Beyond THC: Exploring the Benefits of Cannabinoids

CANNABINOIDS

The cannabis plant produces compounds called cannabinoids. They interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body, which is responsible for regulating various physiological processes such as mood, appetite, and sleep [1]. The most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but there are over 100 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, each with its own unique properties and potential therapeutic benefits [2].

THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in the human body. It consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that are involved in the synthesis and breakdown of these endocannabinoids. The ECS is involved in regulating pain, mood, appetite, sleep, and immune function, among other things [3].

 

CANNABINOID RECEPTORS

Throughout the body, including the brain, immune system, and nervous system. there are cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are proteins found on the surface of cells   CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors are the two main types of cannabinoid receptors:. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and peripheral tissues [4].

ENDOCANNABINOIDS

 The human body produces its own cannabinoids called Endocannabinoids. The two main endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These endocannabinoids are synthesized on demand and act as neurotransmitters, helping to regulate various physiological processes in the body [5].

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is another well-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce the same euphoric effects. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a more indirect way than THC, influencing the activity of other receptors in the body, including serotonin receptors. CBD has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving effects [7].

 

DELTA-9 THC

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, producing the euphoric and psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use. Delta-9 THC has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, nausea relief, and appetite stimulation [6].

OTHER CANNABINOIDS 

There are many other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, each with its own unique properties and potential therapeutic benefits. Here are some of the most well-known and studied cannabinoids:

• CBG (cannabigerol) – CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. It has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective effects [8].
• CBC (cannabichromene) – CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. It has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and pain-relieving effects [9].
• CBN (cannabinol) – CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is formed when THC breaks down. It has been studied for its potential sedative effects and ability to promote sleep [10].
• Delta-8-THC – Delta-8-THC is a minor cannabinoid found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. It is similar in structure to Delta-9-THC but produces less intense psychoactive effects. Delta-8-THC

References

• Hill KP. Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems: A Clinical Review. JAMA. 2015;313(24):2474-2483. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.6199

• Russo EB. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008;4(1):245-259. doi:10.2147/tcrm.s1928

• Pisanti S, Malfitano AM, Ciaglia E, et al. Cannabidiol: State of the art and new challenges for therapeutic applications. Pharmacol Ther. 2017;175:133-150. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.02.041

• Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1

• Campos AC, Fogaça MV, Sonego AB, Guimarães FS. Cannabidiol, neuroprotection and neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacol Res. 2016;112:119-127. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2016.01.033

• Devinsky O, Cross JH, Laux L, et al. Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(21):2011-2020. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1611618

• Iffland K, Grotenhermen F. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017;2(1):139-154. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034

• Pertwee RG. The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. Br J Pharmacol. 2008;153(2):199-215. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707442

• Hillig KW, Mahlberg PG. A chemotaxonomic analysis of cannabinoid variation in Cannabis (Cannabaceae). Am J Bot. 2004;91(6):966-975. doi:10.3732/ajb.91.6.966

• DeLong GT, Wolf CE, Poklis A, Lichtman AH. Pharmacological evaluation of the natural constituent of Cannabis sativa, cannabichromene and its modulation by Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2010;112(1-2):126-133. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.06.005

• Hanus LO, Meyer SM, Muñoz E, et al. Phytocannabinoids: a unified critical inventory. Nat Prod Rep. 2016;33(12):1357-1392. doi:10.1039/c6np00074f

• Takeda S, Misawa K, Yamamoto I, Watanabe K. Cannabidiolic acid as a selective cyclooxygenase-2