What Are Cannabinoids And What Are Their Benefits?

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that have been cultivated since antiquity and are still used today for their fibers (making ropes and fabrics), as well as for medicinal purposes.

Their fibers contain relatively large amounts of cannabinoids, which are characterized by strong sedative action. There are hundreds of varieties of cannabis, characterized by different cannabinoids.

Depending on the cannabinoid content, the different types of cannabis are classified as “drug-type”, “intermediate type” and “fibrous type”. Indian hemp is a wild variety of the plant, which is grown illegally for the production of drugs, due to its higher content of cannabinoids; compared to daily hemp which is more suitable for industrial applications.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are cannabis-related chemicals, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main ingredient that also affects the brain and gives people who consume it a euphoric feeling. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids. Scientists as well as illegal manufacturers have produced many synthetic cannabinoids in the laboratory. Some of these synthetic cannabinoids are extremely potent and have led to serious health effects when abused.

Cannabinoids and cellular receptors

Cannabinoids as a whole can interact with specific cellular receptors that are present throughout our body and are called CB1 and CB2. The former are located mainly in the central nervous system, while the latter are located mainly in the immune system.

Endocannabinoid system

These receptors, together with the cannabinoids produced by our own body and called endocannabinoids, form the so-called endocannabinoid system. The role of this system is to regulate vital body’s functions, such as:

• Appetite
• Disposal
• Memory
• Pain

The endocannabinoid system is also responsible for homeostasis. That is, maintaining the internal balance of the body, despite external conditions (e.g. temperature, pH).

Classes Of Cannabinoids

As mentioned earlier, cannabinoids are essentially the components of cannabis. Cannabinoids are divided into 2 different types:

• Acid cannabinoids: THCA and CBDA
• In non-acidic cannabinoids: THC and CBD

CBD — Cannabidiol

CBD seems to have begun to dispel the myths and prejudices surrounding cannabis and has evolved into a natural dietary supplement used by millions of people around the world to stimulate their bodies, well-being, and health. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural and herbal substance, which is one of the key ingredients in cannabis.

This substance has been the subject of extensive research and it has been proven that its beneficial action can offer stimulation, well-being, and protection of the body, while at the same time it can deal with an impressive list of diseases and ailments; from serious to incurable. The striking fact about cannabidiol is that it can interact with the cellular receptors of the endocannabinoid system, but without binding to them, and thus manages to enhance the function and coordination of necessary functions, as well as to protect the body more effectively.

Cannabidiol has been shown to treat a vast list of ailments, both physical and mental. In addition, it has become an alternative form of treatment for people looking for a natural option to address their health issues. Let’s have a look at some properties of cannabidiol:

• Strong anti-inflammatory action.
• Effective relief from chronic pain.
• Reduces the incidence of diabetes.
• Treats the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
• Improves cholesterol levels.
• Contributes to cardiovascular health.
• Contributes to the proper functioning of the brain.
• It is a powerful neuroprotective.
• Contributes to bone health and growth.
• Protects the skin and treats skin diseases.
• It has an effective anxiolytic action against anxiety/stress.
• Treats the symptoms of depression and behavioral disorders.
• Treats insomnia.

THC — Tetrahydrocannabinol

About 60 cannabinoid compounds have been identified and isolated from cannabis, most of which are found in minimal proportions. The most common cannabinoid that appears to have the most potent psychoactive properties is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is the main psychotropic substance of the hemp plant, isolated in 1964 by Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni at the Weizmann Institute in Israel.

Chemically, tetrahydrocannabinol is classified as an aromatic terpenoid. The main role of THC seems to be to protect the plant from pathogens. In addition, its high optical absorption in the UVB region of the ultraviolet (210–315 nm) protects the plant from dangerous sunlight. THC just happens to have the right molecular structure to match the cannabinoid receptors, the specific binding sites in cells throughout the body. These specific sections are now known as sections of a larger, endocannabinoid system.

As cannabis continues to gain acceptance in the mainstream culture, more and more studies are coming to light that reveals the medical value of THC. Most notable are the findings of THC as a possible cure for cancer, as studies in mice have shown that it can play a vital role in drastically reducing size and tumor prevalence. THC’s ability to fight tumors in animal models is incredible.

However, this cannabinoid has another superpower. THC is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a major factor contributing to a whole range of modern diseases. Autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases are two major health problems caused by inflammation. The strong nature of THC in the fight against inflammation is an important reason that helps in such a wide variety of diseases.

CBG — Cannabigerol

Cannabigerol is a non-acidic cannabinoid that occurs when the CBGA (cannabigerol acid) molecule is heated. The close chemical relatives of cannabigerol are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabigerol is not psychoactive. That is, it does not cause side effects in the body. Not even the well-known ‘fix’ caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). To be precise, cannabigerol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which is quite similar to cannabidiol (CBD).

The benefits of cannabigerol (CBG) are closely linked to the way it works in the human body. At the right dosage, cannabigerol acts as:

• Analgesic; relieves pain
• Antibacterial; slows down the growth of bacteria
• Reduces seizures and convulsions
• Anti-inflammatory; reduces and reduces inflammation
• Helps sleep
• Inhibits the growth of cancer cells
• Antidepressant; boosts mood
• Promotes bone growth
• Promotes the development of neurons in the brain
• Increases appetite
• Vasodilator
• Neuroprotective effects

Cannabigerol has just as great healing properties as cannabidiol (CBD) and can offer extreme benefits to the human body.

CBN — Cannabinoid

CBN is a breakdown product of THC and is found in mature cannabis plants, while it has about 25% of THC activity. CBN is the first cannabinoid isolated, which was thought to be responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis before the discovery of THC. It shares a very similar chemical composition to THC and is thought to bind primarily to the CB2 receptor, but may also interact with the CB1 receptor.

CBN acts as an agonist at the TRPV2 receptor (a naturally occurring protein that regulates various biological systems in the human body). It also interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and can affect the function of many hormones and neurotransmitters. These affect mood, energy, knowledge, appetite, immune function, fight pain and inflammation, bone health, controlling spasm behavior, lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and treating skin conditions.

To date, not all of its beneficial properties are known. Experiments are constantly being carried out to identify new applications. We now know that CBN:

• Is non-psychotropic.
• Helps with sleep problems.
• Has analgesic properties.
• Offers appetite stimulation.
• Has antibacterial actions.
• Reduces the rate of development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
• Fights inflammation.
• Help fight glaucoma.
• Is antispasmodic.
• Helps in homeostasis.
• Regulates sleep.

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