Introduction to Cannabinoids

The Primary Cannabis Players

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. What to Look for When Buying CBD?
3. Other Cannabinoids Besides CBD
4. Synthetic Cannabinoids
5. THCV and Other Minor Cannabinoids
6. Other minor cannabinoids
7. Decarboxylation

Cannabinoids are a diverse group of chemical compounds found in the Cannabis plant. These compounds interact with our body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating many physiological processes such as mood, memory, pain sensation, and appetite.

What to Look for When Buying CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis. When buying CBD products, it is important to look for high-quality and reputable brands that use organically-grown hemp and transparently display their third-party lab testing results. It is also essential to check the concentration of CBD in the product and whether it contains any other ingredients or additives.

Other Cannabinoids Besides CBD

While CBD is the most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis, there are over 100 other cannabinoids that have been identified. Some of these include:

• CBDV: Cannabidivarin is similar to CBD but has a shorter side chain and is found in smaller amounts in the plant.
• CBC: Cannabichromene is non-intoxicating and can be found in higher concentrations in tropical strains of cannabis.
• CBCV: Cannabichromevarin is a homolog of CBC and has potential anti-inflammatory effects.
• CBG: Cannabigerol is known as the "mother cannabinoid" because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids. It has shown promise in treating glaucoma and inflammatory bowel disease.
• CBGV: Cannabigerovarin is a homolog of CBG and has been found to have potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• CBN: Cannabinol is formed when THC oxidizes, and it acts as a mild sedative. It is usually found in aged or decaying cannabis plants.
• CBL: Cannabicyclol is a degradation product of CBC and has not been studied extensively.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals that mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids. These compounds are often produced in labs for research purposes and can have varying effects on the body. Some synthetic cannabinoids have been marketed as legal alternatives to cannabis, but they can be more potent and have dangerous side effects.

THCV and Other Minor Cannabinoids

THCV or tetrahydrocannabivarin is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis that has been shown to have potential appetite-suppressing effects.

Other minor cannabinoids include:

THCA: Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the acidic precursor of THC, and it does not have intoxicating effects until it is decarboxylated.

Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate its cannabinoids. For example, when THCA is heated, it loses a carboxyl group and turns into the psychoactive THC. This process is essential for making edibles or any other form of cannabis that requires activation of cannabinoids. Overall, understanding the different cannabinoids found in cannabis can help you make informed decisions when purchasing CBD products or using cannabis for medical purposes. Make sure to do your research and consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new cannabinoids or cannabis products.