Cannabinoids and Terpenes

How do Cannabinoids and Terpenes From Cannabis Help Us Heal from Conditions and Diseases?

The Endocannabinoid System takes up medicinal plant chemicals such as phytocannabinoids (cannabinoid compounds from the cannabis plant), and terpenes through various receptors located throughout the body. The endocannabinoid system is a regulatory system that helps to deliver phytomedicine to all the right areas in your body, putting into balance anything that was not aligned.

Cannabinoids

The cannabis plant produces 200+ different cannabinoids. The four primary cannabinoids are: THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC. A fifth cannabinoid - CBN is not produced by the plant itself but is the breakdown product of THC when exposed to oxygen over time. Studies suggest that the terpene, Beta-caryophyllene, produced by cannabis also functions as a cannabinoid (binding to receptors).

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is psychoactive. It is anti-inflammatory, reduces pain, neuroprotective, reduces intraocular pressure, spasticity, and muscle tension. THC interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors and activates the orphan receptor GPR 55. Excessive doses of THC may produce panic, anxiety, sedation and rapid heartbeat in novice users. THCA, the acidic precursor of THC has potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and antitumor applications.

CBD (cannabidiol)

CBD has been shown to eliminate some of THC’s unpleasant adverse effects, modulating it’s psychoactivity. CBD exhibits pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, an anticonvulsant, and is an antioxidant. Studies have shown that CBD is effective in vitro cells against brain, breast, and other tumor cells, while simultaneously protecting normal cells. CBD has been proven effective in inhibiting the growth of MRSA. Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is naturally produced by the plant, but is converted to CBD by heat over time. CBDA shows is a treatment for anti-nausea.

CBG (cannabigerol)

CBG is a potent appetite stimulator, antiseptic, antibiotic, reduces intraocular pressure, and effectively treats inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinical evidence shows it as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced cachexia. CBG may prove interest for its antitumor properties. A recent study shows CBG to protect neurons in mice with Huntington’s disease.

CBC (cannabichromene)

CBC is anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and an antidepressant. CBC exhibits a range of effects, including antibiotic and antifungal. CBC is also shown to be a powerful inhibitor of acne. CBC does not interact with receptors, But CBC does bind with other receptors in the body, such as the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), both of which are linked to pain perception. When CBC activates these receptors, increased levels of the body’s natural endocannabinoids are released. 

CBN (cannabinol)

CBN is the oxidation byproduct of THC. CBN is not produced by the cannabis plant, but is detected in older, long-term stored cannabis products. CBN’s studied benefits include: pain relief, antibacterial, anti-convulsive, anti-inflammatory, anti-insomnia, promotes growth of bone cells, as well as an appetite stimulant. CBN’s most pronounced attribute is its sedative effect. CBN might prove useful in treating burns because it reduced perceived thermal sensitivity.

Terpenes

Terpenes are the most common plant chemical in nature. When you smell cannabis, your smelling the terpenes. The terpene aromas distinguish cannabis plant variety. Research on these terpenes and their synergies with cannabinoids is beginning to explain how different varieties of cannabis can produce a range of effects. Cannabis produces 200+ terpenes, they can be found in the resin heads on cannabis glandular trichomes. 

Here are some of the most familiar terpenes…

Alpha-Pinene

Pinene is the smell of Pine. Pinene inhibits enzyme activity in the brain and this inhibition aids short-term memory. It is a potent antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, aids memory, and has antitumor activity. Cannabis strains with a high A-Pinene profile include: Kona Gold, Blue Dream, or Pinene Kush.

Limonene

Limonene can be found in citrus fruit. Limonene is associated with euphoric effects. Clinical studies have proved an antidepressive, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. It treats acid reflux. Limonene activates adenosine receptors, increasing effects of THC and CBD. It is found in strains such as Tangerine Dream, Gelato, OG and Bubba Kush.

Myrcene

Myrcene can also be found in hops. Myrcene is specifically formulated to deliver a sedative effect, it is an antioxidant, muscle relaxant, a potent analgesic, and it enhances the effects of sedative drugs. Myrcene is a noticeable smell in cannabis strains such as ACDC, Godfather OG, Grape Ape, Purps, or AK-47.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is found in black pepper and cloves. Caryophyllene functions as a cannabinoid and activates the CB2 receptors. It is a strong anti-inflammatory, it exhibits analgesic, and immunomodulatory activity, it’s anti-arthritis, and is also linked to stimulating effects in some varieties. Strains such as Gorilla Glue #4, Cookies, and Colombian are dominant in Caryophyllene.

Linalool

Linalool is found in lavender and is mildly psychoactive. It is also associated with calming, antianxiety effects. Linalool is potently sedative, analgesic, and anesthetic. Strains such as Bubba Kush and purple indica varieties have significant amounts of Linalool.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene has a citrusy scent. It is also found in tea tree and juniper. Terpinolene shows clinical evidence of antibacterial activity, possible antitumor effects, pain reduction, as well as a strong association with cognitive clarity and sativas. Terpinolene can be found in strains such as Jack Herer, Trainwreck, Big Sur, and Zeta.

Ocimene

Ocimene is a sweet, fruity scented terpene. It can be found in sweet basil and allspice. Ocimene is a potent antibacterial, a decongestant, antiseptic, and is neither too sedative or too stimulating. Ocimene can be found in strains such as Skunk #1 and Pincher Creek.