The Fascinating World Of Cannabinoids

When discussing cannabis, typically, we are referring to the psychoactive dried resinous flower buds and leaves of the female hemp or cannabis plant (C. sativa or C. indica).

Cannabis typically contains high levels of THC and other cannabinoids. These flower buds are smoked, vaped, ingested (infused into foods, beverages, or tinctures), or utilized in salves – especially for their 'intoxicating' and often pain-relieving effects.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of receptors that helps maintain balance in various bodily functions like mood, appetite, and pain response.

THC, CBG, and CBD – along with other cannabinoids – influence this system. Each cannabinoid varies in the receptors they bind with, which leads to different effects.

You can think of hemp as the sister of cannabis. Cultivated hemp is often distinguished from cannabis by possessing very low levels of the psychoactive substance THC. Overall hemp and cannabis produce the same cannabinoids, but hemp is typically more fibrous and stalky, while cannabis is more dense and has higher concentrations of cannabinoids.

Hemp is considered "safer" by politicians because of the lower concentrations of cannabinoids, but ultimately it results in utilizing more plant matter for the desired dose and ratio.

The definition from Mariam Webster: A tall widely cultivated Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that is cultivated for its tough bast fiber , edible seeds, and oil and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica)

Cannabinoids are several structural classes of active compounds found in the cannabis plant that include but are not limited to: THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, and others.

According to the National Library of Medicine, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as THC) is a medicinal compound found in c. sativa and hemp. Naturally occurring THC is the principal psychoactive compound and 1 of the 113 cannabinoids identified within the class of cannabinoid medications.

THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors within our endocannabinoid system (ECS) causing the release of dopamine.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive component found in Cannabis and Hemp varieties. CBG turns off the 5-HT1A receptor allowing an increase in serotonin.

Known by the moniker "the mother of all cannabinoids", it is the first form most cannabinoids start as before they mature to their final form. It has an antibiotic effect, and the potential to reduce intraocular pressure.

CBG has similar properties to CBD, such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Anecdotally, CBG has been said to deliver energizing effects, similar to caffeine, without the negative side-effects some people experience from coffee.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not produce a high unless consumed in extremely high quantities.

CBD has been studied for it's potential to produce anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief, anxiety reduction, and to control seizures.

Cannabinol, or CBN, is a minor cannabinoid found in small amounts in the cannabis and hemp plants. The CBN compound is the result of the degradation of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and is created when THC is exposed to air and light over time.

Anecdotally, CBN has been known to have sedative and sleep-promoting effects. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

In the context of cannabinoids, a ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the amount of one cannabinoid to another in a cannabis product. If a product contains THC and CBG, the ratio indicates how much THC is present in relation to CBG.

For example, if a product contains 25mg of CBG and 5mg of THC (as is the single serving dose of Raiden Labs daytime gummies), that would be a 5:1 ratio of CBG to THC. This means there is 5x as much CBG in the serving as there is THC.

The entourage effect is the idea hypothesis that an array of terpenes and cannabinoids together create a more impactful experience than utilizing isolated compounds or cannabinoids alone.

According to the National Library of Medicine, cannabis is not a single compound product. It is known for its complicated molecular profile, producing a plethora of phytocannabinoids alongside a vast array of terpenes. Thus, the “entourage effect” is the suggested positive contribution derived from the addition of terpenes to cannabinoids.

Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain that affects movement, motivation, and reward-seeking. It's often called the "feel-good" hormone because it's involved in feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors within our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which causes the release of dopamine.

The Minimum Effective Dose is the smallest dose required to have an effective impact on your system.

A common rule of thumb for cannabis dosing is to “start low, go slow.” This means to utilize a low dose (typically starting at 2mg) and slowly increase the dose over a series of sessions. This method will help you determine your optimal dose and the lowest effective dose for your body.