By now, you’re probably aware (or at least heard) of CBD. If not, don’t worry. Today we will be going over some of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis and their uses. Here is a much more in-depth list of Cannabinoids.
WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that the cannabis plant naturally produces; today, over 100 known cannabinoids are 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 its many uses, like seizure reduction and reducing inflammation, is also a single cannabinoid. Am I making any sense yet?
THE ESSENTIALS
It’s important to understand what 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. Isolated cannabinoids can be very dangerous; read more here. Full-spectrum products contain a plethora of different cannabinoids and terpenes. They 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 prevalent cannabinoids currently being studied and researched for its therapeutic value. This compound is so popular because of its wide array of uses without the “stoned” feeling you would get from THC. Most CBD products 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, reduced anxiousness, reduced inflammation, lessened seizures and convulsions, blood sugar regulation, sleep regulation, and many more. CBD is unique in that it does not directly bind to either CB receptors in our body but rather through several other non-cannabinoid receptors and ion channels. CBD has also been known to counteract the THC’s psychoactive effects while boosting each other’s benefits.
CBDa (Cannabidiolic Acid)
Like THCa, Cannabidiol (CBD) has an acidic precursor molecule that 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 central mix would be CBDa. This extract is heat-activated (decarboxylated) before being made into a final product. While CBD is generally the main known compound in CBD products, a full spectrum product can also contain small amounts of CBDa, THCa, THC and many other benefitting cannabinoids and terpenes. CBDa has its own benefits, including Inflammation reduction, seizure reduction, nausea relief, and even certain mood disorders.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is probably the most well-known cannabinoid found in cannabis. It has gained popularity due to its being the most predominant cannabinoid found in marijuana and its psychoactive effects. Its therapeutic values include: Pain relief, appetite stimulants, reduces nausea and vomiting, and in some cases, it may help with anxiousness and mood disorders.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
THCA is THC in its raw non-psychoactive 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.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
THCV is similar in molecular structure and psychoactive effects to THC. The products are altogether pretty different, though. Some noted results of THCV include: Suppressing appetite (whereas THC is an appetite stimulant), blood sugar regulation and reducing insulin resistance, reducing panic attacks without suppressing emotion, bone growth, and decreasing seizures.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Cannabigerol is a chemical precursor to THCa, CBDa, and CBC. Enzymes within the cannabis plant naturally convert CBG into one of these compounds during the plant’s maturation. CBG can be found in a full spectrum product, usually in amounts less than 1%, but it has its 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 somewhat helpful. This is especially true when it is used in conjunction with other cannabinoids. Some of its studied benefits are similar to those found in CBD, including Reducing inflammation, pain relief, and promoting bone growth.
CONCLUSION
For those of you still with me, this breakdown gives you an idea of all the great benefits of the compounds of this fantastic 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 these cannabinoids can offer similar benefits like bone growth and decreased inflammation. That is why we provide our customers with a high-quality, full-spectrum, bloom-only, pharmaceutical-grade extract without any fillers, binders, or artificial flavorings.