Shari B. Kaplan, LCSWIntegrative Mental Health

Why Cannabis Works as Medicine: The Endocannabinoid System Explained

3 Apr 2026 · 1 min

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1:16

In this introductory video, Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, explains that the human body possesses an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that originates in the gut and produces its own cannabinoids—chemicals identical to those found in cannabis plants. She describes how the ECS includes receptors distributed throughout all organs and tissues, as well as enzymes that break down these endogenous cannabinoids. When a person experiences chronic stress, illness, injury, or surgery, the body must work harder to produce cannabinoids to restore balance, because the ECS coordinates the harmonious functioning of bodily systems and supports self‑correction and healing. Consequently, external cannabis formulations can replenish depleted cannabinoids, aiding both mind and body. Kaplan promises a series of future videos that will detail specific cannabis formulations matched to particular symptoms and conditions, guiding viewers on how to begin using cannabis therapeutically to achieve optimal wellbeing.

Chapters

Let me tell you why cannabis works as medicine in your body. We have an endocannabinoid system that starts in our gut. And that means we produce our own cannabinoids, the same compounds that are found in cannabis plants. Additionally, we have receptors throughout all of our organs in our bodies and our tissues, as well as enzymes that break down the cannabinoid compounds that our body naturally makes. Now, when you are under chronic stress, have illnesses, or injuries, our body has to work really hard to produce more cannabinoids to get our bodies back into balance because our endocannabinoid system is responsible for all of our organs and our systems working together in perfect harmony so our bodies can self-correct and self-heal. So when you have different illnesses or injuries, or you've had surgery, We need to replenish our natural cannabinoids. If you stay with me and listen to our videos, I'm going to share with you what formulations you need for what symptoms and what illnesses and how to start using cannabis formulations to help both your mind and your body be at its optimal state of wellbeing. I hope you'll join me.