What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are found in cannabis, and often unique to the plant. The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Delta9-THC or Delta8-THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major constituent of the plant. They’re the reason you may feel a psychoactive high or therapeutic pain relief after consuming cannabis.

The human body produces its own cannabinoids which are known as endocannabinoids. One example of these naturally occurring compounds is anandamide, named from the Sanskrit word for “joy” or “bliss.” Your body naturally produces endocannabinoids, like anandamide, on-demand. Cannabinoids found in plants (such as cannabis) are called phytocannabinoids. Both, phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids interact with the same receptors found throughout the body. When cannabis is consumed cannabinoids bind to receptor sites throughout our brain (called CB-1) and body (CB-2).Together, this network of binding sites (receptors) and chemical messengers (cannabinoids) is known as the Endocannabinoid System or ECS, which is involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory.

Different cannabinoids have different effects depending on which receptors they bind to. For example, THC binds to receptors in the brain whereas CBN (cannabinol) has a strong affinity for CB-2 receptors located throughout the body. Depending on a cannabis product’s cannabinoid profile, different types of relief are achievable.This concept is the cornerstone of cannabis as medicine since the plant contains at least 85 types of cannabinoids, many of which have documented medical value.

Common Types of Cannabinoids Found in Cannabis

• Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA)
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabidolic Acid (CBDA)
• Cannabinol (CBN)
• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the precursor of THC. Fresh cannabis plants contain the greatest amount of THCA. During the drying process, some THCA is converted into THC, but the remaining THCA doesn’t become THC until being exposed to heat – either from smoking, vaping or cooking cannabis. This process is known as decarboxylation. One study found that THCA is “capable of substantially improving the symptoms of obesity-associated metabolic syndrome and inflammation.” Another study noted, “THCA shows potent neuroprotective activity,” while a third study found that “THCA may be a more potent alternative to THC in the treatment of nausea and vomiting.” Despite the popularity of THC, THCA may hold just as much therapeutic potential as the psychoactive cannabinoid.

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the one principally responsible for the psychoactive and intoxicating effects of cannabis consumption. Researchers discovered THC and isolated it from the cannabis plant in the 1960s, and many people now incorrectly use the terms ‘cannabis’ and ‘THC’ interchangeably. A big misconception is that THC is a ‘recreational’ cannabinoid used only to get high. In reality, THC has a multitude of potential therapeutic applications and is commonly used by both medical and recreational consumers.THC elicits a diverse range of effects by binding directly to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is best known, however, for “its activities as a psychoactive agent, analgesic [pain-reliever], muscle relaxant and antispasmodic.”

CBD

Until recently, high levels of CBD (cannabidiol) were mainly found in hemp plants. As interest has increased in the non-intoxicating cannabinoid, so too has the number of high-CBD cannabis cultivars and other CBD products. An intriguing feature of CBD is that it seems to counteract some of the possible negative side effects of high-THC cannabis. CBD has a “modulatory effect on THC-associated adverse events such as anxiety, tachycardia, hunger and sedation in rats and humans.” Initial research has demonstrated that CBD is an extremely versatile cannabinoid with many potential applications. Russo found that CBD exhibits the following therapeutic properties:

• Analgesic
• Neuroprotective
• Anticonvulsant
• Anti-nausea
• Anti-anxiety
• CBDA

Just like THCA’s relationship with THC, CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is the precursor of CBD. After decarboxylation, CBDA converts to CBD. Unlike the cannabinoids mentioned above, not much is known about CBDA. This is largely due to its low stability – meaning its chemical structure changes easily, making it difficult to study in a lab. However, one study found that “CBDA… has anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesia effects” in rats.

CBN

CBN (cannabinol) is formed as a result of the oxidization of THC, which occurs when dried cannabis is exposed to oxygen and light over time. So, if you want to boost the CBN content of your cannabis, simply leave it sitting in a jar for an extended period of time. CBN has “demonstrated anticonvulsant [and] anti-inflammatory… effects” and “produced greater sedation combined with THC” – making it a good candidate for further research into its suitability as a potential treatment for insomnia.

CBG/CBGA

CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) is sometimes referred to as the parent cannabinoid, because all the other cannabinoid acids (THCA, CBDA, etc.) are derived from it. In other words, CBGA is the precursor to THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. The highest levels of CBGA occur early in the flowering period and over time, most of it is converted into other cannabinoid acids by enzymes in the cannabis plant. The small amount of CBGA remaining after cultivation and drying is converted into CBG through decarboxylation when you heat (smoke, vape or cook) cannabis. CBG has “demonstrated modest antifungal effects” as well as “analgesic and anti-erythemic effects.”

CBC/CBCA

Like THC and CBD, CBC (cannabichromene) is derived from its acid form, CBCA (cannabichromenic acid), through decarboxylation. An interesting property of CBCA is its ability to induce cell death in the leaves of a cannabis plant. This is believed to be a defense mechanism for the plant as it causes damaged leaves to fall off, leaving more energy available for growing healthy leaves and buds. CBC’s potential for medical applications is high for its impressive “anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, its ability to reduce THC intoxication in mice, antibiotic and antifungal effects, and observed cytotoxicity in cancer [cells].”

THCV

Tired of getting the munchies? Then THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) might be the cannabinoid for you. THCV is similar in structure to THC, but its precursor is THCVA (tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid). Researchers have discovered that “THCV produces weight loss, decreased body fat and serum leptin concentrations with increased energy expenditure in obese mice.” More research into its effects on humans is needed, but these initial results are encouraging reasons to conduct more studies.