Cannabinoids and Cannabis

Cannabis is a psychoactive plant found in Central and South Asia. It has been used for centuries for entheogenic and recreational purposes. It has also been used in various traditional medicines. Cannabis can help relieve pain, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting. But, if used incorrectly, it can have adverse health effects.

Cannabinoids

Cannabis contains a wide variety of different compounds called cannabinoids. There are at least 100 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Most of these compounds are found in very low concentrations, making them difficult for scientists to identify. However, studies have found that certain cannabinoids have medicinal properties.

Some cannabinoids are known to have beneficial effects on the brain and the central nervous system. They also act as sedatives and can help with sleep problems. Insomnia is a serious issue and can affect many aspects of a person’s life. The cannabinoids present in cannabis may also protect brain and nerve cells and even promote new growth.

Besides cannabinoids, cannabis also contains terpenes. These compounds are derived from the aromatic oils of plants. They give each strain its own unique flavor. They are produced in the trichomes on the outside of the bud. When combined with cannabinoids, terpenes are more potent. They also alter the rate of absorption and potency.

Cannabis sativa plant

Cannabis sativa plants tend to grow taller and have narrower light green leaves than cannabis indica plants. These plants produce higher concentrations of THCA, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, than their indica cousins. However, crossbreeding has dominated cannabis cultivation for the past fifty years, effectively eliminating the possibility of growing pure sativa or indica strains.

The sativa plant is commonly characterized as uplifting, while the indica plant is sedative. Both strains can produce highs in the body, but sativas tend to be more cerebral. According to psychopharmacologist and neurologist Dr. Ethan Russo, the two plants have distinct chemical profiles, which explain their contrasting effects.

The cannabis sativa plant contains two types of cannabinoids, THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana; CBD is non-psychoactive and has medicinal properties. In the United States, the plant is legal for medical use in 16 states.

Cannabinoids in marijuana

The compounds found in the cannabis plant, also known as cannabinoids, can interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body. Most notable among these are the tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the main intoxicating compound of cannabis, and cannabidiol is a major constituent of some cannabis plants.

The plant also contains non-psychoactive cannabinoids like cannabichromene, which has been shown to promote brain growth and improve the viability of developing brain cells. This is known as neurogenesis, and it also plays a key role in the anti-cancer abilities of marijuana.

Some cannabinoids in marijuana are known for their pain-relieving properties. Some compounds have antibacterial properties and are capable of fighting infections resistant to antibiotics. Others are antifungal, and many have an appetite-stimulating effect. In addition to providing relief from pain, marijuana is also useful in treating epilepsy and disorders associated with convulsions.

The endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS, is a network of cell receptors in the body. If this system were not functioning properly, cannabis would be useless as a drug. Unfortunately, the lack of cannabinoids can lead to physical symptoms and other health problems.