Marijuana consumption is sure to produce a wide range of effects that might vary in every individual. The effects and feelings depend on the strain, type of the product consumed, and its potency. It might make you feel energized and very social or help you feel a lot calmer than usual. There are also medical effects displayed by marijuana that helps treats seizures, anxiety, nausea, chronic pain, or other serious symptoms. But what in marijuana helps show these effects? The answer lies in cannabinoids.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabis contains a naturally occurring compound called the cannabinoid, which is unique to this plant. These are similar to the endocannabinoids present in the human body. This is responsible for maintaining the homeostasis in the body and regulates the internal human health and immune system functioning. These endocannabinoids work by providing signals to other cells to help euphorically produce feelings of high.

How do cannabinoids work?

The cannabinoids function by binding to the receptors of the body. Till today, there are two different receptor classes that have been identified for cannabinoid binding:

• CB-1, which is commonly found in brain cells and the CNS.

• CB-2, which is commonly found in the body and the immune system.

The cannabinoids interact with these receptors and function like locks and keys would do. The various effects that they liberate are dependent on the type of receptor they are binding with.

What are the types of cannabinoids?

Various types of cannabinoids are released through different strains of marijuana plants. Here are they listed:

THC

THC is one of those cannabinoids that will help you get high. This is also one of the most abundant cannabinoids found today in marijuana plants. The THC can bind with the CB-1 receptor in the brain to help produce strong psychoactive effects.

CBD

This is yet another popular cannabinoid and is opposite to that of THC. This does not produce any intoxicating effect and mostly binds with the CB-2 receptors. This gives more psychological effects.

CBG

Cannabigerol is a less common cannabinoid and has non-psychoactive effects. This is present in smaller amounts.

CBC

The cannabichromene is another minor non-psychoactive cannabinoid popular for its healing properties. This acts as a buffer against THC.

CBN

CBN is psychoactive but is marginally lower as compared to THC. Old marijuana might have a higher CBN quantity.

In this way, there are a lot more types of cannabinoids to get discovered and which might be helpful.