Cannabinoids
Understanding the science behind medical marijuana
Marijuana plants contain natural chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which your body also produces naturally. For instance, when you experience a runner’s high, it’s due to natural euphoric feelings caused by cannabinoids. In the same way, marijuana impacts your body through various cannabinoids, as shown below.
Cannabinoid receptors in the body react with cannabinoids like THC and CBD when they enter the body, and every marijuana plant contains these cannabinoids. When ingested, they interact with the Endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining human health.
Cannabinoids and their receptors are found in your…
Brain
Lungs
Connective Tissue
Glands
Immune Cells
This communication system includes receptors that connect to all types of cannabinoids, working like a lock-and-key effect to provide symptom relief. The cannabinoid acts as the key, binding with receptors to unlock its effects as if they were natural responses. The system’s goal is to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment, which is also known as homeostasis.
Common Cannabinoids In Heated Marijuana
Marijuana is often categorized as raw or decarboxylated (heated). Raw marijuana refers to the dried and cured flower buds from the marijuana plant, which when heated are decarboxylated. Heating or decarboxylating marijuana releases the sought-after compounds such as THC, CBD, and CBG. Raw marijuana is typically heated through the use of a lighter or vaporizer directly prior to being ingested.
The following are the common cannabinoids found in heated marijuana.
Psychoactive
Non-Psychoactive
THC
tetrahydrocannabinol
THC may reduce nausea and anxiety and may have neuroprotective properties.
CBD
cannabidiol
CBD may reduce anxiety, depression, and inflammation and may have immunosuppressive and neuroprotective properties.
CBG
cannabigerol
CBG may reduce depression and may act as a bone stimulant.