Cannabinoids ¿What are they?

Wildflower Magazine

For those of you who have wondered about the chemical compounds that generate the different effects and benefits of consuming cannabis, this article is for you. 

Cannabinoids are the main compounds for which the cannabis plant is cultivated nowadays and are identified in the categories of psychoactive and non-psychoactive depending on their effects on the human body. The concentration of these different compounds together with the presence of terpenes make the "fingerprint" of each plant and the effect it will cause when consumed. 

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are produced in the cannabis plant and absorbed by the endocannabinoid system in the human body. 

More than 300 different cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant, the best known of which are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid to which various physiological effects are attributed.

What are the differences between CBD and THC?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two best known and most studied cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. Although both THC and CBD are present in all cannabis strains. They can have very different effects on the body and mind depending on the ratios and percentages found in the plant and the terpenes it possesses.

The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, which means that it produces the "high" associated with cannabis consumption, while CBD is neither psychoactive nor psychotropic. That is, it does not produce a high and produces purely bodily effects. THC acts by activating the CB1 receptors in the brain in the same way as anandamide and other neurotransmitters. This can cause various effects such as impaired judgment and coordination, or feelings such as anxiety and paranoia in some people. On the other hand, CBD does not directly activate the CB receptors of the endocannabinoid system in the central nervous system. So its effects are related to pain modulation, appetite, and may help reduce inflammation and anxiety.  

Another key difference between THC and CBD is that THC is usually more abundant in cannabis strains that are bred for their psychoactive effects, while CBD is more common in strains that are bred for their therapeutic effects. However, it is important to note that the specific cannabinoid content of a particular strain of cannabis can vary significantly, and some strains may contain relatively high levels of both THC and CBD.

 

 

Strains known for their THC:

Old school cannabis strains with high THC content are generally those that are bred for their psychoactive effects and are often used for recreational purposes. Some examples of high THC cannabis strains known for their psychoactive effects are:

  • Girl Scout Cookies
  • AK-47
  • White Widow
  • Sour Diesel
  • OG Kush
  • Blue Dream

Strains known for their CBD:

Some examples of old school cannabis strains with high CBD content and known for their therapeutic effects are:

  • Charlotte's Web
  • AC/DC
  • Harlequin
  • CBD Shark
  • Cannatonic

It is important to note that the specific cannabinoid content of a particular strain of cannabis can vary significantly, even within the same strain. This is why certain genetics are repeatedly bred in the interest of improving both their cannabinoid and terpene content.

Factors such as growing conditions, cultivation techniques and the curing process can influence the THC content of a particular batch of cannabis. However, the strains known for their high THC content are those that are bred specifically for their psychoactive effects.

 


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