What exactly are cannabinoids?
We speak of a cannabinoid when it comes to a chemical compound that can bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and the rest of the body. The name cannabinoid is derived from cannabis, because these chemical compounds were first discovered in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are not only found in cannabis, however. There are also endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), which occur in every mammal. In addition, cannabinoids can be synthetically manufactured in the lab. The latter is often done for biomedical and scientific applications.
Contrary to popular belief, the name cannabinoid is not the name for all substances that occur in cannabis and hemp. Research has shown that cannabis contains an average of about 300 different chemical compounds. Of these, only 80 to 100 fall under the term cannabinoid. Fabrics like terpenen and flavonoids, which also occur naturally in hemp and cannabis, are therefore not cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system
The body's own cannabinoids and the cannabinoid receptors in our body together form the endocannabinoid system. Just like all mammals, every human has its own system that interacts with cannabinoids from, for example CBD oil. What is special about this system is that it plays a supporting role in many vital body functions, such as memory, digestion, body temperature, pain perception and mood. It works closely with the nervous system to do this and is highly dependent on the available endocannabinoids in the body for optimal functioning. Since endocannabinoids have the same chemical properties as cannabis cannabinoids, does taking CBD work and other cannabis products as good for a wide range of complaints.
Which cannabinoids are there?
As mentioned, over a hundred substances have been discovered over the years that interact with the endocannabinoid system. The best-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). In addition, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabichromene (CBC) are also very popular as supplements. Wondering what these different chemical compounds are and what they do to the body? Then read on quickly.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The most famous and infamous cannabinoid is THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in full. This is the chemical compound that provides the mind-altering effect when smoking a joint or eating space cake from the coffee shop, for example. It is therefore the substance that makes one 'high'. That is why THC is regarded by the legislator as a drug from a certain concentration (> 0,05%) and is not legal (but tolerated in the Netherlands under certain circumstances).
At concentrations lower than 0,05%, THC is not psychoactive, which is why products containing less than 0,05% THC are legal in our country. Because THC enhances the effect of CBD and other cannabinoids at low concentrations, it is an indispensable component of any good full spectrum CBD oil.
THC acts directly on the endocannabinoid system, as it has a similar chemical structure to the neurotransmitter anadamide. And just like anadamide, THC attaches very well to the cannabinoid receptor CB1. Known psychoactive effects of this are a euphoric feeling, suppression of pain and a change in perception. In addition, THC increases appetite, reduces stress, can induce sleep and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is also a very well-known cannabinoid. It is the main component of most products in our webshop, such as CBD oil, CBD capsules, CBD patches en CBD creams. In addition, cannabis from the coffee shop also usually contains high concentrations of CBD, which ensures that the negative effects of cannabis are counteracted.
Cannabidiol ensures that anadamide is broken down less quickly in the body and that more of the endocannabinoid 2-AG is produced in the body. As a result, both anadamide and 2-AG can bind better with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, resulting in a better functioning of this system. In addition, CBD blocks the receptors at certain levels of THC in the body, which explains its inhibitory effect on THC.
In unlike THC CBD is not psychoactive and therefore completely legal and safe to use. According to many people, CBD promotes a large number of body processes and helps, among other things sleep better, for fears, for chronic pains and for improving digestion. However, it is not a recognized medicine and therefore only serves to support health.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
As with CBD, other cannabinoids are also increasingly being discovered for their health benefits. A cannabinoid that has gained a lot of popularity in this regard in recent years is cannabigerol (CBG). At Dutch Vitals you will find CBG, for example, as an oil and if pure CBG isolate.
The effect of CBG is comparable to that of CBD and there are strong indications that it binds even better with the receptors responsible for signal transmission in the nervous system. CBG is therefore known for its beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN is also a cannabinoid that has received a lot of attention lately. Just like CBD and CBG is too CBN oil not psychoactive and therefore legal and safe to use. The special thing about CBN is that it only occurs in old cannabis plants, as a result of the conversion of THC to CBN. So you can think of it as the end product of the cannabis plant.
CBN also owes its effect to the interaction with the endocannabinoid system. The effects are similar to those of CBD, with the difference that for most people it helps with chronic pain better and has a more soothing effect.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Finally, CBC is also a cannabinoid that has become very popular as the main component of CBC oil. In addition, CBC occurs naturally in full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products and ensures that the effects of the other cannabinoids are enhanced (according to the entourage effect).
CBC is also completely safe and legal, as it has no psychoactive effects. It does interact with the endocannabinoid system. More research is needed, but it seems strongly that CBC is one of the most effective cannabinoids for chronic pain and inflammation.
