Cannabis Education | Cannabinoids With DeMillion Sensei

CANNABINOIDS

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are considered as 1/3 of a class of chemical compounds derived from cannabis that interacts directly with the cannabinoid receptors found throughout the human body, by way of the endocannabinoid system, yes our bodies produce their own cannabinoids. The medicinal benefits of cannabis can be attributed to the event of cannabinoids interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain as well as the body.

A) THC connects to B) CB-1 receptors rather than natural cannabinoids C) neurotransmitters flood into F) the synaptic cleft causing Ca+ to be pumped into the postsynaptic neuron through D) a pump, the first diagram E) cannabinoid, the second THC.

(Photo-cred: Emma guernsey, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

CB-1 – found primarily in the brain, this receptor is activated by anandamide, 2-AG, and THC.

CB-2 - found in the brain and immune cells, this receptor is activated by 2-AG and CBD.

When CB1 and CB2 receptors are activated we can improve our bodies' different systems and organ functions.

There is another class of cannabinoids that are not so natural and they are called synthetic cannabinoids.

These cannabinoids are man-made and are legal and available in the U.S. as potpourri and incense. There have been deaths linked to synthetic cannabinoids.

You can't say that about "real" phyto-cannabinoids like CBD and THC.

Cannabinoid and terpenes development begin in the resin glands or trichomes of the cannabis flowers and leaves. Many other plants produce cannabinoids such as cloves and black pepper, but they are found in the highest concentration in cannabis.

These different compounds all meet up and interact synergistically to amplify the benefits of the plants’ individual components. What I mean here, is essentially, every plant has there own unique chemical profile. Not one plant is exactly the same as another.

Different types of cannabinoids have different effects. Certain ones can provide pain relief While others have anticonvulsant properties. The benefits of these chemical compounds are diverse, but more scientific research is needed to truly understand their versatility and therapeutic effects.

(Cannabinoid structures. (A) Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC); (B) cannabidiol (CBD); (C) cannabigerol (CBG); (D) cannabidivarin (CBDV); (E) anandamide (AEA); (F) 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG); (G) HU210; (H) WIN55, 212-2; (I) HU211; (J) CP55940; (A)–(D) natural cannabinoids; (E) and (F) endocannabinoids; (G)–(J) synthetic cannabinoids.)

Keep in mind, cannabinoids can have varying effects depending on the users tolerance to using cannabis as a medicine.

Understanding the different types of cannabinoids is essential to using cannabis as a treatment. scientific research shows that the current proven medical benefits are vast. From pain relief to anti-inflammation to antispasmodic, it's clear that the cannabis plant has many properties that can help alleviate a range of systems.

1 \ Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid (THC-A)

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid. THC-A is the most overflowing cannabinoid in raw cannabis alone. When THC-A is heated up to a high enough temperature it immediately converts to THC. This process also occurs naturally as fresh cannabis flowers dry and cure.

2 \ Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The most high and most well-known cannabinoid and THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.

3 \ Cannabidiol (CBD)

A flexible cannabinoid with many health giving effects especially the non-psychoactive properties that make it more applicable to those who need and want to stay clear minded.
CBD has antispasmodic and anti-seizure properties, along with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

4 \ Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN was the first cannabinoid discovered, naturally occurs when THC is exposed to heat and oxygen. It's typically found in amounts of less than 1%. Still has potential to aid someone to sleep!

5 \ Cannabigerol (CBG)

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in minimum amounts less than 1% in medical cannabis. CBG has shown unrealized potential and chronic pain management as well as effectively addressing diagnosis of glaucoma, cancerous growth, Crohn's Disease, and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

6 \ Cannabidivarin (CBD-V)

Another non-psychoactive cannabinoid with significant anti-convulsant and anti-seizure effects. It is currently being researched for its potential in treating epilepsy.

7 \ Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THC-V)

A true budding potent psychoactive cannabinoid that has researchers who are hard at study, examining its effects on certain psychological conditions such as PTSD.
Limited Studies have indicated that THC-V can decrease appetite; it also may have anxiety reducing properties and has shown promise as an effective treatment for certain types of psychosis.

8 \ Cannabichromene (CBC)

CBC is another psychoactive minor cannabinoid that's drawing interest for healing potential.
Just like CBD, CBC acts as a deuteragonist against THC. More importantly, it has been seen to play a part in neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and keeping functions of brain healthy and developmental.
Interestingly, CBC has also been seen to have anti-inflammation properties without activating the receptors of the ECS (EndoCannabinoid System). Some reason it's benefits can be enhance When it interacts with other cannabinoids that do bind to receptors.