Cannabis Science: Understanding Key Cannabinoids

Cannabis contains more than 480 active chemical compounds, 80 of which are unique to this plant. In the scientific world, they are known as cannabinoids – a diverse class of chemicals that actively interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), responsible for various physiological and cognitive processes.

Cannabinoids are typically divided into three main types: phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are obtained directly from the plant itself. Endocannabinoids are produced by the human body, and synthetic cannabinoids are those designed and synthesized in laboratories.

For millennia, the cannabis plant has been used for its medicinal properties. According to numerous ancient texts, this plant possesses healing powers, which, over time and with technological advancements, led to the creation of various pharmaceutical products and became a conscious choice for hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. While there are still many unexplored chemical compounds in cannabis, some of them are well-studied and they will be the subject of this article.

THC

THC is the most popular and widespread cannabinoid. The abbreviation stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This cannabinoid triggers psychoactive effects when you consume cannabis.

Tetrahydrocannabinol stimulates specific areas of the brain, causing a release of dopamine, which, in turn, contributes to the sense of euphoria. The majority of cannabis strains are THC-dominant, typically containing between 10% and 30% THC. In other words, the higher the percentage of THC in the cannabis plant, the more intense the psychoactive effects on a person's mind.

Most people believe that this cannabinoid is used solely for recreational purposes, i.e., for pleasure. We won't argue with this statement, knowing that many consumers have found in cannabis a worthy alternative to harmful alcohol consumption, but... In reality, THC possesses a range of therapeutic benefits, including the suppression of inflammatory processes, alleviating anxiety, nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, sleep disorders, and appetite issues. High-THC buds, oils, and other products are popular among individuals undergoing treatment or prevention of oncological diseases, glaucoma, digestive tract disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), migraine attacks, autoimmune, chronic, and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. In addition to the listed medical advantages, the effects of THC can be modulated by the presence of other cannabinoids as well as unrelated chemical compounds in the plant, such as terpenes.

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that doesn't produce psychoactive effects and is widely used for medicinal purposes.

Despite the fact that most cannabis strains contain a high percentage of THC, which induces a sense of euphoria, breeders have worked hard to create new CBD-dominant, exclusively medicinal varieties. The story of the Charlotte's Web strain is a prime example! Inquire about it, and you will be amazed at how the cannabis plant can not only change a person's life but also be the reason for the emergence of a global movement for the legalization of medical cannabis.

As we have already noted, CBD does not cause any euphoric effects, often attributed to cannabis. Many CBD users report feelings of calmness and reduced anxiety.

The flowers of CBD-rich strains can be consumed in various ways, including drying and smoking or vaping. However, the most common methods involve tinctures and oils. Cannabis oils are typically produced as liquid extracts, usually taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and beverages. In addition to its relaxing effect and relief from stress, research is currently being conducted to explore the wide range of other therapeutic benefits of CBD. Among its most studied medical properties are its use in treating epilepsy, anxiety, and pain sensations. Moreover, consumers may prefer a combination of THC and CBD, as they act together, offering unique benefits and more pronounced effects in pain management and sleep disorder treatment. CBD producers and consumers claim a multitude of other therapeutic indications that are not as well studied, but research in this area is already underway.

CBN

Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid that does not induce euphoria and is formed as a result of the oxidation of THC. CBN is usually present in overripe cannabis and is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Cannabinol is the first cannabinoid discovered after THC. They share a similar molecular structure but differ in terms of their effects.

Trichomes of cannabis do not produce CBN. This cannabinoid forms from THC and breaks down under the influence of oxygen or light on the cannabis flower. As mentioned earlier, CBN does not have a psychoactive effect, and recently, many manufacturers of products containing CBN market it as a remedy to improve sleep, claiming that this cannabinoid has a pronounced sedative (calming) effect. CBN is the only cannabinoid that facilitates effective transition to the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep while possessing significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties.

CBG

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a medicinally effective cannabinoid. Recent research has shown that, despite the traditional belief that it's not particularly common in most cannabis strains, it is, in essence, the precursor for both THC and CBD formation. In simpler terms, both THC and CBD began their development as CBG. Furthermore, it has been discovered that cannabigerol aids in the absorption of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), creating a sense of calmness typically associated with the effects of CBD. These findings have spurred new research into this cannabinoid, promising broader discoveries.

You may have never heard of cannabigerol, but humanity has been benefiting from its properties found in both the cannabis plant and industrial hemp for millennia. CBG was first isolated in 1964 and, alongside THC, has been extensively studied for its potential as a medicinal agent.

