An Introduction to Cannabinoids. What are they and why are they important?
In recent years there has been an increased interest in cannabis and its potential health benefits. This interest has led more people to look into the various components of cannabis and what they can do for you.
Some of the components that have received a lot of attention are Cannabinoids, and with good reason. Cannabinoids play a pivotal role in the therapeutic effects of cannabis, influencing everything from pain relief to mood regulation.
An Intro to Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are naturally found in the cannabis plant. When consumed, they interact in specific ways with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is a network of receptors that are involved in regulating different physiological processes.
Every Cannabinoid is slightly different and interacts uniquely with your endocannabinoid system. This means that every cannabinoid has its own specific effect on the body. While some cannabinoids can be used for the same purposes they’re all going to have different variations, which is why it’s important to know exactly what these different compounds do.
The Most Common Types of Cannabinoids
There are over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified in the cannabis plant, each of which has its own unique effects and potential benefits. However, these are the most common ones that you might encounter and what they can do.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
THC is probably the most well-known cannabinoid and is one of the psychoactive compounds found in cannabis. That psychoactivity is what is responsible for the feeling of being high. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, altering mood, perception, and cognition.
In addition to getting you high THC can be used in a number of therapeutic ways. It’s been known to help treat both acute and chronic pain and has also been used as a muscle relaxant. People have also used it to help with nausea and as an appetite stimulant.
Cannabidiol (CBD):
CBD is another very common cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant. It’s known for its therapeutic properties and is not psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high.
One of main things that CBD is known for is its pain relieving properties, making products that contain CBD very popular with people experiencing chronic pain. It also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties, making it a valuable compound for various other health conditions.
Cannabigerol (CBG):
CBG is considered the precursor to other cannabinoids and is sometimes referred to as the “mother cannabinoid”. During the growing process, CBG is one of the first cannabinoids to form and as the plant continues to grow, other cannabinoids like THC and CBD are developed from it.
It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It’s been known to be helpful in treating diseases like Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. CBG has also been used as an appetite stimulant to help treat eating disorders and appetite loss because of chemotherapy.
Cannabinol (CBN):
While not as common as some other cannabinoids, CBN is still fairly popular. It occurs when THC is exposed to heat, light, and oxygen over time, degrading it. Because it’s originally derived from THC, CBN is mildly psychoactive.
CBN is most commonly used as a sleep aid due to its sedating properties. It has also been known to help with pain relief which makes it popular with people who have trouble sleeping due to medical conditions or persistant pain.
Cannabichromene (CBC):
CBC is a less popular cannabinoid, mostly because it is found in smaller quantities than cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Structurally it is actually pretty similar to CBD and other cannabinoids.
It also has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties like other cannabinoids but studies have shown that it may have antidepressant effects. This makes products that contain CBC potentially helpful tools in lessening the effects of depression.
Why it’s Important to Know Your Cannabinoids
Knowing about the cannabinoids that are in the products you’re consuming is going to help you to better curate your cannabis experience. You’ll be able to better understand the effects that they might have on you and as you try more products you’ll be able to catalog exactly how each cannabinoid affects you personally. You will also be able to better choose the correct product for your specific problems or needs.
Understanding the diverse effects of cannabinoids and their interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system is essential for harnessing the full potential of cannabis as a medicinal and wellness aid.
As our understanding of cannabinoids continues to grow, so does our appreciation for all of the benefits they offer. By exploring the intricacies of cannabinoids and their interactions with our bodies, we can unlock new avenues for treatment and discovery in the fascinating world of cannabis.
If you’re looking to try out some new products featuring some of the cannabinoids mentioned here, stop by NatureMed and we’ll make sure that you find what you’re looking for.
Check out our online menu to see everything we have to offer and check our specials page to see all the ways you can save.