Once upon a time, what is now deemed to be a “healing” plant was formerly described as a “gateway drug.” Despite this, the smoke clouds are clearing and with them, the stigma surrounding cannabis. Cannabinoids are a group of compounds related to cannabis, some of which are mind-altering, but many are not. There are more than 100 of these compounds, as noted below.
In fact, the words “medical” and “marijuana” are being mentioned in the same sentence a lot now. Since the green plant is forecast to generate $37.3bn by 2024, cannabis certainly deserves all of the attention it is getting.
When stepping inside a medical marijuana san francisco dispensary, visitors are presented with a profusion of pot options, including CBD-rich healing strains like Green Doctor and skin-soothing Cannabinoid-rich balms.
Many people still do not understand what a cannabinoid is, but education is growing.
Understanding Cannabinoids and Their Effects
It is possible to isolate as many as 113 cannabinoids from Cannabis plant matter. Not every cannabinoid will be classified the same, however. These chemical compounds can have a profound effect on the human body and relieve the symptoms of pain, nausea and insomnia, to name a few things.
Believe it or not, the majority of cannabinoids will not get people “stoned.” The most-studied cannabinoids (and their effects) are as follows:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – This mind-altering ingredient can ease pain and leave users in a state of euphoria.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) – CBD has anti-psychotic effects and it is widely used to treat epilepsy and neuroinflammation.
- Cannabinol (CBN) – Scientists have found CBN to possess anti-insomnia, pain relief and anti-convulsive effects.
- Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) – High concentration of this cannabinoid is rare, since it is usually converted to another type of cannabinoid.
- Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) – Fresh cannabis is rich in CBDA, which is non-psychoactive and has anti-nausea benefits.
- Cannabichromenic Acid (CBCA) – This chemical has antiviral effects and although it doesn’t get much attention, the future for CBCA medicines looks promising.
- Cannabigerovarinic Acid (CBGVA) – A cannabinoid acid known to mimic the effects of other cannabinoids.
- Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCVA) – High levels of THCA can be found in unheated cannabis leaves. THC starts off as THCA, before the decarboxylation process takes place.
- Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA) – Contained in the trichomes of the Cannabis plant, this cannabinoid is non-psychoactive.
- Cannabichromevarinic Acid (CBCVA) – Another non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid derived from the plant.
Understanding Cannabinoid Receptors
Cannabinoid receptors are scattered around the human body? Making up part of the human body’s endocannabinoid system, these receptors (CB1 and CB2) are usually found on the white blood cells. They are responsible for regulating the release of cytokine, which impacts cell behavior. When cannabinoids react with these receptors, underactive neurons will become active and the symptoms of mental/physical illness may diminish.
How can I boost my health with cannabinoids from a dispensary in SF?
In many ways, actually. You don’t have to smoke cannabis to treat “endocannabinoid deficiency.” It is possible to activate the endocannabinoid system by ingesting cannabinoids, applying them topically in the form of a lotion, or by other means, including rectal suppositories, THC/CBD sprays and infused drinks.
Before you step foot inside a dispensary in San Francisco, familiarize yourself with the following health benefits of cannabinoids:
- Cannabinoids Balance the Endocannabinoid System – cannabinoids communicate with the body’s endocannabinoid system? This system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, which, when disturbed, will cause the body to feel off-balanced. As a result, people may experience discomfort and poor mental health. By introducing Cannabidiol (CBD), it is possible to naturally regain balance within the endocannabinoid system.
- Cannabinoids Hinder/Stop Bacteria Growth – Bacteria is a lot less likely to spread inside the body if the body is exposed to cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, CBC-A and CBG. Ars Technica even published a scientific report detailing how cannabinoids were able to kill multi-drug resistant bacteria!
- Cannabinoids Improve Skin Health and Appearance – There is no hiding what’s happening inside the body, because skin will expose toxins by breaking out. Prevent acne and other skin conditions by nourishing the epidermis. Accomplish this by detoxifying the body with CBD. This unique cannabis compound has the potential to make skin look younger and feel more hydrated. What’s more, it can prevent excess oil secretion when applied topically in oil form.
- Cannabinoids Can Be Ingested in Many Ways – People of all ages are now able to experience the fantastic medical benefits of cannabinoids, without smoking the plant. Vaporizing CBD is a popular method, as are tinctures, which offer sublingual ingestion for speedy relief from pain, nausea and other problems.
- Cannabinoids May Prevent Nervous System Degeneration – Scientific research has shown how cannabis can slow down the progression of disorders within the central nervous system, which may otherwise cause permanent damage to the brain and/or spinal cord. This makes medical marijuana useful for treating seizures, muscle spasms and chronic pain.
What Products Can Contain Cannabinoids?
The market is expanding by the day and this means there is now access to more cannabinoid-rich strains, products and medicines than ever before. Extracted and isolated from the marijuana plant using techniques such as butane or alcohol extraction, cannabinoids are present in a wide variety of cannabis-based creations, like IncrediMeds Gummies, Care By Design CBD capsules, vape oils, sodas and syrups.
