Science is moving so fast that it's estimated every generation of humanity has twice the knowledge available to the previous generation. What you learned in school is probably already obsolete in many ways, and when you hear about certain things in the news, you likely have many questions.
Certain questions pop up quite commonly when it comes to THC, cannabinoids, CBD, and the like. For instance, what is the endocannabinoid system? When were cannabinoids discovered? What is THC? What does CBD do?
Knowing the answers to these helps you keep up with modern conversations as well as making informed life decisions and personal choices. Keep reading for quick answers to these four crucial questions.
What Is The Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system is also known as the ECS. It's a complicated system of cell signaling that researchers discovered in the 1990s. Much has yet to be learned about this system, but thus far, it seems to play a crucial role in the regulation of many different physical processes and functions.
They include but are not limited to sleeping, appetite, fertility, reproduction, memory, and mood. Your body has an ECS present and active. That's true even for those that have never used cannabis.
The ECS is comprised of a trio of crucial components. The first is endocannabinoids. The second is receptors, and the third is enzymes.
Endocannabinoids are also known as endogenous cannabinoids. Even though they're a lot like cannabinoids, these molecules are actually produced by the human body.
Endocannabinoid receptors can be found throughout most of your body. When the ECS has to do something, the triggering signals happen when endocannabinoids bind to the related receptors.
Once endocannabinoids do their job and no longer serve any meaningful function, it's enzymes that break them down.
When Were Cannabinoids Discovered?
Credit for this discovery goes to Robert S. Cahn. He was a British chemist who initially reported about the partial structure of a cannabinol he was studying. His full identification of it came in 1940.
Following on Cahn's CBN research into cannabinols, Roger Adams was the American chemist who actually discovered CBD, or cannabidiols. The stereochemistry of CBD and THC were both identified roughly two decades later.
For a time, CBD was believed to actually come before THC. However, researchers have since established that both THC and CBD are independently produced within cannabis plants, sharing a CBG precursor.
What Is THC?
THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. This chemical is what is responsible for the majority of psychological effects in marijuana. Cannabinoid receptors sit in the brain and are related to things like feeling good, memory retention, and the perception of time. THC can attach to and activate these receptors, resulting in numerous psychological effects.
THC has a stimulating effect on brain cells, getting them to release dopamine. This often creates a sense of euphoria, but it also interrupts information processing in the hippocampus where new memories are formed.
Perhaps one of the best known medical benefits of THC is its ability to reduce appetite. If you suffer from a diet that severely restricts calories, such as those found in diets high in refined carbohydrates, you may notice an increase in appetite. By choosing to take a supplement that contains THC, you will be keeping yourself on track toward losing weight, while eliminating some of the negative side effects that are common with dieting.
Due to the effects, including delusions and hallucinations, THC is one of the most popular drugs around the world. 'Highs' can happen anywhere from 10 minutes to a half an hour after the initial ingestion, with impairment lasting two hours or more.
One of the more serious side effects of ingesting too much THC is the development of severe dehydration. A rapid increase in body temperature, coupled with symptoms of excessive thirst, can cause the most vulnerable portions of your tongue and palate to become coated with saliva, a condition known as dry mouth. This painful condition can prevent people with a chronic condition from properly expressing themselves, as it causes extreme discomfort.
What Does CBD Do?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, also comes from the same plant. However, its THC levels are far lower. This means that CBD products do not have the psychoactive impact that marijuana has.
Still, CBD products often have medicinal benefits and health advantages. Many reputable studies have demonstrated its ability in easing the symptoms of many chronic ailments.
While it's not a cure for anything, CBD has been shown time and again to relieve pain. Marijuana has been used for pain treatment going back at least 5,000 years into history. CBD may interfere with inflammation in the body, reducing pain and discomfort.
Those suffering from depression and anxiety are likely to benefit from CBD. This compound can feature the same benefits of many pharmaceutical drugs without nearly as many side effects. Prescription drugs often lead to drowsiness, insomnia, headache, agitation, and sexual dysfunction.
Some tout CBD as a cure for cancer, but that is certainly not proven. However, it can reduce symptoms of cancer and certain treatement side effects. These include pain, vomiting, and nausea.
Roughly one in 10 people at any given time are suffering from acne. CBD can help with this skin condition. The anti-inflammatory properties are thought to minimize sebum production.
The reason a lot of this is coming more and more often is because of new research looking into such things. The relaxation or even repeal of marijuana laws in many states has lead to the legalization of it in many places, even though it's still technically illegal at the federal level.
When looking for CBD products, always research the source the best you can to make sure you are getting a good product. While technically legal everywhere, it's still close enough to marijuana to sometimes draw attention by authorities. Fortunately, the Internet makes it very possible to consult human reviews of other consumers and find sources of CBD products you can trust.
The pursuit of marijuana/THC products varies based on your current state's laws.
Wishing you all the best and More Life.
Boat & Mane CBD Team