6 Most Common Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a diverse chemical compound class in the cannabis plant. They interact with a user’s endocannabinoid system, responsible for various cognitive and physiological processes. In addition, they activate the body’s cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids help regulate various body functions, including pain perception and inflammation. Besides being used recreationally, these compounds can cure multiple medical conditions. Discussed below are the five most common cannabinoids.
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- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis. It makes users feel high. THC binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, which are responsible for controlling emotions like pain and mood. Dronabinol, THC’s synthetic formulation, is FDA-approved to stimulate appetite in HIV and AIDS anorexia and manage chemotherapy-related vomiting and nausea.
THC can also treat several conditions, like multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. In addition, you can use it for recreational purposes. High THC doses may result in short-term memory loss and paranoia. Its long-term use can negatively impact a user’s cognitive function and mental health.
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- Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
THCA cannabinoid is commonly referred to as a precursor THC. It’s the non-psychoactive form of THC, and it only converts to THC after it’s subjected to heat or light. While research on the potential benefits of THCA is still ongoing, it’s believed to have several therapeutic benefits, including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: THCA anti-inflammatory properties make it an potential effective treatment for inflammatory disorders such as arthritis
- Neuroprotection: THCA contains neuroprotective capabilities which help to protect the brain from illness-related damage such as Alzheimer’s and traumatic brain injury
- Pain alleviation: THCA has analgesic properties which helps to relieve pain. This makes THCA flower a better alternative for pain treatment compared to opioids which are addictive and have other negative effects
- Appetite stimulant
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is one among the hundreds of chemical compounds in marijuana. It can also be obtained from non-hemp plants. CBD isn’t psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t generate a high effect. It’s federally legal, provided it doesn’t have over 0.3% THC and is hemp-derived. Nonetheless, some states still have CBD in their Controlled Substances Act. This implies that CBD products’ legality varies by state. CBD effectively treats epilepsy syndromes like Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome. Some studies found that CBD reduced seizures and, in others, stopped them completely.
This compound has been shown to lower anxiety, assist with insomnia, and help with pain management. CBD can also reduce heroin and tobacco cravings under specific conditions. CBD ingestion has some side effects, including appetite reduction and dry mouth. Some CBD products’ dosage and purity are also unreliable. Growing Apple Fritter autoflower is a strain that may contain CBD, offering similar potential benefits. You should consult your healthcare provider before consuming CBD.
- Cannabinol (CBN)
While CBN can be derived from the cannabis plant, it can also be extracted synthetically. It forms through THC degradation due to heat or light exposure. Unlike CBD, which isn’t psychoactive, CBN can generate mild psychoactive effects when ingested in large doses.
Comparing CBD vs CBN can help you learn their similarities and differences in how they affect and benefit the body. CBN can treat Epidermolysis Bullosa and reduce glaucoma symptoms and effects. It also helps relieve chronic muscle pain. Its side effects include possible sedation and drowsiness, particularly when used with CBD.
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
Unlike other cannabinoids, CBG is found in the cannabis plant in minimal quantities, which makes its consumer products rare and mostly expensive. It’s extracted from the young plants as they have it in higher amounts than fully developed ones. Unlike THC, CBG doesn’t have intoxicating or psychoactive reactions, so it doesn’t get you high.
While CBD and CBG don’t generate psychoactive effects, their molecular makeups are different, making their effects on the body slightly different. While CBG offers similar rewards as CBD, more in-depth research is needed to support those benefits. Since CBG products aren’t FDA-regulated, ensure they’re third-party tested to ascertain safety and accurate labeling.
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which is a strong anti-inflammatory and antidepressant. Unlike other cannabinoids, this compound can combine with receptors beyond the endocannabinoid system. Existing scientific CBC evidence suggests this cannabinoid has anti-cancer effects and can treat neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Endnote
Cannabinoids come in various options, each with a unique molecular formation. Consider familiarizing yourself with the most common cannabinoids and their effects on the human body.
