Cannabinoids…what are they?
It is important to emphasize that although more studies are being conducted to determine the efficacy of cannabis and its compounds, research in cannabis is still new and there is much to be learned and discovered. So please, consult a medical professional if you have questions and concerns about the use and effects of cannabis. I am not a medical doctor, or cannabis expert. However, because more states and countries are legalizing cannabis, the goal of these articles is to consolidate and share the most accurate information that is out there (and by accurate, I mean information that has only been provided by medical or governmental studies and research).
With that, let’s break down what is a cannabinoid, and where it fits in the whole realm of cannabis (marijuana).
Cannabis is a plant that has psychoactive qualities (1). The genus “cannabis” (remember from biology class? Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species) has been divided into three main species, which we know colloquially as:
1. Sativa
2. Indica
3. Ruderalis
Additionally, the cannabis plant is typically classified into a certain “type,” depending on its uses and genetic makeup.
A. “Psychoactive (sometimes referred to in medical journals as drug-type),” which has more psychoactive properties and THC content.
B. “Fiber-type,” which is mainly used for fiber and industrial practices and are almost devoid of THC (2) (3).
Cannabis contains more than 500 compounds (a compound is a chemical substance composed of two or more separate elements) (1) (4). Over 100 of these compounds are classified as “cannabinoids.” (1) (4).
Cannabinoids are one of the active ingredients made by the cannabis plant (5). “Cannabinoids are a group of terpenophenolic compounds found in Cannabis species (e.g., Cannabis sativa L).” We will explore these cannabinoids, and more, in future articles (6).
The highest concentrations of cannabinoids are found in the female flowers of the cannabis plant (6). These cannabinoids (remember, just a special compound in the plant) activate certain receptors in your body, including in the central nervous system and the immune system, producing pharmacological effects. In laymen terms, these chemicals react with your brain and can make you feel mentally or physically altered, or “high.”
To go a bit deeper, cannabinoids mainly interact with two types of receptors in the body and the brain:
CB1 receptor – These receptors are found in various parts of the brain. THC activates these receptors to cause a euphoric effect. CBD does not have a high affinity for these receptors, and does not activate the CB1 receptors, having virtually no effect.
CB2 receptor – These receptors are mainly found in the body’s immune system (6) (7).
The two most common cannabinoids found in cannabis plants are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol - Δ9 THC, and cannabidiol – CBD (1) (4).
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies. They are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of MBS Labs.
By: Jeremy Wasko
Sources
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5741114/
2. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2018/1691428/#B4
3. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2018/1691428/
4. “Learn about cannabis. Cannabis and its compounds.” https://www.uclahealth.org/cannabis/cannabis-and-its-compounds. Accessed January 15, 2020.
5. “The Science of Cannabis – a breakdown of Cannabinoids, Terpenes and Strains.” https://goop.com/wellness/health/the-science-of-cannabis-a-breakdown-of-cannabinoids-terpenes-and-strains/. Accessed January 15, 2020.
6. “Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version” was originally published by the National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq. Accessed January 15, 2020.