What are Cannabinoids & What do They Do?
Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds that are found in various plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for producing the unique effects that cannabis has on the human body. There are many different types of cannabinoids, each with its own distinct set of properties. In this blog, we help answer:
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in a variety of plants, including hops, echinacea, and black pepper. However, cannabis is the plant that is most commonly associated with cannabinoids.
These compounds are categorized into several subclasses, which include:
- Cannabigerols (CBG)
- Cannabichromenes (CBC)
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
- Cannabicyclol (CBL)
- Cannabielsoin (CBE)
- Cannabitriol (CBT)
How Many Different Cannabinoids are There?
There are over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified in cannabis plants, with the most well-known being THC and CBD. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for producing the “high” associated with its use. On the other hand, CBD has been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits without producing the intoxicating side effects commonly experienced with cannabis consumption.
What do Cannabinoids Do?
In cannabis plants, cannabinoids play a crucial role in protecting the plant from predators and environmental stressors. For humans, however, cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that help regulate a variety of physiological processes such as pain, appetite, mood, and sleep.
THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, binds to the CB1 receptors in the ECS and produces a euphoric high. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce a high and can actually counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC. The CBD cannabinoids are believed to interact with a different set of receptors in the ECS and may have anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.
What are the Side Effects of Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids in cannabis plants interact with the human ECS by mimicking the effects of endocannabinoids, which are naturally occurring cannabinoids in the human body. By interacting with the ECS, cannabinoids can help regulate a variety of physiological processes and may have therapeutic potential for a range of health conditions.
Consuming cannabis can produce a range of side effects, including dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, impaired memory, and altered perception of time and space. Some people may also experience anxiety or paranoia when consuming high levels of THC. However, these side effects are typically temporary and can be managed by adjusting the dosage and method of consumption.
Do Cannabinoids Reduce Inflammation?
Research has suggested that cannabinoids may have anti-inflammatory properties and may be effective in reducing inflammation in the body. CBD, in particular, has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation in conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. However, more research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for inflammation.
What Does Total Cannabinoids Mean?
If you’ve ever purchased cannabis products from a recreational dispensary in Vermont, you’ve probably noticed a label indicating its total cannabinoids. In the context of purchasing recreational cannabis products, total cannabinoids refers to the sum of all the cannabinoids present in the product. This includes both psychoactive cannabinoids such as THC and non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD. Total cannabinoids are typically listed as a percentage on the product label and can help shoppers better understand the intended side effects before consuming.
At Mountain Girl Cannabis, we ensure each customer that walks through our door is always met with a friendly, knowledgeable Wellness Guide to help them find the products that are best for their needs. We’ll walk you through our complete product selection, helping you better understand the type, potency, and percentage of cannabinoids as it relates to your product experience. Stop by our cannabis dispensary in Rutland, VT to meet your Wellness Guide today!
