What are Cannabinoids? –  What Do They Do?

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Understanding Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and overall well-being. While the cannabis plant contains numerous varieties of them, the most well-known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Cannabinoids have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential therapeutic benefits. They have been studied for their effects on various health conditions, including pain management, anxiety, and epilepsy. Understanding cannabinoids and their functions is essential for anyone interested in exploring their potential and uses.

What Do Cannabinoids Do?

Cannabinoids interact with the ECS and other systems in the body to produce a wide range of effects. Here are some of the primary functions and potential benefits associated with cannabinoids:

1. Pain Management: Cannabinoids may help reduce chronic pain by altering pain perception pathways in the brain.
2. Anxiety and Depression: Some cannabinoids have shown potential in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
3. Neuroprotection: Certain cannabinoids may have neuroprotective properties, potentially benefiting conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Cannabinoids can help reduce inflammation in the body, which may be beneficial for various conditions.
5. Sleep Regulation: Some cannabinoids may improve sleep quality and duration.
6. Appetite Stimulation: Certain cannabinoids, particularly THC, are known to increase appetite.
7. Anti-nausea Effects: Cannabinoids have shown promise in reducing nausea and vomiting, especially in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
8. Epilepsy Treatment: Some cannabinoids, like CBD, have been approved for treating certain forms of epilepsy.
9. Skin Health: Topical application of certain cannabinoids may benefit skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
10. Cancer Research: While more studies are needed, some cannabinoids have shown potential in inhibiting the growth of certain cancer cells in laboratory settings.

Types of Cannabinoids – Phytocannabinoids

A phytocannabinoid is a type that is made by plants. The word “phyto-” shows that it comes from plants. Most phytocannabinoids come from the cannabis plant, which includes both marijuana and hemp. These chemicals are made by the plant’s fleshy trichomes. These are small, sticky structures that can be found on the flowers and leaves of cannabis.

Both people and other animals have a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is very important for controlling many bodily functions, such as mood, hunger, how we feel pain, and how our immune system works. When phytocannabinoids are eaten or put on the skin, they attach to cannabinoid receptors in the body. This changes how these processes work and may have therapeutic benefits.

Let’s talk about some of the most famous ones!

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is the most famous psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is responsible for the “high” or euphoric sensation associated with marijuana use. THC binds to receptors in the brain and nervous system, leading to various effects on mood, cognition, and perception. Apart from its psychoactive properties, THC also has potential therapeutic applications, such as pain relief and appetite stimulation. THC as a cancer treatment is well documented and are part of medicinal cannabis cancer treatment in countries/places where it is legal. THC “makes the cancer cells commit suicide” and can help cure some forms of cancer.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is also well-known. It has gained significant popularity in recent years. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it does not induce a “high” feeling. CBD interacts with different receptors in the body, including serotonin receptors, which may explain its potential anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBG is a lesser-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is considered mother of all cannabinoids. It is a precursor to THC and CBD, as the plant synthesizes CBG first before converting it into these two more well-known compounds. While research on CBG is limited, it shows promise in potentially helping anxiety and depression, reducing inflammation and acting as a neuroprotective agent.

Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN (Cannabinol) forms when THC ages or undergoes oxidation. It is known for its sedative effects and is often associated with inducing sleepiness. While CBN is not as well-studied as THC or CBD, preliminary research suggests it may have potential in promoting sleep and relieving pain.

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)

Hexahydrocannabinol, which is another name for HHC, is a minor cannabinoid that is found in small amounts in cannabis. It has the same chemical structure as THC, but it has some different qualities. Through a process called “hydrogenation,” which involves adding hydrogen to the THC molecule, HHC is made. This makes the THC molecule more stable and less likely to break down.

When taken in, HHC can have effects similar to those of THC, though the strength of HHC in commercial products can change. Users have said that their effects ranged from delta 8 THC to delta 9 THC.

There isn’t much information out there about drug tests. It is not known if HHC breaks down into a substance that is often tested for in drug screens. So, if you are worried about a drug test, it is best to be careful.

Even though there have been some interesting studies on HHC, it is still not clear what its medical benefits are. Research has shown that it might be able to fight cancer and stop pain, but more research is needed to figure out how effective it could be as a medicine.

How Cannabinoids Interact with the Body

Cannabinoids interact with the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS consists of receptors, endocannabinoids (naturally produced by the body), and enzymes responsible for synthesizing and degrading these compounds. The two primary receptors in the ECS are CB1 and CB2 receptors.

When cannabinoids enter the body, they bind to these receptors, influencing various physiological processes. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the immune system and peripheral tissues.

Discovery of The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system was discovered relatively recently in scientific history. It was first identified in the early 1990s through research on the effects of cannabis on the human body by Rafael Mechoulam.

