What Are The Medical Uses Of Cannabinoids?
Everybody knows about tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD, the two most famous cannabinoids in cannabis plants. However, there are hundreds more, all with their own unique effects. Each works compatibly with the body’s own endocannabinoid system to interact with the body in crucial ways. Similar to our own endocannabinoids, cannabinoids perform much the same functions.
The bud in your weed delivery contains a variety of specific cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, compounds used for centuries to treat various health issues, such as insomnia, inflammation, pain, and worse. Because cannabinoids mimic our own endocannabinoids, they are able to bind to and interact with our receptors to produce a physical response. In this way, they each offer their own medical uses.
Also, read the Ultimate benefits of buying cannabis online.
Types of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids exist in different categories, such as cannabinol, or CBN, cannabichromene, or CBD, and cannabigerol, or CBG, each further broken down by various factors, like decarboxylation. Either this molecular shift occurs the moment you put heat to weed or it happens slowly over time. Before decarboxylation, however, they are acids with different properties, and therefore, different effects:
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, or THCa
Before THC becomes psychoactive, it exists in its acid form, being THCa. Unlike THC, THCa will not make you stoned. It is also the most abundant of all cannabinoids. In this study, the U.S. National Library of Medicine calls it highly anti-inflammatory; it treats pain, arthritis, epilepsy. It suppresses cell growth, slowing cancer spread. It stimulates appetite and acts neuroprotective, proving especially helpful in multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer and Parkinson’s cases. It offers all these benefits, more, just without the “high” of weed.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, or Δ9-THC
We all recognize Δ9-THC, or just THC, mostly due to its abundance and its notable happy buzz. Studies and anecdotes prove THC is effective at relieving sleep issues, nausea, pain, appetite problems, and anxiety. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it also boasts neuroprotective effects, making it particularly useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Importantly, for many perhaps more so, THC is sociable. It makes it easier to interact confidently with other people.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCv
THCv is, like THC, psychoactive. This cannabinoid is mostly present in Sativa plants. Because it boosts energy, suppresses appetite, and increases focus, it is the most prized of all. THCv counteracts the anxiety-ridden effects of high-THC Sativas by preventing panic attacks. This makes it good for PTSD and other anxiety issues. It also offers neuroprotective benefits, as most cannabinoids do, making it also capable of slowing the degenerative effects of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol, or Δ8-THC
Because Δ8-THC only occurs in very small quantities, few know anything about it. Studies are currently underway and revealing its innermost secrets. While Δ8-THC is very similar in many ways to Δ9-THC, they differ greatly in effects. Δ8-THC is a highly effective antiemetic. It quells nausea and stops vomiting, and it does so with much milder psychotropic effects than its more psychoactive cousin. What is more, it promises all the other benefits of Δ9-THC, giving it a competitive edge.
Cannabidiolic Acid, or CBDa
CBDa is what CBD is before decarboxylation. Its raw precursor inhibits pain receptors and acts as the most powerful of all cannabinoid anti-inflammatories. Studies show CBDa effectively treats nausea and anxiety, particularly in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Further, evidence also exists proving this cannabinoid is an extremely powerful anticonvulsant, and perhaps more importantly, CBDa is more bioavailable than CBD. The body is better able to metabolize it and utilize its benefits.
Cannabidiol, or CBD
CBD is the other famous cannabinoid that everybody knows. Its range of benefits is extremely wide and without any psychoactive buzz, making it perfect for children, pets, and seniors. CBD is a muscle relaxant. It is gentle and anti-inflammatory too. It treats sleep issues, anxiety, cancers and their treatment side effects, nausea, and more. It is anticonvulsant, as well as anti-proliferative. More widely, recognizable is CBD’s ability to reduce the intensity and frequency of seizure disorders effectively.
Cannabinol, or CBN
CBN is the sleepy cannabinoid. It forms as THCa gradually breaks down. It is mildly psychoactive, but more in a tranquilizing way. What are most special about CBN is its immune-boosting effects. It regulates pain and inflammation, especially related to Crohn’s disease and arthritis. It relieves glaucoma, dilates blood vessels, and improves blood flow. It is also anticonvulsant and antiepileptic, greatly reducing, even preventing epilepsy attacks and other seizure disorders.
Cannabichromenic Acid, or CBCa
CBCa is the raw precursor of cannabichromene. Research into this cannabinoid is still in its early stages, but initial studies find its medical efficacy extremely promising. CBCa is highly anticancer, with powerful effects capable of not only reducing tumor size but also preventing metastasis in rats with cancer. What are more, studies show CBCa with antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties? It also stimulates appetite, another effect prized among cancer patients.
Cannabichromene, or CBC
CBC is yet another non-psychoactive compound with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It works best in conjunction with THC and CBD, however, which tends to heighten its antibacterial and muscle relaxant properties. Studies show CBD stimulates brain cell growth, enhancing learning and memory, and acting in an otherwise neuroprotective fashion. For those suffering from neurodegenerative disease, this is very good news. It also promotes the growth of bone, while it inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
Cannabigerol, or CBG
CBG is another cannabinoid present in only trace amounts, but because of its useful effects, breeders are creating strains with higher levels. CBG effectively lowers inflammation, nausea, and pain. It slows cancer spread. It decreases ocular eye pressure, treats Crohn’s disease and IBS. It is also antibacterial, capable of fighting those resistant to antibiotics. It relieves cancer, anxiety, neurodegenerative disease, and more. Its list of uses appears endless. Further, CBG helps to counteract too much psychoactive THC.
Final Thoughts
Of course, there are many more cannabinoids than just these. The above-mentioned are only the most studied. For now. Research is ongoing. Already there is no denying the many medical uses of cannabis plants. Since more and more people are searching Google for a “cannabis store near me,” evidence is clearly mounting. Indisputable. Simply order weed delivery in Los Angeles and try it out for yourself.
