Different Types of Cannabinoids: Explained
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. They are responsible for producing psychological effects on the brain, including mood changes, altering senses, and relieving pain. There are many types of cannabinoids that have been identified. This article will discuss the cannabinoids THC and CBD in more detail, as well as what the endocannabinoid system is.
1) What Is A Cannabinoid?
When you think of a cannabinoid, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For most people, it is cannabis strains like high-quality Delta-8 THC, and you wouldn’t be wrong, but there is more to it than that. In order to understand what a cannabinoid is, we first have to explain what an endocannabinoid system is. An endocannabinoid system is a group of specialized cell receptors and corresponding molecules. The body naturally produces these chemicals as well as those from special plants. These chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system allow it to do its job. Its job is to maintain homeostasis which is the balanced environment in the body’s many different systems. This explains why cannabinoids from plants have a variety of effects on the body and how they can be used medicinally.
So how does this endocannabinoid system work? When cannabinoids enter the body, they interact with specific cannabinoid receptors (CB 1 and CB 2 ). These molecules then go throughout the body changing proteins that influence mood, appetite, pain sensation, and memory among others. This is the main reason why there are such a variety of different effects of cannabinoids; they interact with different proteins throughout the body.
2) Different Types of Cannabinoids I: THC & CBD
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol is one type of cannabinoid. It is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and has been shown to be an analgesic or pain reliever. THC also produces other effects on the body including feelings of euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, and lowered intraocular pressure. It is probably the best known and most popular type of cannabinoid. THC is mainly known for its psychoactive effects, which are produced because of the way it interacts with CB 1 receptors in the brain.
Popular Strains of THC:
- Acapulco Gold
- Blue Dream
- Purple Kush
- Sour Diesel
- Bubba Kush
- Granddaddy Purple
- Afghan Kush
- LA Confidential
How To Choose The Right Strain for You?
Strain selection should always depend on the user’s specific conditions and desired effects. Are you new to the world of cannabis? If so, you should start with a strain that is high in CBD. New users should start low and go slow. If you take too much THC, you may feel overwhelmed and anxious.
CBD
Another very popular cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has recently become extremely high quality due to farmers growing high-quality medical marijuana. It’s interesting because CBD doesn’t interact with CB 1 receptors as THC does. Instead, it interacts with other receptors such as serotonin and vanilloid-1 (TRPV1). Although high-quality CBD does not have psychoactive effects, high doses can cause a slight high. This high is caused by the vanilloid-1 receptors being activated. CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory and has been shown to be an effective atypical antipsychotic in treating schizophrenia. CBD changes how some of the chemicals in your brain work, yet it doesn’t cause psychoactive effects. High-quality CBD is currently being used to treat depression and pain.
Most Common Types of Consumption:
CBD can be smoked, vaped, used topically or orally. For new users of cannabis with high CBD, oral consumption is recommended because it gives a slow onset and allows the user to gradually adjust.
3) Different Types of Cannabinoids II
Cannabigerol
Another type of cannabinoid is cannabigerol (CBG). CBG is a phytocannabinoid that is mainly found in hemp plants. CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has shown some promising medical benefits. Studies have shown that CBG is one of the best cannabinoids to use for antimicrobial purposes. It has demonstrated its potential as an effective treatment against MRSA, a highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria. CBG also has the ability to inhibit cell growth in tumors and cancers, as well as stop metastasis in such diseases.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin
Another type of cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). THCV is just one of 85 known cannabinoids. Although THCV is mainly known to be found in sativas at low levels, it has shown that it can have medical benefits.
Cannabinoids are a diverse group of chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors to produce their effects. This is done through two primary mechanisms: by binding directly to the receptor or by interacting with enzymes that break down (metabolize) chemicals in the brain, thereby changing how cells respond to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Cannabinoid receptors include CB 1, found mainly in the nervous system, and CB 2, which is primarily found in immune-system tissues. The different types of cannabinoids interact differently with these cannabinoid receptors from producing psychoactive effects like THC do, all the way up to not having any psychoactive effect at all as CBD does.
