5 Cannabinoids every Cannabis User Should Know
What’s a cannabinoid? I’m glad you asked! A cannabinoid is a compound that acts on the endocannabinoid system, and is excreted by your…
What’s a cannabinoid? I’m glad you asked! A cannabinoid is a compound that acts on the endocannabinoid system, and is excreted by your friendly cannabis plant. They imitate these endocannabinoids and bind to receptors in our brain (CB1) or body / immune system (CB2) to bring about a host of effects — from anti-inflammatory to anti-nausea. Cannabinoids are a large part of cannabis’ medical magic, and it’s important to understand them to help you get the most out of your cannabis! There could be hundreds of them (because of the persecution of cannabis, we have not fully studied the plant), but this article focuses on the five cannabinoids every cannabis user should know about.
THC (Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol)
If you are using Cannabis for recreational purposes, or are seeking the psychotropic effects to deal with other symptoms, this is the cannabinoid that does it, giving cannabis its high, and is the only cannabinoid known to do so. Personally I seek high THC strains to help me deal with PTSD symptoms, and often heavy doses of THC helped with migraine headaches. As with anything, your body’s chemistry will dictate how this chemical affects you. THC amounts are listed on all products from dispensaries here in Oregon (and from what I saw in CO and WA as well).
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Typically the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis, and highly medical (in addition to helping enhance the effects of THC itself). High CBD strains are used medically for pain management, anxiety, epilepsy, and MS. Often if a client is seeking some of the anti-anxiety properties of cannabis it’s important they first pursue high CBD containing strains first. CBD amounts are listed on all products from dispensaries here in Oregon (and from what I saw in CO and WA as well).
CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN is a product of THC breaking down and not from CBG like other cannabinoids. Thus it can be found in cannabis that has been more aged and cured, in addition to traditional hashish. It binds to CB2 receptors, which helps explain its ‘couch lock’ / body high feel. I love taking older strains before bedtime to help me relax into a good sleep meditation.
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)
My favorite strains for working out (Bruce Banner, Durban Poison) contain high amounts of THCV — which helps reduce panic attacks and anxiety in many (my mileage varied on that!), but also helps suppress appetite. THCV requires that high temp on the vaporizer to catch, though (make sure it’s above 428).
CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG is important to me as a somewhat cyclops because it reduces intraocular pressure. It also helps with some of my celiac symptoms. It is a very minor component of the cannabis plant, but major for me in management of vision and gastric issues.
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