More people are starting to unlock the health benefits cannabis and hemp plants have to offer. In fact, the US cannabis industry could reach $80 billion by 2030.
There’s more to these plants than cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), though. In fact, there are over 100 cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. Each one offers its own list of health benefits.
What are the different types of cannabinoids? What are cannabinoids, exactly?
Keep reading to find out! In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know about cannabinoids. Then, you can make an informed decision before trying them for yourself.
Read on to discover the best cannabinoids available on the market today!
What are Cannabinoids?
First, let’s answer the question everyone’s asking: what are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a type of chemical compound. They’re found within hemp and cannabis plants. These chemical compounds can interact with human cells.
The cannabinoids release chemicals throughout the body to trigger certain reactions. For example, THC can interact with the brain to trigger a high. CBD, on the other hand, can interact with the central nervous system to relieve pain.
There are currently over 100 known cannabinoids. Scientists are still researching the potential cannabinoid effects of each one, though. Some are more abundant than others, making research difficult.
Your body has naturally occurring cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. Cannabinoids found in plants are often called phytocannabinoids.
The ECS
Both phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids can interact with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). You have an ECS whether or not you use cannabinoids like CBD or THC. The ECS was named after cannabis, since researchers discovered the cannabis plant first.
The chemical compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants can interact with your ECS.
What exactly does the ECS do? It’s responsible for regulating a number of bodily functions, including:
- Inflammation
- Sleep
- Skin and nerve function
- Muscle formation
- Bone remodeling and growth
- Metabolism
- Mood
- Motor control
- Appetite and digestion
- Chronic pain
- Liver function
- Immune system responses
- Cardiovascular system function
- Learning and memory
The ECS keeps your body in a state of homeostasis. If an internal or external factor causes damage, your ECS will react to fix the problem.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to invaders, injury, or illness. Too much inflammation can cause fatigue, fever, chest pain, and other problems. It’s also associated with:
- Obesity
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
Your ECS can regulate how much inflammation your body produces. In some cases, it might need extra help. Using different types of cannabinoids could ease your inflammation.
You could avoid the risk of developing one of these serious conditions as a result.
The Different Types
Now that you know more about cannabinoids, let’s discuss the different types of cannabinoids.
The cannabis plant contains over 540 known chemical substances, including 100 cannabinoids. Remember, researchers are still learning more about these chemical compounds.
Before purchasing cannabinoids, make sure to find a manufacturer you can trust. You can read about gvb biopharma to learn more.
Here’s a little of what we know about cannabinoids so far.
THC
THC is also called tetrahydrocannabinol or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s one of the most well-known cannabinoids. It’s also one of the few that causes psychoactive effects.
THC is the chemical compound that can cause euphoric sensations or get you high.
THC exists in high concentrations in the marijuana flower. It works by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout your body.
Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids bind with these receptors to trigger certain reactions. CB1 receptors are more abundant in the brain. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are primarily outside of the central nervous system.
When THC interacts with your CB1 receptors, it can cause psychoactive sensations. It also causes chemicals to release within the brain, including dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that causes feelings of pleasure.
You can smoke THC or ingest it as an oil, gummy, or other edibles.
THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCA, is the acidic form of THC.
We’re still learning more about the effects THCA can offer. For now, we know it has anti-inflammatory properties. It could also relieve muscle spasms, insomnia, and pain.
THCA gummies and other products usually contain neuroprotective, anti-proliferation, and antiemetic properties as well.
THCV
THCV has fewer carbon atoms than THC, though they’re similar on a molecular level. Both can produce intoxicating effects. However, THCV isn’t strong enough to cause a high.
People consider using THCV when they want to experience a short-lasting, clear-headed high. This cannabinoid binds with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. We’re still researching its full range of potential benefits, though.
Delta-8
Delta-8-THC is considered a degraded form of THC. These two types of cannabinoids have different chemical bond placements. People can use delta-8-THC to experience a mild high without:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Disorientation
It could reduce nausea symptoms as well.
CBC
Cannabichromene, or CBC, is the cannabis plant’s third-most-abundant cannabinoid.
This cannabinoid can bind with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It isn’t intoxicating. Instead, it’s often used alongside other cannabinoids to create an entourage effect.
The entourage effect refers to the combined benefits of different types of cannabinoids working together.
CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the more commonly discussed cannabinoids. It could produce health benefits such as:
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Easing feelings of anxiety and depression
- Easing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
- Reducing seizure activity for epilepsy patients
- Reducing skin issues like acne, skin cancer, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis
- Offering neuroprotection for patients with Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, MS, or Parkinson’s
We’re still researching CBD’s full range of cannabinoid effects, though.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause psychoactive effects.
CBDV
Cannabidivarin, or CBDV, is similar to CBD. It’s also non-intoxicating.
It could offer anticonvulsant effects and help patients who experience epileptic fits.
CBG
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is the parent of all other cannabinoids. When mixed with enzymes, the acidic form of CBG creates CBCA, CBDA, and THCA.
It could offer neuroprotective benefits.
CBN
Cannabinol forms when THC degrades. CBN could offer sedative effects. It might help patients who are in pain or suffering from insomnia.
Connecting With Hemp and Cannabis: Unlocking the Different Types of Cannabinoids
You’re not limited to CBD and THC anymore! Instead, consider these different types of cannabinoids. By diving into these cannabinoids, you could experience the many health benefits they can offer.
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