Cannabis contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including cannabinoids, a group of chemicals that interact with the endocannabinoid system of the human body.
Cannabinoids in cannabis are responsible for a wide range of effects, from altering mood to regulating critical biological functions such as pain, appetite, and memory.
Natural cannabinoids
Natural cannabinoids are those found inherently in the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). These compounds are best known for their therapeutic and recreational effects.
The most prominent are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC
THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects; when consumed, it binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, producing feelings of euphoria and alterations in the perception of time and space.
In addition to its recreational use, THC is also used medically to treat conditions such as chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and loss of appetite in HIV/AIDS patients.
CBD
On the other hand, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects, but has gained popularity for its therapeutic properties, which include anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects.
CBD is used in a variety of medicinal and wellness products, from oils and capsules to topical creams and edibles.
Other types of cannabinoids in cannabis
In addition to THC and CBD, the cannabis plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, each with its own profile of effects. Other important natural cannabinoids include:
- Cannabinol (CBN): Formed from the breakdown of THC, it has sedative effects, making it a potential candidate for treating insomnia.
- Cannabigerol (CBG): Considered the “mother cannabinoid” because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids, CBG has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
- Cannabichromene (CBC): Although less studied, CBC has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiviral properties.
These natural cannabinoids interact mainly with the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 of the endocannabinoid system, located in the central nervous system and the immune system, respectively.
This interaction regulates various biological functions, contributing to the therapeutic effects of the plant.
Synthetic cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are compounds created in laboratories to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids. These compounds are specifically designed to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body, such as CB1 and CB2 receptors, but they can have much more potent and unpredictable effects than their natural counterparts.
A well-known example of synthetic cannabis cannabinoids is dronabinol, a synthetic version of THC that is used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, as well as to stimulate appetite in HIV/AIDS patients.
Another example is nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid used in the treatment of nausea caused by chemotherapy.
However, not all synthetic cannabinoids have safe therapeutic applications. Some compounds, such as those marketed under names like K2 or Spice, are produced and sold illegally. These products are extremely dangerous due to their high potency and unpredictable effects, which can include psychotic episodes, seizures, and even death.
Risks of synthetic cannabinoids
The use of synthetic cannabinoids, especially those sold illegally, carries significant health risks. Unlike natural cannabinoids, whose safety has been extensively studied, synthetic cannabinoids are not regulated and may contain additional toxic substances.
The effects of these compounds are much stronger and less predictable, increasing the risk of severe poisoning, kidney damage, heart problems, suicidal thoughts and, in extreme cases, death.
Semi-synthetic cannabinoids
Semi-synthetic cannabinoids are derivatives of natural cannabinoids that have been chemically modified in the laboratory to enhance or alter their properties. These compounds offer the possibility of optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of natural cannabinoids and reducing their adverse effects.
An example of a semi-synthetic cannabinoid is nabilone, which, as mentioned above, is a synthetic derivative of THC used in medicine to treat severe nausea in patients who do not respond to other medications.
Through chemical modification, scientists can design cannabinoids that offer specific benefits without the adverse effects associated with their natural counterparts.
Medical applications of semi-synthetic cannabinoids
Semi-synthetic cannabinoids are especially useful in pharmaceutical research and development, where the goal is to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing risks.
These compounds allow researchers to adjust the chemical structure of cannabinoids to create versions that are more stable, more effective, or have fewer side effects than natural cannabinoids.
Cannamimetics
Cannamimetics are compounds that, although not cannabinoids in the traditional sense, mimic the effects of cannabinoids by interacting with the same receptors in the body.
These compounds are particularly useful in therapeutic applications where one wishes to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC, but still take advantage of the benefits of the endocannabinoid system.
An example of a cannamimetic is the use of FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase) inhibitors, which increase the levels of endocannabinoids such as anandamide, enhancing their effect without the need to administer exogenous cannabinoids.
These inhibitors are being investigated for their potential in treating anxiety, depression and chronic pain.
Terpenes in the cannabis plant
In addition to cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains other important compounds such as terpenes, which not only provide its characteristic aroma, but also influence the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids.
Terpenes can interact with cannabinoids in a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect,” where the combination of these compounds enhances the therapeutic effects of the plant.
Some common terpenes include:
- Myrcene: Known for its relaxing and sedative effects, it is one of the most abundant terpenes in many cannabis strains.
- Limonene: It has a citrus aroma and is believed to have energizing and anxiolytic effects.
- Linalool: With its characteristic lavender aroma, it is associated with relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects.
The entourage effect: how terpenes boost cannabinoids
The entourage effect is a key concept in cannabis pharmacology, suggesting that the combined effects of cannabinoids and terpenes are greater than the sum of their parts.
This phenomenon underscores the importance of using full-spectrum cannabis extracts rather than isolated cannabinoids to fully exploit their therapeutic benefits.
