Cannabinoid Acids

Perhaps the most common misconception about cannabis relates to the plant’s production of THC. When the cannabis plant produces cannabinoids, it actually produces their “acidic form.” For example, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is produced by cannabis as THCA–tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. It’s only once the flower is heated that the THCA converts to THC. 

Another name for these cannabinoid acids is “raw” cannabis. What’s interesting is that these cannabinoid acids, despite being most dismissed as inactive, may actually offer a lot of therapeutic potential. All cannabinoids are produced within the cannabis plant as cannabinoid acids. Generally, all cannabinoid acids are derived from just one “mother” cannabinoid–CBGA (cannabigerolic acid). The plant must first produce CBGA before converting to the better-known cannabinoids like THCA or CBDA (cannabidiolic acid). Very little “activated” cannabinoids are found in fresh cannabis flower – most will be in the acidic form and get decarboxylated into THC, CBD, or CBG upon smoking. 

CBD

CBD is a common cannabinoid, which has gained a lot of notoriety in recent years as the “non-psychoactive cannabinoid.” Despite the hype, it turns out that CBD is technically a psychoactive, because it can alter mood by easing anxiety and depression. But it doesn’t have the same kind of disorienting effects as THC like mental confusion, shifts in time perception, short-term memory loss or lack of coordination. That is, it won’t get you high.

Most CBD users report that their mind feels and functions normally, though some do report feeling different. The reason for the lack of high is that CBD does not strongly interact with the CB1 receptors of the ECS, which are responsible for mediating the intoxicating effects of THC. Instead, CBD interacts with a handful of other important receptor sites in the brain, including certain serotonin and dopamine receptors. 

This powerful cannabinoid is able to help with many conditions. It is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and as mentioned above, fight anxiety.

In addition, the World Health Organization recently reported that CBD can help treat epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, psychosis, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious conditions. The organization also concluded that CBD is exceptionally safe to use, having no known negative side effects or potential for addiction. This cannabinoid is under broad investigation for the treatment of many diseases, but so far sufficient evidence only exists for a few conditions, including pediatric seizure disorders.

CBG

Cannabigerol (CBG) Like all of the cannabinoids mentioned so far, CBG is produced as CBGA in the trichome of the cannabis flower. All the primary cannabinoids are created from CBGA. This is how CBGA got its nickname of “mother of all cannabinoids.” CBG has also been dubbed a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, but similar to CBD this probably isn’t accurate. The limited science we do have suggests CBG is active at a number of non-cannabinoid receptors. 

Early research shows CBG can have potential for a wide range of issues. CBG is an effective pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory agent. It can act as a neuroprotectant against degeneration in conditions like Huntington’s disease and has been shown to promote neurogenesis, the regrowing of new brain cells. Studies show CBG may help fight against colorectal, prostate and oral cancer. 

CBG can act as an antibacterial against resistant bacterial strains like MRSA, help with psoriasis and other skin conditions, and may even aid in regulating emotions like an antidepressant.

CBN

Cannabinol (CBN) is known best for being the cannabinoid that is created when THC ages – it is a natural byproduct of THC degradation. In fact, as THC ages a significant amount it can naturally convert to CBN – up to 20%% per year. Some CBN can also be formed when THC is heated to high temperatures, like when smoking. While this might not sound appealing, it has so many medicinal benefits that some prefer older cannabis because it often has high CBN levels. 

CBN is regularly cited in marketing materials as having sedative effects, however there is little research to support this claim. The limited research suggests CBN alone doesn’t seem to have a sedative effect (at least no more than THC), but had a more sedating effect when combined with THC. This suggests cannabis high in CBN and THC a useful option for insomnia, and other research shows CBN can stimulate appetite, ease glaucoma, combat inflammation and autoimmune conditions, and work as a powerful antibiotic, which all makes sense given its close relation to THC. 

CBC 

Perhaps the least common of the “standard” cannabinoids made in the plant, CBC (cannabichromene) is another cannabinoid made from CBG with some important effects. Like CBN, CBC is a powerful antibiotic, shown to help with infections that are resistant to other treatments. 

Just like all of the other cannabinoids mentioned, scientists have identified CBC starts in the cannabis plant as CBCA (cannabichromenic acid) and is produced by enzymes from CBGA. But little is known about its pharmacology. 

CBC might also help protect the brain from neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. Studies show that CBC not only protects the brain, but it could also encourage your brain to grow new brain cells, research is ongoing.

THC 

Delta-9 THC, usually referred to as just THC, tends to get the most attention as the most plentiful cannabinoid in the modern cannabis plant, and the one that causes the well-known psychoactivity or “high” associated with cannabis. It’s also praised for its strong medicinal effects, which continues to be utilized by patients all over the world.

One common use of THC is for pain relief. In fact, pain is the most common reason patients use cannabis, and THC plays a huge role in this. While many cannabinoids offer pain relief, some studies show that THC can bring the highest level of pain relief—beating out alternatives like CBD. This makes it a very popular option for those seeking pain relief.

Others find THC helpful for its mood-boosting abilities. Some animal studies show that THC can act similarly to an antidepressant, uplifting a depressed mood and calming anxiety. Regular, long-term use though may actually increase the risk of anxiety or depression, according to some studies.

In addition, THC has been shown to help with issues like nausea, muscle spasms, and sleep disorders, along with other conditions. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, neuroprotective agent, and antioxidant. THC can even shift your metabolism to help avoid weight gain, as studies suggest cannabis users tend to eat more but weigh less than non-users.

Of course, for some, THC’s psychotropic properties can be a big deterrent to use–some people just don’t enjoy getting high. Side effects like mental confusion, short term memory loss, shifts in time perception, rapid heart rate, lowered coordination and anxiety can make it an uncomfortable experience for some, especially at higher doses. Still, these effects only happen for some and typically lessen or go away all together as tolerance to THC builds. For many, these side effects can also be reduced by combining THC with other cannabinoids or terpenes.

THCV and other ‘varins’

From a chemistry perspective, these cannabinoids have two fewer carbon atoms, or a shorter tail, than better-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This shorter carbon tail may seem like a minor change, but it contributes heavily to the unique pharmacologic activity of these cannabinoids. There is much more to learn about the “varins” which may hold promise in managing weight loss, diabetes, cholesterol problems, autism, seizures, and more. 

Probably the best-known of this group is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), though it is much less common and less abundant than THC or CBD. This cannabinoid has a lot in common with its chemical cousin THC but has a slightly different chemical structure and effect profile. This alteration in chemical structure means that, unlike THC, it may function as more of a blocker than an activator of CB1, but the data around this is conflicting.

Reported to produce a relaxing, euphoric, and energizing high, THCV may help block the anxiety-inducing effects of THC when the two are used together. It also holds promise as a weight-loss aid—by reducing appetite and boosting metabolism, and as diabetes treatment by helping with blood sugar control and insulin production. To add to this, THCV may help promote new bone cell growth and prevent weakening bones and can even act as a neuroprotectant in conditions like Parkinson’s disease. 

There are numerous other cannabinoids that end in “V” too. This group includes CBGV, CBCV, and CBDV, which are increasingly becoming the focus of research.  

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