In the world of medicinal cannabis, the journey towards healing and balance can sometimes take unexpected turns. My experience is a testament to the complexities of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the delicate balance required to maintain its optimal function. The story of how I navigated through the pitfalls of overusing THC to discovering the rebalancing powers of CBGa, ultimately leading to the development of a methodology I call "ECS Balance Control," has been read by many.
But in my case, the use was medicinal; in some cases, it's recreational, and that causes an ECS imbalance or dysfunction much like we gain from using THC-laden cannabis oils.
It's important to note that many medicinal cannabis patients, such as myself, find a lot of joy in the recreational use of the same plant. After all, it's the same herb called medicinal and recreational. How confusing is that?
The Pitfall: Overindulgence and Its Consequences
For years, I was caught in a cycle of using high doses of cannabis oils and THC to combat chronic pain and other ailments. This reliance was not just a preference but a necessity, especially after deciding to quit conventional pain medication.
However, this approach led to an unexpected and challenging predicament: my body's ECS became desensitized to THC. Like many, in my case, the very substance that provided relief became ineffective, leaving me in a state of constant anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort.
The answer was never to discontinue the use of it, such as many will state they do with a tolerance break. Instead, it was to find a way out of a strange trap, one in which THC would not work; often it felt more like a maze we put mice in to research how they find their way out.
"It was a harsh realization that even THC Cannabis oil, when misused, could lead to adverse effects on my health and well-being."
The Turning Point: Discovering CBGa
As I've spoken of quite often, in my quest for solutions, I turned to various cannabinoids for relief, including CBD, known for its therapeutic properties without the psychoactive effects of THC. But it was CBGa (Cannabigerolic acid) that became the game-changer.
Unlike THC, CBGa does not bind directly to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain - it's not a 'hard docker' - meaning it causes action in a way that is quite different than THC and other cannabinoids.
Instead of a direct receptor hit, it acts on the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)) to support endocannabinoids' natural production and function, which are crucial for maintaining the body's internal balance. CBGa, often referred to in research as the "mother of all cannabinoids," plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of other cannabinoids within the cannabis plant.
Its therapeutic potential is vast, with research suggesting benefits in inflammation, pain management, and neuroprotection. But more importantly, for someone in my situation, CBGa offered a way to reset and rejuvenate the ECS, providing a pathway out of the tolerance and dependence cycle caused by THC overuse.
ECS Balance Control: A New Approach
The journey through my life's challenges led to a deeper understanding of the ECS and the realization that balance, rather than constant stimulation, is critical to its practical function. This insight was the foundation of ECS Balance Control—a holistic approach to restoring the ECS to its optimal state, allowing cannabinoids to work more effectively.
ECS Balance Control is not just about reducing the intake of THC or switching to different cannabinoids. It's about embracing a comprehensive lifestyle and treatment strategy that includes diet, exercise, stress management, and the judicious use of cannabinoids like CBGa and CBD. This approach recognizes the ECS as a critical regulator of physiological processes and seeks to enhance its natural capabilities.
Moving Forward
My journey from overindulgence in THC oils to discovering the balancing effects of CBGa has been both challenging and enlightening. It underscores the importance of understanding our body's systems and the substances we use to treat ailments. Cannabis, with its complex array of cannabinoids, offers vast therapeutic potential, but it requires a nuanced approach to unlock its benefits fully.
As we continue to explore the intricacies of the ECS and the role of cannabinoids like CBGa, it's crucial to remember that balance is at the heart of wellness. Whether you're a long-time cannabis user or exploring its medicinal benefits for the first time, considering the health of your ECS is essential for achieving the best outcomes.
For those navigating similar challenges, know that there is hope and that solutions like CBGa and the principles of ECS Balance Control can offer a pathway to the recovery of our vital Endocannabinoid System, and in that, we advance our well-being.
-Mike Robinson, Global Cannabis Educator and Creator of ECS Balance Control, The Researcher OG
