There are more than 100 cannabinoids in cannabis. They are responsible for the effects of cannabis on the human body. These compounds can be used medicinally or recreationally for their various benefits. Cannabinoids interact with our bodies in different ways. For example, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is known to cause feelings of euphoria and relaxation when ingested orally. CBD (cannabidiol) is known for its pain relief, anti-seizure and anti-inflammatory properties. There are also many other cannabinoids such as CBN, CBC, and CBG to name a few. This blog will explore some of the most common cannabinoids and their effects on humans!
What exactly is a Cannabinoid?
Cannabinoids are a class of naturally-occurring chemical compounds found in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids are known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates physiological and cognitive processes. Although THC and CBD are the two most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis, all other cannabinoids interact with each other as well as the cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce physical and mental effects. This “entourage effect” can enhance the effects of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.
How do cannabinoids work?
The ECS is composed of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes, playing a very important role in maintaining the homeostasis of our body. The two primary cannabinoid receptors found in our bodies are CB1 and CB2. While CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain and the central nervous system, CB2 receptors are mainly associated with the immune system.
Cannabinoids work by binding to these cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and body, affecting a wide range of physiological or psychological functions such as sleep, appetite, sense of pain and mood.
THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and can activate these receptors to produce a “stoned” feeling. In contrast, CBD binds to different receptors and has been shown to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and even prevent seizures.
Cannabinoids and their effects
Cannabinoids have various benefits and can be used in different ways, but they can be generally characterized as either having a psychoactive or non-psychoactive effect.
CBD is non-psychoactive and known to relieve various conditions including:
- seizures
- inflammation
- pain
- psychosis or mental disorders
- inflammatory bowel disease
- nausea
- migraine
- depression
- anxiety
THC known for its psychoactive effects that produce a “high,” but it is also used to help conditions, such as:
- pain
- muscle spasticity
- glaucoma
- insomnia
- low appetite
- nausea
- anxiety
Because of their psychoactive properties, THC may cause some temporary side effects including dry mouth, memory loss and coordination issues.
Conclusion
Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds and the active constituents of cannabis. There are many different types of cannabinoids, two of them being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids can be used as medicine, with varying side effects. They also have many non-medicinal uses such as for recreation or spiritual reasons.
Everybody’s body reacts differently to cannabinoids. Some people experience no significant changes while others feel a wide range of effects. It’s very important that you understand what your personal cannabinoid tolerance is before attempting any sort of cannabis consumption.
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Reference
Alcohol and Drug Foundation – What Are Cannabinoids (Jun 28, 2022) – https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/cannabinoids/
Healthline – The Effects Of Cannabis On Your Body (Apr 27, 2021) – https://www.healthline.com/health/effects-of-cannabis-on-body
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