Pharmacodynamics: effects and mechanisms of cannabinoids

Cannabinoids have received a lot of attention in recent years, due to the legalization of cannabis that is affecting the US. UU., Scientific research on its effects or the growing popularity of hemp and CBD. This attention is found in constant discoveries, of which most appear to be positive, at least initially. Therefore, it seemed a good idea to take a look at the long-awaited pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids, that is, their mechanisms and effects.

A look at the mechanisms of cannabinoids

Cannabis cannabinoids interact with the body by binding to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. A system that all human beings have and that is found throughout the body. Our body naturally produces its own version of cannabinoids that interact with the system, but if external varieties are added, the stimulation of the system increases.

In the endocannabinoid system, there are two main types of known receptors (the discovery of this system is relatively new). The first is the CB1 receptor. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain, central nervous system, and related organs. They are believed to play an important role in functions such as sleep, appetite, mood and pain perception.

The other type of receptors that cannabinoids interact with are known as CB2 receptors. These are found throughout the body, especially in the immune system, the gastrointestinal system, and its related organs. It is believed that the activation of these receptors helps modulate inflammation, reducing its severity.

Inflammation

Effects of the 5 main cannabinoids

Although much more complicated, the above summarizes the mechanics of how cannabinoids interact with the body. So it’s time to take a look at some of its effects. It should be noted that the following effects are still being studied and that new interactions are discovered every day, which helps us understand their true effects.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is undoubtedly the most famous cannabinoid of all. It is also usually the most common cannabis cannabinoid. In hemp, it is only present in small amounts, so small that it is often considered legal. THC is psychoactive, which allows its consumers to feel “established.” In addition, it is also believed to offer pain relief, stimulate appetite, reduce nausea and suppress muscle spasms.

CBD (cannabidiol)

Possibly the second most famous cannabinoid, CBD is not psychoactive, which means that its consumption does not take place. It is found in both hemp and cannabis in large quantities.
It is believed that the main effects of CBD are inflammation reduction, pain relief, appetite stimulation, nausea reduction, anxiety reduction, psychosis management, reduction of frequency of seizures, suppression of muscle spasms and reduction of growth bacteria, to name a few. As you can see, CBD is the focus of scientific research for good reason.

CBC (cannabichromene)

CBC, although present in small amounts, remains much longer in the bloodstream than other cannabinoids. This makes its effects last longer. It is believed to provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, retard bacterial growth and promote bone formation.

CBG (cannabigerol)

CBG acts as a stem cell for other cannabinoids, such as THC, CBC, and CBD. As the hemp plant grows, the CBG becomes each one. Therefore, when the time comes to harvest, there is hardly anything left at the plant. It is believed that its effects are pain relief, inflammation reduction, healthy bone growth and that it has the ability to fight fungal infections.

CBN (cannabinol)

CBN occurs when THC is exposed to oxygen. The result is a calming effect. Therefore, it is associated with pain relief, reduction of muscle spasms and improvement of sleep. When cannabis consumed, it is partly responsible for the lethargic or “sofa” effect that is sometimes experienced.

As you can see, there is much to learn about cannabinoids and how they interact with our bodies. The pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids is a very complex issue. We hope that the above serves as a brief description of what happens, but if you want to know, there is much more to read.