Introduction
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the human body in profound ways. They are the foundation of cannabis’s medicinal and therapeutic potential, forming a diverse group that includes major cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), alongside lesser-known ones like CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol). These compounds are naturally occurring, but the body also produces its own cannabinoids, highlighting their universal significance.
The Cannabinoid Family
Cannabinoids are broadly classified into two main categories:
1. Phytocannabinoids
- Found in cannabis and hemp plants.
- Responsible for the plant’s medicinal properties.
- Includes well-known cannabinoids such as:
- THC: Associated with psychoactivity.
- CBD: Known for its calming and therapeutic effects.
- CBG, CBN, CBC, and others: Emerging stars with unique benefits.
2. Endocannabinoids
- Produced by the human body as part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
- Regulate key functions like mood, appetite, pain response, and immune function.
- Examples include anandamide (the “bliss molecule”) and 2-AG.
How Cannabinoids Work
Cannabinoids interact with the ECS, a biological system present in all mammals.
- The ECS has receptors (CB1 and CB2) located throughout the body, including the brain, nervous system, and immune cells.
- When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they influence processes like inflammation, pain perception, and stress response.