An Introduction to Cannabinoids

A few lessons ago, we discussed terpenes, the group of aromatherapeutic compounds that play synergistically with the primary compounds in cannabis. Now let’s talk cannabinoids, the primary compounds themselves!

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that enter our bodies when we consume cannabis and bind to a system of internal receptors that stretches from our heads to our toes. In doing so, they elicit both psychoactive and physiological effects. Different cannabinoids produce different effects, have distinct medicinal properties, and can be found in cannabis cultivars at varying levels. The two most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

THC (Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid found most often in cannabis. It is most well known for being the primary psychoactive constituent in cannabis, meaning that it produces the “high” often associated with consumption. However, THC has also been observed to have anti-nausea, pain-relieving, and even cancer-killing properties.

Another well-known and well-loved Cannabinoid is CBD (cannabidiol). While CBD is not psychoactive in the same way as THC, it is a potent anti-spasmodic and an anti-inflammatory agent, believed to be useful for a range of ailments from anxiety to epilepsy.

Thanks for joining us again, folks! Tune in next time for some more informational goodies.

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