Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System
About Cannabis
Cannabis is a powerful plant that has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries. The plant contains hundreds of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce a range of therapeutic effects
The ECS System
The ECS is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and molecules that play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body. The system is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including appetite, pain, mood, and immune function.
When you consume cannabis, the cannabinoids in the plant interact with the ECS to produce a range of effects. The most well-known cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and produces a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.
However, THC is just one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis. Another important cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-psychoactive but has been shown to have a range of therapeutic effects. CBD interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body, and is thought to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects.
Other cannabinoids found in cannabis include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), each of which has its own unique set of therapeutic properties.
Terpenes
In addition to cannabinoids, cannabis also contains terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that give the plant its characteristic smell and taste. Terpenes have their own therapeutic properties and can enhance the effects of cannabinoids
Limonene - citrusy aroma
Myrcene - musky, earthy aroma
Pinene - pine-like aroma
Caryophyllene - spicy, peppery aroma
Linalool - floral aroma
Humulene - hoppy aroma
Terpinolene - woody, piney, and floral aroma
