The endocannabinoid system is an internal system, which affects a wide array of biological and chemical processes and plays a major role in maintaining our health and the proper functioning of both physiological and psychological systems. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis. It also plays an important role in treating a wide variety of conditions and symptoms, such as: sleeping disorders, various skin conditions, chronic pain, Alzheimer, arthritis (rheumatoid joint inflammation), cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS), and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) . It also helps in controlling different bodily functions connected to appetite, fertility, mood, stress, etc.
The endocannabinoid system includes two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2; these receptors are found throughout the body and are capable of interacting with the cannabis ingredients – the cannabinoids.
The receptors are dispersed in different parts of the body; in the nerve, reproductive, and digestive systems, in the bladder, in our spinal cord, immune system, and first and foremost, in our brain. They exert a critical influence on the proper functioning of our systems by facilitating the interaction between the cannabinoids (of the plant) and the endocannabinoids (of the body). When the two interact with each other, they affect the processes running in the body’s systems.
The human body is capable of producing its own cannabinoids. However, the problem starts when the body does not produce enough cannabinoids. Many conditions and issues we experience are defined as a lack of endocannabinoids and therefore the shortages have to be filled. These shortages can be compensated for by consuming cannabis and its ingredients – the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabinoids:
These are natural molecules of the active substances found in the cannabis plant. They are responsible for the wide variety of effects provided by the plant. Today, we know that cannabis contains hundreds of different cannabinoids. Each cannabinoid has its own unique effect, and each affects specific areas in the body.
Among these cannabinoids can be found the THC and the CBD molecules, and we will elaborate on each of them, later.
Additional molecules amongst others are: CBN, CBC, THCV, CBG , CBDV, CBL.
CBD:
CBD is regarded as a Cannabidiol that has a wide variety of uses. The Cannabidiol CBD has neurological effects on memory and the nervous system and a therapeutic effect on schizophrenic patients (reduces schizophrenic symptoms).
CBD is known to be able to anesthetize common pain as well as alleviate chronic pain.
The CBD can help in the treatment of depression and anxiety, and can also help to relieve symptoms of PTSD.
CBD possess anti-inflammatory properties, which are useful for suppressing existing inflammations as well as preventing new ones.
Many studies indicate that CBD can help restore and strengthen the immune system, destroy cancer cells, strengthen bones and heal fractures, bring relief to Crohn’s disease and colitis patients; induce muscle relaxation and help alleviate sleep disorders, Alzheimer and epilepsy. This Cannabidiol can also act as an agent preventing nausea and vomiting and has a dominant effect on the other cannabinoids that are found in the plant.
CBD is the second most concentrated substance in the cannabis plant after the THC.
CBD does not have a psychoactive effect and is often used as an anti-psychotic agent.
This means that CBD alone may not induce a “high” feeling but primarily affects bodily sensations.
In certain dosages, CBD may also directly affect the impact of THC on our body.
The CBD cannabinoid does not operate directly on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but is capable of blocking other compounds that activate these receptors, such as THC . This attribute of CBD is extremely significant because it can reduce the psycho-active effect of THC – an attribute which can serve as an advantage for those who use -THC in different treatments.
CBD is a highly flexible compound; it can be converted into and combined with oils, pills, ointments, and a wide variety of additional products, thereby meeting different therapeutic needs.
THC:
THC is the best known cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It is better known as the dominant psychoactive substance that induces the “high” sensation during the consumption of cannabis. THC affects the brain in a unique manner, so how it is taken and in what dosage are highly critical factors.
THC affects the human body since our body is full of receptors to which TCH can be connected. THC links primarily to the following two receptors: CB1 , which is found mainly in the central nervous system and throughout the brain, and CB2 ,which is found mainly in the immune system.
THC has many advantages. Today, we understand it better and can use it for many health and social purposes.
Using THC in a controlled manner, can produce positive effects and treat a wide variety of diseases.
THC has a positive effect on patients suffering from pain, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s, Tourette Syndrome (TS), cancer, muscle dystrophy diseases, MS, PTSD, nausea and vomiting, various infections, and more .
CBN:
CBN (cannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis that is formed when THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) breaks down due to oxidation or prolonged exposure to heat and light. While it was previously thought to be an inactive compound, recent research has shown that CBN may have some potential therapeutic benefits.
One of the most well-known positive effects of CBN is its potential as a sleep aid. Studies have shown that CBN may have sedative effects, which could make it an effective treatment for insomnia. Additionally, some research suggests that CBN may have pain-relieving properties, potentially making it useful for individuals with chronic pain or inflammation.
CBN has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could make it a promising treatment for a variety of conditions that involve inflammation. Additionally, some studies have suggested that CBN may have antibacterial properties, making it a potential treatment for infections.
CBN may help reduce inflammation, which could make it a useful treatment for conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
CBG:
CBG (cannabigerol) is a cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant. While it is not as well-known as THC or CBD, it is gaining recognition for its potential health benefits.
Like other cannabinoids, CBG interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating a wide range of physiological functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and immune function.
CBG has been shown to have several potential positive effects on the body, including:
Anti-inflammatory effects: CBG has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis.
Neuroprotective effects: CBG has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, which may help to protect the brain from damage caused by conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Antioxidant effects: CBG has been shown to have powerful antioxidant effects, which may help to protect the body from oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Appetite stimulant: CBG has been shown to have appetite-stimulating effects, which may make it a potential treatment for conditions such as anorexia.
CBG is non-intoxicating, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with THC, and is generally considered to be safe for use.
THCV:
THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis that has been gaining attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. While THCV is structurally similar to THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, it has some unique properties that set it apart.
One of the most promising aspects of THCV is its potential to aid in weight loss and metabolic regulation. Research has shown that THCV may help to suppress appetite and promote the breakdown of fat cells, making it a potential treatment option for conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
THCV has also been studied for its potential to reduce anxiety and depression. While THC is known to have some anxiety-inducing effects, THCV has been shown to have anxiolytic properties, meaning that it may help to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calm and relaxation.
In addition, THCV may have neuroprotective properties, which could make it a potential treatment for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Some research has also suggested that THCV may have anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant effects, making it a potential treatment option for conditions like epilepsy and inflammatory bowel disease.
CBC:
CBC (cannabichromene), which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Like other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, CBC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce a variety of potential therapeutic effects.
One of the most notable positive effects of CBC is its potential anti-inflammatory properties. CBC has been shown to inhibit inflammation in the body by blocking certain enzymes that are responsible for producing inflammatory molecules. This may make it useful in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other inflammatory diseases.
Another potential benefit of CBC is its ability to act as an analgesic or pain-reliever. It may work by interacting with the body’s pain receptors to reduce the sensation of pain. This could make it useful for treating chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and migraines.
CBC has also been found to have potential anti-depressant properties. In a study conducted on mice, CBC was found to increase the production of new brain cells in the hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in regulating mood and emotion. This suggests that it may be useful in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
CBC is an exciting cannabinoid with a range of potential therapeutic benefits. While further research is needed to fully understand its effects, it is clear that it has the potential to be a valuable addition to the growing list of cannabis-derived compounds with medicinal properties.
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