Jul 10, 2023
Cannabis, a plant that has been used for centuries for both medicinal and recreational purposes, is a complex organism that contains over 120 different phytocannabinoids. These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which works to maintain homeostasis or balance within the body. The two most well-researched and popular phytocannabinoids are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. They are structurally similar to endocannabinoids produced by the body and can bind to certain receptors to exert effects. The two major cannabinoids, CBD and THC, have been the focus of most scientific research due to their abundance in the plant and their significant therapeutic potential.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC. It's named after the plant that led to its discovery and is crucial to establishing and maintaining human health. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. In each tissue, the ECS performs different tasks, but the goal is always the same: homeostasis.
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive component in cannabis plants. In other words, it's what gets you high. THC is found in both hemp and marijuana plants, but it's only present in trace amounts in hemp (up to 0.3%). Despite its psychoactive effects, THC has potential medicinal benefits. For example, THC has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation and improve the symptoms of certain neurological disorders like epilepsy. Some states have medical cannabis programs that allow patients to use high THC ratio cannabis plants to support difficult-to-treat conditions.
When consumed, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, specifically the CB1 receptors. This interaction affects various physiological processes, including pain perception, appetite, mood, and memory. The binding of THC to these receptors is what leads to the psychoactive effects often associated with cannabis use, such as euphoria, altered sensory perception, and increased appetite.
Despite its psychoactive properties, THC has been found to have several therapeutic applications. It has been used to treat conditions like chronic pain, glaucoma, insomnia, and poor appetite. It's also been found to help with symptoms of conditions like multiple sclerosis and HIV/AIDS. However, the use of THC is not without side effects, which can include dry mouth, red eyes, memory loss, slower reaction times, and feelings of anxiety or paranoia.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn't have mind-altering effects that cause intoxication. Instead, it's been shown to work on CB2 receptors found mostly in the immune system. CBD is thought to have several therapeutic benefits, including regulating mood and the immune system response. It's also being studied as a potential treatment for various other conditions, such as chronic pain, seizures, and addiction. Many people incorporate CBD oil into their lifestyles to support sleep, stress, muscle recovery, and brain health.
CBD's effects on the body are more subtle than those of THC. Rather than binding directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD influences the endocannabinoid system to use its cannabinoids more effectively. For example, it inhibits the absorption of anandamide, a natural cannabinoid that regulates pain. By doing so, CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
CBD has been studied for its potential role in treating many common health issues, including anxiety, depression, acne, and heart disease. For those with cancer, it may even provide a natural alternative for pain and symptom relief. CBD's ability to act on the brain's receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior, has led to its use in treating conditions like anxiety and depression.
The entourage effect is a theory that suggests all the compounds in cannabis work together, and when taken together, they produce a better effect than when taken alone. This synergy between CBD and THC, along with smaller organic compounds in the cannabis plant, known as terpenes or terpenoids, enhances each other's therapeutic effects. For instance, a study conducted at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco found that combining THC and CBD produces more potent anti-tumor effects when tested on brain cancer and breast cancer cell lines than either compound alone.
Research strongly suggests that combining CBD and THC leads to more profound potential health benefits. CBD doesn't have psychoactive properties, and some of the undesired side effects of high THC cannabis products are that it can produce THC-elicited paranoid symptoms. Choosing a more well-balanced strain containing CBD can help to curb these uncomfortable effects. CBD is thought to work by reducing the activity of the enzyme that metabolizes THC in the brain, which results in a more gradual and milder psychoactive effect.
In states where medical marijuana programs are available, it's prescribed for people managing epilepsy, chronic pain from multiple sclerosis, cancer, injuries, and anxiety disorders. THC has been shown to reduce inflammation in animal models, while CBD has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines. However, the beneficial effects of combining these two compounds have only recently been investigated. In a recent study, rats were treated with a combination of THC and CBD for three weeks. The rats showed a significant reduction in inflammatory markers, as well as a reduction in joint damage.
While the legalities of cannabis products can be a hot topic and a tricky space to navigate for first-time users, the science behind how THC and CBD work is becoming clearer. As research continues, we will likely learn even more about the potential applications of these powerful compounds. Whether used separately or together, CBD and THC have shown significant potential in providing therapeutic benefits for a variety of conditions. However, as with any substance, it's crucial to use them responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
The science behind cannabis and its components, THC and CBD, is a rapidly evolving field. As we continue to learn more about these compounds and how they interact with the body, we can better understand their potential therapeutic benefits and applications. The entourage effect, the synergistic interaction between CBD and THC, offers promising potential for future research and therapeutic use. As we move forward, it's crucial to continue exploring these compounds in a safe, controlled, and scientific manner to fully understand their capabilities and limitations.
