Incorporating cannabinoid wellness supplements such as CBD into daily routines has become standard procedure for many. From CBD oil tinctures to cannabinoid creams, there seems to be no limit to the number of cannabinoid-infused products available online and in shops across the UK, US, and Europe.
But while many have found overall wellness support with the use of cannabinoid supplements, a lot of people still don’t know what cannabinoids are and how they influence endocannabinoid receptors in our body.
This guide aims to clear up some of the mysteries behind cannabinoids, how they work in the human body, and what benefits they might provide.
Cannabinoids & ECS: The Discovery
The discovery of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system that they influence was a happy accident. In the 1960s, scientists were studying the effects of marijuana on neurotransmitters when they noticed something strange happening with the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis plants.
It didn’t seem to be having the same effect on all organisms studied. In fact, it appeared that THC only affected animals with what scientists call “endocannabinoid systems.”
Endocannabinoid systems are regulatory systems in the body that work to maintain homeostasis or balance. These systems are found in all mammals’ central nervous, digestive, and cardiovascular systems, and they help regulate a wide variety of functions, including mood, memory, appetite, fertility, and more.
The discovery of endocannabinoid systems was a significant breakthrough in the scientific community. For the first time, scientists had evidence that specific receptors in the body reacted with cannabinoids.
This led to the further study of cannabinoids and, eventually, the discovery of other cannabinoids besides THC, including cannabidiol (CBD).
Cannabinoid Receptors
To influence the endocannabinoid system’s function, cannabinoids like CBD and THC must bind to cannabinoid receptors. Two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are thought to be the most important.
Both types are found throughout the body, with CB1 receptors abundant in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, etc.) and CB2 receptors commonly found in the immune and peripheral nervous systems.
Cannabinoids like CBD and THC bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors to help regulate various functions in the body. However, they do so in different ways.
THC binds directly to CB1 receptors, which is why it produces the “high” associated with marijuana use. CBD, on the other hand, binds indirectly to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. This is why CBD does not produce the psychoactive effects that THC does.
While not directly related to the ECS, other receptors influenced by cannabinoids include the TRPV-1 receptor, which regulates body temperature, and the 5-HT1A receptor, which is linked to serotonin levels in the brain.
Types of Cannabinoids
THC and CBD are among the most commonly known cannabinoids, but they are far from the only ones. In fact, there are over 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, commonly referred to as phytocannabinoids. The body even produces its own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids, with endo being the Latin word for “within”.
Phytocannabinoids
Phyto means “plant”, so phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that come from plants. The main cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa plants are CBD and THC, but there are many others, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and more.
These cannabinoids all interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body to produce various effects of cannabis use. Some, like THC, bind directly to CB1 receptors and produce psychoactive effects. Others, like CBD, bind indirectly to both CB1 and CB2 receptors and produce more subtle effects.
The effects of phytocannabinoids can vary depending on the specific cannabinoid and the receptors it binds to. While loads more research and clinical trials are needed to verify the effects of each cannabinoid definitively, scientists have found that the best way to achieve desired effects is to use a whole-plant extract. These extracts contain a variety of cannabinoids and other compounds found in cannabis plants, such as terpenes.
Some of the most common cannabis plant constituents found in oil tinctures, edibles, and topical creams include:
- CBD/CBDa
- CBG/CBGa
- CBC
- THCV/THCA
- Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Limonene
- Myrcene
- Pinene
By incorporating these phytocannabinoids into a potent wellness supplement, users are able to get comprehensive cannabinoid saturation that is thought to trigger the entourage effect and boost the overall efficacy of the supplement.
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are produced by the body itself. These molecules are very similar to phytocannabinoids in both structure and function. In fact, endocannabinoids can bind to cannabinoid receptors just like phytocannabinoids can. The most well-known endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG.
Anandamide is often referred to as the “bliss molecule” because it plays a role in regulating mood and happiness. 2-AG, on the other hand, is involved in regulating pain perception, inflammation, appetite, and other functions.
These endocannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body and produce various effects. Like phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids can also trigger the entourage effect. However, unlike phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids have been more widely studied in their role in human health.
Effects of Cannabinoid Stimulation
Cannabinoid science is a relatively new field, so there is still a lot to learn about the effects of cannabinoids on human health. However, scientists have already discovered that cannabinoids can produce a wide range of positive and negative influences on neurotransmitters.
For example, legally approved THC from medical cannabis plants has been used by patients to mitigate their chronic pain, nausea, and vomiting from cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Regulatory agencies have approved CBD in some countries for treating epilepsy, namely Sativex and the FDA-approved Epidiolex. There are even some synthetic cannabis and cannabinoid products being created that minimise or reduce the potential for opioid drug abuse. These synthetic cannabinoids include dronabinol and nabilone.
While people have found claimed benefits to using cannabinoids for medicinal purposes, it is important to stress that in the UK, CBD and other similar cannabinoid products generally available to the public are not approved to treat any specific medical issue. Also, it is crucial to remember that everyone reacts differently to cannabinoids, with not everyone finding them beneficial for their particular wellness needs. This distinction must be made so that those suffering from chronic or acute conditions understand that cannabinoids shouldn’t be substituted for pharmaceutical treatments without first consulting a healthcare professional.
Cannabinoids also have the potential to produce negative side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, and other cognitive impairment. These side effects are typically associated with consuming high concentrations of THC and are not commonly seen with CBD use. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for these side effects before using cannabinoids, especially if you are new to them.
Getting the Most from Cannabinoid Products
Whether it’s phytocannabinoid-rich supplements or endocannabinoid supporting formulas, it is important to choose a product that uses high-quality ingredients and is backed by third-party testing. This will ensure that you are getting a product that is effective and free of harmful contaminants.
When shopping for cannabinoid products, be sure to look for those that contain a variety of cannabinoids and other compounds found in cannabis plants, such as terpenes.
If using cannabinoid extracts, be sure that the plant source is organic and the extraction process is solvent-free. This will help to ensure that you are getting a pure product that is rich in beneficial compounds.
Finally, be sure to start with a lower dose and increase gradually as needed. This will help you to find the right dose for your individual needs without risking negative side effects.
Understand Cannabinoids to Understand Wellness
With cannabinoids coming from both the cannabis plant and our own bodies, it’s important to understand how they work in order to get the most out of them. Doing so will allow you to make more informed decisions about the cannabis products you use and how they can best support your health and wellness needs.