CBG is often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids" because without it, cannabis would not have its recreational and medicinal properties. Familiar with the saying "all roads lead to Rome"? Well, in this case, all cannabinoids lead to CBG. As young cannabis plants mature and grow, stacking up their flowers, various enzymes and compounds combine to create a precursor to CBG, known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).

All cannabinoids trace back to CBGA. As the growth cycle nears completion and more ultraviolet light is absorbed, CBGA breaks down and transforms into THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), essentially serving as the precursors of the two main and most popular cannabinoids, THC and CBD.

In most cases, only a small amount of CBG remains in the complex chemical composition of the cannabis plant, if it doesn't fully transform. Despite its minimal presence in ripe flowers, isolated CBG demonstrates several beneficial properties for the human body. CBG, like CBD, does not induce euphoria despite its direct connection to THC. According to research results, it can bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human endocannabinoid system, directly interacting and supporting the body in a state of balanced homeostasis (self-regulation) through numerous receptors in the limbs, internal organs, nervous system, and other systems (digestive, immune, reproductive, etc.)

A survey of patient groups conducted in 2021 showed that most of them consider the use of CBG-dominant products effective in treating chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions.

Despite "gaps" in CBG research, the existing results available to sciene suggest numerous health benefits:

Lowering intraocular pressure: It can act as a neuroprotective agent for blood vessels, making it a promising agent for the treatment and prevention of glaucoma.
Effective against inflammation: CBG has shown effectiveness in treating various inflammatory processes in the intestine when tested on mice, making it a potentially effective comprehensive treatment for different gastrointestinal inflammations.
Treatment of Huntington's disease: By protecting neurons, it slows down the development of this neurodegenerative disease.
Regulation of blood pressure and heart rate: As an agonist of the alpha-2 receptor primarily found in the nervous system, CBG can regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and sympathetic nervous system activity. By inhibiting these receptors, CBG may alleviate symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
High potential for cancer cells inhibition: It may serve as a treatment for various cancers, including breast, stomach, colon, and even glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain tumor.
Antibacterial agent: It is effective against bacteria resistant to other drugs.
Appetite stimulation: Although research on this property has been conducted only on rats, future studies may become a starting point for treating chronic conditions with appetite loss, including cancer or chemotherapy-induced appetite loss.

The growing popularity of various cannabinoids in public discussions reflects a genuine interest from patients and highlights the need for further research.

At first glance, CBG may seem like a variation of CBD, as both do not induce euphoria and possess similar anti-inflammatory properties. However, there are key differences that could change your perspective on the consumption of each. CBG and CBD do not bind to the same receptors in the body but act independently and differ at the molecular level. Since CBG can interact with the same receptors as THC, it potentially contributes to the treatment of nervous system disorders and other conditions, including but not limited to glaucoma, migraines, muscle spasms, and digestive system disorders. CBD, on the other hand, may be more effective in treating immune system diseases and mood disorders. According to research, both substances can successfully mitigate the effects of THC, and neither of them alters consciousness even at high doses.

THCV

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is considered a cannabinoid capable of reducing the intensity of the psychoactive effects of THC. First discovered in 1971, this chemical compound of cannabis is relatively rare, but over the years of research, it has become increasingly popular, prompting breeders to focus on developing specific strains with high THCV content to meet the growing demand.

Current research suggests its utility in treating metabolic disorders and as an appetite suppressant. Furthermore, people use THCV for various medical purposes. Despite the limited understanding of its effects on the human body, existing studies indicate that this cannabinoid can be beneficial in the treatment of a range of conditions. THCV is typically used to treat stress and anxiety. Some studies have found that combined use of THCV and THC reduces feelings of anxiety compared to using THC alone. Due to its appetite-suppressing properties, THCV can be an effective dietary aid in combating obesity.

According to research findings, THCV may become an indispensable tool in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in regulating blood sugar levels and insulin production. British company GW Pharmaceuticals (known for its medication developed for the treatment of multiple sclerosis – Nabiximols (Sativex), which, among other things, became the first natural cannabis plant-derived product to receive approval in the global market) is working on creating a THCV-based medication for type 2 diabetes treatment. Other studies show that THCV can help in the treatment of conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and osteoporosis.

CBC

Cannabichromene (CBC) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and is part of the list of other well-known cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. Alongside these, cannabichromene is part of the so-called "big six" cannabinoids that play a prominent role in modern medical research.

Unlike THC, CBC does not induce feelings of euphoria because it cannot bind to CB1 receptors in the brain. However, CBC interacts with other receptors, such as TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are involved in the perception of pain.

Cannabichromene is known for its ability to influence receptors and increase the level of anandamide – a natural endocannabinoid produced by the human body, which can be useful in the treatment of oncological diseases.

