The World of Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP, NHC Board Certified and Award-Winning Holistic Health Practitioner

This is a great question that I get a lot from people outside of the cannabis growing community. Newbies that want to learn more to help themselves and see if it's the right medicine for them often want to know more about this. So let me try to explain a few of the major differences and get clarity around this question.

Let's begin with the fact that both THC and CBD are cannabinoids. What are cannabinoids, you might ask? Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant.

There are over 480 different compounds, and only around 66 are termed cannabinoids. But don't worry, we are not going to go into all of them. Just CBD and its benefits mainly in this column.

The main way in which cannabinoids are different is based on their degree of psychoactivity. THC, for example, is a cannabinoid that can alter your perception of reality.

Which could be an excellent thing for chemo patients. Now CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive.

This means you can use it and have no ill side effects when using oil from a quality source farmer and distributor. CBD is well tolerated, even in large doses.

Both CBD and THC have the same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.

A slight difference in how the atoms are arranged accounts for the differing effects on your body. CBD and THC are chemically similar to your body’s endocannabinoids.

Yes, our bodies have their own endocannabinoid system made to interact with the cannabis plant. This system allows both cannabinoids to interact with your cannabinoid receptors.

The interaction affects the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals responsible for relaying messages between cells and have roles in pain, immune function, stress, or sleep.

CBD has been used to help with other various conditions, such as:

Seizures

Inflammation

Pain

Mental disorders

Inflammatory bowel disease

Nausea

Migraine

Depression

Anxiety

CBD and THC both have medical benefits. They are also both considered safe. My suggestion is always fullspectrum whole plant medicine when choosing a product for your ailment. Local, organic and grown sustainably is definitely something to look for.

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 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 www.drpepperhernandez.com

Go forth, Go Cannabis.