
CBD,THC&CBG -Exploring Cannabinoids
Cannabis contains over 480 active compounds, 80 of which are only found in cannabis. This is a lot of different variables that affect the body, and it partly why there is always new scientific research being published outlining new cannabis discoveries.
The 80 compounds only found in cannabis are known as cannabinoids. These interact with the receptors in our body to induce effects within our nervous system and brain. The below is a brief outline of the 8 major cannabinoids found within marijuana.

THC

This
is the most commonly recognized and abundantly found cannabinoid within
cannabis; it stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol. This cannabinoid
is responsible to the main psychoactive effect experienced when
consuming cannabis, it stimulates parts of the brain causing the release
of dopamine – creating a sense of euphoria and well being. THC also has
analgesic effects, relieving the symptoms of pain and inflammation.
Combined they cause a great sense of relaxation.
CBD

Cannabidiol,
or CBD for short, tends to be the second most abundant cannabinoid in
marijuana. It has serious implications into the field of medicine, and
is the sought after compound by medical users. It is a non-psychoactive
component that is believed to reduce and regulate the effects of THC.
This means that strains high in THC and CBD will induce much clearer
head highs than more hazy, heady strains containing very little CBD. CBD
itself has a long list of medicinal properties. The main of which
relieve things such as chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, arthritis,
spasms and epilepsy and schizophrenia. CBD has also been show to have
some anti cancer properties, and new uses are being found all the time
as more research is conducted.
CBN

Cannabinol,
or CBN for short, is an analgesic that is created from the break down
of THC through oxidization. It is mildly psychoactive and is only found
in small quantities within fresh cannabis plants. It can be kept to a
minimum by keeping harvested cannabis stored in a dark, dry place. The
effects of THC tend to be preferred to CBN – as CBN is not as strong as
THC and can cause grogginess when found in high concentrates. It is also
known to reduce anxiety and relieve pressure behind the eyes.
CBG

CBG,
also known as cannabigerol, is an active compound in cannabis that is
mostly known for its anti-bacterial effects. However, very recent
research has found that, whilst not traditionally though to be very
prevalent within most cannabis strains, it is likely to be the
“template” or “stem cell” for both THC and CBD. This means that both THC
and CBD start out as CBG. CBG has also been found to inhibit the uptake
of GABA, this causes a feeling of relaxation that is normally
associated with CBD. These findings have spurred new ongoing research
into the cannabinoid, meaning it may have even larger implications.
THCV

Tetrahydrocannabivarin,
or THCV for short, is thought to be a cannabinoid that moderates the
intensity of the psychoactive effects of THC. Current research being
conducted into THCV also suggests that it can be used to treat metabolic
disorders and act as an appetite suppressant.
CBC

Cannabichromene,
or CBC for short, is thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic
effects, although not much medical research has been conducted into the
cannabinoid. Recent research that has been done suggests that it could
have a potential role to play in brain cell regrowth.
THCA

THCA
is the acid form of THC. It is a raw state in which THC can be found in
fresh cannabis plants. It is when cannabis is heated that THCA converts
to THC. When it is in this raw form, THCA is not considered to be an
active compound.
CBDA

Much
like THCA, CBDA is the acid form of CBD. It is currently thought to
have antimetic (anti-nausea) effects as well as helping to fight breast
cancer. However, more research into its medical benefits is needed.