A plant ally is a plant or fungus with which a person develops a reciprocal relationship based on mutual respect, in which the person seeks and acknowledges the plant’s help, and the plant may offer its benefits for physical healing, emotional support, or spiritual growth. We develop a relationship with the intention of bonding intuitively, observing and studying the plant over time and through all phases of its life cycle. We explore making and experiencing our plant ally’s medicine.

We would all benefit from a period of focused and intentional learning and bonding with any plant medicine we intend to use. Cannabis, in particular, is a complex medicine that impacts us on a spiritual, mental, and physical level. Developing a bonded relationship with this incredible plant medicine has the potential to heighten our experiences with it. Cannabis can be a powerful plant ally.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Prohibition has prevented us from conducting extensive scientific research for nearly a century; however, there have been substantial breakthroughs worldwide. One such breakthrough was the discovery of our Endocannabinoid System. This system within our bodies is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, meaning it keeps the body’s internal environment stable, particularly during times of stress or external changes.

The ECS regulates and controls some of our most critical body functions, such as learning and memory, fertility, eating, emotional processing, temperature regulation, sleep, the inflammatory and immune responses, and pain control.

Specifically, the ECS is a system of receptors located throughout all major body systems, comprised of three main components: endocannabinoids (naturally produced molecules or keys), cannabinoid receptors (landing sites or locks), and enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids (clean-up crew).

Endocannabinoids

Two relatively well-studied Endocannabinoids produced by the ECS are Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The molecules bind to our receptors and regulate a wide range of functions, including mood, appetite, memory, pain sensation, and fertility. One of the most commonly recognized effects of these molecules and our ECS is “runner’s high” or the euphoric feeling we get after sustained physical exertion.

Anandamide (AEA) derives its name from the Sanskrit word Ananda, which means “joy, bliss, delight,” and plays a role in regulating various physiological functions, including neurotransmitter release, pain perception, and reward pathways.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is involved in CNS (central nervous system) development and synaptic plasticity, a process fundamental to learning, memory, and brain development.

Just like any other body system, the ECS can be hyper- or under-active, which in turn can manifest in myriad health conditions. Many of which we are only just discovering the potential cause, despite countless sufferers over decades with no effective treatments or understanding of their causes.

Understanding (phyto)Cannabinoids

Phyto-Cannabinoids are the compounds found within the Cannabis plant: THC, CBD, CBG, THCV, CBN, CBC, CBV, and many more, often in trace amounts, and are critical to the full-spectrum, synergistic benefits of whole plant medicine.

THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC is widely recognized as the compound within Cannabis that is intoxicating; it creates a euphoric, uplifting psychoactive state, most often associated with increased appetite and sleepiness. Other effects can include heightened creativity, reduced anxiety and depression, pain relief, nausea relief, and altered sensory perception. THC molecules mimic our Endocannabinoids and bind with our Endocannabinoid receptors like keys in locks.

If my ECS is dysregulated and underactive, this deficiency might manifest in conditions like anxiety, depression, addiction, hypertension, or neuropathic pain, such as migraine, IBS, and fibromyalgia. I might choose to supplement with THC, which mimics our Endocannabinoids and binds to our receptors, supports the ECS, and compensates for its deficiency, thereby reducing or eliminating the symptoms of my dysregulated ECS.

CBD – Cannabidiol

CBD is another compound of the Cannabis plant that people recognize but perhaps do not fully understand. It is often said that CBD is not psychoactive, but that’s not entirely accurate – CBD is not intoxicating, but it is psychoactive. Known uses are for chronic pain management, promoting restful sleep, treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, epilepsy and seizures, IBS, addiction, and inflammation.

Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to our receptors; instead, it works in several subtle yet significant ways to maintain homeostasis. CBD inhibits the enzyme that breaks down AEA, allowing the “bliss molecule” to remain in our system longer, thereby enhancing our mood and reducing pain perception. CBD influences the function of ECS receptors by turning down one set and augmenting another, which is linked to our immune and inflammatory responses.

It also interacts with receptors outside of the ECS; activating Serotonin receptors, desensitizing our pain receptors, and blocking receptors linked to bone density regulation and the proliferation of cancer cells. CBD can upregulate our Vitamin D receptors, amplifying Vitamin D’s biological activity. This Phytocannabinoid works best when taken consistently.

Our Intrinsic Ally

The medicinal and spiritual use of Cannabis dates back to prehistoric times. Humans understood the power and importance of Cannabis as a plant ally long before modern scientific evidence was available. There is so much magic woven throughout the history of Cannabis: its place as a sacred plant in ancient religions, its development and evolution across time and different lands, and even the restrictions and eventual prohibition speak to its power.

If you intentionally quiet the noise, use your senses and intuition to notice if Cannabis calls you. If she does, introduce yourself, express gratitude, and develop a relationship with this ancient, magical plant. You won’t be disappointed. You were made for each other.

Love you to your roots,

Elizabeth

Everything shared here is offered for learning, curiosity, and empowerment. I’m a herbalist and educator, not a medical professional, and nothing on this site is meant to diagnose, treat, or replace the care of a qualified healthcare provider. Our bodies are sacred and complex—please consult with a licensed medical practitioner before making changes to your wellness routines, herbs, or treatments.