Nature Vs. Nurture: Feeding the Human Endocannabinoid System

In preparing for today’s show about the endocannabinoid system, I stumbled upon an article that used a “Nature vs Nurture” argument to make a case that marijuana is “the most dangerous gateway drug” that is “addictive” due to nurture, or influences of society or “a troubled homelife,” not nature. To anyone who knows anything about cannabis, the argument would seem absurd. Despite the falsehoods, the author presented an interesting paradigm.

“Nature vs Nurture” arguments beg to definitively answer one side or another of an either/or question. By nature, our genetic makeup – our DNA – can determine our predisposition for disease and how we respond to cures. There are so many interdependent systems in our bodies that keep us in balance. When one breaks down, all others are impacted. Therefore, it seems that nurture, the way we care for ourselves, would be a larger determining factor, despite our genetic make up, or nature. Or would it?

When it comes to reasons why people gravitate to cannabis, however, it seems impossible to separate nature from nurture. In recent weeks, we have talked about the groundbreaking discovery of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant role in our overall health and wellbeing. As Dr. Bryan Doner explains in this week’s Medical Marijuana Minute, there is mounting evidence that cannabinoid deficiency can lead to a number of health problems. Our nature provided us with an amazing tool. What scientists are beginning to realize is that it must be nurtured in order for it to reach its full potential. In other words, humans actually need cannabis by nature. In that regard, the reason some intuitively gravitate toward using it has to do with both, nature and nurture.

That’s the topic of today’s show and something our guests, two dynamic nurse educators, know a lot about. We hope you enjoy the episode!

Juhlzie Monteiro and Heather Manus are registered nurses specializing in cannabis. They are co-founders of the Cannabis Education Network and frequently appear together as speakers educating healthcare practitioners, patients and business professionals about the endocannabinoid system.

Heather Manus RN is a registered psychiatric nurse who began working in cannabis sciences since 2010 when she was the Medical Director of a New Mexico cannabis dispensary. She is President of Arizona Cannabis Nurses Association and founder of Nature’s Nurse cannabis products. She also advocates for veterans’ rights to access cannabis for PTSD and helps patients transition away from harmful pharmaceuticals.

Nurse Juhlzie Monteiro RN, BSK (@AskNurseJuhlzie) is a nurse educator with specialties in Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Pediatric ER/Trauma (PALS) and Adult ER, Outpatient Surgery and Pain Management. She is the President of Nevada Cannabis Nurses Association, Executive Board member of Nature’s Nurse, founder of Cannabis Nurses Network and Editor-in-Chief of Cannabis Nurses Magazine.

If not for the generosity of our supporters, we wouldn’t be here! We’d first like to thank our sponsors at Hemp Meds and Zephyr Labs. We’d also like to shout out to our producer, Windy West at Star Worldwide Networks, Erik Godal, the composer of our theme “Evergreen,” Dr. Bryan Doner, who has our Medical Marijuana Minute and Compassionate Certification Centers for helping us spread the word. We are grateful!