How Medical Cannabis Works in the Body

Understanding the Science Behind Your Medicine

At Greener Healing Ways, our goal is to help every patient understand how and why medical cannabis works—not just that it does. Behind each dose is a carefully balanced system within your body called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short. This system helps maintain balance, or homeostasis, across nearly every major body function.

🌿 The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The ECS is a network of receptors, naturally produced cannabinoids, and enzymes found throughout the brain and body. It plays a key role in regulating pain, mood, appetite, memory, inflammation, and immune response.

There are two main types of receptors:

• CB1 receptors: Found mostly in the brain and nervous system. They affect mood, coordination, appetite, and pain perception.

• CB2 receptors: Found mainly in immune cells, the gut, and peripheral tissues. They help manage inflammation and immune activity.

Your body naturally produces its own cannabinoids—called endocannabinoids—to activate these receptors and keep systems running smoothly.

🌺 How Cannabis Interacts with the ECS

When you use medical cannabis, the plant-based cannabinoids—known as phytocannabinoids—bind to these same receptors. The two most well-known are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), but the plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, each with unique effects.

• THC binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, creating pain relief, appetite stimulation, and the psychoactive “high” that some patients experience.

• CBD interacts more indirectly. It doesn’t cause a high but helps modulate receptor activity, reduce inflammation, and calm the nervous system.

Together, they work with other plant compounds—like terpenes—to create what’s known as the entourage effect, a synergy that enhances therapeutic benefits.

⚖️ Restoring Balance

The ECS acts as a “master regulator.” When the body’s balance is disrupted—due to stress, illness, or injury—the ECS helps restore stability. Medical cannabis supports this process by supplementing or stimulating the system’s natural function.

Some researchers believe endocannabinoid deficiency may contribute to conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. By interacting with the ECS, cannabis may help bring the body back into alignment and promote healing.

💊 Factors That Influence How Cannabis Works

Each person’s experience with cannabis is unique. The way it works for you depends on:

• Delivery method (inhaled, oral, topical, etc.)

• Dosage and cannabinoid ratio

• Terpene profile of the strain

• Metabolism and body chemistry

• Existing medications or conditions

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  ✳️ Next in This Series

  [→ The Endocannabinoid System: Your Body’s Internal Regulator]
  [→ Understanding THC and CBD]
  [→ The Entourage Effect Explained]