Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Like cacao (where chocolate is made from), other plants contain cannabinoids, but the cannabis plant makes by far the most. There are over 100 cannabinoids, but THC and CBC are the most-famous and most understood.
Your body interacts with cannabinoids through your endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for keeping your body systems in balance (see our previous post about cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system). The endocannabinoid system is made up in part of CB1 and CB2 receptors, where different cannabinoids interact to produce an effect in the body.
The mother of all cannabinoids is cannabigerolic acid or CBGA, from which all other cannabinoids derive.
The THC Cannabinoid
THC is the most famous of the cannabinoids. It gives you a “high” feeling because of its impact on the CB1 receptors, which are located in your brain and your peripheral nervous system. While people tend to use THC recreationally, it has medicinal uses. For example, THC may help regulate mood (anxiety, depression), inflammation, sleep problems, digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, pain, nausea, seizures, poor appetite, migraines, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The CBD Cannabinoid
Cannabidiol or CBD is another well-known cannabinoid. Unlike THC, it doesn’t have any psychoactive effects so you won’t feel high. It reportedly helps treat several conditions, including (but not limited to) inflammation (we created an infographic about CBD’s anti-inflammatory impact on the skin), seizures, anxiety, depression, cancer, and nerve pain.
The CBG Cannabinoid
Cannabigerol, otherwise known as CBG, is an essential cannabinoid because it reportedly diminishes inflammation, relieves pain, regulates mood, and is neuroprotective (important to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s). Preliminary research shows that CBG may benefit cancer patients. It also gives energy and mental clarity.
The CBN Cannabinoid
When THC ages, it changes to cannabinol or CBN. There’s very little research on the effects of CBN on the body. However, a handful of studies show positive results, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, appetite-stimulating, and antibacterial properties. It may even help those with glaucoma.
The cannabis plant contains many cannabinoids with several therapeutic effects on the body that science continues to discover. Visit our shop today to find the product that’s right for you.
Resources
Earlenbaugh, E. (12 May, 2015). What is CBN (cannabinol) and what are the benefits of this cannabinoid? Leafly. https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-cbn-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-cannabinoid
Hartney, E. (11 March, 2022). What is THC? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-thc-in-marijuana-4080556
Hewett, D. (n.d.). Cannabidiol (CBD). New Phase Blends. https://www.newphaseblends.com/cannabidiol-cbd/
(n.a.). (21 October, 2020). CBG vs CBGA: Definitions, benefits, and products. Tanasi. https://tanasi.com/blog/cbg-vs-cbga-definitions-benefits-and-products/#:~:text=But%20why%20is%20this%3F,that%20CBGA%20ultimately%20becomes%20CBG.
Syracuse.com. (26 October, 2021). Marijuana THC vs CBD, CBG, CBN: What’s the difference? What are health benefits of each? YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TrPmhFEr_U