Cannabis is a plant with a long history of medicinal usage for many conditions and symptoms. Learn the differences between strains and read about the most beneficial, safe and effective ways to use them.
Cannabis contains hundreds of chemical constituents, with over 80 cannabinoids, which are specific to cannabis. Each strain of cannabis contains different ratios of cannabinoids, which together work synergistically to provide its therapeutic effects. The human body has endogenous cannabinoid receptor sites throughout the body.
It is not conclusive exactly what each cannabinoid does, and how they interact. The following information comes from limited research.
The most researched cannabinoid in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC has psychoactive, euphoric, stimulant, muscle-relaxing, anti-epileptic, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulating, bronchiodilating, hypotensive, antidepressant, and analgesic effects. High potency Sativa cannabis contains at least 15% THC.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is another main cannabinoid. CBD lessens the psychoactive effects of THC, and has sedative and analgesic effects.
Cannabichromene (CBC) promotes the analgesic effects of THC and has sedative effects.
Cannabigeral (CBG) has sedative effects and antimicrobial properties, as well as lowers intraoccular pressure. It is the biogenetic precursor of the other cannabinoids.
Cannabinol (CBN) is a mildly psychoactive degradation of THC; its primary effects are to lower intraocular pressure and anti-epileptic.