Do not use cannabis if you are under twenty-one years of age. Keep cannabis out of the reach of children.
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On the surface, the compounds known as cannabinoids are just a confusing series of acronyms: THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, and a hundred others. But cannabinoids aren't just a bunch of nonsensical letters–they are the secret behind the cannabis plant's powerful and pleasantly nuanced effects.
Here, we get into these fascinating cannabis plant compounds that work seamlessly within our bodies for euphoric and, sometimes, therapeutic effects. Whether you are just starting your exploration of cannabis or are ready to go deeper, this guide to all things cannabinoids is for you.
In the broad sense, cannabinoids include any chemical compounds or molecules "that can interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the human body."
While many of us understand cannabinoids as compounds produced by the Cannabis sativa plant, there are technically three different types. Some are produced by our bodies (endocannabinoids), some are made by plants (phytocannabinoids), and then there are those produced synthetically (synthetic cannabinoids).
These are naturally occurring compounds produced within the human body that interact with the endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoids are endogenous, meaning they are produced naturally by the body.
The two main endocannabinoids you'll likely hear about are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Both act as neurotransmitters, sending signals between nerve cells.
These endocannabinoid molecules help regulate various physiological processes, including mood, memory, appetite, pain sensation, and immune function.
In many ways, phytocannabinoids mirror the effects of our own internal endocannabinoids but are naturally produced by the cannabis plant.
If you are at all familiar with cannabis, these are the compounds you've probably heard of before, like delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Phytocannabinoids (which we'll refer to going forward as cannabinoids) are all-natural chemicals that work in the human body to create a broad spectrum of therapeutic and, often, fun effects.
Synthetic cannabinoids don't come from the cannabis plant; they are human-made chemicals designed in a laboratory to mimic the effects of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. They are designed to be a synthetic analog to bind to the same brain receptors as THC. They can, however, be much more potent, unpredictable, and have more serious adverse effects.
Synthetic cannabinoids have become prolific in places where cannabis remains illegal, and new synthetic cannabinoids with unknown health risks continue to emerge each year. For example, spice is a synthetic cannabinoid and one that is more connected to drug abuse than those found in cannabis sativa.
With so many cannabinoids, it can get confusing. But here, we are focused on the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Alongside other natural compounds like terpenes, cannabinoids are the fundamental drivers behind the plant's many effects—whether relaxation, euphoria, or relief.
There are well over 100 different cannabinoids produced by cannabis, with more discovered all the time.
The two main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These are the two you'll most frequently encounter at the dispensary.
THC is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the fun, intoxicating "high." It produces a euphoric, relaxing, and mood-altering experience, which is what many people love about cannabis. This cannabinoid forms one of the strongest connections to our endocannabinoid system, binding directly to the receptors in the brain. In technical terms, it's called a cannabinoid agonist.
This connection is often described as a key fitting into a lock or a hand into a glove. THC's connection involves areas of the brain responsible for memory, pleasure, coordination, and perception. It is also widely used among medical marijuana patients for chronic pain relief, nausea reduction, and appetite stimulation.
With that said, it’s the cannabinoid that can have the most potent side effects, which can include anxiety, paranoia, and impaired memory when consumed in high doses. If you are new to the effects of THC, it is always good to start with a small serving size and increase only if well tolerated.
This is the much mellower cousin cannabinoid to THC. Unlike THC, CBD is a non-intoxicating compound that does not produce a "high," even with large servings. Instead of euphoria and heightened senses, CBD is relaxing, calming, and inherently soothing.
CBD does not form a direct connection to the receptors in our brain. Instead, it forms an indirect relationship with both types of cannabinoid receptors. It also seems to influence other receptors in the body, including serotonin receptors.
This ancillary association could actually help mitigate some of THC’s side effects. Products with a percentage of CBD alongside THC are frequently reported as being mellower, with less intensity.
Because CBD is so chill, it’s generally well tolerated, even in high doses. It comes with fewer side effects compared to THC. CBD serves as a great introduction to cannabis and the effects of cannabinoids.
THC and CBD are, of course, just a small part of the cannabinoid story. Every cannabis cultivar or strain contains a dozen or more cannabinoids, which play together like an orchestra to create nuanced and interesting effects.
