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Cannabinoids are a class of compounds found in medicinal and industrial hemp plants – with CBD being one of the best known. While there are hundreds of these substances identified by science. it is believed that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Although cannabinoids are not only found in plants. As we humans can also produce our own “endocannabinoids”. So, how exactly do these cannabinoids work and what is the difference between CBD, CBG and THC?
Our Body’s “Endocannabinoids”
You may already know that the cannabinoids found in our products are derived from industrial hemp plants. These compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), appear to have a very positive impact on our well-being when consumed. This is by no means a coincidence, given that our bodies can produce their own cannabinoids, known as“endocannabinoids.” Examples of the body’s own cannabinoids include anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG).
These endocannabinoids are extremely important neurotransmitters. are used in our body’s communication network, known as the endocannabinoid system (ESS). This is responsible for regulating almost every process in the body that is needed to survive. From our mental state to our digestive system – and from the way we process pain to the way our body makes or breaks down cells. With the aim of bringing the body into “homeostasis“: the ideal balance in which we feel and function perfectly well.
These cannabinoids are responsible for your happiness and a comfortable physical state. Although in some cases, we are not able to produce or properly process the body’s cannabinoids. Result in cannabinoid deficiency, which can cause discomfort and sometimes even the cause of illness, according to some scientists. That’s where cannabis comes in – with herbal cannabinoids, able to help your body achieve the perfect balance to grow.
Plant-based cannabinoids
These phytocannabinoids act on the same endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors as our body’s own cannabinoids. This explains why cannabis extracts and tinctures—such as our CBD oil —can work wonders for our physical and mental well-being. Although cannabidiol is the best-known cannabinoid, it is certainly not the only one found in cannabis extracts.
In fact, it’s a combination of ingredients that make our CBD products some of the most effective on the market. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect. A synergy between all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in cannabis. And while we’ll get to the science of terpenes in another article – these are some of the most important cannabinoids you need to know:
CBD – Cannabidiol
How could we talk about cannabinoids and leave out cannabidiol (CBD)? We couldn’t! Clearly, this is one of the most popular cannabinoids identified to date. CBD is a non-psychoactive substance, meaning it won’t cause a “high” or “buzz”. It’s the main active ingredient in a wide range of CBD oils and skincare products—and it’s known for its amazing effects on both the body and the mind.
It is believed to help combat (chronic) pain and other physical discomfort, caused for example by inflammation or nerve damage. While it also positively affects our mental state, lifting spirits and combating anxiety and stress-related disorders. according to consumers and the preliminary investigation.
THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol
Another well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which, unlike CBD, has psychoactive properties. This means that consuming this cannabinoid in certain doses could cause a “high” or “euphoric effect.” Obviously, this does not happen when you consume small amounts of the substance. In fact, trace amounts of THC greatly enhance the synergistic effect. Therefore, they are considered a welcome component in so-called “full-spectrum” cannabis extracts.
Obviously, these products still have to comply with EU regulations. This means that while a cannabis oil, such as our CBD oil, may contain traces of the cannabinoid, it cannot contain more than the ‘detectable’ limit of 0.2% . This guarantees that our products are safe for human consumption and will not cause unwanted side effects.
CBG – Cannabigerol
One of the most important, if not the most important, cannabinoid in cannabis is cannabigerol (CBG). Sometimes referred to as the “stem cell” of cannabinoids, this compound is responsible for the formation of multiple cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. As their precursor, CBG—or its acidic form, CBGA—can convert into THC(a) or CBD(a) in the final weeks before harvest. Consequently, this cannabinoid is found in higher concentrations in industrial hemp plants harvested early—rather than in plants harvested later.
CBG, the main compound in our CBG oil, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid like CBD. But where it differs from CBD, is that it interacts with our ECS differently – causing other effects besides CBD alone. Cannabigerol is mainly believed to offer a calming effect, as it relaxes the body’s nerves. In addition, consumers report that CBG oil helps them sleep better, providing realistic and positive dreams. With this perspective, CBG can also help people fight nightmares, for example.
CBN – Cannabinol
Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid that forms following the oxidation of tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a very calming compound, known for its pain-relieving properties. As a result, the substance is also known to be a great aid to sleep. This cannabinoid is found in late-harvested plants or “old crops,” where the THC present in the plant material has had time to oxidize. Like THC, CBN is an important component in hemp oils and full-spectrum extracts—significantly enhancing the product’s effect, even at low doses.
CBC – Cannabichromene
Just like CBD and THC, CBC (cannabichromene) starts out in the cannabis plant as CBG (a). And like all other cannabinoids, CBC is an important component in supporting cannabis’s effects on the ECS. CBC itself is not psychoactive, but it is known to slow down the process by which THC is broken down in the body. This also applies to your body’s own THC (anandamide), which is responsible for our sense of happiness, for example. This means that CBC helps prolong the effects of our body’s “happiness molecule,” demonstrating powerful antidepressant effects.
Although CBC is also being researched for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, neuroregeneration and anti-inflammatory properties and pain-inducing effects. Making it an important ingredient in any full-spectrum CBD oil.
Source: dutchnaturalhealing.com
