Cannabis is a particularly well-known substance, yet cannabinoids are often difficult to define and understand. However, they have significant effects on health— both positive and, at times, negative.
To help you better understand this topic, here are some details that will help you gain a solid understanding of cannabinoids and their effects on your health.
What is a cannabinoid?
A cannabinoid refers to a group of chemical substances produced, in particular, by the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are the two best-known types of cannabinoids.
CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), and CBC (cannabichrome) are other, lesser-known categories of cannabinoids that are nonetheless an integral part of cannabis.
Discovery of the first cannabinoid in 1964: THC
The first cannabinoid was discovered in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli researcher.
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, had already been used by people for quite a few years, but this was the first time the molecule had been successfully isolated.
At the time, its psychotropic effects had already been clearly identified and were widely praised, although there was no real perspective on the full range of THC’s effects on the brain and mental health.
The list of these effects is indeed long; more details to follow.
THC and Its Psychotropic Effects
Psychotropic effects: This is the category of effects that most accurately characterizes THC.
Cannabis—and more specifically, THC— affects certain parts of the brain, causing a surge in dopamine. Dopamine, in turn, is responsible for feelings of pleasure, well-being, and even euphoria.
The impact of THC’s psychoactive properties on our bodies depends on the amount of cannabis consumed, as well as on the individual. Past experiences with cannabis, mental health status, and any pre-existing medical conditions significantly influence how each person reacts to THC.
30 minutes after consuming THC, the psychoactive effects reach their peak.
In addition to these psychotropic effects, THC is associated with other adverse effects. For example, these include reduced alertness, increased self-confidence, impaired memory, and impaired motor skills.
Because of these numerous effects—which are far from insignificant—THC and other cannabinoids are strongly discouraged for certain groups of people. These include pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children.
The Case of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Scientific evidence allows us to be certain that THC is very dangerous for pregnant and breastfeeding women, but there is still insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the dangers of CBD. However, in general, any form of cannabinoid is strongly discouraged for pregnant and breastfeeding women. This is both to ensure that their pregnancy progresses optimally without complications and to allow the fetus to develop and be born without any risk of adverse effects.
Several dangerous side effects of cannabinoids on pregnancy and breastfed infants have been identified.
These effects include, in particular:
- an increased risk of miscarriage
- an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
- cognitive delay in the baby
- growth retardation and low birth weight.
In addition to breastfed infants, young children are another group for whom the use of cannabinoids poses too many health risks.
CBD: The Perfectly Healthy Alternative to THC
Among all the cannabinoids that exist, CBD stands out from the rest. Its effects are considered safe, with absolutely no negative health risks (except for pregnant and breastfeeding women and very young children, who remain a population group that is particularly vulnerable to any substance).
We can even go a step further and say that CBD is a cannabinoid with health benefits. For example, unlike THC, CBD reduces stress and anxiety. It lowers the body’s levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and boosts serotonin, the “happiness hormone.”
CBD can be considered a perfectly safe alternative to THC because it poses no risk of addiction and has no dosage contraindications.
CBD and Serious Illnesses: A Surprising Combination That Works
The health effects of cannabinoids may come as a surprise to many. Although this information is often overlooked, it is nonetheless important: CBD has been proven to be beneficial in the treatment of certain serious illnesses.
It can thus significantly alleviate the symptoms of some of these diseases, while ultimately avoiding the side effects associated with conventional drug treatment. Among these diseases are multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
There are many misconceptions about CBD, yet it differs significantly from THC. CBD, on the other hand, is a substance with numerous health benefits, all without the risk of side effects. Increasingly used in all its forms since its legalization—from CBD oils to CBD flowers—it is undoubtedly a natural and safe way to help you overcome a number of health issues.
