Is it possible to be "Deficient" in Cannabinoids?
Can a lack of cannabinoids be the root cause of chronic illness?
In 2001, Dr. Ethan Russo proposed a groundbreaking theory: Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED).
The theory suggests that just as you can be deficient in iron or Vitamin D, you can be deficient in endocannabinoids. If your "endocannabinoid tone" is chronically low, your body loses its ability to regulate pain and mood effectively.
Research suggests this deficiency might be the common link between treatment-resistant conditions like:
Migraines
Fibromyalgia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The Takeaway: Understanding the ECS shifts the conversation about cannabis from "getting high" to "getting healthy." Whether through phytocannabinoids (CBD/THC), diet, or exercise, supporting this system is essential for maintaining that golden state of balance: homeostasis.
This concludes our 4-part series on the ECS. Questions? Drop them below.
Source/Further Reading:
Dr. Ethan Russo / NIH: Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Reconsidered – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24977967/