What Are Cannabinoids?

Throughout our site, you will frequently come across the term ‘cannabinoid’. But what exactly are they and what is their relation to CBD?

Cannabis, Canna-this, Canna-that

There are a few terms that begin in the prefix ‘canna-‘. Let’s clarify the difference before we continue.

Cannabis: a plant family, that contains Hemp and Marijuana.

Cannabidiol (CBD): a cannabinoid produced in cannabis plants.

Cannabinoids Explained

The term cannabinoid refers to the chemical compound that is found in Cannabis and, also, in our bodies.

There are two types of cannabinoids which are Endocannabinoids and Phyto-cannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids (endo meaning ‘within’) are synthesized, created and demanded internally.

Phyto-cannabinoids (phyto meaning ‘plant’) play a role in the therapeutic effects that one may feel from CBD.

The Endocannabinoid Receptors

CB1 receptors are found in the brain, nervous system, lungs, liver and kidneys. When activated, they can relieve you from pain, nausea and depression.

CB2 receptors are located in the immune system – predominantly in the spleen and gastrointestinal system. They help with regulation of appetite and immune system functions, like inflammation and pain management.

The Major Cannabinoids

There are around 113 identified cannabinoids and the main two are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Cannabidiol (CBD) is widely known as it has no psychoactive effects. This means it cannot result in any kind of ‘high’ and therefore, is completely legal to sell, buy and use. It can come in many varieties and is available here at Vital Herb as Oil Drops, Isolates and Terpenes, Vape Liquids and Edibles.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound most often associated with Marijuana. You'll find no THC in our CBD supplements that we sell on our website.

Other Cannabinoids

CBD and THC are not alone. There are many other cannabinoids and here we have some information about just a few:

Cannabinol (CBN) is found in Marijuana and unlike the others, is not produced by a biological process occurring in the plant. It is the bi-product of THC that has been stored improperly, meaning when it has been exposed to an excess of light of heat.

Cannabichromene (CBC) is a rare but, prevalent cannabinoid in certain strains of Marijuana.

Cannabigerol (CBG) acts as the foundation for all other cannabinoids.

The Entourage Effect

The full collection of cannabinoids, including those above, is referred to as the Cannabinoid System.

Full Spectrum CBD is an extract that will contain all compounds in Hemp, including terpenes, essential oils and other cannabinoids. They will all combine together to magnify the therapeutic benefits of each individual cannabinoid. This process is called the Entourage Effect.

 

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