Cannabinoid 101 Basics

Cannabinoid 101 Basics

What are THC, CBD, CBN, CBC and …? THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, CBG and about 80 other chemicals are all in a class of compounds known as cannabinoids, found in abundance in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are responsible for many of the effects of cannabis consumption and have important therapeutic benefits. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for many of the effects experienced by the cannabis user. Mild to moderate pain relief, relaxation, insomnia and appetite stimulation.THC has been demonstrated to have anti-depressant effects.The majority of strains range from 12-21% THC with very potent and carefully prepared strains reaching even higher.Average THC potency is about 16-17% in Northern CA.Recent research that suggests patients with a pre-disposition to schizophrenia and anxiety disorders should avoid high-THC cannabis. Cannabidiol or CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and is the active ingredient in Dixie X medicinal hemp products from Dixie Elixirs & Edibles. The information here has been provided as a resource. Notes about citations and the research follow.

Cannabidiol occurs in many strains, at low levels, <1%. In rare cases, CBD can be the dominant cannabinoid, as high as 15% by weight. Popular CBD-rich strains (>4% CBD) include Sour Tsunami, Harlequin and Cannatonic. It can provide relief for chronic pain due to muscle spasticity, convulsions and inflammation. Offering relief for patients with MS, Fibromyalgia and Epilepsy.Some researchers feel it provides effective relief from anxiety-related disorders.CBD has also been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth when injected into breast and brain tumors in combination with THC. Cannabinol or CBN is an oxidative degradation product of THC. It may result from improper storage or curing and extensive processing, such as when making concentrates. It is usually formed when THC is exposed to UV light and oxygen over time. CBN has some psychoactive properties, about 10% of the strength of THC.CBN is thought by researchers to enhance the dizziness and disorientation users of cannabis may experience.It may cause feelings of grogginess and has been shown to reduce heart rate. Cannabichromene or CBC is a rare, non-psychoactive cannabinoid, usually found at low levels (<1%) when present. Research conducted has shown CBC has anti-depressant effects, 10x those of CBD.CBC has also been shown to improve the pain-relieving effects of THC. Studies have demonstrated that CBC has sedative effects, promoting relaxation. Cannabigerol or (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It is commonly found in cannabis. CBG-acid is the precursor to both THC-acid and CBD-acid in the plant usually found at low levels (<1%) when present. Researchers have demonstrated both pain relieving and inflammation reducing effects.CBG reduces intraocular pressure, associated with glaucoma.CBG has been shown to have antibiotic properties and to inhibit platelet aggregation, which slows the rate of blood clotting. Those are the basics of cannabinoids there are many more that have not yet been fully studied.