By now, you’re probably aware (or at least heard) of what CBD is. If not, don’t worry. Today we’re going to be going over some of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis and what their uses are.
WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are naturally produced by the cannabis plant. Today, there are over 100 known cannabinoids found in cannabis. These compounds interact with receptors in our cells to alter the release of chemicals in the brain; thus producing effects throughout the body. You’ve probably heard of THC and how it is responsible for the euphoric “high” associated with marijuana. THC is one cannabinoid. CBD, known for it’s many uses like seizure reduction and reducing inflammation, is also a single cannabinoid. Making any sense yet?
WHAT ARE OPTIMAL CONDITIONS FOR CANNABIS PLANT LIFECYCLE?
WHY DO I NEED TO KNOW?
It’s important to understand what different cannabinoids do and how they work together when looking for a cannabis product. For example, each cannabinoid can be isolated and sold as a single molecule product, but a “full spectrum” product contains a plethora of different cannabinoids and terpenes that actually work together to create an “entourage effect” with more benefits than an isolated form of a single cannabinoid. You’ll see how having all of these cannabinoids present in your product may produce a more holistic effect than a single cannabinoid.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is one of the most popular cannabinoids currently being studied and researched for its therapeutic values. What makes this compound so popular is it’s wide array of uses without the “stoned” feeling that you would get from THC. Most CBD products on the market today are derived from hemp rather than marijuana, because hemp contains a much higher amount of CBD and less than .3% THC. Some of the main benefits of Cannabidiol include: Pain relief, reducing anxiousness, reducing inflammation, reducing seizures and convulsions, blood sugar regulation, sleep regulation and many more. CBD is unique in that it does not directly bind to either of the CB receptors in our body, but rather through several other non-cannabinoid receptors and ion channels. CBD has also been known to counteract the psychoactive effects produced by THC while actually boosting the benefits of each other. See our blog on EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CANNABIDIOL (CBD) FOR RESEARCHERS
CBDa (Cannabidiolic Acid)
Similar to THCa, Cannabidiol (CBD) has a precursor molecule in acidic form which must have continued heat applied to it for it to be converted to CBD. CBDa is the compound that is found in hemp in its natural state. If you were to extract the oil from the hemp bloom straight off the plant, the main compound would be CBDa. This extract is usually heat activated (decarboxylated) before made into a final product. While CBD is generally the main known compound in CBD products, a full spectrum product can contain small amounts of CBDa as well. CBDa has benefits of its own, including: Inflammation reduction, seizure reduction, nausea relief, and even certain mood disorders. See our blog THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF CANNABIDIOLIC ACID (CBDA): A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR RESEARCHERS
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is probably the most well-known cannabinoid found in cannabis. It has gained its popularity due to it being the most predominant cannabinoid found in marijuana and its psychoactive effects. It’s therapeutic values include: Pain relief, appetite stimulant, reduces nausea and vomiting and in some cases it may help with anxiousness and mood disorders. For more about THC see our blog THE SCIENCE BEHIND TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC)
THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
THCA is THC in its raw non-phsycoactive form naturally present in the plant. Once the plant dries, THCA is slowly converted to THC. Applied heat can expedite this process. THCA has been studied to be an anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-emetic, and anti-proliferative. THCA can also aid sleep. THE HIDDEN POTENTIAL OF TETRAHYDROCANNABINOLIC ACID (THCA): A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR RESEARCHERS
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
THCV is similar in molecular structure and psychoactive effects to THC. The effects are altogether pretty different though. Some noted results of THCV include: Suppressing appetite (whereas THC is actually an appetite stimulant), blood sugar regulation and reducing insulin resistance, reducing panic attacks without suppressing emotion, bone growth and reduced seizures. To learn more about THCV see our blog:UNRAVELING THE MYSTERIES OF TETRAHYDROCANNABIVARIN (THCV): A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Cannabigerol is a chemical precursor to THCa, CBDa and CBCa. Enzymes within the cannabis plant naturally convert CBG into one of these compounds during the maturation of the plant. CBG can be found in a full spectrum product, usually in amounts less than 1%, but nonetheless has its own benefits. These include: Aiding sleep, promoting bone growth, reducing intraocular pressure, and slowing bacterial growth.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBC is a lesser known cannabinoid in cannabis, but is considered to be rather useful. This is especially true when it is used in conjunction with other cannabinoids. Some of it’s studied benefits are similar to those found from CBD, including: Reducing inflammation, pain relief and promoting bone growth. For more on CBC see our blog UNDERSTANDING CANNABICHROMENE CBC: BENEFITS, DOSAGE, AND MORE
Cannabifuran (CBF)
Cannabifuran (CBF) is a rare, non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant. Its unique molecular structure suggests that it may have distinct properties and effects compared to other cannabinoids and could offer potential health benefits such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, neuroprotective properties, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, research is being conducted to explore its properties and potential applications, and it is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated. Understanding the full potential of CBF is essential to gain access to its potential therapeutic benefits without any legal repercussions. Learn more about Unveiling the Potential of Cannabifuran (CBF)
Cannabielsoin (CBE)
Cannabielsoin (CBE) is emerging as a promising therapeutic option. With its unique properties and potential therapeutic benefits, CBE is an exciting area of research that warrants further investigation. If you are interested in incorporating CBE into your research, be sure to read our blog on THE POWER OF CANNABIELSOIN (CBE)
CONCLUSION
For those of you still with me, I hope this breakdown gives you an idea of all the great benefits within the compounds of this amazing plant. While our products are predominantly CBD, we understand the importance of the many other naturally occurring compounds in our plants. You’ll notice that a lot of these cannabinoids can offer similar benefits like bone growth and decreased inflammation. That is why we offer a high quality, full-spectrum, bloom only, pharmaceutical grade extract to our customers without any sort of fillers, binders, or artificial flavorings.
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