Cannabinoids

CBD has tremendous medical potential. This is particularly true when the correct ratio of CBD to THC is applied to treat a particular condition. CBD acts as an antagonist at both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, yet it has a low binding affinity for both. This suggests that CBD’s mechanism of action is mediated by other receptors in the brain and body. In addition, the World Health Organization recently reported that CBD can help treat epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, psychosis, Parkinson’s disease

CBDA, CBD-acid or CBD-a is the main form in which CBD exists in the cannabis plant, along with THCA (THC-acid). CBD is obtained through non-enzymatic decarboxylation from the acidic form of the cannabinoid, this reaction taking place when the compounds are heated. Heating or catalyzing CBDa transforms it into CBD, thereby increasing the total CBD level. Research shows higher concentrations of CBDA displayed more pronounced antimicrobial activity than CBD alone.

Like THCV, CBDV differs from CBD only by the substitution of a pentyl (5 carbon) for a propyl (3 carbon) sidechain. Although research on CBDV is still in its initial stages, recent studies have shown promise for its use in the management of epilepsy. This is due to its action at TRPV1 receptors and modulation of gene expression.           There are other cannabinoids that end in “V” too. This group includes CBGV, CBCV, CBDV, and of course THCV. Otherwise known as the “varins,” these cannabinoids

 CBG is a common cannabinoid found in essentially all cannabis plants. Like all of the cannabinoids mentioned so far, CBG is produced as CBGA. All the primary cannabinoids are created from CBGA. This is how CBGA got its nickname of “mother of all cannabinoids.” CBG’s antibacterial effects can alter the overall effects of cannabis. CBG is known to kill or slow bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, (particularly in its acidic CBGA form,) inhibit cell growth in tumor/cancer cells, and promote bone regeneration

CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is produced from the degradation of THC. There is usually very little to no CBN in a fresh plant. CBN acts as a weak agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, with greater affinity for CB2 receptors than CB1. The degradation of THC into CBN is often described as creating a sedative effect, known as a “couch lock.”  CBN is considered to be sedative by many, however there is little research to support this. Pure CBN doesn’t seem to have a sedative effect

Evidence has suggested that it may play a role in the anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects of cannabis, and may contribute to the overall analgesic effects of medical cannabis. A study done in March 2010 showed that CBC along with cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have antidepressant effects. Another study showed that CBC helps promote neurogenesis. CBC might also help protect the brain from neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.

THC tends to get the most attention as the most plentiful cannabinoid in the modern cannabis plant, and the one that causes the well-known psychoactivity or “high” associated with cannabis. It’s also praised for its strong medicinal effects, which continues to be utilized by patients all over the world.

THCA, THC-acid or THC-a is the main form in which THC exists in the cannabis plant. THC is obtained through non-enzymatic decarboxylation from the acidic form of the cannabinoid, this reaction taking place when the compounds are heated. Heating or catalyzing THCa transforms it into THC, thereby increasing the total THC level. 

THCV is a minor cannabinoid found in only some strains of cannabis. The only structural difference between THCV and THC is the presence of a propyl (3 carbon) group, rather than a pentyl (5 carbon) group, on the molecule. Though this variation may seem subtle, it causes THCV to produce very different effects than THC. Reported to produce a relaxing, euphoric, and energizing high, THCV may help block the anxiety-inducing effects of THC when the two are used together.