In studies of breast cancer, anandamide has demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity. Research shows that CBC is one of the most potent cannabinoids in terms of its ability to counter the development and progression of tumors. Studies conducted on rodents suggest that cannabichromene can block pain and inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis.

Another study showed that CBC can serve as a neuroprotectant in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. In this case, CBC demonstrated a distinctly positive effect on neural precursor stem cells (NPSCs), which are considered crucial for maintaining proper brain function. Among other promising applications of cannabichromene are acne therapy and the treatment of depressive disorders in combination with well-known cannabinoids like CBD and THC.

THCA

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a chemical compound that is abundant in the raw cannabis plant. After harvesting, drying, and curing the flower buds, the THCA present in them is converted into THC – a cannabinoid known for its psychoactive effects. This straightforward process of converting THCA into THC is called decarboxylation – the removal of carbon atoms from the chemical compound's carbon chains. In simpler terms, if you want to experience euphoria, the bud needs not only to be properly dried, cured, and ground but also introduced to heat. Only then does it become a "ticket" to the world of pleasant sensations, tranquility, and everything that many cannabis consumers choose the plant for.

Research into the therapeutic properties of THCA is still ongoing, but people are already using this cannabinoid to treat inflammatory processes in conditions such as arthritis and lupus. Additionally, THCA exhibits neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-nausea properties.

CBDA

All cannabinoids that are part of the chemical composition of the cannabis plant initially exist in an acidic form. These cannabinoids are sometimes referred to as "raw" or unprocessed. One of them is cannabidiolic acid (CBDA).

When heated, exposed to ultraviolet light, or during the maturation process, CBDA undergoes a chemical process known as decarboxylation, which we mentioned earlier. This process removes the acidic or carboxyl group from the compound, transforming it into the more familiar cannabinoid analogue – CBD. Until now, most researchers have focused their attention on neutral (non-acidic) forms of cannabinoids. However, interest in the therapeutic potential of acidic cannabinoids is growing every day.

Studies show that CBDA can possess an impressive range of therapeutic benefits. For example, compared to CBD, CBDA has 100 times greater interaction with 5-HT receptors, which may make this cannabinoid more powerful and effective in treating nausea, vomiting, and depressive disorders. Additionally, CBDA is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. The chemical composition of this natural cannabinoid has a similar molecular structure to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen.

Currently, research is ongoing, and even at this stage, CBDA shows promise as a powerful means of preventing and suppressing epilepsy seizures. Recently, health enthusiasts and cannabis connoisseurs have started a trend of preparing various dishes, juices, and smoothies from raw cannabis, which is essentially a simple and effective way to incorporate beneficial cannabinoid compounds into their daily diet.

CBDV

Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a pharmacologically active compound found in cannabis plants. This minor cannabinoid was first isolated in 1969. CBDV can be compared to CBD because they both have a similar molecular structure and do not induce euphoria.

Cannabidivarin is most commonly found in landrace strains of indica, which have grown naturally in their habitat for thousands of years and have not been crossbred with other cannabis varieties. For this reason, finding strains with high CBDV content is very difficult, as most modern cannabis strains are hybrids that have undergone selection to increase THC content. Due to the diverse therapeutic properties attributed to CBDV, interest in this cannabinoid from both scientists and consumers is constantly growing.

Currently, research efforts are focused on uncovering the unique properties of this cannabinoid, which, as it turns out, has an impressive range of therapeutic properties. According to available data, CBDV may contribute to the treatment of behavioral and cognitive problems associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Studies show that CBDV can modulate the balance between excitatory and inhibitory systems in the brain, which has a positive effect on the treatment of people with autism.

Similarly, another study suggests that CBDV may play a significant role in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and memory impairments associated with Rett syndrome – a genetic neurological disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability and causing seizures, speech impairment, and muscle spasticity (involuntary movements or spasms).

In addition to this, CBDV has a positive impact on patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy – a disease characterized by skeletal degeneration, chronic inflammation, and muscle tissue disruption. In a study conducted in 2019, scientists found that cannabidivarin contributes to the reduction of inflammation, restores muscle function, and even promotes mobility.

In Conclusion

The list of cannabinoids provided in our comprehensive article is just the beginning of a long and challenging journey. There is still much to learn about other chemical compounds of cannabis, as research in this field continues even as you read this sentence. Thanks to the wide range of actions of cannabinoids, you can learn to individually select those that suit your needs or even completely avoid the cannabis chemical compounds that do not fit your requirements for some reason. Meanwhile, perhaps the most exciting chapter in the history of cannabis is just beginning, and the experts and consultants at KADAMA are always keeping an eye on all new developments, discoveries, and current updates.