Guide To The Cannabinoids
Time to break some stereotypes. The most stereotypical thing about marijuana is smoking and getting the munchies. Did you know that you can use cannabis to make you less hungry? Let's discuss the different ways cannabis can help your body.
Cannabis works with our endocannabinoid system, which is the system in our body that regulates temperature, inflammation, pain, hunger, energy, when to wake up and when to fall asleep. This is a brief introduction to the main cannabinoids in cannabis and how it works with your body for the desired results. Whether you want to fall asleep, have more energy, control your eating or just have an excellent time. Here are different cannabinoids to look for.
What is a Cannabinoid?
The word refers to every chemical substance that joins the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
Think of it as the gatekeeper telling each system how to regulate itself. You can turn your hunger on and off, make yourself sleepy or give yourself energy. The entire system makes you do everything you do in your daily life. With legalization, scientists are now free to work on extracting the right cannabinoids from the plant that can help you. You want to have a drug-free way to fall asleep fast? Then CBN is for you. This cannabinoid signals your body to produce the chemicals needed to make you fall asleep naturally. This is why you wake up feeling refreshed and rested, not groggy from over drugging your body with over the counter sleep aides that your body needs to flush out so you can get going in the morning. Let's explore more about what the ECS does.
What does the endocannabinoid system do?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the brain primarily influences neuronal synaptic communication, and affects biological functions—including eating, anxiety, learning and memory, reproduction, metabolism, growth and development—via an array of actions throughout the nervous system.
How does it do that?
The CB1 and CB2 receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system in the human body. The CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, while the CB2 receptors are mainly located in the immune system and peripheral tissues. These receptors play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including pain perception, mood, appetite, and immune response. Tired of snacking? Take THC-V. Want to fall a sleep? Look for CBN.
What other foods have cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are found in carrots, Echinacea, broccoli, ginseng, cloves and black pepper.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short, provides marijuana’s psychoactive properties. When THC is absorbed into the bloodstream it attaches to the CB1 endocannabinoid receptors that deal with pleasure, coordination, thinking, movement and memory. In addition to the psychoactive benefits, it has also been found to help with the underlying drivers of chronic pain and inflammation.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short was the first cannabinoid to be identified, and is the leading cannabis compound for medicinal uses. When isolated, CBD lacks the psychoactive properties that are generally associated with marijuana use. It is known for its potential therapeutic effects, such as reducing pain and inflammation, relieving anxiety and depression, and promoting relaxation. CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabigerol, or CBG for short is a primary cannabinoids, CBG converts to CBD and THC as the plant grows, leaving behind only trace amounts in mature plants. That said, CBG is effective at fighting many of the standard issues addressed by the other cannabinoids as well as eye pressure (Glaucoma) and has shown promise as an anti-oxidant.
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN, or cannabinol, is a cannabinoid that is derived from the degradation of THC. It is known for its potential sedative effects and is often used as a sleep aid. It works with the CB1 receptors.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
CBC, or cannabichromene, is one of the lesser-known cannabinoids and is believed to have potential therapeutic benefits. CBC does not have psychoactive effects like THC, but it may interact with other cannabinoids to enhance their effects. Research suggests that CBC may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.
Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)
A chemical precursor to CBD, Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is isolated through a process known as decarboxylation. CBDA has shown promise in fighting inflammation, nausea, seizures and tumors.
Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid (THCA)
This is what is on your marijuana buds. Like CBDA, THCA is a pre-cursor to THC that is non-psychoactive and found in fresh cannabis that has yet to be dried. This is what your cannabis flower is. If you just eat it without decarboxylating it, you will not experience any physcoactive effects. When decarboxylated, either through drying above 220 degree or the heat of smoking, the psychoactive properties are found to return. In early studies, TCHA has been found to be effective at providing anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-nausea and weight loss properties.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
THCV is more prevalent in cannabis strains with central Asian and South African roots, and breaks a lot of the stereotypes of cannabis causing goofiness and the munchies. THCV works against the psychoactive properties of THC, and has been found to actively suppress appetite, increase satiety, manage obesity and reduce panic attacks. THCV is found primarily in the Sativa strains of cannabis.
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
CBDV is a cannabinoid found primarily in Indica strains with Asian and African roots that are lower in THC. Strains that are high in CBD are generally found to have higher levels of CBDV as well. The isolated cannabinoid has been found to be effective at modulating the physiological activity of cannabis. This suits it especially well to decrease the impact of epilepsy and other seizure disorders