Cannabinoids are a class of compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a system of receptors and neurotransmitters regulating many bodily functions, including pain, appetite, mood, and memory.
Combining different cannabinoids (and terpenes) is believed to produce an "entourage effect" that can enhance the effectiveness of the individual compounds. Let’s break down the common cannabinoids present in cannabis so you can be aware of their function and effects on your body and mind.
The most common cannabinoids found in cannabis plants are THC and CBD.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis and is responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana use. According to research studies, the THC cannabinoid has therapeutic effects on pain, appetite, sleep, and mood. THC can also be helpful for people suffering from conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, and glaucoma, as well as for those suffering from nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce the "high" associated with THC. Similarly to THC, CBD provides therapeutic effects for many medical conditions, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and seizures. CBD is particularly helpful for people suffering from conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain. This cannabinoid is also believed to be able to modulate the effects of THC and other cannabinoids, making it an important consideration for medical cannabis patients.
Three major cannabinoids found in cannabis plants are CBG, CBN, and CBC. CBG (Cannabigerol) is non-psychoactive and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as therapeutic effects on a wide range of conditions, including glaucoma, osteoporosis, and cancer.
CBN (Cannabinol) is non-psychoactive and has sedative properties. It is produced as THC degrades, and it is found in older cannabis flowers as well.
CBC (Cannabichromene) is also non-psychoactive, and it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
The effectiveness of cannabinoids in treating various conditions can vary from person to person, which is why consulting with a medical professional before using medical cannabis products is essential. A medical professional can help guide the patient on the best strain and dosage for their individual needs.
Beyond THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC, these are some of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Each compound below interacts with the endocannabinoid system in its own unique way.
CBCA is the acid form of CBC and it is converted to CBC during the drying and curing process.
CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid) is the acid form of CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is converted to CBD during the drying and curing process. CBDA has been shown to have therapeutic effects on a wide range of conditions, such as pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and seizures. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Studies have shown that CBDA may have more potent anti-inflammatory effects than CBD. It is also being studied for its potential use in treating other conditions, such as cancer and osteoporosis.
CBDV (Cannabidivarin) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is believed to have therapeutic effects on seizures and pain and is being studied for its potential use in treating other conditions, such as anxiety and depression. CBDVA is the acid form of CBDV and is converted to CBDV during the drying and curing process.
CBGA is the acid form of CBG and is converted to CBG during the drying and curing process.
CBL (Cannabicyclol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is believed to have sedative properties and is being studied for its potential therapeutic effects on anxiety and insomnia.
CBNA is the acid form of CBN and is converted to CBN during the drying and curing process.
Delta-9-THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants and is responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana use. It has been shown to have therapeutic effects on pain, appetite, sleep, and mood.
Delta-8-THC is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It has a structure similar to Delta-9-THC, and it is believed to have similar effects, but it is considered less psychoactive.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acid form of THC, and it is converted to THC during the drying and curing process.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is believed to have appetite-suppressing properties and is being studied for its potential therapeutic effects on obesity and diabetes.
THCVA is the acid form of THCV and is converted to THCV during the drying and curing process.
Marijuana plants contain at least 100 cannabinoid compounds. Some produce a “high” effect, others are felt in the body, and others fit somewhere in between.
As an active user of cannabis, understanding how the most common cannabinoids interact with your ECS helps build your knowledge to make the best use decisions for your mind and body.
Contact a medical marijuana professional for better clarity and understanding on cannabinoids.
%20copy.webp)
