Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned pro, understanding how your ECS works can help you get the most out of your experience. It’s not just about THC levels — it’s about finding the right balance of everything that cannabis has to offer.

Even though THC tends to get all the glory, it’s really the mix of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds that creates the unique ‘high’ experience you’re after. No matter if you’re looking to relax, boost your mood, or just enjoy some good vibes, it’s all about understanding how these elements and compounds work harmoniously together to produce specific ‘high’ effects. 

At Rasta Rootz, we’re here to help you make smart, informed choices. Let’s dive into the endocannabinoid system (ECS), explore the entourage effect, and better learn how the real cannabinoids and compounds in cannabis make you feel.

Introducing the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

In the 1990s, researchers who were studying the effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) surprisingly uncovered an unidentified system of receptors and molecules in the brain and central nervous system. The scientists revealed that this system of receptors plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, which can be influenced differently by the interaction of phytocannabinoids (cannabis plant compounds) and terpenes. 

Today, the best way to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is by imagining it as your body’s control center. The ECS helps control and regulate our central nervous system, which is typically responsible for everyday functions like: 

• Learning and memory
• Emotional processing
• Sleep
• Temperature & pain control
• Inflammatory or immune responses
• And your metabolism & eating

The ECS is a network that’s spread all over your brain and body, made up of receptors, endocannabinoids (which are like your body’s own version of cannabinoids), and enzymes. There are two main types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. 

• CB1 receptors are mostly in the brain and help regulate things like mood and alertness.
  
• CB2 receptors are mainly in the immune system and play a big role in how your body responds to inflammation, pain, and disease.

Your body produces endocannabinoids, like anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG, which naturally interact with these receptors. Once these endocannabinoids have regulated specific signals sent in the ECS, some enzymes then work to break down these endocannabinoids, keeping everything in balance (also known as homeostasis). 

How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work? 

With the strong, interwoven influence between the ECS and our central nervous system, you can think of your ECS as your body’s alarm system. It sets off signals when you’re in pain, lets you know when you’re hungry, and even cools you down when you’re overheated. It’s all about keeping you in balance! 

It’s important to know that your ECS is always working behind the scenes – even without cannabis. However, when you add phytocannabinoids (the compounds from cannabis plants) into the mix, that’s when the effects of cannabis get interesting.

How Cannabis and Cannabinoids Interact with the ECS

Phytocannabinoids are the cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant. THC is the most famous one, known and loved for its psychoactive ‘high’ effect. However, there are cannabinoids in cannabis, like 

• CBD (cannabidiol) is known for its potential to provide relief from pain, anxiety, and inflammation without the psychoactive effects that come with THC. Although not physically binding to CB1 or CB2 receptors in the same way THC does, CBD has been shown to interact with our ECS and provide relief from pain, stress, and nausea, without making you feel high.
• CBN (cannabinol) is a non-psychoactive compound known as the sleep cannabinoid for its heavy relaxing, sedating effects. Oftentimes, old and aging cannabis will degrade into this cannabinoid. 
• CBG (cannabigerol) is known for increasing focus and uplifting moods. This cannabinoid is non-psychoactive but acts as the precursor to all other cannabinoids due to its molecular structure. 

When you consume one (or a combination) of these cannabinoids, that’s when you’ll begin to experience an onset of unique effects and feelings. But the type of effects you experience from this high depends on the whole combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds you’re consuming.

The Entourage Effect: The Power of Teamwork

The entourage effect is all about the harmonious magic that happens when cannabinoids and terpenes work together. 

Imagine that every terpene, cannabinoid, or compound from cannabis is like a musical instrument. When played (or consumed) individually, each instrument contributes its own unique sound (or effects) – but when played (or consumed) altogether, harmonious music is orchestrated. This process of numerous effects from cannabis emphasizes the therapeutic potential of this plant when all its cannabinoids and terpenes interact within our endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Conscious consumers can further navigate how to choose the best cannabis for their preferred experience by exploring the depths of different terpenes and cannabinoids and the unique combination of effects each one offers. 

For example, taking a balanced ratio of both THC and CBD together can give you a more steady experience than consuming just one or the other on its own. High doses of THC might feel very psychoactive and intense for some, but when paired with CBD, it can become a lot more relaxing due to its polarizing effects. 

Remember, when browsing our dispensary shelves, don’t just focus on THC or terpenes alone — consider how they all work together because of the ECS and the entourage effect!

Broad-Spectrum vs. Full-Spectrum Cannabis 

At Rasta Rootz, you’ll find a vast variety of both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis products. When shopping, keep the entourage effect in mind: 

• Full-spectrum cannabis includes products that contain THC, along with all the other cannabinoids and terpenes the plant has to offer. This makes for a richer experience that harnesses all the terpenes and compounds in the plant.
  
• Broad-spectrum cannabis means the products have specific cannabinoids or compounds isolated and extracted. Many broad-spectrum CBD products will have the many benefits of the CBD cannabinoid, without the psychoactive effects of THC. 

Best Cannabis Products in Boston

Are you searching for a way to slip into relaxation for bedtime? Consider products containing specific terpenes and cannabinoids like CBN. If you need something to calm your mind after a stressful day, ask our budtenders for an infused beverage with both THC and CBD.

With a better grasp at understanding the inner workings of the endocannabinoid system, you can make clearer choices towards finding better wellness with cannabis. At the end of the day, knowing how the ECS works can make you a more informed and conscious cannabis consumer at our Boston dispensary. 

Swing by our downtown Boston dispensary to chat with our budtenders and learn more about cannabis education from our Blog page!