What Are Cannabinoids and How Do They Work?

Cannabinoids are substances found in cannabis plants. They participate with the Endocannabinoid System, which controls many physiological and cognitive processes in the body. There are numerous cannabinoids, each with its own set of properties.

This blog post will cover the benefits, side effects, and other information about some of the most common cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are plant compounds found in cannabis and hemp that produce various effects. Hundreds of cannabinoids are gaining popularity, including Delta-8-THC, THC, CBN, and CBG, to name a few. We know what they do and where they’re from. But what exactly are they, and what are the advantages of human use?

Whatever your interest is in cannabis plant botany, medicine, or recreational themes, you should understand the science behind these chemicals. So let’s have some fun and embark on an exciting journey into the vast world of cannabis research.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally present particles produced by the cannabis plant that include THCA, CBDA, CBGA, and dozens of others. These cannabinoids communicate with the body’s natural Endocannabinoid System, a chemical-based biological system that controls a number of bodily functions. For example, the feelings and experiences you get from cannabis – euphoria, calm, and so on – are caused by cannabinoids binding to your Endocannabinoid System.

Phytocannabinoids

Cannabis contains phytocannabinoids, which occur naturally. The term “phyto” means “plant-related.”

Phytocannabinoids are generally well understood. CBD and THC are two well-known examples. Cannabis Sativa L, on the other hand, contains over 100 different cannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids

Although this blog will focus on phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids appear to have a more consistent influence on our overall health. Because “endo” refers to the interior of an organism, these cannabinoids are produced internally by our bodies.

Let’s start with some cannabinoids samples:

This plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids, but none of them have the same cognitive effects as THC. But, on the other hand, these components are crucial in determining your marijuana experience.

Let’s look at some of the most and least significant cannabinoids produced by cannabis Sativa plants, as well as others.

• CBD (cannabidiol)
• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
• CBG (cannabigerol)
• CBN (cannabinol)
• CBC (cannabichromene)
• CBT (cannabicitran)
• CBV (cannabinodivarin)
• CBR (cannabiripsol)
• Anandamide (endocannabinoid)
• 2-AG (endocannabinoid)

What Do Cannabinoids Do?

Cannabinoids are a type of molecule that interacts with human cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids are classified into three types: phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoidannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids. Phytocoids are cannabinoids derived from plants, whereas endocannabinoids are cannabinoids derived from the human body. Synthetic cannabinoids are cannabinoids created in a laboratory.

Cannabinoids communicate with cannabinoid receptors to regulate several bodily functions, including inflammation, pain perception, mood, and memory. They can also be used to treat a wide range of medical issues.

CBD, for example, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid commonly used to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid widely used to treat pain and nausea. CBG is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid being researched for its anti-cancer properties.

Cannabinoids can be used recreationally as well. THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana and is responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use. CBD does not get you high, but it has been shown to have numerous medical benefits.

Different Types of Cannabinoids

You are already aware that THC and CBD are the most well-known and researched cannabinoids. However, in addition to other phytochemicals, more than 100 have been identified.

“CBD was discovered in the 1940s, but it took decades for us to understand its bioactive properties.” We began to understand the acid forms of cannabinoids – THCA, CBDA, and so on – as affecting the body in the late 2000s. “We now know that they can be bioactive even when not activated by decarboxylation,” Dr. Kimless explained. “All of this is to say that we are only scratching the surface in terms of how many cannabinoids are available and have the potential to impact our systems.”

The following are some of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis products on the market:

THC

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the more well-known cannabinoids due to its intoxicating properties. How does THC accomplish this? It is the most potent of the bunch because it binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is the cannabis plant’s second most abundant cannabinoid, but it’s being used in anything from supplements to smoothies. Indeed, the FDA has approved CBD as an active ingredient in treating rare forms of epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome) but not as a food additive at this time.

THCv

THCv (tetrahydrocannabivarin) THCv (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a psychoactive cannabinoid, but only in high doses. THCv is also thought to suppress appetite by restricting one of the cannabinoid receptors.

CBDA

CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is the predecessor to CBD, which means that CBD cannot be obtained until CBDA is decarboxylated. This non-intoxicating cannabinoid is currently being researched for a variety of applications.

