What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a diverse class of chemical compounds that alter neurotransmitter release in the brain. They act on cannabinoid receptors in cells, These receptors are most commonly found in the brain and central nervous system, as well as in peripheral organs and tissues throughout the body.
Cannabinoids pronunciation: kuh·na·buh·noydz
The Different Types of Cannabinoids
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are produced naturally by the body. These include the compounds anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These compounds play a role in regulating a variety of physiological processes, including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory.
Phytocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are produced by plants, most notably the cannabis plant. The most well-known phytocannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD does not have any psychoactive effects.
Both compounds have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, including the treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
How Do Cannabinoids Work?
Cannabinoids interact with the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. The ECS is made up of three main components: receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. Receptors are found on the surface of cells, where they bind to endocannabinoids and other cannabinoids. This binding triggers a number of different physiological effects, depending on the type of receptor and the location of the cell.
The two main types of receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and other peripheral tissues. THC and CBD interact primarily with these receptors, although they can also interact with other receptors in the body.
10 Most Popular Cannabinoids in Cannabis
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This is the most well-known cannabinoid and is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): This cannabinoid does not have psychoactive effects and has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, including the treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
- Cannabinol (CBN): This cannabinoid is a breakdown product of THC and has been found to have sedative properties.
- Cannabigerol (CBG): This cannabinoid has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): This cannabinoid has been found to have appetite-suppressing properties and may be useful in treating metabolic disorders.
- Cannabichromene (CBC): This cannabinoid has been found to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Cannabidivarin (CBDV): This cannabinoid has been found to have anti-seizure properties and may be useful in treating neurological disorders.
- Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA): This is the acid form of THC and is non-psychoactive. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
- Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA): This is the acid form of CBD and is non-psychoactive. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties.
- Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA): This is the acid form of CBG and is non-psychoactive. It is the precursor to other cannabinoids such as THCA, CBDA, and CBCA.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive as there are over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified in the cannabis plant. Some of the other notable cannabinoids include cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabitriol (CBT) and cannabicitran (CBT).
More research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and the best way to use them in the treatment of various conditions.
Conclusion
Cannabinoids are a diverse class of chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in the body and play a role in regulating a variety of physiological processes. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are produced naturally by the body and play a role in regulating a variety of physiological processes. Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are produced by plants, most notably the cannabis plant and have therapeutic potential for a variety of conditions, but more research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and the best way to use them in the treatment of various conditions.
