Cannabis as medicine

Active Ingredients

Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids and over 300 other chemical compounds that affect various systems in the body. These affect health and disease states. The chemical components of cannabis not only affect the endocannabinoid system, but a multitude of units in our body.

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100+

Cannabinoids in the cannabis plant

300+

other chemical compounds that affect various systems in the body

01 — Active substance group

Phytocannabinoids

Research shows that the effects of phytocannabinoids could be influenced by scents produced by the cannabis plant called terpenes. This interaction would lead to the entourage effect.

Cannabinoids work better in combination than in isolation — the entourage effect.

The entourage effect

This approach states that cannabinoids work better when taken in conjunction with a range of other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and compounds found in cannabis than when taken as isolated agents.

02 — Cannabinoid

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is an intoxicating and psychoactive cannabinoid. It comes in two forms: delta-9-THC and delta-8-THC. Delta-9-THC is the most well-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and is commonly referred to colloquially as THC. It can produce a variety of sensory and mental effects, such as: B. light reverie, a sense of balance, increased sensitivity, but also therapeutic effects.

Main psychoactive compound

While THC is not solely responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, it is the main psychoactive compound.

Activation by heat

THC is only activated when it goes through a heat process. In doing so, it is converted from its original chemical structure THCA (acidic form) to THC.

Binding to CB1 receptors

THC binds and activates the CB1 receptors, found primarily in the central nervous system, leading to the well-known “high” and other psychological effects.

03 — Cannabinoid

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a well-known cannabinoid today and is the focus of much medical research. CBD is considered "non-psychoactive" but does alter consciousness to some extent, as evidenced by its effectiveness on anxiety. After THC, cannabidiol is the second most abundant cannabinoid in the hemp plant. CBD is created by heating or decarboxylating cannabidiol acid (CBDA). Most cannabis strains have lower concentrations of CBD than THC. CBD has many potential therapeutic benefits that consumers continue to endorse.

The effects of CBD on the brain and body are quite complicated. It is most likely that the beneficial effects of CBD occur through multiple biological pathways, rather than just one process. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which CBD relieves conditions such as seizures.

A medical miracle weapon

In contrast to many active pharmaceutical ingredients with only one mechanism of action, CBD is a medical miracle weapon with a convincing side effect profile and great therapeutic potential.

04 — Aroma compounds

Terpenes

Terpenes are the main components of the essential oils found in various strains of cannabis. These substances are responsible for the characteristic smell and taste notes. Terpenes are produced by various plants, especially conifers. Many of the terpenes are related to the plants defense mechanisms against plant pests and the environment.

The word terpene has its origin in turpentine, which is the sap of cut down trees or distilled from wood. Turpentine was used in ancient Chinese medicine to treat toothache and respiratory problems. Terpenes are very volatile and will “vaporize” quickly at moderate temperatures. Because of this, the air smells fresher in the morning, as plants then release their maximum concentration of terpenes before being evaporated by the sun throughout the day.

Occurrence

The main terpenes in cannabis

Medicinal value

Like cannabinoids, terpenes also have properties that underscore a plants medicinal value.

Therapeutic properties

Terpenes give fruits, flowers, vegetables, and spices their pleasant smell. These substances also have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, sleep-inducing and mood-enhancing therapeutic properties.

References

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