Cannabis and the Human CB Receptors
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a diverse class of organic compounds found only in cannabis, which bind to and activate the endocannabinoid receptors found in the body. They are also responsible for the plant’s pharmacological effects. Not all cannabinoids are psychoactive, but they have all been proven to have vast health benefits ranging from pain relief to cancer-fighting properties.
• They are responsible for the plant’s pharmacological effects
• Phytocannabinoids – Only in the cannabis plant
• Endogenous cannabinoids – Aka endocannabinoids; found in humans and other animals
• Synthetic cannabinoids – similar To endocannabinoids, produced in a lab
Cannabidiol–C21H30O2
CBD is non-psychoactive and naturally occurs in almost all strains of cannabis, altering the effects of THC. A higher CBD content is found in Indica strains and has been known to promote relaxation while also having neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. CBD widens the blood vessels and large veins, allowing for increased blood circulation throughout the body.
Cannabichromene–C21H30O2
Non-psychoactive CBC is the second-most abundant cannabinoid and is responsible for the pain-relieving effect of the plant. It is found in almost all strains of cannabis and interacts with THC to alter its effects. CBC has anti-inflammatory properties, with evidence that it is more effective than many prescription medications. It has also been shown to inhibit cancer cell and tumor growth.
Tetrahydrocannabinol–C21H30O2
THC is the primary psychoactive (mind-altering) component in cannabis. It has been shown to stimulate appetite while also relieving pain, seizures and convulsions, nausea and severe muscle spasms. It has been synthesized in labs under the name Marinol, which has a higher psychoactive effect than natural cannabis.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin–C19H26O2
Found predominantly in Indica strains, THC-V is both psychoactive and a powerful stimulant of bone cell growth and has been shown to reduce epileptic seizures. It has been found to suppress appetites and lower blood sugar and in turn, can be used to fight obesity and type II diabetes, respectively.
Cannabigerolic Acid–C22H31O4
CBG-A is known as the “grandmother of all cannabinoids” as it is the precursor to all other cannabinoids, giving rise to THC-A, CBD-A, CBC-A and their derivatives. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and is the principal psychoactive component of cannabis.
Cannabinol–C21H26O2
With about 10% of the psychoactivity of THC, CBN is produced when THC interacts with heat or light. It is responsible for THC’s disorienting effects, while also having antioxidant properties—fighting free radicals in the blood stream that can cause premature aging. CBN is also a sleep aid and can relieve muscle spasms.