Inhaltsverzeichnis
The effect of hemp products on the human body is largely determined by the cannabinoids they contain. Cannabinoids include CBD and THC . In addition to these well-known representatives, there are over 100 other cannabinoids - substances that occur naturally in the hemp plant and have different effects on the human body and psyche.
We explain to you exactly what cannabinoids are, what the abbreviations stand for and what properties they have.
What are cannabinoids?
There are three large groups found in the hemp plant: cannabinoids , terpenes and flavonoids . The former are particularly relevant due to their diverse effects and their health-promoting potential. From a chemical point of view, they are compounds that are initially present as acid in the hemp plant. Only through further processes, such as heating, do the substances that can develop a broad spectrum of effects arise.
Cannabinoids are not only found in the hemp plant. The human body also produces very similar substances, which are called endocannabinoids. They are involved in various metabolic processes. The plant cannabinoids – called phytocannabinoids – are opposed to these endogenous substances. In addition to hemp, several other plants also produce the valuable substances. These include, for example, coneflowers, cocoa trees and black pepper. However, they do not produce nearly as many cannabinoids as the hemp plant.
Phytocannabinoids are always oily compounds that are classified as fat-soluble. So they don't dissolve in water, but in fats. It is also interesting that these cannabinoids basically consist of the same molecules (carbon, hydrogen and oxygen), but differ in their structure. Some compounds such as THC, CBD and CBC even have the same molecular formula (C 21 H 30 O 2 ), but a different arrangement of the individual elements.
How do cannabinoids work?
Although phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids have a different structure, the effect is similar. Because both interact with the so-called endocannabinoid system of the human body. This is part of the nervous system and regulates various processes such as inflammatory reactions, appetite and mood swings. It also plays a role in how we perceive pain and influences the immune system, memory processes and brain development.
The endocannabinoid system consists of endocannabinoids and the corresponding cannabinoid receptors, divided into CB1 and CB2 receptors . When they dock together, the cannabinoids trigger their effects and thus influence the numerous processes mentioned above. Phytocannabinoids, i.e. compounds supplied from outside, can also bind to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system and thus stimulate the body.
The most important cannabinoids
THC
Even though research into the ingredients of hemp continues to advance, there are still many unanswered questions. New findings are constantly being published, particularly on how cannabinoids work.
The cannabinoid that is currently most researched is THC. The abbreviation stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is not present in its pure form, but as THC acid in the hemp plant. It only occurs when the acid is treated with heat. This can happen, for example, through heating or UV radiation. This process is also called decarboxylation because a carboxyl group is split off from the acid.
In general, THC differs from most other phytocannabinoids in its intoxicating effects. You probably know the well-known abbreviation as the cause of the “high” from cannabis. Because of this effect, THC falls under the Narcotics Act and is illegal in many countries.
The compound, which was discovered back in the 1960s, also has some properties that offer potential in the treatment of diseases. Among other things, it can have a calming, relaxing and pain-relieving effect. It can also stimulate the appetite and has already shown positive effects on fever and nausea. It is also said to be able to lower intraocular pressure. Of course, the exact effect always depends on the dose and physical condition.
CBD
In a close second place among the best-known cannabinoids is certainly CBD, which is now recognized in many countries for its positive properties and therapeutic potential. This trend has also brought CBD increasingly into the focus of medicine.
CBD stands for cannabidiol. Like all other phytocannabinoids, it is initially present as an acid in the hemp plant and must be further processed to obtain pure CBD. And although feelings of relaxation and pain relief are also part of the spectrum of effects of cannabidiol, unlike THC, it does not cause a high. That's why it can be purchased completely legally in Germany. The product only has to meet a few requirements such as a low THC content.
In addition to the properties already mentioned, CBD also has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It also has an interesting effect when used together with THC. In studies it has inhibited the side effects of THC. This important property is particularly relevant for drugs containing THC.
CBG
If, like most people, you only know THC and CBD, then you should read on now. Because with CBG there is another phytocannabinoid that definitely deserves a mention. CBG is the abbreviation for cannabigerol. It is the precursor to many other cannabinoids such as CBD and CBC. Since it is broken down into these over time, the CBG content in the mature hemp plant is rather low.
Unfortunately, there are not many studies on cannabigerol yet. However, a pain-relieving and antibacterial effect has already been shown. It has also been proven that CBG, like THC, can lower intraocular pressure. There is further medical potential in the treatment of intestinal diseases, as the phytocannabinoid has an anti-inflammatory reaction.
CBN
Unfortunately, cannabinol, or CBN for short, has also received little research. However, the following is clear: Cannabinol is created by the oxidation of THC; it is not produced by the hemp plant itself. Its spectrum of effects is similar to that of other phytocannabinoids. CBN is said to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and have a positive effect on intraocular pressure. The focus is also on its relaxing effect, which is comparable to that of a strong sedative. A possible area of application that has already been discussed several times would be the treatment of sleep disorders.
CBC
CBC hides cannabichromene, one of the most common cannabinoids in the hemp plant. As already mentioned above, it arises from the previous product CBG. Cannabichromene is now one of the cannabinoids that has been relatively well researched.
It is particularly interesting for medical research because it is very likely to enhance the effects of other cannabinoids. For example, experiments have shown that it increases the calming and pain-relieving effects of THC. Meanwhile, its own spectrum of effects is limited to a small number of positive properties. However, these are no less interesting. For example, cannabichromene has an antibiotic effect against bacteria that are resistant to classic antibiotics. There have also been promising studies with rodents in which antidepressant properties have been demonstrated.
