Primary Cannabinoids
While over 140 cannabinoids can be found within the cannabis plant, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are by far the most researched and most abundantly available.
THC – Δ9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL
This cannabinoid has the potential to cause intoxicating effects and therapeutically has been noted to help manage symptoms such as:
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Insomnia / Sleep Disorders
- Muscle Spasticity
- Nausea
- IBD
- Poor Appetite
THC binds to CB1 receptors mostly concentrated in the brain and central nervous system, responsible for regulating pain, inflammation, appetite, sleep and mood.
CBD – CANNABIDIOL
This cannabinoid has non-intoxicating effects and has been noted to have the potential to improve symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inflammation
- Migraines
- Seizures
- Sleep Disorders
CBD has also been shown to help limit the intensity of the intoxicating effects of THC. The body’s CB1 receptors have landing sites for both THC and CBD. When both are present, CBD can limit the amount of THC binding to these receptors thus reducing intoxicating side effects.
Secondary Cannabinoids
Currently cultivars high in secondary cannabinoids are not commonly available, with the exception of THC-A and CBD-A. However current producers of cannabis products are attempting to utilize selective breeding and specialized cultivation techniques in order to produce cultivars with a higher potency of secondary cannabinoids, to be used for further research and future product lines.
While these cannabinoids are found to occur in much smaller amounts than THC and CBD, they do contribute to the overall therapeutic effects and symptom management potentials of medical cannabis.
THC-A – TETRAHYDROCANNABINOLIC ACID
THC-A does not have any of the intoxicating properties of THC, and is abundantly found in live and freshly harvested cannabis plants. Research indicates THC-A may have anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the potential to protect against neurodegenerative disease, and the possibility of inhibiting cancer cells.
CBD-A – CANNABIDIOLIC ACID
Like THC-A, CBD-A is found in abundance within certain cultivars of freshly harvested cannabis plants. Some studies indicate CBD-A may have antibacterial and anti-nausea properties, as well the potential to inhibit cancer cells.
CBC – CANNABICHROMENE
CBC is more abundant during early stages of cannabis plant growth, decreasing over time. Research indicates CBC may have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidepressant properties.
CBG – CANNABIGEROL
Currently cannabis cultivars containing an abundance of CBG are rare, however through targeted breeding programs they are becoming more common. Research suggests that CBG may have pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing, antidepressant and antifungal properties, as well as a potential treatment option for psoriasis.
CBN – CANNABINOL
CBN is a THC by-product, typically found in aged cannabis or cannabis that has been heated at specific temperatures and times. Studies suggest CBN may have anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. As well as a potential treatment option for sleep disorders.
THCV – TETRAHYDROCANNABIVARIN
THCV is primarily found in cannabis cultivars originating in southern Africa. Research indicates THCV may have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. As well as the potential to aid in the treatment of patients suffering from PTSD.
CBDV – CANNABIDIVARIN
CBDV has a similar structure to CBD. Research suggests CBDV may have anti-seizure properties.
Decarboxylation – Cannabinoid ‘activation’
Freshly harvested cannabis plants primarily contain cannabinoids in their acid forms (THC-A and CBD-A).
Post-harvest, raw cannabis material typically undergoes the process of decarboxylation, where heat is carefully used to convert THC-A and CBD-A to THC and CBD for use in final products. This process also occurs naturally to a certain extent, as cannabis materials dry and age over time.
The ‘Entourage Effect’
Research has shown that the combined use of the many cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals found in cannabis can result in emergent properties not otherwise observed in patients consuming isolated extractions of individual cannabinoids or terpenes. This grouped synergy can cause a magnification of effects, as well as an expansion of potential therapeutic applications.
Prior to the subject being properly researched, patients have historically provided consistent anecdotal accounts of the greater efficacy of full-spectrum or ‘whole-plant’ cannabis medicines. Research is still ongoing, however clinical observations support the use of full-spectrum cannabinoid medicines over the use of pure THC or CBD.
