Cannabinoids are a group of terpenophenolic compounds secreted by Cannabis flowers that provide relief from a wide array of symptoms including, pain, nausea, and inflammation. They operate by imitating the body’s natural endocannabinoids, which activate to maintain internal stability and overall health. When consumed, cannabinoids bind to receptor sites throughout the brain (CB1 receptors) and body (CB2 receptors). Different cannabinoids have different effects based on their binding affinity for each receptor. By targeting specific cannabinoids at these receptors, different types of relief can be achieved. Presently, there are at least 113 different cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis—each exhibiting varied effects.
THC Tetrahydrocannabinol C21H30O2 Trade name: Marinol Legal Status: US – Schedule I, Schedule II (as Cesamet), Schedule III (as Marinol) OH CA – Schedule II UK – Class B AU – S8 (controlled) H Psychoactive Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is typically the most abundant cannabinoid present in cannabis products on the market today. THC has very high psychoactive characteristics and is associated with the ‘high’ and euphoria experienced when using cannabis products. When smoked or ingested, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body and affects memory, O coordination, concentration, pleasure, and time perception.
H Medicinal Benefits Analgesic • Anti-nauseant • Appetite Stimulant Reduces Glaucoma Symptoms Sleep Aid • Reduces Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms CBD Cannabidiol C21H30O2 Trade name: Epidiolex OH Legal Status: US – Schedule I CA – Schedule II UK – POM (Perscription only) H AU – S4 (Perscription only)
non-psychoactive Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major phytocannabinoid and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. Due to its lack of psychoactivity and HO non-interference with motor and psychological functions, it is a leading candidate for a wide variety of medical applications. H Medicinal Benefits Anti-Seizure Anti-inflammatory Analgesic Anti-tumor Effects Anti-psychotic CBn Cannabinol C21H26O2 OH Legal Status: US – Not Scheduled CA – Schedule II CBN is not scheduled by the United Nations’ Convention on Psychotropic Substances
psychoactive Cannabinol (CBN) is a weak psychoactive cannabinoid found in trace amounts in Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica species. CBN is found in O higher concentrations in degraded or oxidized cannabis products and can indicate the age or poor handling of medical cannabis products. Although there is little research, high concentrations of CBN are associated with undesirable side-effects such as confusion and lightheadedness.
Medicinal Benefits Analgesic • Anti-inflammatory Sleep Aid • Anticonvulsant CBC Cannabichromene C21H30O2 Legal Status: CBC is not scheduled by the United Nations’ Convention on Psychotropic Substances. O
non-psychoactive Cannabichromene (CBC) bears structural similarity to other phytocannabinoids, and has no psychotropic effects. Evidence suggests that it may play a role in the anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects of cannabis, and may contribute to the overall analgesic effects of medical cannabis. CNC may also promote neurogenesis. HO Medicinal Benefits Analgesic • Anti-inflammatory • Stimultes cell growth Antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties
OH THCV Tetrahydrocannabivarin C19H26O2 H Legal Status: THCV is not scheduled by the United Nations’ Convention on Psychotropic Substances
psychoactive Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a homologue of THC, and is found O naturally in Cannabis, often in significant amounts. THCV has medium psychoactive components associated with its use, and is thought to H increase additional benefits of THC in smaller doses. Recent studies suggest that large doses may reduce the medicinal effects of THC.
Medicinal Benefits Appetite suppressant May help control metabolic disorders such as Type II diabetes
CBg OH Cannabigerol C21H30O2 Legal Status: CBG is not scheduled by the United Nations’ Convention on Psychotropic Substances
non-psychoactive HO Cannabigerol (CBG) is found in higher concentrations in hemp rather than the varieties of Cannabis cultivated for high THC content. Most strains of Cannabis will only have trace amounts of CBG, somewhere below 1%. CBG has been shown to relieve intracellular pressure which may benefit glaucoma patients, and may be effective in treating inflammatory bowel disease.
Medicinal Benefits Anti-inflammatory Antibacterial Stimulates cell growth Lowers blood pressure