People prefer to use drugs creating calm and peace of mind. Although it is an escape from reality but somehow it supports the energy to deal with problems of life. Abuse or overuse for long time can cause serious problems. Marijuana is one of the most used substance for recreation. It is also used in treatment of seizures, chronic pain, nausea, anxiety or many other health disorders.
The main point is to find the active ingredients of marijuana which cause these relaxing and recreational effects. The chemical compounds in marijuana plant are known as cannabinoids. These are responsible for interacting with human nervous system and create relaxing, energetic and high effect. For getting quality marijuana products grand rapids dispensary is preferable.
To find out the safety of using cannabinoids it is mandatory that we know the nature of these compounds and their working.
Introduction of Cannabinoids
The chemical compounds found in cannabis plant and uniquely associated with it. These compounds are closely resembling to the endogenous cannabinoids produced by human body. These are responsible to enhance homeostasis which is important in internal health and immune system. These natural compounds create a sense of relaxation, pleasure and high by sending signals to other cells. So, the compounds of cannabis plant are used to get the same pleasant feeling and high effect.
How do they work?
When cannabinoids are taken, they bind to the receptor sites in in entire brain and body systems. Until now the following two receptors are identified through research.
- CB-1, related to the brain and nervous system
- CB-2, commonly present in immune system and body
Same as the natural endogenous cannabinoids bind to receptor sites, cannabinoids from cannabis bind to the receptor sites. This binding is like key and lock linking with receptors having metabolic enzymes which breakdown the attached cannabinoids. Releasing of these cannabinoids create the effect similar to the natural ones.
The amazing reality is that cannabinoid effect depends mainly on its type and the receptor site where it interacts. Cannabinoids are collected from cannabis resin by heating it.
Types of Cannabinoids
The most prominent cannabinoids of Marijuana are THC (Tetrahyrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). These are known to everyone, whether using marijuana or not for recreational/medical purpose. However, there are 60 to 100 various cannabinoids which have been recognized. And estimate is that there could be more than 100 compounds.
These cannabinoids not only interact with receptors but also with each other. For understanding, it could be nice to here that CBD does not interact with CB-1 brain receptors but also interferes the binding of THC at the CB-1 receptor. That’s why products with high CBD do not create an intense psychoactive high.
We are not discussing all the cannabinoid types but the four of prominent types regarding their effects and benefits.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The brightest star of cannabis is the THC. No other cannabinoid reaches its potential to create relaxation and high. It stands alone as per its qualities and performance. It interacts or bind with CB-1 brain receptors and create a strong psychoactive effect. Furthermore, it produces elation, laughter and relaxation in recreational use. It also has medical benefits. It relieves severe pain, improves digestion and mood. It is also helpful in treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s Disease and many other medical conditions.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
It rightly can be categorized at number two in cannabinoids. It interacts with CB-2 receptors in entire human body other than brain which has CB-1 receptors. CBD intoxication is not as strong as of THC. It is popular amongst the people do not want a strong high of THC. Its effects are more physiological rather psychological. Such as it decreases stress, enhances appetite and improves sleep.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
It is rare as compared to THC and CBD but has many medicinal benefits. It resembled to CBD as is not creating psychoactive effects. It is found in small amount in plant resin. It is effective in treatment of growth of cancerous tumors, glaucoma, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s Disease.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
This is found in minor levels and also has non-psychoactive effects. It also performs as buffer for THC just like CBD. It is significant for neurogenesis and neuroplasticity which are important for brain health. It also has anti-inflammatory characteristics. It works well when it interacts with other cannabinoids bound to receptors.
Cannabinol (CBN)
It is also in research phase yet. Its characteristic more resemble to THC as basically it is derived form THC by exposing it to oxygen. In research to date, it is found effective in insomnia and arthritis. It is also found in low levels in plant resin and research on its properties is in progress. May be in future we can know more things about it.