced within the body and play a major role in overall health. Similarly, medical marijuana and phytocannabinoids derived from cannabis have exhibited a number of therapeutic benefits.

Researchers Propose The Idea Of Cannabinoid Deficiency

The list of conditions tied to cannabis is wide-ranging and steadily growing. Whether cannabinoids are providing relief from migraines, fibromyalgia, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the mechanism involved is largely the same; success is often attributed to activation of the body’s cannabinoid receptors.

Striking similarities between a wide variety of conditions, each shown to respond well to cannabinoid treatments, brings about an interesting question. Is it possible that a “cannabinoid deficiency” could be the underlying cause of these ailments? A number of researchers believe that just may be the case.

Ethan Russo: Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency

Dr. Ethan Russo is the Senior Medical Advisor at GW Pharmaceuticals, the company responsible for Sativex and Epidiolex. One of his most notable contributions to cannabis knowledge bank can in his study “Taming THC,” in which he discussed the synergistic effect of terpenes in cannabis.

“Deficient cannabinoid levels may be the underlying cause of numerous conditions alleviated by cannabis.” - Ethan Russo

In 2004, however, Dr. Russo proposed the idea of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) in a study published in Neuro endocrinology letters. He suggested that deficient cannabinoid levels may be the underlying cause of numerous conditions alleviated by cannabis.

“Migraine, fibromyalgia, IBS and related conditions display common clinical, biochemical and pathophysiological patterns that suggest an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency that may be suitably treated with cannabinoid medicines,” he explained.

Dr. Robert Melamede: Cannabis And Age-Related Illness

Similarly, Dr. Robert Melamede, former Biology Department chair and current Professor at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, holds the belief that endocannabinoids can inhibit the aging process. Furthermore, he speculates that cannabinoids are essential nutrients with the ability to minimize age-related illnesses like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

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