The key milestones in its discovery were:

1. 1988: The first cannabinoid receptor (CB1) was identified in the brain of a rat.
2. 1990: The CB1 receptor was cloned, confirming its existence.
3. 1992: The first endocannabinoid, anandamide, was discovered by Raphael Mechoulam and his team.
4. 1993: A second cannabinoid receptor (CB2) was identified.
5. 1995: A second endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), was discovered.

These discoveries collectively led to the recognition of the endocannabinoid system as a distinct biological system in the human body. The term “endocannabinoid system” itself came into use in the mid-1990s as researchers began to understand the full scope of this signaling system.

It’s worth noting that while the components of the system were discovered in the early 1990s, our understanding of its functions and importance has continued to evolve significantly since then. Research into the endocannabinoid system is still ongoing, with new findings regularly emerging about its role in various physiological processes.

The endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. It helps regulate numerous processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, immune response, and pain perception. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes that work together to ensure proper functioning and balance. Creating homeostasis.

Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are naturally produced by the body. They bind to cannabinoid receptors, activating various physiological responses. When the body’s endocannabinoid system is imbalanced, supplementing with external cannabinoids like THC or CBD can potentially restore equilibrium and alleviate certain symptoms.

Health Benefits of Cannabinoids

Research suggests that cannabinoids, particularly CBD, may have several potential health benefits. While further studies are needed to establish their efficacy, cannabinoids have shown promise in the following areas:

1. Pain Management: Cannabinoids, especially CBD, may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain.
2. Anxiety and Depression: CBD has been studied for its potential anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties, offering a natural alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals.
3. Epilepsy: CBD has gained recognition for its anticonvulsant properties, showing promise in reducing seizures in certain forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
4. Neurological Disorders: Cannabinoids have been investigated for their potential in treating neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
5. Cancer-related Symptoms: Some cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, may help alleviate symptoms related to cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

More from our blog:

• Cannabinoids
• What is The Entourage Effect?
• What is the endocannabinoid system
• Does CBD actually do anything?
• Is CBD a Drug?

Can you find cannabinoids somewhere other than cannabis

While cannabis is the most well-known source of cannabinoids, it’s not the only place these compounds can be found in nature. Recent research has revealed that cannabinoids and cannabinoid-like substances exist in a variety of other plants and even some animals:

1. Echinacea: This popular herb contains compounds that interact with CB2 receptors, potentially explaining some of its immune-boosting properties.
2. Black pepper: Contains beta-caryophyllene, a terpene that acts as a cannabinoid and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Cacao: The main ingredient in chocolate contains compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system, which might contribute to its mood-enhancing effects.
4. Kava: This plant from the South Pacific contains yangonin, which interacts with CB1 receptors.
5. Japanese liverwort: Contains a compound called perrottetinene, which is strikingly similar to THC in structure and function.
6. Black truffles: Surprisingly, these fungi produce anandamide, the same endocannabinoid found in human bodies.
7. Maca root: Contains compounds that interact with CB1 receptors.
8. Electric eel: Produces its own version of anandamide, which may play a role in its electrical discharge mechanism.

This diverse range of sources for cannabinoids and cannabinoid-like compounds highlights the ubiquity of these substances in nature. It also suggests that the endocannabinoid system may have evolved to interact with a variety of plant compounds, not just those found in cannabis. This opens up exciting possibilities for research into new sources of therapeutic cannabinoids and deepens our understanding of the intricate relationships between plants, animals, and biochemical systems.

As research in this area continues, we may discover even more natural sources of cannabinoids, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches and a broader understanding of how these compounds interact with living organisms.

Common Uses of Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are used in various forms, including:

• Medical Marijuana: In places where medicinal cannabis is legal, THC-rich products are prescribed to patients for managing pain, nausea, muscle spasms, and other symptoms.
• CBD Products: CBD derived from hemp is widely available in the form of oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. These products are used for their potential therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.
• Synthetic Cannabinoids: Some pharmaceuticals contain synthetic cannabinoids, such as Marinol and Cesamet, which are prescribed for specific medical conditions.

Side Effects and Risks

While cannabinoids may offer potential benefits, it’s important to be aware of the possible side effects and risks associated with their use. Some common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, and changes in appetite. Additionally, THC can impair coordination and cognitive function, so caution should be exercised when operating machinery or driving.

Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disorders or a history of psychiatric disorders, should consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabinoids. Moreover, it is crucial to source cannabinoids from reputable sources to ensure product quality and safety.

More about CBD side effects here

Conclusion

Cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes. While THC is known for its psychoactive effects, CBD offers potential therapeutic benefits without inducing a high.

They have shown promise in pain management, anxiety reduction, epilepsy treatment, and other health conditions. However, it is essential to consult with a doctor and adhere to local regulations when considering the use of cannabinoids. With further research and understanding, cannabinoids may continue to offer new avenues for improving health and well-being.

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