HYBRIDIZATION + THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS
It is the radical hybridization of these wide ranging cannabis genetics that has made cannabis consumption so popular today. Through hybridization the most extreme or less desirable traits and effects of the plant can be decreased, while more desirable effects can be increased, making for a more satisfying experience for the consumer.
HEMP AND CBD?
Hemp is the industrial version of the cannabis plant that has extremely low levels of THC but still has high to higher levels of other minor and less psycho-active cannabinoids primarily CBD (Cannabidiol).
Hemp can be used and found in thousands of commercial and industrial products. Hemp can be used to create biodegradable plastics to rammed earth homes. Used for thousands of years as rope, chordage, and textiles like cloth and canvas.
CBD is a Phytocannabinoid.
CANNABINOIDS
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. These compounds, produced in the trichomes, can interact with the endocannabinoid system found in most mammals. Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) are created in the body while Phytocannabinoids are created in plants and have acidic compounds attached.
There have been over 140 Phytocannabinoids identified so far as new research continues.
Here are some of the most prominent and familiar Phytocannabinoids:
COMMON CANNABINOIDS
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabidiol(CBD)
- Cannabigerol (CBN)
- Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
DECARBOXYLATION
Decarboxylation removes the acidic compound from cannabinoids, allowing for better interaction with endocannabinoid systems.
Decarboxylation is the process of exposing cannabis flower and its bi-products to heat, and or light over time, to release the medicinal or psycho-active properties of the plant. This chemical reaction is required to change how cannabis is received by receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
THCA (TETRAHYDROCANNIBOLIC ACID)
THCA (Tetrahydrocannibolic acid) when decarboxylated turns into Tetrahydracannbinol (THC) the most prevalent and well known of the psycho-active compounds in a cannabis plant.
LANDRACE STRAINS
Original and naturally occurring cannabis genetics are called landrace strains and are found in specific geographical regions. Learn more on LEAFLY – “What is Marijuana Landrace Strain”.
ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
Cannabis contains chemical compounds that interact with the human body by way of the endocannabinoid system discovered in 1992, ((1964 Dr Mechoulam , Hebrew University Jerusalem..? (first to isolate THC Tetrahydrocannbinol)
The endocannabinoid system affects primary and ancient physiological systems in mammals and humans. Endocannabinoid receptors are most prevalent in the major organs, brain, and gut, which allow people to have greater control over the primal biological systems in their bodies that control sleep, hunger, pain, metabolism, sex and reproduction, and other daily human physical experiences.
The fact that most mammals have endocannabinoid systems means to many researchers that mammals evolved for a time with close interactions with phytocannabinoids at some early stage of development. We are all circadians after all, right?
CANNABIS THERAPEUTIC USE
- Cancer
- Appetite
- PTSD
- Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
- Nausea
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Cachexia
- HIV/AIDS
- Degenerative and neurological conditions
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- irritable bowel syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Spasticity
- Tourette syndrome
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Alzheimers
- Huntington’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dystonia
- Dementia
- Glaucoma
- Crohn’s Disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Other Psychoses
Interested in learning more? Read more on National Center for Biotechnology Information on Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis / Cannbinoids.
