The Endocannabinoid System
All over our bodies we have receptors. These CB1 and CB2 receptors make up the endcannabinoid system. Everything except insects have an endocannabinoid system and can benefit from cannabis products. According to wholistic health, “The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors, signaling molecules, and metabolic enzymes. A building body of research shows that the ECS has a significant influence on human health and well-being, serving an essential function in the human body: restoring homeostasis via physiological and regulatory mechanisms.”
The 1964 discovery of THC and CBD led to the 1988 discovery of the Endocannabinoid system, although it is still rarely taught in medical school. Why do we have more disease even with better medical care? The theory is Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome. This theory, presented over 20 years ago in 2001, was re-evaluated in 2016 and they found much of the research to hold up.
The theory is generally this: Hundreds of years ago, hemp grew wild. It cross-polinated with the fruits and vegetables and grains and then people would eat them. Animals would eat the wild cannabis and then people would eat the animals. They wrote on hemp, they wore hemp, and it literally permeated every facet of their lives. Then we outlawed it. Now, people are so deficient in cannabinoids, it is making them sick. When you replace cannabinoids, people begin to get healthier. When the ECS is regulated properly, it will bring the body closer to homeostasis.
What exactly IS THCa?
THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the inactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) molecule, the well-known psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Unlike THC, THCa is non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn’t produce the psychoactive effects typically associated with THC consumption. THCa becomes Delta9 THC (what is illegal in many states) when it is lit on fire. Therefore, all cannabis flower is THC-A flower until you light it on fire.
When cannabis grows, it produces THCa in the plant’s trichomes (small hair-like structures). During the heating (decarboxylation) process, THCa converts into THC. This transformation occurs when THC-A loses a carboxyl group (COOH) through heat or time, becoming the active THC. In its raw form, THCa offers potential therapeutic benefits but without the intoxicating effects of THC.
Research suggests that THCa may possess anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiemetic (anti-vomiting) properties. Some studies also propose its potential for pain relief, though more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and mechanisms of action. There have been more than 50 years worth of studies, mostly in Israel, paid for by the United States.
The Alphabets
Synthetics
Just when you thought you had CBD and THC figured out, here come the alphabets. A few months ago, we discussed synthetic cannabinoids. THC-P, THC-JD, THC-H, and THC-B are all naturally occuring in the plant in VERY small amounts, trace amounts. According to wikipedia, THC-P is naturally occuring only from 0.0023% to 0.0136% To use them in products, they are created completely synthetically and can be extremely dangerous if not created properly.
I personally have had TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) and ER nurses tell me that people are coming in or calling in and acting like they are taking some serious drugs (like bath salts) and SWEARING they only used cannabis. I believe it is because of the synthetic nature of these cannabinoids. It makes products cheaper (which is why people are using them) and these cannabinoids bind 30 times more tightly to cannabinoid receptors. People think they are very high with smaller amouts.
According to the CDC, “these seemingly innocent packages of “fake weed” can cause serious side effects that are very different from those of marijuana..” These include, but are not limited to, rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. These synthetics take on the properties of Spice, which was outlawed for a reason.
THC-V, Delta8 THC, Delta9 THC, CBD
Unfortunately, those aren’t all the alphabets. There are also some good ones. CBD and THC (delta 9 THC) are the two most plentiful cannabinoids in the plant and responsible for most of the medical benefits as well. Full or Broad spectrum CBD means you can get it with or without THC, particularly important for folks who get drug tested. A drug test will test for Delta9 THC only, depending on how sensitive it is.
THC-V is another very cool cannabinoid. THC-V is becoming know for its craving suppression (drug and food craving supression) properties, which could have some really amazing indications for our society. It has also shown some use for bone growth and in helping with blood sugar issues for diabetics.
Delta8 THC is created from CBD Isolate. The difference in most cannabinoids is only a double bond. Someone much smarter than me figured out a way to add an acid, then a base to neutralize it, to CBD and move that bond around to create a THC-like substance. Because of the nature of this creation, and many of the other cannabis products, it is always extremely important to know your source so you know that the people making your products are just as concerned about the folks ingesting their products.
The greatest re-branding effort in history
In the graphic above, look for the CBGA molecule. CBGA is called the “mother cannabinoid’ and it is what becomes CBD and THC. After Covid hit, many began researching how cannabinoids would effect it. This study found that cannabinoids, specifically CBDa and CBGa, helped prevent cellular entry of Covid to a person’s cells. They found, “Orally bioavailable and with a long history of safe human use, these cannabinoids, isolated or in hemp extracts, have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.”
There are literally hundreds of studies and articles on cannabis in general and the different cannabinoids. Just remember when reading them that the medical world is opposed to cannabis and yet they still can’t avoid putting out studies with great results from cannabis. That’s what happens when something works.
The part of the cannabis plant that is illegal federally, and in many states, is Delta9 THC. However, before the plant is lit on fire, it’s still THCa, the inactive THC molecule. And they just wrote it into our law in Tennessee. One day they will learn we’re smarter than they are and it will be federally legal. They’re discussing rescheduling right now actually. It will remove most of TN’s objections to creating a cannabis law and we might actually see some things change.
