Phytocannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. They are concentrated in a viscous resin that is produced in glandular structures known as trichomes. In addition to cannabinoids, the resin is rich in terpenes, which are largely responsible for the odour of the cannabis plant.

Phytocannabinoids are used in the body's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory. The two most well-known phytocannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Types of Phytocannabinoids

There are over 100 different phytocannabinoids, including:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. It works by mimicking the effects of anandamide, a neurotransmitter naturally produced in the human body to help modulate sleeping and eating habits, as well as the perception of pain.

• Cannabidiol (CBD): This is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is being researched for its potential therapeutic effects, including its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties.

• Cannabigerol (CBG): This is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is thought to help regulate mood thanks to its ability to boost anandamide.

• Cannabinol (CBN): This is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is produced from the degradation of THC. There is usually very little to no CBN in a fresh plant. CBN acts as a weak agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, with greater affinity for CB2 receptors than CB1.

Medical Uses

Phytocannabinoids have been used in medicine for centuries. Today, they are used in a variety of therapeutic applications, including the treatment of chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cancer.

Legal Status

The legal status of phytocannabinoids varies by country. In some countries, such as Canada and Uruguay, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use. In other countries, such as the United States, the legal status varies by state.

See Also

• Cannabinoid
• Endocannabinoid system
• Medical cannabis