What are cannabinoids?
The term cannabinoid is often thought to be solely related to cannabis, however, “cannabinoid” is actually every chemical substance that joins the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain.
These chemicals have similar effects to those produced by the Cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabinoids occur naturally in the body of animals and humans (endocannabinoids) and are also found in cannabis plants (phytocannabinoids). Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and trigger various physiological actions.
Endocannabinoids, in general, are still undergoing extensive research and are currently thought to play a role in physiological and cognitive processes, food intake memory, nervous system development and maintenance and of course mediating the effects of cannabis.
What are cannabinoids in relation to cannabis?
With relation to cannabis, cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, which, when consumed, interact with the endocannabinoid system and can alter chemical releases in the body.
The cannabis sativa plant has over 100 chemical compounds classified as cannabinoids. The most notable cannabinoids are THC, which is known for its psychoactive properties (getting people high) and CBD, which is best known for its medicinal properties. Other important cannabinoids are:
- Cannabigerols (CBG)
- Cannabichromenes (CBC)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
