Introduction to Cannabinoids

To start to understand how cannabis effects our body first we need to understand our endocannabinoid system and what it controls. We will also go over certain Cannabinoids and their effects on the body. The endocannabinoid system is made up of a group of endogenous cannabinoid receptors located in the brain as well as the central and peripheral nervous system of mammals. Cannabinoids control the homeostasis of the body and help to regulate functions of both organs and tissue. So since we have a endocannabinoid system we are able to take in phytocannabinoids which come from outside the body and have them actually effect our brain and body functions as well. Some cannabinoids are psychoactive and some are not. An example of a cannabinoid that effects the brain is THC this is also the most talked about cannabinoid and tends to get most of the attention. However recently CBD had been gaining in popularity among researchers. This is because CBD can have great effects on people who suffer from seizures or other symptoms of epilepsy. This can include but not limited to lowering the number of and severity of these seizures. It can also lower the psychoactive effects of other cannabinoids allowing THC to fight cancer without leaving the patient in a haze for hours after treatment. This helps people keep up their weight and appetite which also increases the effectiveness of other forms of treatment.