We’ve all heard of cannabis, but what is it?
The major active elements in cannabis are classified as plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) and are known as cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, or CBD and THC, respectively. These elements are the two most researched cannabinoids; we know of approximately 100 different cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant.
CBD and THC have been identified to act on certain receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the human body, reducing and changing neurotransmitter release. Cannabinoids, the major chemical components in cannabis, have significant medicinal potential and are incredibly successful in addressing a variety of medical conditions & diseases while also providing a wide spectrum of symptom alleviation.
Cannabis History
Cannabis was used as a medication in Asia prior to the Christian period, primarily in India. Cannabis was introduced into Western medicine throughout the nineteenth century. The accessibility and consumption of cannabis tinctures or extracts reached a peak in the last decade of that century.
Western medical usage of cannabis declined substantially early in the twentieth century, owing to challenges in obtaining consistent findings from batches of plant material of varying potencies.
Professor Raphael Mechoulam initiated his cannabinoid study in the 1960s, eventually finding the molecular structure of cannabis (cannabinoids). The prospect of extracting THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) from the cannabis plant led to a substantial surge in scientific interest in the cannabis plant. Prof. Mechoulam investigated the metabolic, pharmacological, and clinical consequences. The favourable results opened the door for significant additional cannabis discoveries, such as the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system in the brain and the finding of cannabinoid receptors.
Cannabis receptors, what are they?
Cannabinoid receptors can be found throughout the body, embedded in cell membranes, and are thought to be the most abundant receptor system. Researchers discovered two cannabinoid receptors: CB1, which is found primarily in the neurological system, glands, gonads, organs and connective tissues. CB2 is found mostly in the immune system and its related structures. Researchers believe a third cannabinoid receptor is out there, waiting to be identified.
CB1 receptors are mostly present in the central nervous system and the brain. They’re also located in the cerebellum and the reproductive systems of both men and women. Most of the psychotropic effects of cannabis are mediated by these receptors. CB2 receptors can be most commonly found in the immune system. These receptors appear to be in charge of anti-inflammatory and immune-related actions.
Cannabinoids have recently received a lot of attention in the press, and you may be asking what the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is and what function it plays in the human body.
The endocannabinoid system is a biochemical system that regulates and balances several functions in the body, including immune response, cell communication, sleep, pain, inflammation, hunger and metabolism, memory, and others. Cannabinoids interact with the human body and provide therapeutic effects via this system of receptors and metabolic enzymes.
Despite its critical role in human body function, the endocannabinoid system was discovered relatively recently, and much of its significance is just now being recognised by scientists and the medical community at large.
CB1 receptors are located in the brain and central nervous system.
- Lungs
- Brain
- Gastrointestinal Tract
- Vascular System
- Reproductive Organs
- Muscles
- Immune System
- Bone Marrow
- Liver
- Pancreas
CB2 receptors are found on cells throughout the immune system.
- Bones
- Spleen
- Skin
- Liver
- Immune Cells
- Bone Marrow
CBD vs. THC
CBD (cannabidiol) is not psychotropic since it does not attach to CB1 receptors. It works by reducing the breakdown of natural endogenous endocannabinoids, boosting endocannabinoid levels in the body. It is recognised to be a helpful therapy for anxiety reduction, anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and pain relief.
THC binds to CB1 receptors within the brain, causing neuronal signals to be downregulated. As it is known to be inhibiting and psychoactive, it also acts as a sleep aid while enhancing hunger, alleviating pain, and can boost your mood.
What exactly are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic chemicals that can be found in a high percentage of plants, although they are commonly connected with cannabis because of the high concentrations of them in cannabis plants. These aromatic chemicals are responsible for the distinctive scents of numerous plants, including pine, lavender, and cannabis, along with fresh orange peel.
The ten most prevalent terpenes:
- Limonene
- Beta-Caryophyllene
- Linalool
- Borneol
- Myrcene
- Delta-3-Carene
- Pinene
- Eucalyptol
- Terpineol
- And Humulene