What are Cannabinoids and How do They React When Consumed ?
Did you know that 12% of American citizens reported using marijuana regularly in 2021? Moreover, almost half the country’s population has used it once. So, what makes the plant so popular amongst consumers? The primary reason why cannabis is so widely used is that it offers several benefits and can be used in multiple ways.
The cannabis plant consists of over 500 chemicals, such as flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids. Now, when we talk about cannabinoids, they may be hard to find in other places, but are abundant in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids even constitute more than 144 of the 500+ chemicals in the plant.
As a cannabis user, or someone who is intrigued to know more about the plant before consuming it, you may have heard about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). These are the two most common and popular types of cannabinoids. THC is a potent psychoactive chemical compound with medicinal value. CBD too, has medicinal value, minus the intoxicating effects.
Besides THC and CBD, cannabis has many cannabinoids. If you want to regularly consume marijuana, it is best to understand how these chemical compounds react with each other and your body.
The Most Common Type of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are actually present in their acidic form. For instance, CBD is actually produced as CBDA- Cannabidiolic acid. When you heat the cannabis flower for consumption, the CBDA turns to CBD. Similarly, all cannabinoids found in cannabis are present in their acidic forms.
Now, let’s look at how they interact with the body.
How Cannabinoids React With the Body
Our bodies rely on the endocannabinoid system to regulate peripheral and central mechanisms of food intake, turnover of the liver cells and adipose tissue, lipids synthesis, and the metabolism of glucose in muscle cells. It is made up of 3 parts:
- Cannabinoid receptors
- Endocannabinoids
- Enzymes that produce and destroy endocannabinoids.
The cannabinoid receptors play the most vital role when you consume cannabis. The primary receptors are CB1 and CB2, which are located in the entire human body. THC is known to react with both these receptors, helping you regulate the following symptoms:
- Mood
- Sleep
- Energy
- Memory
- Appetite
- Heart rate
- Inflammation
- Pain response
- Muscle control
- Blood pressure
- Immune response
- Body temperature
Medical marijuana also helps with many mental issues, such as the ones mentioned in this blog.
Cannabinoid Interactions
As aforementioned, there are 144 different cannabinoids known to us. While some of them may occur naturally in the cannabis plant, others are found in burned cannabis resin. The way they are produced affects the chain of chemical transactions after you consume marijuana.
Simply put, few cannabinoids begin as just one cannabinoid before being converted by the plant or a consumer. For instance, CBDA and CBD are parts of the same transformation chains. When cannabinoids change their form, their level of psychoactivity and therapeutic effects are likely to change.
Different Cannabinoids and Their Effects
THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is another popular cannabinoid; however, it is not as well-known as CBD or THC. It is closely related to THC but has a different chemical profile, as well as results. Although the research on this compound is lacking, it may block CB1 receptors instead of activating them.
THCV is known to produce euphoric and energetic effects. When consumed with THC, it may also block the feeling of anxiety some people experience after consuming THC. THCV may also help with weight loss as it affects the appetite while also strengthening metabolism.
CBG
This is also a common cannabinoid as it is present in almost all cannabis plants. CBGA is also found in its acidic form CBGA, which is responsible for forming the primary cannabinoids. Therefore, it got the name “Mother of all cannabinoids.” Similar to CBD, it does not produce psychoactive effects or may produce them in low amounts.
Some early studies also showed that CBG can help with a plethora of medical issues, some of which include:
Pain relief
Anti-inflammation
Promotes neurogenesis
Regulates intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients
Prevents conditions like Huntington’s from progressing
Acts as an antibacterial against bacterial strains like MRSA
May be helpful in controlling oral, colorectal, and prostate cancer
It helps deal with psoriasis and other persistent health conditions, as well as dealing with emotions by acting similarly to antidepressants.
CBN
Cannabinol (CBN) is well-known for being created as a result of THC aging. It is basically the by-product of THC degrading. For instance, up to 25% of THC kept for a year can be converted to CBN. It may also form if you heat THC on very high temperatures, such as when you smoke or vape.
Moreover, it has several health benefits that some people knowingly smoke older THC. Doing so allows them to consume a high amount of CBN. if you are looking for any of the following benefits, CBN may be the perfect cannabinoid for you:
- Sleep aid
- Pain relief
- Strong antibiotic
- Appetite stimulation
- Neuroprotective properties
Although it isn’t as easily available, you can find CBN in the following forms:
- Oils
- Vapes
- Tea bags
- Capsules
- CBN isolate
Currently, there are no known side effects of CBN due to lack of research. However, don’t let this stop you from consuming it, as you can still use it safely after talking to a 420 doctor.
CBC
CBC is a cannabinoid that stems from CBG, and similarly acts as a powerful antibiotic. It has proven to be helpful in treating infections that are resistant to most forms of treatment.
It may also help protect the brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. Therefore, CBC is useful for protecting the brain and ensuring that it continues to work normally.
Choosing the Right Cannabinoid
Finding the type of cannabinoid that works best for you isn’t an easy task. Although we have mentioned some popular strains in this blog, there are many others too, whose effects are being studied.
You can use this information to begin looking for a cannabinoid that may work for you. However, it is best to get in touch with a doctor who can actually help you find what you need.
You should also keep in mind the laws of your state when consuming cannabis, such as New Jersey citizens must abide by New Jersey Cannabis laws and regulations.
If you are looking for an Medical Marijuana card in New Jersey to help save on your medical bills and have a satisfactory session with a doctor before you begin using cannabis, Online Medical Card is the perfect place for you! We provide quick and affordable recommendations.
Source: https://mdganja.com/blog/what-are-cannabinoids-and-how-do-they-react-when-consumed/
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