In recent years, many U.S. states have recognized marijuana to be a beneficial aid to many people’s health. But why does cannabis make you feel so much better after taking it?
The answer lies in a vast array of compounds found only in cannabis called cannabinoids. There are many cannabinoids found in cannabis, but most of them don’t actually get you high. However, these versatile compounds do still play a vital role in the usefulness of cannabis.
Here is a list of some of the most important cannabinoids and the role they play in both medicinal and recreational marijuana use:
1.) THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the most commonly recognized cannabinoid found in marijuana. This is the chemical that allows you to feel good after consuming marijuana. THC reacts with your brain’s receptors and your central nervous system to create a psychoactive effect.
THC is the first thing that many people associate with marijuana. After all, a cannabis plant without THC is basically just hemp, which has completely different legal standards.
2.) CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is the compound found in marijuana that has the most medicinal benefits. It is known for its ability to help people suffering from inflammation, pain, anxiety, and other conditions. There continue to be many studies performed on this compound to find out just how many ailments it can help. There are even current investigations going on to see if this compound has any anti-cancer properties.
CBD is the cannabinoid that has become more favorable to many. It has a plethora of health benefits without any psychoactive effects that cause you to feel “high.”
3.) CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG is the parent compound of THC and CBD. When this compound becomes exposed to ultraviolet light and heat, it breaks down and creates THCA and CBDA.
CBG has many health benefits as well. Recent studies have shown a significant correlation between CBG and the decreasing effects of the ailments:
CBG does not make you feel high. In fact, it is even known to counteract the paranoid and intense feelings that THC can make people feel.
4.) THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
THCV is a beneficial compound found in cannabis. It is similar to THC due to the fact it does have psychoactive properties. However, one specific difference is that THCV actually acts as an appetite suppressant, which can be helpful with weight loss.
In addition to helping patients with weight loss, THCV has shown evidence of having a calming effect on people. Studies have shown that THCV can help reduce anxiety in people who suffer from PTSD.
Although this compound has great medicinal properties, there are usually only small amounts of it found in marijuana. However, there area few strains, especially Durban Poison, that can have higher amounts of THCV.
5.) CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBC is one of the more unnoticed cannabinoids. However, it has very promising results in medical research.
CBC stems from the same compound that produces THC and CBD. This cannabinoid does not bind well with the CB1 receptors in your brain, which is why CBC is non-intoxicating. The vanilloid receptor 1 and the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 bind well with this compound, however. Both of these receptors tell your brain when you are in pain. CBC activates these receptors which allow your body to release levels of endocannabinoids. This can help your body to naturally control pain.
CBC is also known to help with other conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and even acne.
At Northern Lights Cannabis Co., we pride ourselves on dispensing some of the best and most unique cannabis products in Colorado. If you have any questions about cannabinoids or any products that we offer, please contact us today.
