An introduction to cannabis and the endocannabinoid system

Researchers have only recently discovered the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which in many ways acts like the internet of our body. Our cells use it as a kind of a body-wide information network to communicate with each other as the ECS allows individual cells to send specific information to other cells throughout our body. The ECS influences inflammation, as well as our perception of pain signaling. And it helps cells coordinate our immune responses, and enables all of the different physiologic systems of our body to work together.

This course offers participants specialized education that covers at an introductory level how cannabis works in the human body as well as a look at current research on the ECS. The course covers how THC, CBD, terpenes and other cannabinoids work in the human body by stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS), as well as other therapeutic approaches to influencing this system. There will be a special emphasis on how changes to the ECS occur as we age, and how these might affect recommendations for older adults.