The Endocannabinoid System as Intrinsic Displacement Buffer: CB1/CB2 Signaling, Retrograde Inhibition, and Cannabis as Exogenous Ground State Modulator

We apply the Displacement Framework to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), formalizing it as the body's intrinsic displacement-buffering architecture. The core mechanism — retrograde inhibition via CB1 receptor activation — is shown to satisfy a formal buffer inequality: postsynaptic displacement triggers endocannabinoid release that suppresses further presynaptic input, constituting negative feedback on displacement.

We derive propositions on clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) as wrong-attractor capture across fibromyalgia, IBS, migraine, and PTSD; THC as apparent displacement reduction with tolerance cost (CB1 downregulation); and CBD as genuine return extension via FAAH inhibition without tolerance. Exercise (runner's high as AEA-mediated return), plant-based diet (omega-3:6 ratio for endocannabinoid precursor availability), and lifestyle factors are analyzed.

Five testable predictions are derived.