Health Effects of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids + Health
Sure, when it comes to cannabis, or marijuana, you've heard of THC and CBD. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) are the two primary, and most well-known, cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant. But did you know that there are literally hundreds of medicinal compounds naturally produced in cannabis? Cannabinoids are a group of active cannabis compounds that can interact with receptors in our endocannabinoid system to deliver a variety of effects. The synergies offered within this plant is astounding. Scientists have identified over 100 different cannabinoids and many still remain unidentified. Only a handful of these identified cannabinoids have been researched and are known to provide positive effects on the human body. Understanding how cannabinoids affect the body helps you to find the right strain for your individual needs.
Endocannabinoid What?
What is the endocannabinoid system? Also known as the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS), it is a biological system in our bodies that was discovered when scientists started researching the effects of THC on the human body. The endocannabinoid system is perhaps the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health. The reason for this is because the endocannabinoid system's main function is to maintain balance and homeostasis - the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment. ECS is composed of endocannabinoids (endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters), cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system. When the endocannabinoids bind to the cannabinoid receptors, they are able to produce physiological responses necessary for keeping cells alive and healthy (homeostasis).
* This information has not been evaluated by the FDA or a health professional and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The possible health benefits of cannabinoids as indicated in this table have come from a compilation of various sources of preliminary cannabinoid research.
** According to the U.S. Government's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): "Drugs containing cannabinoids may be helpful in treating certain rare forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and loss of appetite and weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS. In addition, some evidence suggests modest benefits of cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic pain and multiple sclerosis symptoms. Cannabis isn’t helpful for glaucoma. Research on cannabis or cannabinoids for other conditions is in its early stages.”