Cannabinoids have been around since the days of ancient China, and they were used for a variety of medical purposes. While cannabinoids taken and developed from hemp plants are only legal in some states, legality is increasing. It’s currently legal to use marijuana in 31 states and the District of Columbia for medical purposes. In addition, doctors are increasingly prescribing these drugs for medical purposes such as alleviating pain in cancer patients. Here’s everything you need to know about cannabinoids:
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemicals contained in the cannabis sativa plant. According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant species that contain various chemicals that have different effects on the body. The only botanical source of cannabinoids is cannabis Sativa L., but you can also find them in other plants.
What are the primary cannabinoids?
The two primary cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the most popular of the two and is a chemical that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. CBD is also thought to alleviate some of the side effects that people experience from THC, including anxiety.
Besides CBD and THC, there are hundreds of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, but they have no such cognitive effects as THC. However, these cannabinoids still play a crucial role in determining your marijuana experience. Check out this CBD vs CBG vs CBN comparison guide to learn more about the differences between cannabinoids produced by cannabis sativa plants and other strains.
Effects of cannabinoids
The effects of cannabis can be felt immediately if vaporized or smoked or within one or two hours when eaten. The general effects of cannabinoids may include:
● Chronic pain relief
Chronic pain is any ache lasting longer than a few months. Studies have shown that CBD, often alongside THC, can temporarily help alleviate pain and inflammation in the body.
● Increased appetite
Appetite can be affected by various medical issues and therapies, including chemotherapy and eating problems. On the other hand, cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG) can aid in the restoration of appetite.
● Glaucoma relief
A glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the eye’s optical nerves, resulting in vision loss or blindness. Medical cannabis, particularly THC, can relieve pressure within the eyes and temporarily alleviate glaucoma symptoms. Reducing pressure on the eye may slow the disease progression.
● Weakened immune system
THC may subdue your immune system, potentially making you more prone to infection. However, this might also be beneficial, especially if you have an autoimmune disease.
Cannabinoids and other drugs
The effects of mixing marijuana with other drugs, such as prescription medication, alcohol, and over-the-counter medicines, are usually unpredictable. Using cannabis and alcohol at the same time may increase the unpleasant effects, such as vomiting, panic feelings, nausea, and paranoia.
Some people use cannabinoids to withdraw from stimulants such as ecstasy or amphetamines. Mixing ecstasy with cannabis has been linked to lower motivation, impaired memory, and mental health issues.
Endnote
Despite the fact that CBD is effective against serious childhood epilepsy, cannabinoids are not supported by intensive clinical human tests. If you want to use cannabis for any purpose, check whether it’s legal in your state first. It’s also important to consider its possible effects on your physical and mental health. Your doctor can be the right person to ask for advice.