What are Cannabinoids?

Fact – Cannabis contains cannabinoids, and our bodies have the receptors for these cannabinoids built right in to our physiology. This was first discovered in Israel by scientist Raphael Mechoulam the 1990’s, so it is a fairly new discovery. These receptors found throughout our bodies are part of the Endocannabinoid System. This body system has many purposes, (but that is for a different discussion). For now, know that our bodies actually produce their own cannabinoids (called endocannabinoids), so there must be a reason for that, right? Short answer is YES! Science once again has the answers. Our bodies have cannabis receptors in order to receive cannabinoids and do with them what is needed at that time, and for each of us that will be different depending on our state of health. Some cannabinoid receptors are of course located in the brain and central nervous system, (CB1s), but they have also been discovered to exist outside the central nervous system(CB2s) in many places including our lymph tissue and immune cells. Right now you only need to trust they are right where our bodies need them to be, when they need to be there. These receptors receive endocannabinoids (produces by our bodies), and phytocannabinoids (from plants).

It’s my belief that cannabinoids from plants like marijuana, don’t necessarily work best alone, or when isolated, and definitely not when created synthetically. Whole plant medicines need all of their constituent parts to be the most effective. It is also my belief, based on my own study of aromatherapy and chemistry of essential oils, that it isn’t only the cannabinoids that hold marijuana’s power to heal. All parts of this plant’s chemistry work together in a symbiotic relationship to produce the most effective treatment for the ailment at hand, including cancers.

Some identified phytocannabinoids that are still in ongoing study by the scientific community have already revealed some of their remarkable medicinal values. The newest catchword in the marijuana community is CBD, so we’ll look at that cannabinoid first.

Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol is not psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high like THC. Although not as commonly known as THC, which has it’s own list of rewards, CBD has a long list of medical claims, including:

Antibacterial
Anti-Infammatory
Controls certain cancers
Decreases blood pressure in blood vessel walls
Decreases or neutralizes psychoactive effect of THC
Eases nausea
Eases Pain
Reduces blood sugars
Reduces risk of nerve damage (neuroprotectant)
Suppresses muscle spasms
Stimulates bone growth

Pretty impressive list, don’t you think? Now we’ll look at good old THC.

Tetrahydrocannabinol

Interestingly, THC comes to us in two steps, first as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) which is very present in fresh green plant matter, and then it converts to THC (delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol) as the plant dries and/or is heated. Both are medicinal. Also very impressive act, in my opinion.

Anti-Inflammatory
Blood cleanser
Controls anxiety
Controls certain cancers
Eases Nausea
Promotes relaxation
Psychoactive euphoriant
Reduces risk of nerve damage (neuroprotectant)
Relieves pressure in the eye
Stimulates appetite
Stimulates new growth in nerve tissue
Suppresses muscle spasms
Suppresses pain from nerve damage

The next three don’t have a big resume, yet. They aren’t as far along in the numbers of studies as THC and CBD.

Cannabichromene

Non-psychoactive
Anti-bacterial
Anti-fungal
Eases pain
Encourages cell growth
Slows inflammation
Stimulates bone growth

Cannabinol

Mildly psychoactive in old, stale plant matter
Cleanses blood
Controls pain
Sleep aid
Slows inflammation
Suppresses muscle spasms

Cannabigerol

Non-psychoactive
Anti-bacterial
Encourages cell growth
Stimulates bone growth

This is a short list, but as said before, these are the more common cannabinoids with regards to medical marijuana at this time. Also worth noting, not all cannabinoids are found in all strains of cannabis, and certain strains from certain regions are stronger in some cannabinoids than others. In defense of Big Pharma, it is a never ending process to find them all and determine their individual uses, but since none are harmful in any way, why wait until we know everything when we do know they all will do a body good right now? Let them do more research, and let us have our plant, legally.