THCA or Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid is the acidic form or precursor to THC! It is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis! All cannabinoids start off in their acidic forms which have differing structures and effects than that of their non-acidic versions. They then convert to their counterpart through decarboxylation or a heat source of some sort. Whether this be a lighter, a torch, or an oven as an element for cooking with THC or making edibles.
CBDA – Cannabidiolic Acid is a compound that is produced by both cannabis and hemp. It is abundantly found in the live plant of the CBD variety and is the king compound in industrial hemp and its’ by-products. Just like CBGA, CBDA converts to CBD over time and when exposed to heat. As mentioned in last week’s article CBGA converts to three major cannabinoids precursor compounds depending on which plant enzymes are activated to direct the synthesis when decarboxylation occurs. This occurs simply when the plant is introduced to or exposed to heat or sunlight. So CBDA is then converted to CBD!
CBGA is otherwise known as Cannabigerolic Acid and is referenced as the “Mothership of all Cannabinoids”! As mentioned in the CBG article all other cannabinoids are derived from CBGA which is just an acidic form of CBG. When harvested cannabis has heat added to it CBGA will decarboxylate into CBG. A lot of the medicinal benefits in cannabis are possible due to this unique cannabinoid: CBGA!
THC otherwise known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most known cannabinoid within the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the “high” that cannabis provides and is the main principal psychoactive component of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabinoids are the active chemicals in marijuana that are like chemicals within the human body that are involved in appetite, memory, pain, and more. Allowing THC and ultimately cannabis the ability to effect, reduce, and provide relief for various ailments and further researched health benefits.
CBC – Is otherwise known as Cannabichromene! CBC is a non-psychotropic phyto-cannabinoid which means it is non- intoxicating and doesn’t affect a person’s thinking. Phyto-cannabinoids are just cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. One of the most distinct characteristics of CBC is its potent anti-inflammatory benefits, amongst others. CBC has the same origins as both THC and CBD in that they all stem from Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA). CBC comes from converting from CBGA into Cannabichrome Carboxylic Acid (CBCA) and then finally to CBC after exposure to heat or ultraviolet light. However, CBC is still a cannabinoid that needs to be further researched to examine all the benefits this cannabinoid has to offer.
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a chemical in the Cannabis Sativa plant. What is the Cannabis Sativa plant? It is just the biological name for cannabis or hemp. CBD has little to no amount of THC and has effects on some chemicals in the brain that are different from THC! Cannabis is a genus of plants that contains many different compounds that can have different effects on the body. Two different cannabis plants are marijuana and hemp. Two chemicals in these plants are THC and CBD. Marijuana has higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD and hemp has higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC.For those that seek medical marijuana, CBD is an essential component, it is derived directly from the hemp plant – a “cousin” or another form of the cannabis plant. CBD is also something that can be manufactured in a lab as there are many different form of CBD. Oils, capsules, drinks, extracts, etc. It has taken the industry by storm as it is not intoxicating you can find various forms of CBD in grocery stores, gas stations, and gift shops. It's even something you can buy from the airport!
CBN otherwise known as Cannabinol is a non-intoxicating compound that is most commonly known as the cannabinoid that is created when THC ages or when THC-A oxidizes. This cannabinoid is produced when marijuana and hemp plants are exposed over long periods of time to both air and sunlight. This causes the THC to convert to CBN! This cannabinoid is unique as it can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors within the bodies Endocannabinoid System. but tends to have a higher affinity for CB2. This means that it works synergistically within the body’s immune system to help regulate the immune system as well as the peripheral nervous system.
CBG or Cannabigerol is a minor cannabinoid but is also said to be the mother of all cannabinoids! Why? well because without it, cannabis would have no high! AND all other cannabinoids are derived from Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) which is an acidic form of CBG. Even THC and CBD! Holy mother of cannabinoids! CBG is derived from a young cannabis plant, specifically when a cannabis plant begins to mature and bud, as they contain higher amounts of CBG than a fully developed plant. As a cannabis plant matures– various enzymes and compounds combine to create CBGA, which is where all cannabinoids start as the plant nears the end of its grow cycle. With the combination of UV light, the absorption of this light goes and converts THCA and CBDA.
First things first – a Cannabinoid is a type of chemical in the Marijuana plant that causes drug-like effects within the brain and body. These interact specifically within the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the immune system. To break it down even further, Cannabinoid refers to every chemical substance that joins to the Cannabinoid receptors that are present all over our brain and body. These are compounds that are found in the cannabis plant (or synthetic compounds) that interact with the Endocannabinoid system.
Happy Terpene Tuesday!
Happy Terpene Tuesday!
Happy Terpene Tuesday!
Happy Terpene Tuesday!
Happy Terpene Tuesday!
Happy Terpene Tuesday!