What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabis has a lot of different compounds known as cannabinoids, or compounds found in the cannabis plant. These compounds have a wide range of functions and are found in our bodies in small amounts. We can learn more about the various types in this article. But, first, we’ll discuss Phytocannabinoids, THC, and Synthetic cannabinoids and how they affect our bodies.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are substances that occur naturally in the human body and are responsible for various effects. These compounds include CBD and THC. The former are intoxicating, while the latter elicit therapeutic effects without intoxicating the user. Researchers discovered both receptors in the human body in 1969, but they knew little about their functions until recently. CBD is an anticonvulsant that activates the TRPV1 ion channel found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It may also play a role in modulating pain.
Cannabinoids are a group of 21-carbon compounds. They differ in the length of their side chains, with pentyl compounds being five carbons long. “heptyl cannabinoid” refers to cannabinoids with a heptyl side chain. They are also designated with the phorbol and varin suffixes, respectively.
Phytocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids derived from plants and are essential components of our health and well-being. Despite their controversial nature, they are widely recognized as beneficial molecules. Currently, the main questions surrounding them are their chemistry and pharmacology. This book will help you understand the current landscape of phytocannabinoid science. However, before fully appreciating their therapeutic potential, you must know how they work.
Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis and related plants. Research has shown two types of cannabinoids – phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. Although the former is widely used for health benefits, Microsoft Word insists that phytocannabinoids do not exist. Despite this, researchers continue to study and discover their properties.
Synthetic Cannabinoids
You can now make designer drugs from cannabinoids found in cannabis plants; synthetic cannabinoids are among these molecules. These designer drugs bind to the same receptors as the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Synthetic cannabinoids are not to be confused with synthetic phytocannabinoids or endocannabinoids. They are synthetic drugs that are not available in any natural form.
Whether you smoke, eat, or vape them, synthetic cannabinoids are highly potent. Because their potency and effects are constantly changing, they are extremely dangerous. Some of them are mixed with other chemicals, making them even more difficult. Some of them are mixed with other drugs and may not be safe for use in pregnant women and infants. You should seek medical advice if you suspect you’ve taken synthetic cannabinoids.
THC
Researchers have examined humans’ immune system response to cannabis extracts and THC. These compounds act as secondary modulators that boost or reduce immune activity. They specifically affect CB2, which is present in immune cells and controls cytokine release. However, more research needs to be conducted to determine the long-term effects of cannabis extracts on the immune system. To gain a better understanding of the effects of cannabis, here are some of the research findings.
In one study, THC pre-treatment decreased plasma levels of THC-COOH after seven days. This may reflect an increase in plasma levels of cannabinoids during exercise and fasting. Further, THC-coOH levels increased when rats were given a daily dose of THC. However, they did not alter the effects of THC on locomotor control in rats that were given a 5-mg/kg dose of the drug.
CBC
Cannabinoids, or CBC, are chemical compounds found in marijuana. Each one has distinct physiological effects. CBC is a constituent of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis products. Unlike other cannabinoids, it is not harmful when taken in high doses. There are two primary ways to consume CBC: tinctures and food or beverage products. Topically applied cannabichromene CBC is preferred for localized pain.
CBC binds to the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) found in the human endocannabinoid system. This receptor is similar to TRPV1 and is responsible for modulating pain perception. CBC may help alleviate pain without the side effects of NSAIDs. It is also known as the third cannabinoid receptor. Both CBC and THC act as anti-inflammatory agents.
CBD
Despite the negative press surrounding marijuana, medical practitioners are more accepting of CBD and cannabinoids than you may imagine. A recent study revealed that almost nine out of 10 physicians surveyed for the article believed that cannabinoids had therapeutic benefits. In contrast, less than half of those questioned believed in the risk of psychosis. Physicians involved with cannabis for medical conditions are more likely to recommend its service than those who do not.
The interaction of cannabinoids and terpenes gives these two compounds their unique qualities. The Entourage Effect is one of these effects, in which cannabinoids are more effective when combined with terpenes. For this reason, CBD products containing terpenes are more effective than CBD alone. However, CBD-only products should not be confused with full-spectrum hemp supplements, as these have an entire range of cannabinoids. In addition to CBD, full-spectrum hemp products include THC, CBN, and CBG. All of these cannabinoids work together to achieve the desired effect.
