Cannabis is a jackpot of a plant for a number of reasons, but perhaps none so much as what you?ll find inside. Cannabinoids are found in abundance in cannabis, many of which are exclusive to this plant. So far, 66 varieties of cannabinoids have been discovered, and their benefits and functions continue to pique the interest of scientists and medical professionals.

 

Here?s a blunt look at cannabinoids, including what they are and how they function.

Define: What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants. They?re not something you can see, taste, or smell, but your body can feel their effects. For example, delta-nine-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that is responsible for the ?high? feeling.

 

To create cannabinoids, the cannabis plant ?activates? cannabinoid acids (usually by heat) to produce the compounds.

 

Cannabinoids are defined based on their interaction with cannabinoid receptors found on the surface of your body?s cells. These receptors are found naturally in the body via the central nervous system and are classified in two main groups: CB1 and CB2.

 

The effects of cannabinoids on the body depends on which area of the brain they stimulate. For example, some may impact memory while others may affect cognition or the perception of pain.

Most Popular Cannabinoids

Though THC gets most of the attention, there are many other cannabinoids produced by cannabis plants. Let?s look at some of the other common ones:

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is rapidly becoming a household name and helping to break the stigma surrounding cannabis. It?s often found in the form of CBD oil, but a number of other products are starting to infuse it, everything from candies and coffees to lotions and cocktails. This is the cannabinoid that is showing the most promising future in the medical field. Numerous studies have supported its use in treating pain, anxiety, seizures, and other conditions.

Cannabinol (CBN)

Cannabinol is produced from degraded THC, so it?s mildly psychoactive (about a quarter of THC?s potency, according to research). The result of CBN intake is usually a sedated effect.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid, cannabigerol is distinguished by its antibacterial properties. CBG has shown an ability to kill or slow bacterial growth, decrease inflammation, and inhibit cancer or tumor cell growth.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

Like other forms of cannabinoids, cannabichromene has shown positive effects in reducing inflammation, slowing the growth of cancer cells and tumors, and relieving pain. It?s most popular in tropical strains of cannabis.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCa)

The acid form of THC, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the main star in raw cannabis. When heated, burned, or vaporized, it converts into delta 9 THC. THCa is powerful in reducing feelings of pain and demonstrates anti-inflammatory benefits.

What Else to Know about Cannabinoids

In this budding industry, it?s important to know that most cannabinoids will not get you high. However, cannabinoids can impact how THC affects you.

 

There?s still much to learn about cannabinoids and how they can benefit our bodies and overall health. Keep doing your homework so you can get more from your cannabis experience.

 

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