Hundreds of research studies have investigated the role of the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) in achieving and maintaining human health and wellness. Peer-reviewed research has revealed that, when the ECS cannot produce enough of its own health-giving molecules (called endocannabinoids), it is designed to benefit from supplementation from a range of phytocannabinoidsderived from the cannabis herb.
Dr. Ethan Russo
In 2004, Dr. Ethan Russo, an American neurologist who is director of research and development for the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute, published a pinnacle research paper in which he theorized that deficiencies in the human ECS may result in a range of specific diseases and dysfunctions within a variety of bodily systems—including the all-important immune system that is part of nearly every organ, tissue, and gland.
Russo’s work remains important due to the fact that many of the conditions he identified that may result from an ECS deficiency are resistant to treatment from conventional drugs and therapies.
(Russo first referenced a potential ECS deficiency in the 2001 research study“Hemp for Headache: An In-depth Historical and Scientific Review of Cannabis in Migraine Treatment” and in his 2001 bookHandbook of Psychotropic Herbs: A Scientific Analysis of Herbal Remedies for Psychiatric Conditions.)
The CED Study
The 2004 research paper, entitled “Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED): Can this Concept Explain Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis in Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Other Treatment-resistant Conditions?” was published in the journal Neuro Endocrinology Lettersand investigated the role of the ECS in several common diseases and conditions.
I have found tremendous improvement in system function, mobility, brain function, and flexibility that would point to this theory in the past six months of my healing process. I have followed a 1:1 dosing schedule for pain as necessary, with additional CBN plus indica oil at bedtime for an 8+ hour sleep cycle. Using topicals has been extremely beneficial in both exercise recovery, and weight loss. I am excited to do further research into suppository usage as a modality as well as learning about the different phytocannabinoids, such as THC-A. Very excited to see the prospects of using cannabis as a superfood!