Over 100 Cannabinoids Found In Cannabis But Which Are The Most Important?
The versatile cannabis plant has a long history of varied uses. The earliest evidence of cannabis dates back to 4000 BCE in China, where pollen deposits show it was farmed as a major food crop and used to produce textiles, rope, paper, and oil. This “five grains” plant also had a major medicinal role in ancient China [1].
Cannabis’ status as a medicine and recreational substance has gone through turbulent times as laws continuously evolved across the globe. But the plant’s therapeutic potential and multipurpose nature persevered. The UK reflected shifting attitudes by legalising medicinal cannabis in November 2018, joining other countries in recognizing cannabis’ benefits when used responsibly under medical guidance.
With ancient roots across cultures, cannabis has been prized for millennia for its versatility, from the stalk’s fibres to the medicinal compounds produced by the leaves and flowers. Though laws remain complex, cannabis’ value in improving health and quality of life for many is driving a re-evaluation of its place in society.
Medicinal cannabis is now legal in over 53 countries and further regions across the globe are following suit. Not only are these countries noticing the potential in cannabis as a medicine but also the financial value it can bring to the economy and investors due to the rapidly growing demand of consumers.
Cannabinoids
There is increasing evidence every year that more of the 144 known cannabinoids have therapeutic value and applications. There are also new cannabinoids being discovered annually.
A research team from Canada managed to find 21 new cannabinoids in 2018. This brought the total number to no less than 132 and according to some other research groups there could be as many as 144 [2]But which are the most important or hold the most value? There are 3 key components that if you were an avid cannabis fan, you would most likely already heard of.
CBD
First discovered in 1940, CBD accounts for up to 40% of the plant extract [3] and unless you’ve been living on the moon for the past few years, you may have noticed CBD subtly appearing on the shelves of well-known high street stores, such as Holland&Barrett. CBD, is a medicinal compound of the plant and contains legally no more than 0.3% THC in any product available through retail (by law) and therefore has minimal psychoactive compounds that give you the recreational-high that many recreational cannabis users talk about.
THC
Cannabis that has high THC content used to be considered one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the world. [4] Although a lot of stigma is attached to this compound due to its recreational aspects mentioned, it does have huge therapeutic and medicinal value potential worth mentioning…
For example, it has been known to provide relief for similar ailments and conditions as CBD, such as pain management, glaucoma, insomnia, low appetite and nausea. [5]
THC has therapeutic value in the treatment of cancer and the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. [6]
We discovered in our recent blog how medicinal cannabis (specifically THC) can be used as a therapeutic remedy for cytokine storm (lung-specific immunopathology) in COVID-19 patients. You can learn more about this here!
The Entourage Effect
So what happens when both of these popular compounds come together?
Some research suggests that combining these compounds – along with smaller, organic compounds in the cannabis plant, known as terpenes or terpenoids — is more effective than taking CBD or THC alone. [7] Creating a more intense therapeutic effect. Scientific evidence of this is still in its infancy but is evolving by the day.
CBN
The CBN compound is commonly referred to as ‘the one that helps you sleep!’ – CBN can help tackle insomnia to provide you with a more restful sleep. CBN was the first cannabinoid to be identified by scientists [8] and it has been proven to be most effective in more maturely aged cannabis flowers.
Our Plans For Producing Effective Medicinal Cannabis
With the guidance of our expert team, including those with agricultural experience and years of formidable cannabis knowledge, we are producing high-quality medicinal cannabis that will make a difference and change the lives of many patients. We pride ourselves on ensuring quality and continuing to expand our knowledge, one cannabinoid at a time.
Bibliography
1. https://medreleaf.com/app/uploads/2018/03/1.History-of-medical-cannabis.pdf
2. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5b00949
3. https://www.labskin.co.uk/cbd-oil-uses-and-regulation/
4. https://www.livescience.com/24553-what-is-thc.html
5.https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc#medical-benefits
6.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26408171/
(Endocannabinoids and Cancer. Velasco G, Sánchez C, Guzmán M Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015; 231():449-72. [PubMed])
7. https://www.healthline.com/health/the-entourage-effect
8.https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/sleep-newzzz/201908/research-shows-9-potential-health-benefits-cbn