They matter because many believe they contribute to the entourage effect, which suggests that when combined, cannabinoids are more powerful and pleasant than the sum of their individual parts. This partially explains why people prefer full-spectrum cannabis products, which contain a myriad of cannabinoids and more balanced effects.
Here are five minor cannabinoids you might encounter as you explore the effects of cannabis:
Studied for its anti-epileptic effects
When you head into a dispensary like Shangri-La, you'll find a product's cannabinoid content listed on the label. At the bare minimum, you'll find THC and CBD content, but increasingly, minor cannabinoids may also be listed.
You could also see a ratio, like 20:1 or 5:1, which indicates the ratio of THC to CBD. This is a simple way to understand effects, like how strong the experience could be.
If in doubt, you can always ask our patient consultants to help decipher the labels and find a product perfect for your needs and circumstances.
Cannabinoids, whether they come from a plant or are produced endogenously, interact with what’s called the endocannabinoid system. This system was only discovered in 1992, yet it profoundly impacts many aspects of our lives.
The endocannabinoid system helps balance everything—mood, appetite, sleep, and pain. It’s how our body maintains harmony, responding to internal and external changes.
Think of the endocannabinoid system as your body's internal balancing mechanism, like a thermostat in your house. When something's off, your body releases natural molecules (endocannabinoids) to adjust the "temperature" and return it to a more comfortable state.
Cannabinoids from cannabis (like THC and CBD) act like extra helpers, interacting with the same endocannabinoid receptors to fine-tune physiological processes. Using the thermostat example again, cannabinoids turn the temperature up or down to keep things comfy.
In the simplest terms, CB1 and CB2 receptors are spread throughout the human body. However, they tend to be concentrated in specific areas like major organs and the brain.
When cannabinoids like THC or CBD impact these receptors, they modulate various physiological functions, including pain relief, mood regulation, and immune response, creating the effects commonly associated with cannabis consumption.
Humans have been relying on cannabis for millennia. Yet, it's only been in the last few decades that modern medicine has paid any attention to this plant's possible therapeutic effects.
Before we explore some of the possibilities, it's important to note that the evidence for these benefits often came from preliminary studies rather than large-scale clinical trials. This is due to the misdirected prohibition of cannabis that lasted throughout the 20th century. Legalization is helping change this, making it easier for scientists to work with cannabis and study its effects.
All of this is to say that more research is needed before we can draw any conclusions on the efficacy, dosing, routes of administration, and side effects of cannabinoids.
With all that aside, let's look at one of the most overarching cannabinoid research reviews, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report "The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids."
Here are the author's conclusions about the medicinal effects cannabinoids produce:
Wait! Aren't there patients across the country relying on the therapeutic effects of cannabis to treat far more than pain, nausea, and spasticity? There is a much longer list of possible applications for cannabis, but with slightly less scientific support (due to the plant’s legal history, which we outlined above).
Across the more than 38 states that have legalized medical marijuana, doctors can recommend cannabis and cannabinoid products for a long list of conditions. They vary from state to state, but here is the list from Missouri, where you'll find Shangri-La's licensed medical marijuana dispensary.
Everything we put in our bodies comes with a risk of side effects, whether it's foods, prescription drugs, or plants. Even too much water comes with very serious and negative effects. Cannabis plants and the cannabinoids they contain are no different.
In general, cannabinoids typically have a pretty good safety profile. Both the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed there have been no overdose deaths attributed solely to cannabis use.
Most side effects that stem from cannabinoids are specifically related to THC, which is the primary intoxicating compound. With this cannabinoid, side effects can include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and impaired memory and concentration. These are often considered mild to moderate in severity.
Remember that side effects will vary depending on the specific cannabinoid, dosage, route of administration, and the individual. If you have never tried cannabis, it's easy to overwhelm your cannabinoid receptors, which have never seen a THC molecule before.
So, when it comes to intoxicating cannabinoids like THC, you'll want to start with a very low serving and only increase once you are familiar with the effects.
Cannabinoids are powerful, complex compounds that can play a vital role in how our bodies regulate everything from mood to pain to hunger. Whether offering a fun euphoric buzz or powerful therapeutic relief, it's clear these molecules give us a fascinating peek into the intricate relationship between natural plant compounds and the body's internal systems, with endless potential for enhancing both wellness and enjoyment.
Ready to experience the full spectrum of what cannabinoids have to offer? Visit us at Shangri La. We'd love to help you explore!
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