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What are cannabinoids and how do they work?

Apr 29

What are cannabinoids and how do they work? 

What are cannabinoids and how do they work? A common question. This article will attempt to answer your most frequently asked questions about cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids- A brief explanation

The cannabis plant is rich in cannabinoids. Unfortunately, research into their effects is still in its early stages. Scientists are still unable to study the medical benefits of cannabis and cannabinoids due to widespread demonization.

Over 480 active chemicals have been identified in cannabis over the past few years. Only the cannabis plant has 80 of these important compounds. This number of active substances yields many new variables.

The 8 Most Important Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids interact in our bodies with cannabinoid-receptors. They have different effects on our nervous system and brain. We have listed the eight most important cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant for simplicity.

THC - (-)-D9-trans-Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC is most commonly known cannabinoid. This cannabinoid has the psychoactive properties of marijuana. THC causes dopamine release, which can cause euphoria.

THC is closely linked to CBG and CBD. CBG is the mother to THC and CBD. CBG can be converted to THC and CBD as part of the cannabis plant's growth.

Cannabidiol

CBD (cannabidiol), is becoming more and more popular over the years. Cannabidiol, the most important component of the hemp plant, is now the dominant substance. Studies on medical cannabinoid effects have shown remarkable results. CBD isn't psychoactive so it won't make you feel "high". One common use of CBD is in CBD Hard Candy. Some even believe that cannabidiol reduces, or at minimum regulates, the effects THC.

CBG - Cannabigerol

Recent research shows that CBG is responsible for the production of THC as well as CBD. CBG is the stem cell that becomes a two-cell in the growth phase. CBG is the template. CBG can be converted to THC and CBD during flowering.

Cannabinol

CBN is naturally found in cannabis plants as they age. CBN is formed when the cannabinoid THC is heated or exposed oxygen. THC extracted from cannabis can also produce CBN.

CBC - Cannabichromene

CBC isn't intoxicating so it doesn’t cause a high as THC. Because it does not bind well to CB1 receptors in the brain, it is considered non-toxic. CBC can bind with other receptors, including the vanilloid and transient receptor potentiel ankyrin (TRPA1), which are connected to pain perception. These receptors can be activated by CBC and anandamide, the body's natural endocannabinoids, are released.