Understanding My Endocannabinoid System: A Woman’s Journey to Personalized Cannabis Use

The first time I encountered the concept of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) was during my initial dive into online cannabis research. I have to admit, I didn’t fully grasp what I was reading. The idea that our bodies might have a system specifically designed to interact with the cannabis plant seemed far-fetched, almost impossible. My skepticism only grew when I brought this up with my Primary Care Doctor, who had absolutely no idea what I was talking about. In fact, by the end of our conversation, I felt like I had educated her more than she had me! It’s a running joke now that she should have paid *me* for that visit.

This experience made it clear that I was on my own when it came to understanding the ECS. Thankfully, many knowledgeable individuals had already paved the way, and I was able to build on their work to develop my current understanding. It's important to note that this has been an evolving process for me; I’ve learned things along the way that have reshaped my views. If you notice a shift in my perspective, that’s because continued education is crucial to a growth mindset.

There’s a ton of information on the internet, but when it comes to reliable sources outside of published medical studies, I prefer books. I love the tactile experience of flipping through pages written by reputable, well-educated authors. These books provide me with accurate, verifiable information that I can reference on the spot or recommend to others. Plus, I’ve always had a thirst for knowledge, and what could be more intriguing than an entire system in our bodies that even our own doctors might not know about?

Once I began my educational journey into the ECS, I found myself with more questions than answers. But at the same time, I felt empowered by my growing understanding of why cannabis played such a significant role in my life. Previously, my main concern was how to use cannabis to manage my pain. But as my understanding of the ECS deepened, my focus shifted to how I could manage my ECS for optimal results. This shift happened around late 2014 and early 2015, and it wasn’t easy to find reliable information. Raphael Mechoulam’s work was groundbreaking, but difficult to digest. It wasn’t until a local CBD startup introduced me to Dr. Ethan Russo’s book, *Cannabis and Cannabinoids*, that I found a clearer path. This, in turn, led me to Dr. Mark L. Rabe’s work on cannabinoid research, and eventually to the writings of Michelle Sexton, ND. Among all the so-called “experts” I’ve encountered, Dr. Sexton stands out as being honest, comprehensive, and, most importantly, easy to understand. Her latest book, *Eat Sleep Relax Protect Forget*, has become a blueprint in my quest for balance.

Before discovering Dr. Sexton’s work, I spent years trying to keep up with new discoveries about cannabinoids. It seemed like every time I thought I had a handle on things, new information would come to light, making me feel like I was taking one step forward and three steps back. For someone with hyperosmia (an increased sensitivity to smells), learning about terpenes and their roles was particularly fascinating. At that time, “The Entourage Effect” became a buzzword, referring to the theory that the full spectrum of cannabis compounds—phytocannabinoids and terpenes—work best when they interact together, enhancing each other’s effects.

With this newfound knowledge, I felt like I finally had a roadmap. Understanding the ECS, cannabinoids, terpenes, and full-spectrum cannabis allowed me to better manage my symptoms. I found that strains with a 1:1 THC:CBD ratio were effective for general pain management, but I needed higher THC levels for acute injuries or flare-ups. High-CBN strains helped with insomnia, while specific terpenes like Limonene improved focus and Linalool provided calming effects. However, it was frustrating that, prior to 2017, few brands were conducting comprehensive testing, and even when they did, the data provided was often limited to THC and CBD percentages.

I also experimented with topicals and transdermal patches, which yielded positive results. However, the challenge remained: I needed to find my personal “secret sauce.” My ECS was constantly in flux, changing day by day depending on various factors affecting my body. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, new information would emerge, forcing me to reassess my approach. 

There were times when this journey felt overwhelming, and I’ll admit, I’ve considered giving up more often than I’d like to admit. Another frustration has been the lag between what I’ve learned and the cannabis industry and medical community catching up. For example, while it was enlightening to discover why certain Sativa strains caused me anxiety and why I was drawn to specific terpenes, it was equally frustrating to learn that the terms "Indica" and "Sativa" were often misleading. Additionally, inconsistencies in dispensary offerings and the varying environmental conditions affecting cannabis growth added to the challenge of finding reliable, consistent products.

Today, after nearly a decade of research and self-education, I finally feel prepared to tackle my quest for balance. Dr. Sexton’s latest book was a tipping point for me, offering the information I needed in one accessible place. It’s informative, easy to read, and has helped me implement strategies to be mindful of my cannabis use and its effects on my ever-changing life. 

I encourage you to explore this topic further, whether by picking up Dr. Sexton’s book or embarking on your own journey. Let’s continue learning and growing together.

Cara