Are There Different Types of Cannabinoids?

With so much focus being placed on CBD it will interest you to note that there are actually well over 100 different cannabinoids, all capable of interacting with receptors in the body. While much focus has been placed on CBD, these other cannabinoids are beginning to be studied for their purposes and benefits.

Types of cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are characterized based on their source. This includes endocannabinoids and the phytocannabinoids.

The endocannabinoids

The endocannabinoids are indwelling cannabinoids found or secreted in the body of animals. They are concentrated in the central nervous system and peripheral organs of immune cells. Most references to endocannabinoids have been focused on anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) that act on CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system to modulate cognitive responses. These receptors are concerned with the regulation of pain management, immune system functions, and appetite.

The phytocannabinoids

These are cannabinoids synthesized by the cannabis plant. They possess structures capable of interacting with the cannabinoid receptors to produce a vast array of benefits. There are over 100 different cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant with most of the interest in CBD and THC. We shall, however, take a look at some of the not-so-popular cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant.

1 – CBG (Cannabigerol)

Also known as the mother of cannabinoids, due to its active role in serving as a precursor cell for the formation of other cannabinoids. CBG occurs in plants as CBGA or Cannabigerol acid, which protects the compound from the damaging effects of enzymes. CBGa is activated in the presence of oxidation, heat, and light to form CBD, THC, or other cannabinoids.
CBG has been identified to possess some excellent therapeutic benefits in providing analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities. It also plays an active role as a muscle relaxant and can promote skin health via interaction with the cannabinoids receptors. Its anti-inflammatory properties and antidepressant activity were discovered to be more active than what is obtainable in other cannabinoids. CBG also promotes eye health, and researchers are working on its potential anticancer and neuroprotective properties.

2 – CBC or cannabichromene

Unlike the commonly experienced cannabinoids, CBC exists in minute quantities in the cannabis plant, usually between 0.2-0.3% hence the little information about its possible therapeutic benefits. It is most concentrated in freshly harvested dry-type cannabis materials cultivated in the US. Its activity with the CB1 receptors and other members of the cannabinoid family makes it a good antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. CBC can exhibit inhibitory roles in the growth and proliferation of bacterial and fungal cells. The activity of CBC in promoting neurogenesis (the production of new brain cells) have also been reported in humans. The only setback to the use of CBC is the limited concentration in the cannabis plant.

3 – CBN or Cannabigerol

CBN is a derivative of THC, the compound responsible for most of the psychotic activities of the cannabis plant. CBN stems from THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which also doubles as a stem cell for delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. The difference between CBN and THC comes from the decarboxylation and oxidation of THCA. While THC is produced from the decarboxylation of THCA, CBN stems from the oxidation of the molecule, thus reducing its potential psychoactive properties. The bulk of CBN properties centers on its activity as an excellent sleep aid. CBN also possesses some excellent anti-inflammatory properties capable of serving significant roles in modulating the activities of the immune system and can control pain and inflammation in arthritis and Crohn’s disease. There is also an increasing body of research showing how CBN can reduce the intraocular eye pressure caused by glaucoma. The anticonvulsant properties of CBN have also been reported on people suffering from chronic levels of seizures and epilepsy.

4 – CBL or cannabicyclol

CBL is a non-intoxicating member of the cannabinoid family. Its lack of double bonds (common with THC) makes it safe for use without experiencing the psychoactive properties of THC. CBL is formed when CBC is exposed to environmental changes in the presence of light. Information from research shows that the cannabis plant only produces small quantities of CBL. The negligible concentration of CBL places a huge restriction on scientific research on the potential therapeutic benefits of CBL. Its activity with the cannabinoid receptors is yet to be explored.

Conclusion

Don’t forget to contact us if you have questions on the use of cannabinoids or their safety. Our team of CBD experts would love to hear from you.