We all need to get balanced - our ECS thrives on it!
How does our ECS get 'out of balance'?
The intercellular molecules that signal our brain's receptors - endocannabinoids - have existed longer than humankind. We know through research that Mammals have them, and they lived before we did.
The ECS includes endocannabinoids, enzymes that help produce and degrade these endocannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptors.
This system plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes; the list is too long to name them all. Like any bodily system, we'll end up with unwanted issues without it working in balance.
The complexity of the endocannabinoid system, including its synthesis and degradation enzymes and various types of receptors, indicates that this system has been reworked and refined over a very long evolutionary timescale. Understanding the intricacies of the ECS is essential for exploring its therapeutic potential and is an active area of research.
It took nearly two centuries since the origin of Cannabis Science for U.S. researchers to identify multiple cannabinoids in the 1940s. William O'Shaughnessy often is credited with introducing the therapeutic uses of Cannabis to Western Medicine in 1830. However, the plant was in various pharmacopeias before that time. It was known to have been researched by many others dating back to the 1700s.
Jump ahead to our current time 3 centuries later; we've seen Cannabis Tinctures and various concoctions on Pharmacy shelves from the mid-1800s up until 1942 when the US removed Cannabis from its Pharmacopeia, five years after the 1937 Prohibition via the Marihuana Tax Act. We know the same pharmaceutical companies that existed back then and were in cannabis are now re-emerging into the legal market preparing new drugs.
Since the passage of Proposition 215 in California in 1996, we've seen State by State legalization that's moved to New York and beyond. Medicinal laws are soon replaced by recreational ones that allow more Tax Revenue for the municipalities.
At the same time, the Hemp Industry has delved into the production of various inebriating cannabinoids converted from CBD. From HHC to Delta 8, many have value - even though they and others are highly controversial.
The Problem is we have no idea of the long-term outcome of using these cannabinoids, but we do know that smoking cannabis alone causes us to desire it more - it's so good! But, eventually, even smoking high-THC Cannabis creates a scenario where the user can't find satisfaction in any small amount.
When it comes to the potent extracts that I love, this is primarily an issue, and it's why I created ECS Balance Control - both the concept and the upcoming brand. As much as I love THC, it's not always my friend.
So I had to find a new way - and it was through an exciting discovery on how to keep our Endocannabinoid System in opportune shape without stopping the cannabinoids we feel we need and want to use.
One of the most critical areas of research has been within Endocannabinoids and their function, how cannabinoids interact with them, and how just about anyone could be way out of balance as blood tests do not check for this.
We have a primary bodily system controlling so many others - and it's heavily influenced by everything from the food we eat to what we drink - before we even get to the type of plants we love or medications we take for other issues.
The ECS Balance Control concept may seem intricate and complex because of the Endocannabinoid System. One of my missions is to explain how things work; we must look at more complicated words and simplify them.
Please read the whole website - you'll learn a lot, as most don't know what endocannabinoids are by name or how they function. Shouldn't we learn that information just like we do on Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and other plants we use?
ECS Balance Control is imperative; as you'll learn, being out of balance doesn't just mean 'high THC tolerance' - overexpression in endocannabinoid systems isn't a good thing or an under-expression. Let's learn what that means; it's all below!
Our whole family uses ECS Balance Control - Learn more!
All four of us under this roof use THC in one way or another for different concerns. Our youngest is 13, and with a recommendation, she uses light doses at night but loves to have what we call a 'wake up' capsule - especially before school.
Her older sister Genevieve is 20; she's developmentally delayed and uses THC in far higher doses along with CBN. Due to her needs, which are much like mine, we do not stop using THC at all.
We balance our systems.
Mom, who oversees us all and makes sure we eat and get things done as good moms do - loves her Cannabis to relax. She recently celebrated over a half-decade of sobriety.
She also has not taken a tolerance break and uses combinations that balance her system based on ECS Balance Control.
Not everyone has a deep diving researcher as a dad or spouse, so I decided to share this knowledge.
So many people have issues finding the correct type of cannabinoids, the fair deal, and many are using THC only.
All of us older Cannabis users started out with THC - it was the only way we knew - and for most of us it's still a way we love.
Phytocannabinoids are made by the plant for the plant - to protect it.
Endocannabinoids are made by our body, and our receptors were created for their use - to protect us.
It's amazing how THC activates them and acts as a neurotransmitter in doing that, but they need more fuel!
