CannaScience

What are Cannabinoids and what do they do?

Cannabis has a wide range of effects, which are attributed to its cannabinoids. What are cannabinoids, and what do they do, you ask? They are so vital that cannabis would be just another plant growing in the wild if they were not present. In other words, they make cannabis, cannabis.

Cannabinoids are a class of compounds produced by the cannabis plant. There are over 480 compounds produced by the plant, with dozens of them being cannabinoids. They are the active elements that determine how it will affect different people, especially when using it to treat a medical condition.

Cannabinoids have a wide range of effects on the brain and body, ranging from euphoria, creativity to increased relaxation. They can achieve this because they have a great interaction with the human endocannabinoid system by binding to the CB1 & CB2 receptors in the brain and gut.

Consider the endocannabinoid system to be a network of electrical outlets in the brain and central nervous system. The receptors activate when various chemicals plug into these outlets, known as cannabinoid receptors.

Movement, mood, memory, pain sensation, and appetite are all controlled by these receptors.

The effects produced are determined by the type of cannabis that is used. Each cannabis cultivar contains a long variety of cannabinoids that can cause pain relief, increased heart rate, and drowsiness, among other positive experiences.

The health advantages of cannabis are due to these effects. The type and concentration of cannabinoids in cannabis determine how it makes you feel.

The majority of the current study is focused on the cannabinoid's major actors. THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN, and THCV constitute the major ones currently.

Except for THC and CBD, the majority of cannabinoids are classified as minor, meaning they have concentrations of less than 1%.

Minor cannabinoids such as THCA and CBDA, which are chemical precursors to THC and CBD, have only recently been the focus of substantial research.

Not all cannabis cultivars are alike, and as organic farmers continue to breed their specific genetics, users need to know what the cannabinoid profile is. Knowing the flower they are testing can bring positive experiences. The best experience and outcome, and make an educated decision on what will be best for their medical issue and or aliment. Please check with your cannabis therapy consultant for more guidance.

All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.

Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, CTC, CNHP is a Naturopathic Nutritionist, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, the Founder, and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute.

To find out more about her private practice, educational programs, videos, and other offerings you can and find her on the massive inter-webs, social platforms, or at drpepperhernandez.com

Go forth, Go Cannabis...