What Are Cannabinoids?
CANNABINOIDS
What are they? Cannabinoids are chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids bind to receptors in the body and, put simply, they are responsible for the effects we feel and they are the reason cannabis has become prized for so many different reasons and uses.
Where are they found? As it grows, the cannabis plant produces cannabinoids. They are present in the flower (bud) that we smoke, as well as in extracts such as oils. Cannabinoids can also be synthetically produced.
How do they work? Cannabinoids interact with a system of receptors in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 (found primarily in the brain), and CB2 (found primarily in the immune system). Different compounds interact with different receptors, however the existence of this system as a whole is the reason that we are affected by cannabinoids and the reason we can enjoy and benefit from cannabis consumption.
Why do they matter? The majority of the effects and benefits we can derive from the cannabis plant are due to cannabinoids. Whether you are taking about the ‘high’ we feel, or the myriad medical uses, it mainly boils down to cannabinoids.
The Most Prominent Cannabinoids
THC — It’s nearly impossible to talk or read about cannabis without coming across THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is the reason recreational users consume cannabis, and is the most abundant compound found in cannabis. THC primarily activates the CB1 receptors (part of the ECS system and found primarily in the brain). This activation is responsible the intoxicating effects we feel after consumption — basically, THC is what produces a ‘high’. Cannabis strains with higher THC levels will be more psychoactive, and vice versa. Different people have different body chemistry, and THC will therefore affect people in different ways. Its effects may also change depending on levels on concentration and other factors in a given strain (such as the presence of terpenes). Thus, short-term effects will vary, and if you consume different strains you will experience that some are more relaxing, or sedating, or elating, etc. As for long-term effects, there is very little concrete evidence one way or another. While is there much ongoing research on the subject, most people still consume cannabis for its short term effects.
CBD — CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most common cannabinoid. Unlike THC, CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors indirectly, and is therefore non-intoxicating. CBD can also influence non-cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, which is part of the reason it has so many potential uses. CBD is prized for its medical benefits, and new uses are being investigated all the time. CBD is commonly referred to as beneficial for those suffering from: anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, pain, fear, stress, and many more. CBD can also actually counteract many of the effects of a THC high by blocking CB1 receptors, which is part of the reason cannabis that is high in THC will usually be low in CBD, and vice versa.
In very simple terms, THC is typically more recreational while CBD is more medicinal. As you browse for and learn about different cannabis strains, you will notice that they will almost always be labelled with Sativa or Indica, THC% and CBD%. Strains with high THC levels will be more psychoactive, whereas strains with high CBD levels will be less intoxicating. These are by no means blanket statements — terpene concentrations as well as body chemistry and other factors will change the effects of cannabis — but it’s a good place to start if you are new to the world of cannabis and cannabinoids.
Make sure to check out the instaleaf.ca strain database to help find which strains are right for you and also easily find a dispensary near you to purchase that desired strain!