CBC

Cannabichromene (CBC) is the second most common cannabinoid (after THC) and has no intoxicating properties. This compound differs from the others in that it does not interact directly with CB1 receptors. Rather, it binds to the endocannabinoid system’s lesser-known TPRV1 and TRPA1 receptors.

CBG

Although CBG (cannabigerol) is only found in tiny amounts in the cannabis plant, it is the precursor to CBGA, the fundamental molecule for all other cannabinoids. Unfortunately, we only know a little about CBG, a non-intoxicating component that binds directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CBN

CBN (cannabinol) can be intoxicating, but only fractionally so when compared to THC. This is because CBN is THC that has been broken down over time by heat and oxygen. This is why older marijuana may lose potency as THC levels fall and CBN levels rise.

What Are The Effects Of Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids do have harmful side effects. Side effects will differ from person to person depending on weight, life circumstances, health status, and other factors such as current medications.

Without many human tests, it is difficult to assess the adverse effects of most Cannabinoids. So, to keep things simple, THC and CBD remain the most commonly used substances.

THC

Many of THC’s downsides are desired by consumers when used recreationally. Medical users, on the other hand, may not want to encounter those side effects. THC’s side effects have no recreational value in some cases.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, THC can have several adverse side effects when used in ways other than prescribed. Among the side effects are:

• Memory impairment
• Motor control failure
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Hallucinations
• High heart rate
• Marijuana use disorder (addiction)

THC has fewer adverse effects than other substances, such as alcohol or cigarettes. However, when using this cannabis product, extreme caution is required.

What Are The Benefits Of Cannabinoids?

Cannabis has been used as medicine for countless years. In addition, several ancient texts extolled the plant’s curative powers, inspiring the development of numerous pharmaceuticals and tens of thousands of options.

However, a few cannabinoids have received extensive research, and these are the ones we’ll cover in this article.

Health Benefits of Cannabinoids

CBD has been linked to many health benefits, with preliminary research playing a significant role.

Perception of Pain

According to some evidence, CBD may help to reduce pain perception. Researchers examined thousands of people with fibromyalgia in The Journal of Pain in 2021. CBD users reported significant or moderate pain relief.

Cardiovascular Wellness

A recent study looked at the effects of CBD on blood pressure in a group of high-blood-pressure males who took 600 mg daily for several days. In the presence of CBD, men’s blood pressure and heart rates decreased during stressful testing.

However, because the study only included nine subjects, it could be stronger.

THC and Its Benefits

THC is a cannabinoid with psychoactive, euphoric, and calming properties. It’s commonly used in producing cannabis concentrates and edibles but also in hemp plants. THC and CBD have been linked to various health benefits, including pain relief. Although THC has psychoactive properties, its high can be pretty relaxing.

Despite its psychotropic effects, THC has several health benefits.

Chronic Pain

Both THC and CBD may help with chronic pain management. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine conducted a study in 2017 that included thousands of academic papers.

The study discovered a significant relationship between cannabinoids and pain relief.

The health of the Lungs

According to popular belief, smoking is harmful to our lungs. This is true for tobacco, but what about cannabis? There have been studies on this topic in the context of lung health.

Cannabis smoke, like tobacco smoke, is less harmful to one’s health than cigarettes. However, the researchers emphasize that long-term, heavy cannabis smoking can harm the lungs. Therefore, as an alternative to cigarettes, we propose using edibles, oils, or topicals.

CBG and Its Benefits

Cannabigerol (CBG) is gaining popularity in the supplement industry, and more people know its benefits. As a result, CBD and supplement manufacturers are working hard to create the best CBG oil possible, with some success.

Appetite

A variety of medical issues and therapies, such as eating disorders or chemotherapy, can affect appetite. CBG, on the other hand, may help with appetite restoration.

CBG’s appetite-stimulating abilities in rats were reviewed in a 2016 study published in Psychopharmacology.

Following the establishment of a baseline for hunger, the rats were given CBG at a consistent rate for a few days. While the amount of food consumed per feeding remained constant, the number of feedings per day increased.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma was one of the first illnesses to be treated with medical cannabis, specifically THC. However, according to a 2008 study published in the National Library of Medicine, CBG may also have an effect.

According to the journal, the eye contains cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. This explains why CBG binds to those receptors and provides therapeutic benefits comparable to THC in glaucoma.

CBN and Its Advantages

Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol are two cannabinoids that have received more attention. However, there is no evidence to support the claims about cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinol (CBN) is a newer cannabinoid with limited research.

