Cannabinoids are a class of naturally occurring chemical compounds produced in the resin glands of the cannabis plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two most well-known cannabinoids, but cannabis produces over 100 cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are not only found in cannabis; they are also produced naturally in the body. However, the cannabinoids produced in our bodies—called “endocannabinoids”—behave differently than those found in cannabis-called “phytocannabinoids.” We do not feel high from the endocannabinoids produced by our bodies.
Cannabinoids interact with a natural biological system in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is believed to play an important role in regulating biological functions like sleep, appetite, and mood. To help this system function, the body naturally produces its own cannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG; however, these cannabinoids do not behave in the same way that plant cannabinoids (like THC) do.
Different cannabinoids do different things. For example, CBD affects cell signaling in such a way that may suppress seizure activity without inducing any sort of intoxicating effects. THC, on the other hand, readily interacts with a particular type of cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which causes us to feel an intoxicating reaction referred to as the high.
All classes of cannabinoids derive from cannabigerol-type (CBGa) compounds and differ mainly in the way this precursor is cyclized. The classical cannabinoids (the Big Six) are derived from their respective 2-carboxylic acids (2-COOH) by decarboxylation (catalyzed by heat, light, or alkaline conditions).
Big Six
Refers to the six best known cannabinoids: THC, CBC, CBD, CBG, CBN and THCv.
CB1 Receptors
CB1 receptors make up one piece of our biological system called the endocannabinoid system the primary function of which is to keep our bodies operating in balance—or, more technically, to maintain homeostasis. These CB1 receptors, which are abundant in the brain, help regulate communication between cells in service of homeostasis.
Cannabis compounds like THC bind to CB1 receptors and activate them, which allows us to experience some of the signature effects of cannabis such as euphoria. CB1 activation (or inhibition as it relates to neuron signaling) is associated with a variety of other effects as well, including sensory feelings, pain, memory and mood function, and sleep and appetite regulation.
CB2 Receptors
CB2 receptors, or cannabinoid receptor type 2, is an important part of the endocannabinoid system with which cannabis interacts. It receptors are primarily found in cells of the body’s immune system,
whereas CB1 receptors are heavily concentrated in the brain and nervous system. It is believed that CB2 receptors may play a role in regulating immune system responses such as inflammation.
These receptors allow us to experience the subjective and therapeutic effects of cannabis by interacting with its compounds, such as CBD. One cannabis terpene, caryophyllene, appears to also interact with CB2 receptors.
CBDa
CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) is the raw form or precursor of the well-known cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol), and is a compound widely found in CBD-rich cannabis cultivars. When CBDa is exposed to heat or UV light, decarboxylation takes place, and the compound is converted into CBD. Although CBD is well- known for its therapeutic properties, CBDa boasts health benefits of its own.
CBDV
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a minor phytocannabinoid found in cannabis. This lesser-known cannabinoid is non-intoxicating and does not induce a high when consumed. CBDV tends to be found in higher concentrations in cultivars that are high in CBD and low in THC. Emerging evidence indicates that CBDV may offer several medicinal benefits, helping to keep nausea at bay, treating behavioral issues associated with autism spectrum disorder, and easing inflammation.
CBC
CBC (cannabichromene) is considered one of the “big six” cannabinoids. It is non-intoxicating, so it does not produce a euphoric high like THC. While CBC has singular benefits it also seems to have greater benefits when working with other cannabinoids to potentially inhibiting tumor growth, new cancer cells, inflammation, pain, brain cell degradation and depression.
CBD
CBD (cannabidiol) is a chemical cannabinoid compound found in all three species of cannabis. CBC is non-intoxicating, so it does not produce a euphoric high like THC. CBD has anecdotally (and through a growing number of controlled research trials) been found to be effective in treating neuropathic pain caused by MS, Diabetes, Lupus, cancer and other injuries. It is also frequently used to combat anxiety, seizures, sleeplessness, and nausea and to mute the stoned effect of THC.
On a molecular level, the CBD derived from hemp and cannabis are the same. However, there are significant factors that differentiate CBD sourced from the two plants and the base material used to create CBD products. Where and how the CBD is sourced and the regulations surrounding the production and refinement of CBD products are crucial to the safety and efficacy of those products.
CBG
CBG (Cannabigerol) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis that has gained a lot of interest recently. CBGa, the acid form of CBG, is thought to be the precursor of all other cannabinoids. Cannabigerol is not as common as THC or CBD. It is thought to be helpful with inflammation, glaucoma, and even slowing the spread of cancer.
CBL
CBL (cannabicyclol) is a non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is a cannabinoid that forms when CBC (cannabichromene) degrades through exposure to UV light and oxidation. Research on this minor cannabinoid has been slow to progress, and little is known about the properties and therapeutic qualities of CBL.
CBN
CBN (Cannabinol) is created as THC ages and begins to break down which leads to the formation of CBN. It produces a milder euphoric high. Some of the potential uses of CBN observed in a few studies include use as a sleeping aid and pain relief. In addition, a study in 2005 found CBN could help delay the onset of ALS suggesting that CBN may have some neuroprotective properties.
Endocannabinoid
Endocannabinoids are a class of naturally occurring lipophilic molecules found in humans and all animals. These chemicals interact with the endocannabinoid system, a nervous signaling system found in all animals, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. By binding with endocannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids keep a variety of functions of the body in balance, such as sleep, mood, memory, pain, learning, inflammation, and hunger. They (endocannabinoids) are distinct from phytocannabinoids, which naturally occur in the cannabis plant.
Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system refers to a biological system of receptors (called endocannabinoid receptors), molecules (called endocannabinoids), and enzymes. It was first discovered and studied in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoid molecules, but similar molecules are also found in cannabis, called cannabinoids. When inhaled or ingested, these cannabinoids—like CBD and THC—interact with the endocannabinoid system to produce the many different effects cannabis has to offer, including enjoyable euphoria and pain and inflammation relief.
There are two primary types of endocannabinoid receptors found throughout the brain and body: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are heavily concentrated in the brain, while CB2 receptors are more abundant in other areas of the body, like the immune system. However, both types are found throughout the body. These are the two most widely studied cannabinoid receptors, but there are other types in the body as well.
The endocannabinoid system is believed to play a role in regulating a variety of human functions including sleep, appetite, memory, mood, reproduction, and pain sensation. It does so by maintaining homeostasis—a state of specific conditions in the body that allow for optimal cell functioning. When these conditions fall outside the normal range, cells cannot perform at optimal performance. Our endocannabinoid system is what helps our bodies maintain that healthy, balanced functioning.
Entourage Effect
The entourage effect refers to the belief that all compounds in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and more, work together synergistically to provide greater effects and health benefits than by themselves when consumed—the sum is greater than the whole of the parts.
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the body’s ability to monitor and maintain internal states, such as temperature and blood sugar, at fairly constant and stable levels. It refers to the human body’s ability to regulate various physiological processes to keep internal states steady and balanced.
Phytocannabinoid
Cannabinoids produced in the cannabis plant itself. These naturally occurring compounds in cannabis— such as THC and CBD—are produced in the cannabis plant’s resinous trichomes and directly interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system receptors to produce a spectrum of physical and mental effects. Phytocannabinoids are distinct from endocannabinoids, which naturally occur in the bodies of humans and animals.
THC
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) refers to the primary chemical compound responsible for cannabis’ euphoric effects. It is a cannabinoid, which are compounds produced by the cannabis plant that bind uniquely to receptors in the body called endocannabinoid receptors. A majority of cannabis varieties are THC-dominant, meaning THC is the most abundant cannabinoid. THC-dominant cannabis typically contains anywhere from 10% to 32% THC. Although many factors contribute to the potency of cannabis, generally a higher THC percentage correlates with a more intense high.
THCa
THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a non-intoxicating compound produced by the cannabis plant. It is the precursor of THC that occurs in live cannabis plants: THCa converts into THC slowly over time or more immediately in the presence of heat, such as when you smoke or vape flower. THCa is commonly consumed by juicing raw cannabis leaves, though it can also be prepared into oils and other products.
THCV
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a cannabinoid found in some varieties of cannabis. First discovered in 1971, this chemical is relatively rare but has become more popular over the years, leading cultivators to focus on breeding specialized THCV strains to meet demand. THCV is like THC in molecular structure and the psychoactive effects it produces. But THCV also differs from THC in important ways; it is known as an appetite suppressor and anxiety reducer.
Source: This information was primarily sourced from Leafly.com
