Human beings have been using cannabis for thousands of years as a health aid for anything from nausea to chronic pain. We are continuing to discover new benefits of cannabis every day through modern science and experimenting with different parts of the plant. Cannabis is a very complex plant so let’s start with the way Cannabinoids work in the human body and then we will provide a basic breakdown of the cannabinoids found in cannabis and their medical benefits.
Cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis elicit various effects when they bind to receptor sites in the cell walls of our bodies, illustrating our close relationship with the cannabis plant.
CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain. They are also present in both the male and female reproductive systems. CB1 receptors are absent in the medulla oblongata, the part of the brain stemresponsible for respiratory and cardiovascular functions. Therefore, there is no risk of respiratory or cardiovascular failure that can be induced by some drugs. CB1 receptors appear to be responsible for the euphoric and anticonvulsive effects of cannabis.
CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system, with the greatest density in the spleen. CB2 receptors appear to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
Here are the most common cannabinoids found in the cannabis plants, along with some of their known effects. We hope this information helps you discover all the different cannabinoids in cannabis strains available and how they can help you.
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is well known for its psychoactive effects including: euphoria, sensory enhancement, anti-cancer, anti-nausea, pain relief, improves appetite, help for glaucoma, muscle relaxant, help for autoimmune disorders, and anti-inflammatory.
CBD or cannabidiol is not psychoactive, but it enhances the effects of THC. CBD has great medical properties. The effects include: anti-depressant, anti-cancer, anti-nausea, anxiolytic, pain relief, mitigates spasms, improves blood circulation, help for autoimmune disorders, and bone stimulant.
CBG or cannabigerol is not psychoactive. It is commonly found in large quantities in fiber hemp. Certain medical strains have considerable CBG. Effects include: potential as an anti-cancer agent, lowers blood pressure, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and bone stimulant.
THCV or tetrahydrocannabivarin is not psychoactive but moderates some of the effects of THC. THCV is present in certain strains of cannabis. Effects include: decreased appetite, mitigates seizures, bone stimulant, and may help with diabetes.
CBN or cannabinol is a decomposition product of THC from exposure to heat or light, and very little CBN is found in fresh plants. CBN has mild psychoactivity and effects include: pain relief, may causes drowsy sensation, mitigates spasms, helps glaucoma, and is an anti-inflammatory.
CBC or cannabichromene is not psychoactive. Effects include: anti-cancer, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and bone stimulant.
Anandamide, or AEA, is one of the endocannabinoids found in the human body and has a chemical structure unlike the phyto-cannabinoids found in cannabis. Anandamide regulates the functions of our central nervous system and our immune system. AEA regulates appetite, memory, sensations of pleasure and pain, our immune system, and sleep patterns. It also inhibits certain cancers, such as breast cancer in humans.