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cannabinoids are a diverse class of chemical compounds that occur naturally in the human body
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cannabinoids are a diverse class of chemical compounds that occur naturally in the human body. among the 500 or so natural components in cannabis, more than 100 are classified as phytocannabinoids.tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) is the best-known compound due to its psychoactive qualities, while cannabidiol (cbd) appears to play the most significant role in the plant’s medicinal benefits. other key phytocannabinoids include cannabigerols (cbg), cannabichromenes (cbc), cannabinol (cbn) and cannabinodiol (cbl).cbd, which does not produce psychoactive effects, is often isolated for medical use, but some clinical studies suggest that cannabinoids are mutually enhancing and provide the best results in whole-plant form. cbn, another cannabinoid gaining interest with medical researchers, is a natural sedative that appears to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsive properties.
cbd, which does not produce psychoactive effects, is often isolated for medical use but some clinical studies suggest that cannabinoids are mutually enhancing and provide the best results in whole-plant form.
christian miranda/afp/getty images
endocannabinoids, meanwhile, include anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-ag). they play roles in metabolism, food intake, memory, sensory perception, central nervous system development and synaptic plasticity.
cannabinoid receptors
cannabinoid receptors are embedded in the cellular membrane in the central nervous and immune systems as well as in various organs. both endo- and phytocannabinoids bind to these receptors or influence them indirectly.as external environments and stressors change, the endocannabinoid system (ecs) helps the body maintain a stable biological environment or homeostasis. the importance of the system is such that drug companies manufacture synthetic cannabinoids to replicate artificially the natural processes produced by the body and cannabis plants.the two main ecs receptors are type 1 cb1, primarily in the central and peripheral nervous system, and type 2 cb2, primarily in the immune system. some cellular tissue contains both types performing their respective actions. while thc binds directly to cannabinoid receptors, cbd affects them indirectly by stimulating endocannabinoid production in the body and suppressing the enzyme that metabolizes the natural chemicals.
while thc binds directly to cannabinoid receptors, cbd affects them indirectly by stimulating endocannabinoid production in the body and suppressing the enzyme that metabolizes the natural chemicals.
robyn beck/afp/getty images
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furthermore, cbd and cbn are both examples of phytocannabinoids that bind to non-cannabinoid receptors including 5-ht1a serotonin trpv1 pain inflammation and adenosine a2a cardiovascular respiratory.
how cannabinoids work
the ecs is responsible for physiological processes like appetite, pain sensation, mood and memory—cannabinoids mediate communication between various cells and systems. its receptors, when activated, trigger various chemical natural and pharmacological effects relating to how we feel both mentally and physically.phytocannabinoids work their magic by imitating the endocannabinoids produced naturally in the body. some researchers suggest the system serves as a bridge between the brain and the body and the area of the brain with which the cannabinoids bind dictates the way the cannabis will affect the person.
cannabinoids neutralize the harmful free radicals generated by uv rays protecting the cells.
darryl dyck/the canadian press
medical cannabis treatments are largely based on the practice of aiming the right cannabinoids at the right receptors. interestingly, the cannabis plant also uses cannabinoids to promote its own health. the compounds have antioxidant properties that protect the leaves and flowering structures from ultraviolet radiation.in other words, cannabinoids neutralize the harmful free radicals generated by uv rays protecting the cells. in humans, free radicals cause aging, cancer and impaired healing.
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