CBN, on the other hand, is the only other known cannabinoid with psychoactive effects besides THC. These effects are so minor (if at all) that they are barely noticeable. It can give THC’s recreational high a little extra oomph.

Sleep CBN is a research chemical that has been shown to relax people. This is primarily based on personal experience, though one old 1975 study was published in Karger. Five male volunteers participated in the experiment and were given either CBN, THC, or both.

Researchers found that while CBN alone did not make much of a difference in a study of people with MS who were given cannabis and cannabinoids, compared to the CBD, THC, and placebo groups, those who received the combined dosage complained more of feeling lightheaded and sleepy.

According to a 2005 study on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice by Weydt et al., the neuroprotectant CBN may have neuroprotective effects.

The researchers gave CBD (Cannabidiol) 5 mg/kg twice a day to 20 Alzheimer’s disease mice using a pump device. “CBN significantly delays disease onset by over two weeks,” according to the study, and “longevity was not affected.”

CBN, on the other hand, has demonstrated promise in slowing the progression of ALS and allowing more time for traditional therapy.

CBDA and Its Benefits

CBDA is an abbreviation for cannabidiolic acid. This is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It may have several potential advantages, including the reduction of inflammation and anxiety.

CBDA, on the other hand, is a CBD derivative with increased bioavailability. Moreover, CBDA’s benefits are well known among CBD users due to its similar medical applications.

Inflammation

CBDA may be responsible for CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers studied the anti-inflammatory effects of THCA and CBDA in cultured cells in 2008.

When tested on cells, both THCV and CBDA showed anti-inflammatory effects. CBDA, on the other hand, outperformed THCA in terms of efficacy.

Both cannabinoids were discovered to be COX-2 inhibitors, enzymes producing inflammatory molecules. The inflammatory response could be reduced by inhibiting COX-2 with CBDA and THCA.

Cancer of the Breast

Surprisingly, the COX-2 inhibition seen in the previous study significantly impacted CBDA research.

COX-2 was not only linked to inflammation in a 2014 study by Takeda et al. The enzyme was discovered to promote the proliferation and development of breast cancer (and possibly other types of) cells.

The researchers discovered the anti-inflammatory effects of CBDA alone and in combination with COX-2 in breast cancer cells. However, as a result of their collaborative effect, the development of those cultured cells was eventually slowed.

On the other hand, a Petrie dish study is not comparable to real-world human research.

FAQS:

How to use cbd oil for erectile dysfunction?

You can use CBD oil in a variety of ways to treat Erectile Dysfunction.

CBD-infused lubricants and topical oils can be used to the penis to provide medication straight to the skin. This may aid in enhancing blood flow to the penis, which may facilitate achieving a solid erection.

How long is cbd detectable in urine?

In a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology in 2020, researchers discovered that individuals who took a single dose of a standardized CBD formulation had measurable CBD levels in their urine for 4 to 5 days following consumption.

How long does cbd oil take to work for anxiety?

Oral CBD products, such as oils, edibles, and capsules, begin to work between 30 minutes and 2 hours after consumption. When cannabis buds or CBD oil are smoked or vaped, the benefits become apparent more immediately.

Where to buy cbd near me?

You may order online through Imperialbud.ca

How many cbd gummies should i eat?

Depending on the potency and the person’s objectives for using CBD, people often take 1 to 5 gummies per day. There is no single dosage that works for everyone, as we previously stated.

How old do you have to be to buy cbd?

According to federal law, you must be at least 18 years old to buy CBD products. However, state laws may range in age from 18 to 21.

What are endogenous cannabinoids?

It is also known as Endocannabinoids which are molecules that your body produces. They’re equal to cannabinoids, but your body produces them.

References

Grinspoon, P. (2018, August 24). Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t – Harvard Health Blog. Harvard Health Blog; Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

Bauer, B. (2018). CBD: Safe and Effective? Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700

Office of the Commissioner. (2019). What to Know About Products Containing Cannabis and CBD. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis

CBD: What You Need to Know. (2022, August 8). Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/featured-topics/CBD.html

Kubala, J. (2018, February 26). 7 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits

Meissner, H., & Cascella, M. (2020). Cannabidiol (CBD). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556048/

WebMD. (2019). Cannabidiol (Cbd): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. Webmd.com. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1439/cannabidiol-cbd

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