Cannabinoid Science & Other Interesting Marijuana Stuff.

The active ingredients in marijuana are called cannabinoids. There are several important cannibinoids besides THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and more will likely be discovered as research into this marvelous plant continues. These cannabinoids (CBG, CBD, CBC, THCV, CBND, up to sixty types) are variations of the molecule's basic structure (along with additional aroma molecules attached). These differences change the way it works in the body. Whereas THC can make you feel high, by itself it has the potential to increase anxiety, nervousness and paranoia. Some of the other major cannabinoids have more calming effects, and act as a buffer against those negative effects of pure THC.

And so, it is the blend of these various active ingredients that gives a particular strain of marijuana its special properties. Some plants (especially sativa varieties) have more THC in their mix, and provide a recreational aspect to cannabis use. Other kinds of marijuana (especially indica strains) are more apt to be calming, sedating and anxiety reducing because they have a lower ratio of THC to the other cannabinoids. Patients eventually find certain strains that have the desired effects specific to their need.

A super magnification of the surface of a marijuana leaf showing the
trichomes, resin globules full of cannabinoids, the active ingredients.

The active chemicals are held in the resin of the plant, and are soluble in oil, not water. The resin accumulates on the exterior of the plant in trichomes. Sticky and pungent, resin probably acts to discourage incects and rodents from feeding. Marijuana is the only plant in the botanical world that produces cannabinoids, and consequently has been a part of mankind's history, evident in art thousands of years old. Marijuana residue has been found in all manner of archeological discoveries, including Shakespeare era pipe bowls dredged from London's River Thames.

In the animal kingdom, almost all living tissue is embued with cannabinoid receptors. These molecules of protein, are sensors that receive chemical messages – or more precisely the cannabinoids. Scientists speculate that cannabinoids are used to erase the information constantly being absorbed, otherwise we would be overwhelmed with sensoray data. Our "home-made" cannabinoids keep the world at bay, providing necessary insulation from the ordinary stress of existance. In a very real way, cannabis is about easing impact on living systems, whether it's letting the body forget about pain, or helping the mind to be free from traumatic memory.

Unlike hormones, these chemicals are not water soluble, therefore the body's transmitters of cannabinoids are in close proximity to the receptors. These receptors are everywhere on the cell walls of most tissues in mammals, reptiles, bugs, birds, fish, worms etc. Marijuana is the only plant that produces cannabinoids. It is truly a significant member of history's pharmacopeia, and assuredly will become recognized also as a boon to modern medicine.

Research indicates that there are two types of cannabinoid receptors in humans. The first is tuned to THC, and is most concentrated in the brain. This could explain the "trippy" quality of THC, its mental and psychedelic nature. The other type receptor is more widely distributed in the rest of the body, especially muscle tissue. This second kind of receptor reacts to non-THC cannabinoids and is felt more physically. This may be the reason behind pain reduction and a sense of "flying" or being "stoned".

The contrast between the alert and excitable THC and its more calm and sleepy chemical cousins makes each strain of marijuana distinctive in effect as well as fragrance and taste. It is recommended for patients to explore the various strains, to find those best suited for their treatment and decide which types are better for different times of day, etc. One patient mixes her own blend of sativa with indica, using sativa strong mix for daytime and mixing indica strong at day's end.