Cannabinoids: An Overview

Endocannabinoids, Cannabimimetics, and Phytocannabinoids

Did you know that there are three categories of cannabinoids? Cannabinoids, by definition, are chemicals that work with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). They are ligands (biochemical messengers) that activate the receptors of the ECS in animal bodies. The first type of cannabinoids are the endocannabinoids themselves. These are cannabinoid molecules that our own bodies make to keep us healthy and balanced. The second category consists of cannabimimetics (mimetic means imitated or mimicked). These are the result of the pharmaceutical industry synthesizing a copycat molecule for legal prescription use. There are several of these cannabimimetics on the market (pharmaceuticals Nabilone and Rimonabant are two examples), which are considered effective, but have shown fewer therapeutic effects than herbal cannabis. The final category is phytocannabinoids, or the cannabinoid molecules that come directly from the cannabis plant itself, and the namesake of the whole system.

Along with CBDA (The A stands for acid in both), THCA is one of the most prevalent cannabinoids present, at least until the molecules are decarboxylated (the process where molecules lose their carboxylic acid) through heat, light, or time. Once they’ve lost their carboxylic acid group, CBDA and THCA become CBD and THC, respectively. Unlike THC, THCA is non-psychoactive. It shows promise in reducing nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, and fighting tumor cells, and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

Delta-9 THC

Once THCA has been decarboxylated, the remaining molecule is delta-9 THC. There are several analogs of this cannabinoid, but naturally they occur in extremely low concentrations. Delta-9 THC is the main psychoactive component in cannabis, and it acts mainly on the CB1 receptor. THC has also been shown to reduce pain perception, nausea, and vomiting, aid sleep, and help suppress muscle spasms. Research suggests it may also be neuroprotective and inhibit cancer cell growth.

Delta-8 THC

Other analogs of THC have very similar structures to Delta-9, and they bind to the same endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. Because they are so rare in nature, they must be derived through extensive processing of the cannabis flower or synthesized in a lab. Delta-8 THC, which is currently enjoying a surge in popularity due to lack of regulation and ability to be synthesized from CBD, most likely works via the same mechanisms as delta-9 THC, just not as effectively. The recently isolated THCP, meanwhile, is also synthesized in a lab and works on the CB1 receptor, but is much more powerful. THC analogs are considered to have antiemetic (meaning reducing nausea and vomiting), appetite-stimulating, neuroprotective, and particularly analgesic (pain relief) properties. You can read our latest article on this controversial cannabinoid here.

The acidic precursor to CBD, CBDA is found in the raw plant, before it has been exposed to heat, sunlight, or time. CBDA has been demonstrated to reduce nausea and inflammation, and there is evidence it may inhibit some cancer tumor growth.

Once CBDA has been decarboxylated, the molecules are transformed into CBD. Along with THC, CBD is the most well-known of the cannabinoids, and it works with our endocannabinoid system by interacting with CB2  (the same receptors that respond to the endocannabinoid, anandamide), along with serotonin, vanilloid, PPARS, and GPR55 receptors. Research on CBD has shown it promotes bone growth, reduces blood sugar levels, reduces nausea, vomiting, anxiety, seizures, and convulsions, is anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, and analgesic, and there is promising research on more fronts every day.

As THC is broken down, which happens when already harvested cannabis ages, it is converted in CBN. It has a high affinity for CB2 receptors over CB1, implying that it effects the immune system more than the brain. CBN is known to help with insomnia, pain relief, promotion of bone growth, muscle spasms, and to be an appetite stimulant.

CBGA is found mostly in young plants, as it develops into THCA and CBDA as the plants mature. There is often very little left once the plants are harvested, and when it is exposed to light and air, the remaining CBGA converts to CBG. CBGA is considered to reduce inflammation and pain, and it has been shown to slow bacterial growth.

Once a plant is harvested, any CBGA that has not already developed into THCA or CBDA becomes CBG. CBG is not psychoactive, and has been shown to slow bacterial growth, promote bone growth, and has been used as a sleep aid, mood stabilizer, muscle relaxant, and blood pressure reducer. It has also been found to be antibiotic, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal.

Often used to treat fungal infections and reduce inflammation, CBCA is the precursor to CBC, and is found mostly in immature cannabis plants.

THCV is a psychoactive cannabinoid, and has been shown to suppress appetite, reduce panic attacks, seizures, and convulsions, regulate blood sugar levels, stimulate bone growth, and help with Alzheimer’s.  THCV is only about a fifth as psychoactive as THC, and can even mitigate some problems associated with it.

CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with clear evidence of health benefits. It has a long list of promising possible uses, including inhibiting tumor growth, pain relief, reducing inflammation, and promoting bone growth. It also has anti-epileptic, anti-bacterial, antifungal, and sedative properties. A 2010 study showed CBC to be most effective at anti-inflammation when taken alongside THC, another compelling argument for the Entourage Effect.