Cannabinoids are a crucial component of the cannabis plant. These naturally occurring chemical substances contribute to the multitude of effects cannabis users experience when they ignite a joint, consume an edible, or administer a cannabis-infused tincture under their tongue. While it’s accurate that cannabis signifies a rich source of cannabinoids, cannabinoids actually include any substance capable of affecting the body’s endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids are also located within the human body, in various other plant species, and can even be created synthetically. Distinct cannabinoids can cause effects as wide-ranging as euphoria, pain relief, paranoia, drowsiness, and even increased hunger—yes, certain cannabinoids can even trigger the munchies. In this guide to cannabinoids, we’ll examine various types of cannabinoids, explore how these potent substances can impact the body, and clarify the role cannabinoids play in plants. why wait in line? Enjoy the ultimate convenience of weed delivery straight to your home!

Types of cannabinoids

Cannabinoids can be classified into three categories:

• Phytocannabinoids are present in the cannabis plant and a select few other plants
• Endocannabinoids, or endogenous cannabinoids, can be located in the organisms of mammals, including humans
• Synthetic cannabinoids are manufactured in laboratories

Phytocannabinoids

Cannabis serves as the most plentiful and varied source of phytocannabinoids, or plant cannabinoids on the planet. More than 150 distinct cannabinoids are present in the cannabis plant. However, the cannabis plant doesn’t directly generate cannabinoids. Instead, it produces cannabinoid acids, like THCA and CBDA, that need to be activated to transform into the cannabinoids consumers recognize and cherish, such as THC and CBD. Heating or allowing cannabis to dry out over time activates these acids, thanks to a process known as decarboxylation. For instance, when you ignite a joint or heat marijuana before crafting cannabutter, THCA is transformed into THC: the psychoactive, intoxicating cannabinoid that many desire. THCA can’t elevate you—but THC can. While the utilization of raw cannabinoid acids is starting to gain popularity, most individuals favor consuming cannabinoids that have been activated. Until recently, it was thought that cannabinoids were exclusive to the cannabis plant, but new discoveries indicate otherwise. Black pepper, cacao, echinacea, rhododendrons, and black truffles also contain substances that engage with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. These substances are not identical to the cannabinoids found in cannabis, but are cannabimimetic—they can produce effects similar to cannabis’ cannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids (endogenous cannabinoids)

Endocannabinoids constitute part of the body’s endocannabinoid system. These substances, also referred to as endogenous cannabinoids—”endo” or “endogenous” signifies “within”—are generated by various organs and tissues in the body and possess a comparable structure to cannabinoids found in cannabis. The body can manufacture endocannabinoids to assist in regulating processes as diverse as pain, memory, mood, immunity, sleep, and reactions to stress. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol). In short, endocannabinoids aid in maintaining essential bodily functions smoothly.

Synthetic cannabinoids

These substances don’t exist naturally in plants or humans but are created using chemical methods. There are over 200 synthetic cannabinoids, nearly all of which are intended to exert powerful effects on the body’s cannabinoid receptors. One such instance, AMB-FUBINACA, is said to be 75 times more potent than THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid located in cannabis. However, the safety of specific synthetic cannabinoids is questionable, as they can induce harmful effects on users, leading to anxiety, paranoia, and impaired cognitive function. Synthetic cannabinoids can also be created by chemically altering CBD, which can be obtained from industrial hemp. Another example of synthetic cannabinoid creation is the “pharming” of cannabinoids using brewer’s yeast, which serves as a substrate for growth—bacteria and algae have also been utilized as substrates too. While cannabinoids cultivated from yeast are structurally and chemically identical to those that manifest in cannabis, they’re technically synthetic because they result from genetic modification.

The effects of cannabinoids on the body

Ultimately, everyone’s endocannabinoid system, or endocannabinoid tone, is distinct. Different bodies vary in their reactions to phytocannabinoids. While some individuals feel relaxed when sharing a joint with companions, others may find themselves in a state of unease. Researchers are still investigating how specific cannabinoids affect our bodies.

The endocannabinoid system

Cannabinoids engage with the body’s endocannabinoid system, or the ECS. The endocannabinoid system assists in preserving balance in bodily processes such as sleep, memory, mood, appetite, and pain. In basic terms, the ECS is a signaling network that spans throughout the body. This widespread network comprises cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids—cannabinoids that the body creates—and enzymes that help generate and break down endocannabinoids once they’ve been utilized. Cannabinoid receptors constitute a vital component of this system. There are two recognized types in the body: CB1 and CB2. These receptors are situated in the brain, spinal cord, organs like the gastrointestinal tract, and peripheral areas of the body. Endocannabinoids can activate these cannabinoid receptors, inciting responses such as sensations of drowsiness, relaxation, or hunger.

How cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system

However, endocannabinoids aren’t the only substances that can stimulate endocannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoids found in cannabis—phytocannabinoids—are chemically very similar to those produced by the body. These plant cannabinoids can attach to the cannabinoid receptors in our endocannabinoid system, triggering responses throughout the body. The effects produced by phytocannabinoids are varied and may include euphoria, paranoia, pain relief, increased appetite, drowsiness, reduced inflammation, and even enhanced creativity. THC, for instance, can generate euphoria, relieve pain, slow the perception of time, and stimulate appetite. CBD can reduce inflammation, alleviate anxiety, and suppress seizures. However, evidence is accumulating that cannabinoids don’t solely interact with cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids also seem to influence other receptors in the body, such as serotonin 5-HT receptors. The broad spectrum of effects that cannabinoids can elicit is influenced by how strongly they can bond to these receptors.

Consumption method

The method of cannabis consumption can also affect effects. Different delivery methods, such as smoking, oral ingestion, or transdermal administration, can significantly influence the bioavailability of cannabinoids. Bioavailability refers to the extent to which a substance enters the bloodstream and can produce an active effect. The bioavailability of inhaled THC averages 30%, for example, and the effects can commence in as few as ten minutes. Conversely, when THC is ingested in a brownie, the bioavailability is 4-12%, with effects taking up to an hour or more to manifest. This diminished bioavailability and delayed onset happen because cannabinoids must traverse the gastrointestinal tract and reach the liver where they are processed. A significant amount of the THC is broken down in the liver and converted into other derivatives, resulting in low bioavailability.

The role of cannabinoids in the plant

Cannabinoids also play a highly functional role in protecting the health of the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids accumulate in the sticky, resinous trichomes of cannabis, which are predominantly found on female buds. According to recent studies, cannabinoids function as a sunscreen, absorbing harmful UV-B radiation that may harm the plant’s growth. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that increased cannabinoid production occurs in cannabis flowers when they are subjected to heightened UV-B radiation. It’s likely that cannabinoids serve a variety of other defensive roles as well. For instance, trichomes, where cannabinoids are mostly located, are common to many plant species and help to guard against predatory insects and pests, moisture loss, and overheating. Cannabis also seems to generate more cannabinoids when faced with specific stressors, like heat, low soil moisture, or even soil that lacks nutrients. Ironically, it appears that a little stress may benefit cannabinoid production.

Major cannabinoids

THCA and CBDA are by far the most recognized cannabinoid acids generated by cannabis. These two cannabinoids occur in significantly higher concentrations than other cannabinoids present in the plant. THC potency has increased over time, suggesting that cannabis enthusiasts have intentionally bred plants that yield increasingly elevated THC levels. Both THC and CBD are psychoactive cannabinoids, so they can modify nervous system function and temporarily alter perception, mood, cognition, and behavior. THC is intoxicating and can elevate you, while CBD does not. Both cannabinoids also present a range of other physical and psychological effects. There’s a substantial body of research investigating their therapeutic applications. These two principal cannabinoids also form the foundation for defining cannabis. Nowadays, cannabis varieties, or chemovars, are often categorized by their primary cannabinoid content. There are three principal types:

• Type I: High concentrations of THC
• Type II: Equal levels of THC and CBD
• Type III: High levels of CBD

 

Minor cannabinoids

More than 150 cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis, and the number is growing. However, the vast majority of these are minor cannabinoids, which constitute less than 1% of the cannabis bud. Nevertheless, interest from consumers and experts in minor cannabinoids has escalated in recent years as many are inquisitive about the untapped potential of these lesser-known cannabinoids. Certain intoxicating minor cannabinoids, like delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC, are rapidly developing a reputation for producing a high. These minor cannabinoids occur naturally in very low concentrations and are often manufactured from cannabinoids in hemp plants to avoid legal complications. Researchers are also starting to explore the therapeutic properties of prominent minor cannabinoids, like THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), CBG (cannabigerol), and CBN (cannabinol). In the future, we may observe minor cannabinoids combined with terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds to formulate customized cannabis healthcare that targets specific issues and conditions.