Researcher & Educator Mike Robinson
Mike Robinson, the Researcher OG
The Creator of ECS Balance Control, Mike Robinson, is one of High Times' Magazine's Top 100 Influential People in Cannabis 2021
As patients attempt to keep up with the flow of information in the world of cannabis, millions of discussions are started daily online, which is a good thing.
But too many have focused on THC, 'RSO' - and potent THC or strong concentrates that throw the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) out of balance. Most of us are either 'overexpressing' or 'under-expressing' in Endocannabinoid Tone.
What does that mean? Some of us make too many of certain Endocannabinoids - despite the ongoing talk of Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome, this is a fact. Some of us have too many receptors, and others have barely any based on physiology, type of cannabis use, duration, and so many other factors.
The vast majority don't make enough endocannabinoids as the knowledge on how isn't readily available or even thought of - and they've become 'Deficient' in them. Many require higher amounts of THC, some call that a High Tolerance.
But I call it 'Out of Balance', the ECS is intricate - so much is being discovered about it daily. Imagine a bodily system doctors knew nothing about, science knew nothing about, and then suddenly, in the 90's these discoveries are made that our body relies on the ECS
there's such a delicate balance in the Endocannabinoid System - an ebb and flow - so for this reason, all of us whether we use Cannabis or not should be aware of ECS Balance, and how to help control it.
Those like me that use a lot of THC, must find other avenues from the various plant types as well as look at our diet and exercise.
Endocannabinoid Balance Control is far more complex than words. Our body leans on our ECS
Why does the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Need Balance?
Think of the ebb and flow of the tides at your favorite beach...
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system found in the bodies of all vertebrates.
This means we humans have always had this, but doctors, healthcare workers, and many scientists have never known - it wasn't discovered until the 90s.
The Endocannabinoid System regulates a lot of things - including mood, appetite, sleep, memory, immune response, and more.
The concept of balance, or homeostasis, is central to understanding the Endocannabinoid system's role - but is overlooked.
ECS Balance Control, Mike Robinson's concept, and brand, focuses on the Endocannabinoid System and how cannabinoids from plants and our bodies work, other elements of nature, and our body chemistry enhance their creation.
Like other receptor systems, the ECS has a 'Tone' - simply, it's a measurement of endocannabinoids in the body and the availability of receptor sites.
Mike Robinson has focused on our ECS's health for many years; balance control is part of a theory that has now been proven in science. Our bodies need more than one cannabinoid and many of us have used predominantly THC.
But the good news? We don't need to starve with Tolerance Breaks from the plant we love - ECS Balance Control is all about how to avoid this and it actually reduces the amount one needs to gain a nice feeling from plant medicine, or life in general if they don't use THC.
People who express a low Endocannabinoid Tone have an underactive ECS and, in research, are thought to suffer from Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome.
In other words, some people don't have the internal cannabinoids we make - and there are a lot of them. How do we correct this problem, USE other cannabinoids! Learn, exercise, and eat right.
Overexpression or hyperactivity of the ECS, which could mean excessive production of endocannabinoids or increased receptor activity, has been implicated in a variety of potential issues from Obesity, Metabolic Disorders, Liver Issues, Mental health problems, Cardiovascular issues, bone density, and there's even research on Cancer.
So, what does that mean? Some people have too many Endocannabinoids and it's causing issues, too much of a good thing issues and we all know about those. How do we decrease overexpression - USE THC!
Let's explain and use citations for those that are in the world of science:
Cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids are generally up-regulated in tumors (Sanchez et al., 2001; Guzmán, 2003; Caffarel et al., 2006; Malfitano et al., 2011), and their expression levels can be linked to tumor aggressiveness (Nomura et al., 2010; Thors et al., 2010; Malfitano et al., 2011). These data imply that an over-activation of ECS might be a pro-tumorigenic factor (Malfitano et al., 2011), but considering the complexity of this system, the effects it induces depend on many factors.
In other words, we don't know all the answers yet about a lot of the Endocannabinoid System - but we do know every system of the body requires balance and in order to maintain that - it starts with ECS Balance Control.
It's easy to see the issue in using potent cannabinoids without considering how the Endocannabinoid System works. When you learn about ECS balance control, you begin to dial in and maximize what you use.
Our body makes endocannabinoids when we do mild to moderate exercise frequently and eat healthy foods. Many people walk the earth with their body's organs in harmony; equilibrium is beautiful, and homeostasis is evident.
But everyone is different, and very few people offering Cannabis or Hemp extracts realize that overexpression is just as big of an issue as having a Clinical Deficiency in Endocannabinoids.
