Sep 7, 2023
Ever wanted to know how cannabis works, but didn't know how or where to ask? This is a brief overview of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), one of the primary ways cannabis works its magic.
The ECS is a complex cell-signaling network that helps to regular a number of human physiological processes. It consists of three parts: endocannabinoids, enzymes, and receptors.
Endocannabinoids are molecules that are naturally produced by the body.
Enzymes regulate the levels of endocannabinoids in the body.
Receptors are activated by endocannabinoids and cannabinoids, and consist of 2 primary types: CB1 and CB2.
-CB1 receptors are predominantly located in the brain and nervous system.
-CB2 receptors are predominantly located in the peripheral tissues and immune system.
The ECS has several functions, which includes but is not limited to:
You might be familiar with the terms THC or CBD. These, among others, are examples of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis. Cannabinoids are molecules found in cannabis, hemp, flax, and hops that have found a way to mimic endocannabinoids enough to activate and harness the power of the ECS.
We're still finding new information every day, but here are the main cannabinoids you'll find in cannabis:
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, and also the most common cannabinoid found in the plant. But getting you "high" by binding to CB1 receptors in your brain and nervous system is not all it does. That euphoria, for example, provides many with the assistance needed to get a restorative night's sleep. Additionally, THC's psychoactivity has been shown to have benefits for those suffering from nausea or other gastrointestinal issues, as it stimulates the appetite. Numerous studies show that THC helps to manage and treat pain and inflammation in the body that's often difficult to treat with other means.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is the second-most-common cannabinoid in cannabis. While it may not be psychoactive like THC, it can provide a mild, pleasant effect. Many of the same benefits as THC are provided by CBD, but in different ways. For example, like THC, CBD is a pro at controlling certain types of pain and inflammation. It does this by binding to CB2 receptors in the immune system and peripheral tissues. Because it only binds to CB2 receptors, pairing it with THC- which binds to CB1 receptors- makes the combination of the two even more effective than the sum of its parts. But the benefits of CBD doesn't end there. It also helps many tame their anxiety, stress, and depression.
Cannabinol (CBN)
I like to explain CBN as THC's little sibling: they're quite similar, but CBN is a weaker version. As THC components age, they being to break down. This forms the less potent cannabinoid, CBN. CBN is about 25% as effective as THC. That is, unlike CBD, CBN in larger doses can be mildly psychoactive.
Unfortunately, CBN has not been studied as widely as CBD or THC, so there’s limited knowledge as to its uses and benefits. Based on the studies that have been performed, here's what we do know about it:
Sleep aid: CBN shows sedative properties that could relieve sleep conditions like insomnia.
Pain relief: CBN has shown relief in muscle and joint pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Studies have noted increased pain relief when CBD and CBN are used in conjunction.
Neuroprotective properties: More studies are needed to find how deep the rabbit hole goes on this one, but one 2005 study found that CBN could help delay the onset of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease affecting cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Similarly, it has shown promise to manage and treat neurological conditions like Parkinson's.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
CBC is the third most common cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It has not been nearly as explored as its fellow cannabinoids, CBD and THC. What we do know, however, is that CBC shows significant potential to treat inflammation and pain reduction by promoting the growth of new brain cells. We also know that CBC works in tandem with other cannabinoids collectively boosting their anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic effects.
Though more studies need to be done, CBC is showing great promise in use as an antidepressant. In fact, it may be up to 10 times more potent than CBD for treating stress and anxiety. Additionally, it may be a game changer for those with chronic pain- especially neuropathic- as it binds to receptors linked to pain perception.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
CBG is often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids" because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG. Existing only in small qualities compared to other cannabinoids on adult plants (about 1%), CBG is often harvested from young plants, where it's found in higher concentrations. That's because the CBG has not yet had the time to convert into other cannabinoids.
One of the remarkable things about CBG is that while it binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, it is not psychoactive. What it will do, however, is strengthen the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a role in enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain. Potential benefits of CBG include: easing of anxiety and depression symptoms, relief of chronic pain conditions, reduction of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms, lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) for glaucoma patients, increasing cell viability to combat neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's, anti-tumor effects for cancer patients, and anti-bacterial effects for those facing drug-resistant infections.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
THCV can be seen as a cannabinoid in-between THC and CBD, as it shares many of the same effects as both of these compounds. It has also earned itself the moniker "diet weed" due to its promise in appetite control and weight loss. But it's way more than just any of that. Found more often in sativa strains, THCV shows potential therapeutic use for conditions like Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bone injury, inflammation, pain, Alzheimer's, and diabetes. In small amount, THCV is non-psychoactive, but can produce energizing and antipsychotic effects, and appetite suppressing effects. At larger dosages, it becomes psychoactive, providing a more "clear-headed" and less sedating effect than its counterpart, THC.
My favorite part? More research needs to be done, but with its effect of blood sugar regulation and reduction of insulin resistance, THCV may be crucial to combatting both Type I (autoimmune) and Type II (obesity) diabetes. As someone who loves several people living with diabetes, I look to THCV for hope.
It's important to remember that while marijuana as a much friendlier option than many pharmaceuticals, it is a drug. This means that its properties, including cannabinoids, can lead to drug interactions. If you have a history of health problems or are on medication, it is imperative that you consult with your doctor before starting a cannabis treatment to ensure that it is not contraindicated by any of your current medicines.
Cannabis isn't just about "getting high," and it's very much a sum of its parts and more. (Oy, we haven't even gotten to terpenes!) This is exactly why cannabis education and strain matchmaking is crucial to getting the right medicine for you.
Still have questions about cannabinoids? I'm happy to answer them and add them to my post! Send an email my way: sydney@weedmatchmaker.com
