Cannabinoids are a class of compounds found in the cannabis plant and produced synthetically, with over 113 identified in cannabis alone.
- The most well-known is delta-9-THC, the primary psychoactive compound, while cannabidiol (CBD) is another major constituent known for not being psychoactive. These compounds affect the body by interacting with its cannabinoid receptors
Cannabis is a natural product that contains hundreds of different active substances. The most important of these substances are known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are similar to substances that occur naturally in the human body called endocannabinoids. Both cannabinoids and endocannabinoids can interact with our nervous system.
They are particularly active in the brain, which explains why they affect your feelings, thoughts, and perceptions. Knowing about cannabinoids will help you to understand exactly what it is you are using, which in turn helps you choose the strains that match your personal preferences.
Cannabis can be used for either medical or recreational purposes, depending on the amounts of different cannabinoids it contains. Which kind you buy makes all the difference in your cannabis experience. The explanation below will help you understand the difference between the various strains we sell.
Getting to know cannabinoids and their effects helps you make informed choices for responsible cannabis use.
THC AND CBD
THC and CBD are the two most prominent cannabinoids found within marijuana, but both perform different roles. THC is psychoactive and is largely responsible for the experience known as being high or stoned. CBD, on the other hand, is a cannabinoid that actually counters this experience, tempering the psychoactive effect and enhancing the strain’s medical value. THC is the best-known cannabinoid found in cannabis, and it is mostly used for recreational purposes. The reason marijuana is such a popular form of medical treatment is largely due to its other active cannabinoids. The active ingredient medical patients tend to be most interested in is the cannabinoid known as cannabidiol, or CBD for short. Each strain has a different ratio of these active compounds, making each individual cannabis strain more suited to different needs.
THC
This is the most commonly recognized and most abundantly found cannabinoid within cannabis. Its scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol. THC is responsible for the main psychoactive effects experienced when consuming cannabis. This cannabinoid stimulates parts of the brain causing the release of dopamine, creating a sense of euphoria and wellbeing. It also produces deeply relaxed feelings and a sense of drowsiness, which combine into a state known as a high. THC also has analgesic effects, giving it the potential to relieve symptoms of pain and inflammation. Never overuse cannabis.
CBD
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, tends to be the second most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana. It has serious implications into the field of medicine, and is the sought after compound by medical users. It is a non-psychoactive component that is believed to reduce and regulate the effects of THC. This means that strains high in THC and CBD will induce much clearer head highs than more hazy, heady strains containing very little CBD. CBD itself has a long list of medicinal properties. CBD is claimed to relieve symptoms such as chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, arthritis, spasms and epilepsy and schizophrenia. New uses are being found all the time as more research is conducted.
CBN
Cannabinol, or CBN for short, is an analgesic that is created as THC breaks down through oxidization. CBN is mildly psychoactive and is only found in small quantities within fresh cannabis plants. It can be kept to a minimum by keeping harvested cannabis stored in a dark, dry place. The effects of THC tend to be preferred to CBN – as CBN is not as strong as THC and can cause grogginess when found in high concentrations. It is also known to reduce anxiety and relieve pressure behind the eyes.
CBG
CBG, also known as cannabigerol, is an active cannabinoid compound that is mostly known for its anti-bacterial effects. However, very recent research has found that, whilst not traditionally thought to be very prevalent in most cannabis strains, it is likely to be the “template” or “stem cell” for both THC and CBD. This means that both THC and CBD start out as CBG. CBG has also been found to inhibit the uptake of GABA, a neurotransmitter (a type of neural messenger substance) found in the human brain. Blocking GABA uptake causes a feeling of relaxation that is normally associated with CBD. These findings have spurred new ongoing research into the cannabinoid, meaning it may have even larger implications.
THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV for short, is thought to be a cannabinoid that moderates the intensity of the psychoactive effects of THC. Current research being conducted into THCV also suggests that it can be used to treat metabolic disorders and act as an appetite suppressant.
CBC
Cannabichromene, abbreviated to CBC, is thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, although not much medical research has been conducted into the cannabinoid. Recent studies indicate, however, that it could have a potential role to play in brain cell regrowth.
THCA
THCA is the acid form of THC. It is a raw state in which THC can be found in fresh cannabis plants. When cannabis is heated, THCA is converted to THC. In its raw form, THCA is not considered to be an active cannabinoid compound.
CBDA
CBDA is the acid form of CBD, much like THCA is to THC. It is currently thought to have antimetic (anti-nausea) effects as well as helping to fight breast cancer. However, more research into its medical benefits is needed.