The body’s natural Edocannabinoid system (ECS) interacts with phytocannabinoids. This complex cell-signaling mechanism regulates many functions in the body. Even if you don’t use cannabis, the ECS is still active. The human body makes its own cannabinoids and endocannabinoids. These compounds are vital to our central nervous system and have a profound impact on everything, from sleep to fertility.
The cannabis plant’s cannabinoids mimic the body’s endocannabinoids. They bind to the ECS-receptors. There are two major receptors.
- CB-1 receptors – Found within brain cells and central nervous system.
- CB-2 receptors – Found outside the brain and spine in the central nervous systems, along with the immune system.
These receptors are altered by phytocannabinoids, which bind to them to alter signals in the body’s internal system. This is similar to how endocannabinoids work, and can produce different effects. These cannabinoids might help with pain relief, mood enhancement, relaxation, mood enhancement, mood enhancement and pain management, to name just a few.
How Many Cannabinoids Are There?
THC and CBD are the most studied and well-known cannabinoids. There are many other phytochemicals that have also been identified. Here are some of the most popular cannabinoids.
- THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol): THC is one of the more familiar cannabinoids due to the notoriety of its intoxicating effects. How is THC able to achieve this? It binds both CB1-CB2 receptors, making this the strongest of all.
- Cannabidiol (cannabidiol). CBD (cannabidiol). While CBD is the most prominent cannabinoid in cannabis, it’s also being used in many other products such as smoothies and supplements. The FDA approved cannabis as an active ingredient in a treatment of rare forms of epilepsy (Lennox–Gastaut and Dravet).
- CB1 (cannabichromene).: CB2_ is second in cannabinoid abundance (after THC). It does not cause psychoactive effects. This compound is different than the rest because it does not interact directly with CB1 receptors. It binds instead with the less-known TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors in the endocannabinoid systems.
- CBGA (cannabigerol).: Although CBG can be found in small amounts in cannabis plants, its precursor CBGA is the foundational molecule of all other cannabinoids. CBG is a non-psychoactive compound which binds to both the CB1 & CB2 receptors. Still don’t know enough about CBG and its potential.
- CBN (cannabinol). CBN may produce a psychological response, but it is only marginally more than THC. CBN is THC, which has been reduced by long-term oxygen exposure. As THC declines, CBN rises. This is why older marijuana can lose its potency.
This article was written by a cannabinoid specialist at DRIP Cannabinoids. DRIP Cannabinoids joined the market in June 2020. We quickly established our mission: providing customers with the purest oil on the market, and in tandem providing a premium final product. Through each and every one of our products, DRIP strives to relieve people from the discomfort, stress, and anxiety of daily life by giving them access to cutting-edge cannabinoids such as Delta-10 and Delta-8 THC. DRIP’s formulas and procedures are all designed with the purity and safety of the customer in mind.
