Phytocannabinoids: Natural Cannabinoids in Plants

Phytocannabinoids

• Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that naturally occur in plants.
• They act upon the Endocannabinoid System, binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors.
• Some phytocannabinoids produce a psychoactive effect, while others do not.

Δ-9-THC (THC)

• The most known and prominent cannabinoid, producing a psychoactive effect.
• Effects: "gets you high", pain relief, anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, helps with spasticity, sleep, and mood elevation.
• Also has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotectant properties.
• Fun facts: incomplete absorption in the lungs, greater bioavailability with a high-fat diet, stored in fatty tissue, and crosses the blood-brain barrier.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

• The second most commonly known cannabinoid, known for not producing a psychoactive effect.
• Effects: inhibition of GI activity, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, anti-seizure, anti-anxiety, mood elevation, and antibacterial properties.
• Also has anti-cancer, antioxidant, antipsychotic, and neuroprotectant properties.
• Fun facts: not intoxicating, no tolerance or withdrawal, alerting effects in lower doses, and can be used to treat THC withdrawal.

CBD-A (Cannabidiolic Acid)

• The acidic state of CBD in the cannabis plant, before combustion or vaporization.
• Effects: anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, potential anti-seizure, and pain relief.
• Fun facts: not intoxicating, found in RAW cannabis, and more potent than CBD for anti-nausea effects.

CBD-V (Cannabidivarin)

• Similar to CBD, non-psychoactive, and currently being developed as a synthetic drug.
• Effects: anti-convulsant and relieves neuropathic pain.
• Fun facts: not intoxicating, may help in Rett syndrome, and currently being developed as a synthetic drug.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

• The "godmother of all cannabinoids", the first cannabinoid created in the cannabis plant.
• Effects: antibacterial, anti-cancer, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotectant properties.
• Fun facts: not intoxicating, found in higher amounts in hemp, and may block anti-nausea effects of CBD.

CBN (Cannabinol)

• Forms when THC oxidizes with time or light, making you tired.
• Effects: antibacterial, anticonvulsant, promotes bone growth, and relieves pain.
• Fun facts: a breakdown product of THC, increases as THC degrades over time, and not present in freshly cut flowers.

Δ-8-THC (Delta-8)

• A recent phenomenon in the cannabis arena, known for its potential THC "high" without the failed drug test.
• Effects: anti-anxiety, anti-cancer, neuroprotectant, and relieves pain.
• Fun facts: conflicting research on intoxicating effects, concentrated amounts are typically manufactured from hemp-derived CBD.

THC-A (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)

• The acidic precursor to THC, non-intoxicating in its natural state.
• Effects: anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and neuroprotectant properties.
• Fun facts: not intoxicating, the main compound in raw cannabis flowers, and converts to THC with heat.

THC-V (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin)

• Found in sativa-leaning varieties, non-psychoactive, and has potential for weight and diabetes management.
• Effects: anti-cancer, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotectant properties.
• Fun facts: not intoxicating in low doses, may be beneficial for Parkinson's disease, and known to suppress appetite.

Learn about phytocannabinoids, the cannabinoids that occur naturally in plants, their discovery, and the most common types such as THC and CBD.