What are Cannabinoids?
The cannabis plant naturally contains terpenes, alkaloids and other substances. Cannabinoids are something very special indeed, but what exactly are they?
The collective term cannabinoids refers, to put it simply, to all those chemical molecules that have an affinity for the specific cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the body and thus provoke a certain pharmacological reaction. There are phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids), the body's cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and synthetic cannabinoids.
Research into cannabinoids has only just led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system and research into this is still in its early stages. In any case, interesting and important discoveries are likely to be made in the next few years. Too little is still known about the function of this endocannabinoid system, which is believed to play a role in regulating the immune system, as well as learning and movement processes.
The best-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. The former has been synonymous with smoking and getting high for decades. CBD, on the other hand, is said to have an anti-psychoactive effect that controls or mitigates the high caused by THC. CBD is also believed to reduce some of the other negative effects of THC, such as anxiety. But the plant produces far more cannabinoids. There are currently 113 known cannabinoids that occur only in the cannabis plant.
How do Cannabinoids Work?
Cannabinoids exert their effects by interacting with specific receptors located in different parts of the central nervous system. Essentially, cannabinoids regulate communication between cells - assisting with how they send, receive and process messages. And that is precisely why understanding the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids is essential for better understanding our body. This is precisely why cannabinoids are so interesting for medicine. Because with their help, some disorders can be alleviated or at least see their symptoms greatly reduced, through the use of CBD in oils, liquids, creams, sprays and edibles.
The proportion of cannabinoids present in cannabis varies greatly depending on factors such as variety/genetics, storage conditions or geographical origin. In some varieties, the THC content is quite high, in others it is not. This of course also applies to the CBD content. And also to other lesser known cannabinoids which remain somewhat of a mystery.
It is well known that cannabinoids are also found in other plants, including basil, caraway, rosemary, oregano, pepper and cinnamon. Much research is still necessary for the properties and effects of cannabinoids to be better understood and used to our advantage.
More From Soft Secrets:
What Creates the Entourage Effect?
Minor Cannabinoids Look Promising For Cancer
Hemp Derived and Synthetic Cannabinoids
L
Liz Filmer
