While cannabis has been around for thousands of years, we’re only really beginning to understand what it does and what benefits it can provide. Currently, there are more than 120 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. These are the compounds mainly responsible for the benefits and effects you experience.
Cannabinoids enter your bloodstream and travel to your endocannabinoid system, the system responsible for maintaining internal homeostasis or balance. When something’s off, the ECS triggers your body to make natural endocannabinoids, which bind to receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the system.
Cannabinoids work similarly to your natural endocannabinoids. Many of them bind with the CB1 or CB2 receptors in your ECS to “unlock” specific effects that help to restore your natural balance.
Whether you’re an expert user with years of experience under your belt or you’re a novice just getting started, you’ve likely heard of THC and CBD. These are the two most common cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. THC is the compound that triggers the euphoric high you feel when you use cannabis products. It can also help to reduce pain, ease nausea, and even slow the progression of cognitive decline. CBD doesn’t get you high, but it does provide some significant benefits such as reducing inflammation and tempering the high-inducing properties of THC.
Other cannabinoids gaining popularity recently include:
Terpenes are other compounds in cannabis plants. They’re not exclusive to cannabis. You can find them in all kinds of other plants, including trees, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. These are the compounds responsible for the aroma and flavor of each strain. Every strain has its own unique terpene profile.
Along with giving every strain its signature scent and flavor, terpenes also provide some additional benefits. Some terpenes promote relaxation, while others boost your energy. Some offer analgesic or stress-relieving properties. Some studies also suggest that terpenes can enhance the benefits of the various cannabinoids in a particular strain, making the plant a more effective medicine.
Some common terpenes you might see on cannabis labels include:
Cannabis contains numerous compounds, many of them being cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds help to provide a variety of beneficial effects. They offer pain relief, anxiety relief, help you to relax, boost creativity, and more. Knowing how these compounds work and what specific benefits they offer will allow you to select the best strains to meet your unique needs.
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