Once considered “underground,” the cannabis andCBD (cannabidiol) industry has become more mainstream in recent years. In fact, numerous scientific studies have been conducted to understand the therapeutic effects and health benefits thathemp can offer, paving the way for its legalization in many countries.
But what does the term “cannabinoid” mean?
What is a cannabinoid?
Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals produced by the hemp (or cannabis) plant that activate cannabinoid receptors found in the human body and in all mammals. There are three types of cannabinoids (plant-based, endogenous, and synthetic), but we will focus on plant-based cannabinoids.
Historically, the first cannabinoid to be isolated was tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC), followed by cannabidiol (CBD). There are about 100 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and numerous scientific studies are currently underway to analyze their therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action in the human body. The main ones are as follows: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichrome (CBC).
Each plant and each variety has its own properties; as a result, it is common to find different cannabinoid levels in each plant, with varying amounts and concentrations.
THC, a cannabinoid known to everyone
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that has psychoactive properties and anti-inflammatory benefits. It was the very first cannabinoid to be isolated, in 1964, by Professor Raphael Mechoulam in Israel. THC is known worldwide for its psychoactive effects because it acts on certain parts of the brain responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being.
In addition to its psychotropic effects, THC has many positive effects, such as:
- Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, reducing anxiety and helping users relax
- Anti-inflammatory effect, more potent than aspirin and hydrocortisone
- Antispasmodic effect, reducing spasms and convulsions
- Antioxidant effect, combating cellular aging
It has other benefits, such as treating glaucoma and reducing intraocular pressure, alleviating nausea and vomiting, addressing neurological problems, and helping with certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and glioblastoma …
It is important to keep in mind that each person may react differently to the effects of THC and that excessive consumption of products with high THC levels can have adverse effects, including memory loss, anxiety, paranoia, etc.
CBD, a Cannabinoid with Many Benefits
CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second cannabinoid to have been isolated. It is just as well known as THC. Whether in the formof oil or food products, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects, unlike THC. Numerous scientific studies highlight the therapeutic benefits of CBD, such as:
- Relaxing and sedative effects to combat insomnia and relax muscles
- Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects to limit the reproduction and spread of certain bacteria
- Antiepileptic and antispasmodic effects to prevent spasms, convulsions, and epilepsy
- Analgesic and pain-relieving effects to alleviate pain, including chronic pain (arthritis, rheumatism, etc.)
- Anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antipsychotic effects to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression
The CBD molecule also offers benefits in reducing blood pressure, treating various addictions, and alleviating nausea and vomiting, as well as having a positive effect on certain skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. To maximize the benefits of these molecules,Moonrock CBDoffers a higher concentration by combining hemp flowers with extracts rich in active ingredients.
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CBN, a cannabinoid that is still little known but full of benefits
Less well-known than CBD or THC, CBN (cannabinol) is a cannabinoid with beneficial effects on the human body. Unlike other cannabinoids, it does not occur naturally in the cannabis plant; it is produced when THC is heated or exposed to oxygen. Since it exists only in heirloom hemp plants, it is difficult to isolate high concentrations of it.
It is difficult to summarize, as research on the effects of CBN is limited. Nevertheless, we can identify a few interesting potential effects, bearing in mind that medical studies are still in the preclinical stages:
- Helps reduce anxiety
- Effective against certain bacteria
- Helps reduce inflammation and has a soothing effect
- Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep
- Helps stimulate appetite
Many studies have focused on its effects on appetite, as it appears to stimulate hunger-related behaviors in the same way as THC, but without the undesirable side effects and psychoactive effects.
CBG, a cannabinoid precursor
CBG, or cannabigerol, is also a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Found only in small amounts in cannabis, it is believed to be the precursor to THC and CBD. Although few clinical trials have been conducted on the benefits of CBG, it also offers numerous health benefits: antioxidant, antifungal, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and more.
The CBG molecule has effects that complement those of CBD.
CBC, a rare cannabinoid
CBC, or cannabichromene, is a rare cannabinoid with no psychoactive effects. Although less well-known than CBD and THC, it shows medical potential and is considered one of the four main cannabinoids in cannabis. According to various clinical trials, it appears to have powerful analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant effects.
Found in hemp plants, these cannabinoids each possess their own therapeutic properties. At High Society, we are committed to offering you premium-quality products, which is why we place great importance on monitoring clinical trials for each of these molecules so that we can provide you with products tailored to your needs.