Let's all learn together - go to the blogs or contact Mike if any of this is too much to digest at once and come back later!
Learning More About Endocannabinoids Is Necessary:
Our body creates so many Endocannabinoids:
On March 24, 1992, two researchers, Lumír Hanuš, a Czech analytical chemist, and William Devane, an American pharmacologist, made a groundbreaking discovery in Israel. They successfully isolated the first recognized endocannabinoid from the human brain.
This endocannabinoid is a naturally produced compound that interacts with the body's cannabinoid receptors, much like THC from the cannabis plant. Recognizing the significance of their discovery and the molecule's potential role in creating feelings of happiness or euphoria, they named this compound "Anandamide." The name derives from the Sanskrit word "ananda," which translates to "joy" or "bliss."
Anandamide (AEA) has since been studied for its role in various physiological processes, including mood regulation, appetite, and pain perception.
The amount of research and knowledge on Anandamide is endless to many, it's the most well-known as THC, and it are so similar it's hard to tell the difference, except for one key element in ECS Balance Control.
Endocannabinoids are made by our body to fit receptors made by our body - but I love that THC and other cannabinoids will work on them!
But, as much as I love THC because it makes us happy, like Anandamide, it doesn't mean it will help ECS Balance Control - it's the main reason I researched as I was so out of balance - most called it a high tolerance.
There was no way I could take a 'T Break' and, as a researcher, never believed in them.
Finding balance restored happiness, and also fixed my ability to continue using multiple cannabinoids with maximum efficacy
Let's go on:
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2-AG was discovered by Professor Raphael Mechoulam of Tel Avi and his student Shimon Ben-Shabat. 2-AG was a known chemical compound, but its occurrence in mammals and its affinity for cannabinoid receptors were first described in 1994–1995.
Another research group at Teikyo University in Japan was simultaneously making similar discoveries regarding 2-AG and its affinity for cannabinoid receptors during the same period.
This was a significant period in the history of cannabinoid research, as the discovery of these endocannabinoids helped elucidate the mechanisms through which cannabis and its compounds exert their effects in the body and led to the understanding of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in a range of physiological processes.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG is the Most potent and abundant endocannabinoid: Out of all the similar chemicals in our body, 2-AG is the strongest and is found in the highest amounts.
Full agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors: The "locks" that 2-AG fits into best are called CB1 and CB2 receptors. When 2-AG interacts with these locks, it fully activates them.
Serves as a substrate for several enzymes: Think of 2-AG as a piece of wood and the enzymes (like MGL, ABHD6, and FAAH) as carpenters that can shape or change that wood into something else.
Rapid conversion to 1-AG and 3-AG: When left independently, 2-AG can quickly change into two forms, 1-AG and 3-AG. It's like ice melting into the water; it's the same substance but in a different form.
Complicates in vivo signaling: This quick change of 2-AG into other forms makes it tricky to understand its role inside living organisms (in vivo means "in the living").
Interaction profiles with MGL: 2-AG and its changed forms, 1-AG and 3-AG, interact with one of the carpenters, MGL - the main enzymes responsible for their metabolism.
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Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid amide part of the endocannabinoid family. In the strictest sense, it's not like other endocannabinoids, as it doesn't directly interact with the classic cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2).
Instead, PEA has its mechanisms, although it influences the endocannabinoid system.
PEA was first isolated and identified from egg yolk in the 1950s. Rita Levi-Montalcini, a Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist, played a vital role in the 1990s in identifying its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, especially its interaction with mast cells and nerve growth factors.
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Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is an endocannabinoid known for modulating appetite and weight in many animals, from mice to giant snakes. It's related to anandamide but works differently. Instead of directly affecting the ECS, OEA helps break down fats in the body.
Our small intestine makes it when we eat. It combines a molecule from our body's fat (oleic acid) and another molecule called phosphatidylethanolamine. Once connected, another process breaks it down to give us OEA and more. How much OEA we make can be influenced by bile acids, which our liver produces.
OEA also binds with a particular receptor called GPR119, which might be this receptor's natural partner.
Some studies suggest OEA plays a role in how bears manage their fat and hunger during their long winter sleep. It might even make a tiny worm called Caenorhabditis elegans live longer by interacting with specific molecules in its cells.
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Have you ever heard of these chemicals your body makes to help balance the ECS to cause homeostasis? Most that use cannabis or hemp are unaware that everything in life affects their Endocannabinoid System and its delicate balance - from stress to sleep and more.
