According to experts, there are 50 million expected cannabis users by 2025 across the United States. This will have a significant impact, with sales expected to reach $25 billion.
Cannabis is becoming legal in more states across the US, and more research is going into marijuana than ever before. More current studies are finding out which types of cannabinoids work to relieve pain, inflammation, and dispensaries are popping up everywhere. But what do we know about cannabis at this stage?
The answer: cannabinoids. If you’d like to learn more about cannabinoids, their effects, and their benefits, keep reading because this blog covers everything.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemicals that scientists have identified in the cannabis plant. There are hundreds of different cannabinoids that we know of, but two primary ones are top of our concern: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). A CBN lab test can help tell you more.
THC is a psychoactive compound found in marijuana plants. This chemical is responsible for getting the user “high.” CBD is located in the hemp plant, which contains less than 0.03% of THC. This low level of THC means you don’t get high; instead, the user receives certain health benefits.
Cannabinoids Benefits
There has been a lot of research into the benefits of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Many studies are being done on mice to see their effects on cancer cells. While these benefits are not guaranteed, they have been proven to help with the following:
- Reliving Pain and Inflammation
- Treating Addiction
- Treating Mental Illness
- Increasing Appetite
- Controlling Nausea
- Improving Muscle Control
Certain levels and combinations of THC and CBD have been found to help with pain and inflammation from diseases like endometriosis, arthritis, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia.
It can also help increase appetite in people experiencing severe weight loss and reduce nausea during treatments like chemotherapy. Furthermore, it’s used to help treat mental health problems like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and bipolar disorder.
FDA Approval
It’s essential to note that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t yet approved any use of marijuana. However, cannabinoids like CBD have been approved for medical purposes and can be purchased from dispensaries with an appropriately licensed cannabis card. Research is still in its early phase, and there is a lot more we need to learn before the FDA can approve more.
Cannabinoids Effects
As we mentioned, there are two primary cannabinoids we’re interested in. THC and CBD. Let’s review the effects of each:
1. THC
THC is the compound that gets you high; the effects can vary greatly depending on the marijuana strain. Common strains include White Widow, OG Kush, and Bubba Kush. These strains can be either Indica or Sativa, each providing a different effect.
For example, Indica is a lazier high that finds you stuck to your couch, and Sativa has more of an energizing effect which can get you up and moving. The strain you purchase depends on the high you’re looking for, and many strains are hybrids of Indica and Sativa plants.
2. CBD
There are no noticeable effects of CBD, like THC; however, CBD can offer several health effects like pain relief and appetite stimulation. Some doses of CBD can induce an uplifting feeling for some, but it’s not the same as a THC high.
Know the Types of Cannabinoids Like a Pro
Understanding the different types of cannabinoids is essential to know what you’re consuming. For example, if you want pain relief, then you need to purchase cannabis products that contain levels of CBD. Hopefully, this cannabinoid guide has helped you understand the differences between THC and CBD, the potential health benefits, and their effects.
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