WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?
Do you ever wonder what makes up your favourite strain? Your kush is made up of many chemicals, but the effects that you feel from your flower are mostly due to cannabinoids!
CANNABINOID EXAMPLES
Cannabinoids are the active chemical ingredients produced by the cannabis plant, and there have been more than 100 cannabinoids identified but research has focused mainly on our two most familiar friends: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is considered the psychoactive component of cannabis and produces that “high” feeling you get from your smoke sesh or after eating your favourite edible. CBD also helps to make the “high” from THC more tolerable and can help reduce the feeling of paranoia or anxiety some feel from consuming THC. Trichomes or the resin glands of the cannabis plant, grow on the outside of the cannabis flower and contain the active ingredients that we all love, including THC and CBD.
At a molecular level, both CBD and THC have the same structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. The only difference between the two chemicals is how the atoms are arranged, and that's how we feel such different effects from CBD and THC.
Endocannabinoid System in the Human Body
Your body already has cannabinoid receptors and produces its own versions of endocannabinoids, both CBD and THC are chemically similar to what your body produces. The interaction between endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors releases neurotransmitters in your brain, this chemical is responsible for relaying messages between cells. Since these receptor sites are located in the central nervous system, the effects of cannabis are seen more in changes to our cognitive and/or physical states.
The two types of receptor sites in humans are CB1 and CB2. While these receptors are found in many different areas of the body, CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, including the brain. CB2 receptors are mostly found in the immune system which is why cannabis has been hailed as an immune boosting substance.
Since CBD and THC have similar chemical structures, you would think that they would produce the same effects. Well, we both know that's just not true! CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect like its counterpart THC. The reason for this is that THC binds to the cannabinoid1 or CB1 receptors in the brain which produces a “high” or sense of euphoria. On the other hand, CBD binds weakly, if at all, to the CB1 receptors, and when combined with THC it can dampen the psychoactive effects. CBD binds to many other receptors in the brain so ongoing research is needed to further find out the magical effects of our favorite plant!
LIST OF CANNABINOIDS
THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol
Best temperature: 157°C/ 315°F
The most recognizable and well-known cannabinoid that can be found in cannabis. THC is responsible for that feeling of euphoria and is the largest psychoactive component.
CBD or Cannabidiol
Best temperature: 180°C/ 365°F
The second most recognized cannabinoid is CBD, its primary uses have been to help manage pain relief, stress, anxiety, and facilitate digestive processes.
CBN or Cannabinol
Best temperature: 185°C/ 365°F
You might not know this cannabinoid by name, but you know the effects. CBN is responsible for that sleepy feeling, which may help individuals with sleep problems.
CBC or Cannabichromene
Best temperature: 220°C/ 428°F
CBC is incredibly similar to its cousin CBD, but the main difference is that CBC is ten times stronger than CBD!! CBC aids in the body’s natural antiviral, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory abilities.
THCV or Tetrahydrocannabivarin
Best temperature: 220°C/ 428°F
Much like CBC and CBD, THCV is THC’s potent psychoactive cousin. Strains that are rich in THCV may have you feeling stimulated, clear headed, and an almost psychedelic energetic, but shorter high. This cannabinoid also has appetite-suppressing effects which will help combat those munchies!
CONCLUSION
Speaking with one of our premium budtenders at Oakridge Cannabis will help you find the exact strain you're looking for, whether you love the calming effects of CBD or you are wanting to try something new like a strain high in THCV. The world is your oyster!