Shaan Kunwar, DO – Medical Cannabis Bradenton
At the office, patients often ask me the same question: “How does medical cannabis actually help my condition?” The answer lies in one of the most fascinating systems in the human body: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
What Is the Endocannabinoid System?
Discovered in the early 1990s while researchers were studying THC, the ECS is a complex cell-signaling network that helps maintain balance (homeostasis) throughout nearly every organ system. It’s active in your body even if you’ve never used cannabis.The ECS has three core components:
- Endocannabinoids – Molecules your body naturally produces (the two best-studied are anandamide and 2-AG).
- Cannabinoid Receptors – CB1 (mostly in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 (mostly in the immune system and peripheral tissues).
- Enzymes – Break down endocannabinoids once they’ve done their job.
Think of the ECS as your body’s master regulator for:
- Pain sensation
- Mood and stress response
- Appetite and digestion
- Sleep cycles
- Inflammation and immune function
- Neuroprotection
When something throws these functions out of balance (chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, etc.), the ECS steps in to restore equilibrium.How Plant Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and others) Interact with the ECSCannabis contains over 140 different phytocannabinoids. The two most researched are:
- THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) – Binds directly to CB1 receptors (primarily in the brain), which is why it can produce euphoria and strong pain relief. It also activates CB2 receptors to a lesser degree.
- CBD (Cannabidiol) – Does not bind strongly to CB1 or CB2. Instead, it gently modulates receptor activity, increases natural endocannabinoid levels, and interacts with serotonin, TRPV1 (“capsaicin”), and other non-cannabinoid receptors. This is why CBD is excellent for inflammation, anxiety, and seizures without causing intoxication.
Minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, CBC) and terpenes (myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool) further fine-tune the therapeutic effects — this is called the entourage effect.Proven Therapeutic Effects Supported by Research
| Condition | How the ECS & Cannabis Help |
|---|---|
| Chronic Pain | THC reduces pain signaling; CBD lowers inflammation |
| Anxiety & PTSD | CBD enhances anandamide (“bliss molecule”) and calms overactive stress circuits |
| Insomnia | THC in low-to-moderate doses + sedating terpenes (myrcene, linalool) promote sleep |
| Nausea / Appetite Loss | THC strongly activates CB1 receptors in the brainstem and gut |
| Neuroinflammation | CBD and CBG show powerful antioxidant and neuroprotective properties |
| Spasticity (MS, Parkinson’s) | Balanced THC/CBD ratios reduce muscle stiffness and tremors |
| Epilepsy | CBD (FDA-approved as Epidiolex®) dramatically reduces seizure frequency in rare epilepsies |
Why Medical Supervision MattersWhile the ECS is remarkably safe (there are no documented overdose deaths from cannabis alone), the “right dose” and “right ratio” vary dramatically between patients. A strain that helps one person sleep may keep another awake. A high-THC product that eases one patient’s pain may worsen another’s anxiety.As a Florida-certified Qualified Physician, my role is to:
- Review your full medical history and current medications
- Recommend evidence-based cannabinoid ratios and delivery methods (inhalation, tinctures, capsules, topicals)
- Start low and titrate slowly to find your therapeutic window
- Monitor progress and adjust as needed
Final ThoughtsMedical cannabis isn’t a miracle cure, but for many patients suffering from chronic conditions, it offers something conventional medications often don’t: a chance to work with your body’s own regulatory system instead of overriding it.If you live in the Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, or Sarasota area and are interested in learning whether medical cannabis might help you, schedule a consultation today.
Shaan Kunwar, DO
East County Internal Medicine
11009 Gatewood Drive, Suite 104
Bradenton, FL 34211
(941) 727-7771
www.MedicalCannabisBradenton.com
Florida law requires a bona fide physician-patient relationship and certification that benefits outweigh risks. Same-day certifications available for qualifying conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
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