Marijuana Research: Cannabinoid Information Chart

Posted on 03/06/2013 in Medical Marijuana Research

THC, THCV, CBG, CBC, CBN, AND CBD

The most common cannabinoids in cannabis are THC, THCV, CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBD. Since the 1980’s, the discovery of cannabinoid receptor cells has produced multitudes of research of the effects and workings of canabinoids. It was first hypothesized that cannabinoids produced their physiological and behavorial effects via non-specific interaction with cell membranes. It is now known that cannbinoids interact with specific membrane-bound receptors commonly found in mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. At present, there are two known types of cannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2.

When considering cannabis as an alternative medicine, it is important to remember that each cannabis strain has a unique chemical composition with varying amounts of THC, THCV, CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBD. Each strain can affect each person differently. Additionally, cultivation artists are taking cannabis strains and altering their genetic DNA by breeding the best characteristics from each plant. Thus, there are thousands of different variations of the cannabis plant.

Our friends at Canna-Test provided us with a quick visual profile of the potency of cannabinoids, THCV, CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBD. Take some moments to look and become an educated cannabis connoisseur and start bragging to your friends about how much you know about this natural vegetative delight.

Cannabinoid	Effects, features & Medical Applications
THC Tetrahydrocannabinol	Brief: Responsible for the ‘’High’’-effect (psychotropic): it amplifies all sensory functions such as sight, hearing, color sensitivity and increases sexual arousal and a greater sense of well being. Produces strong feelings of euphoria. Sharpens the mind (cerebral) and promotes creativity. Analgesic (pain relieving), sedative, relaxing, energetic, promotes creativity. Discovery: 1964, Gaoni and Mechoulm, Weizmann Institue Rehovot. Known Medicinal Benefits: Anxiolytic – reduces the symptoms of anxiety Neuroprotective – protects against nerve damage Antispasmodic – relieves spasms and convulsions Antiemetic – reduces vomiting and nausea Analgesic – reduces pain Appetite Stimulant – encourages eating and appetite Antioxidant – fights free radicals in the bloodstream Neuropathic analgesic – reduces pain from nervedamage Bronchi-dialator -acts similarly to an inhaler to assist asthmatics with breathing Anti-proliferative anticancer – reduces spread of certain cancers Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation Neurogenesis – promotes growth of new nerve tissue Neuroprotectant – protects nerves from damage
THCV Tetrahydrocannabivarin	Brief: A psychoactive cannabinoid found along with THC in cannabis, research has shown that, in low doses, THCV will increase the effects of THC (strongly potentiating THC, provoking a heavy, stronger and faster “High”-effect) but in larger doses THCV is believed to oppose the effects of THC. Recent research into THCV has focused on its ability to reduce appetite. Discovery: 1970, Edward Gil and colleagues, UK Known medical benefits: Apetite suppressant
CBD Cannabidiol	Brief: CBD works antagonistically in the micromolar range; it has an opposite effect of THC. It reduces the psychoactive effect, or the ‘’high’’ of THC, but in contrast, it will prolong slowly but increasingly this effect strongly. Not psychoactive. Effective against anxiety and stress (sedative). Strong muscle relaxation, especially on the smooth muscle fibers thus reducing muscle spasms. Discovery: 1940,  first isolated by Adams and colleagues, and stereochemically determined in 1963 by Mechoulam and Shvo. Known Medicinal Benefits:  Anxiolytic – reduces the symptoms of anxiety. Antiepileptic - reduces seizures and convulsions Neuroprotective – protects against nerve damage Vasorelaxant – reduces tension in blood vessel walls Antispasmodic – relieves spasms and convulsions Anti-ischemic – reduces risk of artery blockage Antiemetic – reduces vomiting and nausea Antibacterial – kills surface bacteria Antidiabetic – reduces blood sugar levels Antipsoriatic – reduces effects of psoriasis Antipsychotic – reduces psychosis including delusions or hallucinations Analgesic – reduces pain Bone-stimulant – promotes bone growth Intestinal anti-prokinetic – reduces contractions in the small intestine Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation Antiproliferative anticancer – reduces spread of certain cancers Immunosuppressant – reduces function in immune system
CBN Cannabinol	Brief: Mildly psychoactive, sedative, analgesic. CBN is, just like aspirin, a non-narcotic type analgesic, but 3x as strong. CBN is a breakdown product of THC. During storage (aging) CBN will slowly increase as THC deteriorates. CBN is effective at relieving tension headache. Discovery: 1896, Wood and colleagues in Cambridge, the first natural cannabinoid to be obtained in pure form Known Medicinal Benefits: Antispasmodic – relieves spasms and convulsions Analgesic – reduces pain Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation Antioxidant – fights free radicals in the bloodstream
CBG Cannabigerol	Brief: Sedative, CBG tends to be higher in cannabis species without much THC (hemp varieties) and has hitherto been found only in trace amounts in most marijuana strains. CBG is the precursor form of a few of the other cannabinoids including THC and CBD. While little research has been conducted on CBG, it has been found to have medical properties including acting as a sedative, sleep inducer. Anti-microbial properties make it effective in treating bacterial infections. Discovery: 1964 Gaoni and Mechoulam Known Medicinal Benefits: Antibacterial – kills surface bacteria Anti-microbial Antiproliferative – inhibits cell growth Bone Stimulant – promotes bone growth
CBC Cannabichromene	Brief: Non-psychoactive cannabinoid that also potentiates THC. It interacts in an as yet unknown way with THC to make the ‘’high’’ more intense and pronounced.  it is also considered a strong sedative and analgesic. Discovery: 1966 independently reported by Claussen and colleagues as well as Gaoni and Mechoulam. Known Medicinal Benefits: Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation Analgesic – reduces pain Bone Stimulant – promotes bone growth Antimicrobial – kills bacteria or fungi Antiproliferative – inhibits cell growth Vasoconstriction - constricting of the blood vessels Effective treatment of migraine
THCA D9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid	Brief: D9-THC has two acidic analogs: D9-THCA A and D9-THCA Bc. D9-THCA Discovery: D9-THCA A, first extracted by Korte and coworkers (1965), was isolated as a pure compound in 1967 by Nishioka’s group. In 1969, Mechoulam and coworkers reported the isolation of D9-THCA B. Known medical benefits: Anti-proliferative Anti-spasmodic Anti-inflamatory
CBDA Cannabidiolic Acid	Brief: The first cannabinoid acidc to be discovered, Together with CBD, CBDA is the main component of glandular hairs (up to 15%). In fresh plant material, 95% of CBD exists as its acid. Discovery: 1955, Isolated by Krejci and Santavy. Known Medical Benefits: Anti-proliferative actions
References	Angelo A. Izzo1,4, Francesca Borrelli1,4, Raffaele Capasso1,4, Vincenzo Di Marzo2,4 and Raphael Mechoulam3. (2009) Non-psychotropic plant cannabinoids: new therapeutic opportunities from an ancient herb. TIPS-730. 13 Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy 2 Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy 3Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, Hebrew University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, Israel 4Endocannabinoid Research Group, Italy R.J. Glas Alpha Nova Pharma Wageningen