“Cannabinoids are a fundamental part of the cannabis plant. These naturally occurring chemical compounds contribute to the myriad of effects cannabis consumers experience.” – Emma Stone, “What is a Cannabinoid?”
definition, effects & potential Benefits
Cannabinoids are one of two groups of plant chemicals that give cannabis its amazing psychoactive and medicinal qualities. Of the 700 or more chemicals found in cannabis, cannabinoids are a group of about 80 compounds that have a chemical structure that scientists describe as terpenophenolics. They are arrangements of 21 carbon atoms that are more complicated than the other group of cannabis chemicals, the terpenes.
Cannabinoids are woven into the way our bodies work. Our nervous system not only has specialized receptors that can be activated from marijuana, but we also make similar molecules called endocannabinoids without the plant. Cannabinoids also occur in some other surprising plant sources, like chocolate, truffles, and black pepper. If you love chocolate, truffles, or black pepper, or maybe all three, now you know why!
The human body produces endocannabinoids in already-activated form. The cannabinoids in marijuana, however, have to be activated by heat. Raw cannabis doesn’t really contain THC, CBD, and so on. It contains an acidified form of these plant compounds that has to be broken down by heating. Technically, the inactive THCA and CBDA acids in marijuana can be activated by storing them in a warm room, but most users break them down faster by smoking, vaping, or baking.
For a long time, scientists believed that the buzz you get from pot was solely due to THC. Then they turned their attention to the calming effects of CBD.
Now scientists recognized that there are other important cannabinoids in cannabis, making the working list:
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
- CBD (cannabidiol)
- CBG (cannabigerol)
- CBC (cannabuichromene)
There is a fifth well-known cannabinoid called CBN (cannabinol), that forms when THC is exposed to the air.
As you probably know, different strains of marijuana produce very different amounts of cannabinoids. There are just a few genes, for instance, that control THC production. Some combinations of genes result in 25% of the weight of the bud being THC. Other combinations of the same genes result in the THC content being less than 1 percent.
what are the potential benefits of cannabinoids?
Adding to the differences among strains is the fact that the chemicals that give different strains their aromas — the terpenes — also have medicinal effects. The result is that your nose can tell you if a new product is likely to work for you. But most of what makes you feel buzzed or stoned, or sometimes both, is due to the cannabinoids.
** Cancer.org “Marijuana and Cancer”
For more inforMATION:
For more information, please visit any of the following links!
Science Direct Scientific Articles
Atakan Z. Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2012 Dec;2(6):241-54. doi: 10.1177/2045125312457586. PMID: 23983983; PMCID: PMC3736954.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/
The American Cancer Society Medical & Editorial Content Team. “Marijuana and Cancer: Cannabinoid Drugs.” Cannabinoid Drugs | American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society, 3 Aug. 2022, www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/complementary-and-integrative-medicine/marijuana-and-cancer.html. Accessed 10 July 2024.
T’Keyah Bazin, PharmD. “Understanding Cannabinoids and What They Do.” Verywell Health, 10 May 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/understanding-cannabinoids-and-what-they-do-8636699. Accessed 10 July 2024.
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Cannabis for Health: The Essential Guide to Using Cannabis for Total Wellness
Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana