Cannabis is a multifaceted plant with a diverse chemical profile. There are around 550 natural components in the plant, with over 140 categorized as “cannabinoids.” We can’t neglect the importance of terrenes and flavonoids in the overall medicinal benefits of cannabis since cannabis is so much more than cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
Are you curious as to why?
The entourage effect idea explains the consequence of all of these chemicals’ “teamwork.” Science has shown that when cannabinoids, terrenes, and flavonoids act together — as they do naturally in cannabis — they improve the plant’s medicinal advantages. According to the entourage effect notion, employing a whole-plant cannabis extract rather than isolated components is more effective.
Cannabis cannabinoids are also known as phyto cannabinoids because of their plant origin. End cannabinoids are a different form of cannabinoids. The body produces end cannabinoids but that’s a subject for another day.
You’ve probably heard of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), delta 8 (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These are the cannabis plant’s three most popular and well-studied phytocannabinoids.
The discovery of these cannabis components led to the end cannabinoid system, a critical neurotransmitter system in our bodies (ECS). The end cannabinoid system maintains the equilibrium of various other systems, including the endocrine and immunological systems, a process known as “Homeostasis.”
Cannabinoids’ action methods are still being studied. However, it is thought that they interact with receptors in the body that are part of the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids exert distinct effects by attaching to or activating various receptors. It’s worth noting that phytocannabinoids are present in fresh cannabis in their acidic forms. Because the THC acid in raw cannabis is not psychoactive, getting high on it is impossible.
So, how do we get to THC, which is psychoactive?
Let’s explain how THC-A (the acidic version of THC) is created. The two primary cannabinoid acids, cannabigerol acid (CBGA) and acid (CBGVA), are generated by phytocannabinoid biosynthesis, which combines acid and acid with geranyl pyrophosphate.
The primary cannabinoids are CBG (cannabigerol), THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), cannabigerol (CBGA), cannabichromene acid (CBCA), and cannabidiolic acid, which are all produced by chemical reactions inside the cannabis plant (CBDA). Cannabinoids like CBCVA, CBDVA, and delta-9-THC are made from cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA).
As a result, when you smoke or cook cannabis, the heat converts CBDA to CBD, allowing you to take advantage of its advantages. THC is a cannabinoid with a negative record in therapeutic circles since it causes the user to feel “high.”
The chemical primarily targets the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors and is mainly responsible for the pharmacological — and psychoactive — consequences of cannabis consumption. THC has potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), neuro-antioxidative (protects neural tissue), and antispasmodic (spasm-relieving) properties.
The chemical is used to treat chronic pain, sleeplessness, Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, ulcers, and as a muscle relaxant.
CBD is a non-psychotropic compound:
CBD works by suppressing the enzyme that inhibits anandamide, which is one of the ways it impacts the body. Anandamide, dubbed the “bliss molecule,” is an end cannabinoid that influences sleep, anxiety, pain, and the immune system. CBD leads to raising anandamide levels by suppressing the enzyme’s processes that inhibit anandamide. It has been shown to help with disorders like epilepsy, where reduced levels of anandamide have been seen.
What exactly are terpenes?
Terpenes are fragrant chemicals that give cannabis its distinct flavor and scent. Terpenes may be present in practically every plant. Cannabis contains about 140 terpenes, some of which are unique to the plant. B-myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis, followed by trans-caryophyllene and a-pinene.
On the other hand, terpenes are more than chemicals that give cannabis its fragrance and flavor. Some terpenes have improved sedative effects that aid in treating insomnia and anxiety, while others interact with cannabinoids and show promise in the treatment of skin and mental health issues. Several scientific articles have examined the vast range of medicinal benefits of terpenes, but further study is needed.
Myrcene
Myrcene, which can be found in hops, thyme, and lemongrass, is one of the most prominent terpenes in cannabis, contributing to its earthy herbal scent. Myrcene is a powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) component.
Limonene
Limonene may be found in abundance in the rinds of citrus fruits, rosemary, and peppermint and has a distinct citrus scent. Limonene is well-known for its anxiety-relieving and immunosuppressive effects.
A-Pinene
A-pinene is responsible for cannabis’s pleasant pine scent. Pine needles, basil, and rosemary all contain this terpene. Pinene promotes alertness, aids memory retention, and counteracts THC-induced memory loss.
Linalool
Linalool, which has a flowery scent, is also present in lavender. This terpene has sedative, analgesic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant properties, making it a wonderful mood booster. Linalool is an anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anti-insomniac, and anti-pain compound.
Beta-caryophyllene
Black pepper and cinnamon contain beta-caryophyllene, which has a spicy fragrance. This terpene’s anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for pain relief.
Flavonoids: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
Flavonoids are a collection of naturally occurring pigments that may be found in fruits, vegetables, roots, flowers, tea, and wine. These compounds are often overlooked, yet they have therapeutic benefits for which they are separated and used in both medical and pharmaceutical applications. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic properties are all properties of flavonoids.
Flavonoids in cannabis have several effects, some of which are similar to those of terpenes and cannabinoids. Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects are found in flavonoids. Aliening has estrogenic and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. Cannaflavin A and B are anti-inflammatory chemicals with a lot of power.
Why is it so important to use whole-plant cannabis extract?
Isolating one or two cannabis chemicals—such as CBD and THC—doesn’t create an effective therapeutic benefit as when all compounds operate together, according to a research by Dr. Ethan Russo, “Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid Terpenoid Entourage Effect.” In a 1:1 THC: CBD ratio, even the tiniest quantity of terpenes may make an impact. The “entourage effect” is another name for this notion in the scientific world.
You now know that the extraordinary medicinal properties of cannabis are due to more than 140 plant cannabinoids and a diverse terrene and flavonoid profile. Most importantly, you know the secret to the plant’s potency: a plethora of nature’s most powerful chemical components that combine to produce even more potent effects. Although many cannabinoids in the cannabis plant have no psychoactive properties and have yet to be studied, they may be more promising than THC and CBD.