What Are Cannabinoids?

One of the most valuable words in the medical cannabis glossary, that all patients need to understand, is cannabinoid. Cannabinoids, like THC, CBD and CBG, are organic chemical compounds that, with terpenes, make up the building blocks of the cannabis plant. Translating into medicinally valuable relief, cannabinoids have been successfully used in the treatment of conditions such as cancer, seizures and multiple sclerosis and symptoms such as inflammation, pain and nausea.

Cannabis cannabinoids provide such medical efficacy to humans because they mimic our own naturally produced endocannabinoids, and bind to the same receptors, located throughout the brain and body. The human endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating many different body systems, including pain, memory, mood and appetite. The unique ability of cannabis cannabinoids to be able to communicate with the human body in the same manner that it communicates with itself makes it an ideal medicine for humans.

The following sections provide additional information on some of the more well-known and widely referenced cannabinoids – we’ll help explain what these cannabinoids do and how they may effect the body.  We hope that you find this information helpful.

Interesting Fact

ALS expert and Medical Director of the St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute in Spokane, Washington, Dr. Gary Carter, reports that cannabis is the ideal treatment for ALS. Dr. Carter is known for saying, “Cannabis is custom made to treat ALS.”

REFERENCES
The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research.
Cannabidiol modulates excitatory-inhibitory ratio to counter hippocampal hyperactivity