Cannabinoids

Whenever you hear anything about marijuana, your mind may automatically associate it with getting high. However, there are many more scientific and health benefits involved behind the scenes. Knowing more about cannabis and the genetics behind plants with cannabinoids and their effects will help you find which type, medical or recreational, will work for you. In this Cannabinoids 101 lesson, you will learn how cannabinoids work, some of the most popular cannabinoids being researched, and many of their effects and health benefits.

Cannabinoids are compounds that occur naturally in cannabis sativa plants. They act as neurotransmitters and interact with the cannabinoid receptors we all -both humans and animals- have in our endocannabinoid system

They produce different effects, ranging from pain reduction to increased appetite and relaxation...

Each cannabinoid produces slightly different effects.

There are about 150 of them, but not all have been studied as much as CBD, THC, or to a lesser extent CBG and HHC.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis consumption, but it has potentially interesting medicinal properties.

Cannabidiol (CBD) does not produce psychoactive effects, but may have medicinal properties by acting on anxiety and inflammation, as do CBG, CBC or HHC.

Cannabinoid or Phytocannabinoid: What's the Difference?

"Phyto-" means "plant-derived", so the term "phytocannabinoid" specifically refers to cannabinoids of plant origin, primarily those found in Cannabis plants, but not limited to them. Cannabis naturally produces phytocannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, etc.

Other plants may contain compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors. However, these compounds are not necessarily called phytocannabinoids, but rather "cannabimimetics," as they mimic the effects of cannabinoids.

In summary, all phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids, but not all cannabinoids are necessarily phytocannabinoids.

The term "phytocannabinoid" emphasizes the plant origin of these compounds, while "cannabinoid" is broader and encompasses plant-derived, animal-derived, and synthetic compounds that act on the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system we all possess.

The main cannabinoids

The endocannabinoid system



The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors (CB1 and CB2) and molecules responsible for regulating various physiological processes, including pain, mood, appetite and immune function.

Understanding the interaction between cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system is essential to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis. So here's a summary of what we're hearing more and more about this system.

The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell signalling system present in organisms and animals.

It plays a role in regulating various physiological processes such as appetite, pain sensation, mood and memory. It is made up of endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters produced naturally by the body, and their receptors, which are found on the surface of the body's cells.

The endocannabinoid system acts to maintain the body's equilibrium, contributing to the proper functioning of various functions. It interacts with the body's other systems, notably the nervous and immune systems, to maintain the body in a state of homeostasis.

Homeostasis is the concept in biology that describes an organism's ability to maintain a stable and constant state of its internal environment, despite fluctuations in its external environment.

A deregulation of the endocannabinoid system has been observed in people suffering from medical conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression and addiction.

Endocannabinoid receptors are proteins located on the surface of cells. A reaction occurs when they are exposed to endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide.

Anandamide is a neurotransmitter naturally present in the bodies of humans and animals. It is part of the endocannabinoid system, and is produced and metabolised by the body to help regulate functions such as pain, mood, appetite and memory.

Anandamide has been shown to have effects similar to those of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, as well as other exogenous cannabinoids. However, its effects are generally much weaker and shorter-lasting.

There are two known types of endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, each with different distributions and functions.

CB1 receptors are found mainly in the central nervous system and are involved in regulating pain, memory, mood and appetite, among other functions.

CB2 receptors are found mainly in immune cells and are involved in regulating inflammation and the immune response.

It is important to note that cannabis is still considered an illegal drug in many countries, and its use for medicinal purposes can be regulated differently. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting to use cannabis or cannabis-based products for medicinal purposes.

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