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Virodhamine (O-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine or O-AEA) acts as a partial agonist at the CB1 receptor, meaning it can activate this receptor but not to its total capacity. Interestingly, while it activates CB1 receptors, it behaves as an antagonist at the CB2 receptor, which blocks this receptor.
The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "Virodha", which translates to "opposite" or "contrary". This is due to its opposing actions at the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Virodhamine was identified and characterized in 2002.
Like other endocannabinoids, Virodhamine plays roles in various physiological processes, but its exact functions and implications in health and disease are still areas of active research.
Ask your budtender how OG Kush affects your Virodhamine levels, and see what they say! Share this website, and let others learn more here and in the blogs.
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N-Arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA): This endocannabinoid was discovered in 2000, first found in rat brains, especially in specific parts like the hippocampus.
It's been found to interact with two key receptors: CB1 and TRPV1.
In mice, it causes reduced body temperature, less movement, muscle stiffness, and pain relief, it protects the brain, acts as an antioxidant, and has roles in the nervous system.
It affects blood vessel functions, such as relaxation and muscle contraction, can regulate inflammation, reduce specific inflammatory reactions, and influence immune responses.
Some studies suggest it might help in reducing HIV replication and affects allergic reactions in specific cells.
How is it made in the body? The truth is, scientists aren't entirely sure. They have some theories, but they need more evidence.
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Noladin ether is a molecule similar to the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) but has an ether linkage instead of the ester linkage found in 2-AG. This similarity in structure led researchers to investigate its role and interactions within the endocannabinoid system.
The compound was first synthesized by two research groups: one led by Sugiura et al. in 1999 and the other by Mechoulam et al. in 1998. Both groups were instrumental in developing and understanding various cannabinoids and their interactions with the body's endocannabinoid system.
Later, in 2001, Lumír Hanuš and his colleagues isolated Noladin ether from pig (porcine) brain tissue. This study demonstrated that Noladin ether acts as an endogenous ligand (or natural internal signal) for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, primarily found in the brain.
This discovery confirmed Noladin Ether's status as another member of the endocannabinoid family.
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2-AG can quickly change into two forms, 1-AG and 3-AG, making them both considered Endocannabinoids or metabolites of 2-AG.
ECS Balance Control Is Imperative.
Talk to Mike about ECS Balance Control
Leave a message. We're working on how ECS Balance Control will be offered to the public beyond information - But you can talk to Mike today about your Balance Issues.
Controlling ECS Balance Maximizes Benefits
Researcher Mike Robinson discovered ECS Balance Control
Researcher Mike Robinson discovered ECS Balance Control
Researcher Mike Robinson discovered ECS Balance Control
Determining which cannabinoid to use: Many have found that CBD and CBG from Hemp have supplemented their lives in various ways, others find that Cannabis with THC does the trick. There are multiple constituents in these plants including the new kid on the block CBG.
Many are now using other cannabinoids, some of which are converted from CBD into THC analogs, as well as natural THC and CBN which has been a staple in many people's plant diet for quite some time, whether inhaled or ingested.
Balancing the Endocannabinoid System is imperative.
So many have built a tolerance that needs to be unwound, but not through starvation of the Endocannabinoid System.
If you're having issues with your ECS Balance, or are sensitive to THC, reach out and talk to Mike today.
Many don't need advice as much as they need sound information so they can make up their minds on what to use.
Professor Raphael Mechoulam Discovered Endocannabinoids
Researcher Mike Robinson discovered ECS Balance Control
Researcher Mike Robinson discovered ECS Balance Control
Known as "The Godfather of cannabis research", Mechoulam is best known for his work (together with Y. Gaoni) in isolating tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main active principle of cannabis in 1964. He then went on to create several analogs of THC. He also successfully isolated and identified endogenous cannabinoids 2-G from the brain and 1-arachidonoyl glycerol from peripheral organs. His work has led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, which affects many essential aspects of human health.
This migration is slowly but steadily increasing as nurses and doctors learn more and more daily.
Mike Robinson, the ECS Balance Control Concept creator, is also the Founder of the Global Cannabinoid Research Center and the former Director of Communications at the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine.
This is where Robinson first exchanged correspondence with Professor Raphael Mechoulam. Over the years, Robinson continued exchanging emails and information with the Professor, who mentored millions.
His discovery of Anandamide and 2-AG, the Endocannabinoids, fueled the creation of the ECS Balance Control Concept. In 2023 the world said Goodbye to the Professor, who worked into his 90s on the ECS.