Better living through cannabis

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has been a topic of controversy for many years. While some people view it as a harmful drug, others argue that it has significant benefits for health. In Canada, where I am based, cannabis is legalised and the range of cannabis products and their purported benefits to health can be quite overwhelming.

The two primary compounds – cannabinoids – found in cannabis are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) – which is non-psychoactive, and both have been shown to have potential health benefits. However, the cannabis plant contains a spectrum of compounds, including lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), and CBN (cannabinol). These compounds interact with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, and other physiological processes.

Here are some of the ways in which cannabis, THC, and CBD can benefit brain health:

1. Pain relief: THC and CBD are both known for their pain-relieving properties. Cannabinoids, particularly CBD and THC, have been found to be effective for pain management in various conditions, including cancer, neuropathic pain, and chronic pain. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in pain regulation, and cannabinoids can interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors to reduce pain perception.
2. Reducing inflammation: CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain and other inflammatory disorders.
3. Treating epilepsy: CBD has been shown to be effective in treating certain forms of epilepsy. In fact, the FDA has approved a medication called Epidiolex, which contains CBD, for the treatment of two types of epilepsy.
4. Anxiety and depression: THC and CBD have both been shown to have potential benefits for anxiety and depression. While THC can sometimes increase anxiety, CBD has been shown to have anti-anxiety properties.
5. Improving sleep: THC has been found to increase drowsiness and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, while CBD has been shown to improve the quality of sleep and reduce the frequency of waking up during the night. THC appears to improve sleep by interacting with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, which are located in the brain and other parts of the body. THC binds to these receptors, which can result in a feeling of relaxation and drowsiness. CBD, on the other hand, appears to improve sleep by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. CBD can also interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which can help regulate mood and improve sleep quality.
6. Appetite stimulation: THC appears to increase appetite by activating the body’s cannabinoid receptors, which are involved in regulating hunger and food intake. In addition, THC may also increase the release of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite. THC has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Several THC-based medications have been FDA-approved – including Marinol and Syndros which contain dronabinol (synthetic THC), and Cesamet contains nabilone (synthetic THC).

Now let’s take a closer look at CBG, CBC, and CBN: The lesser-known cannabinoids

1. Cannabigerol (CBG):

CBG, often referred to as the “stem cell” of cannabinoids, is considered a minor cannabinoid as it is present in smaller quantities compared to THC and CBD. However, recent studies have highlighted its potential health benefits, leading to increased interest in this cannabinoid.

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: CBG has shown promise as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, which may be beneficial in managing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBG have been tested on mice with induced colitis, indicating that it may be a treatment for various inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Neuroprotective Effects: CBG has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, indicating potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. A study of Huntington’s disease in mice, showed that CBG reduced nerve cell degeneration in the brain by protecting neurons.
• Focus, arousal and mental clarity: CBG can activate alpha-2 receptors, which regulate blood pressure and heart rate, as well as sympathetic nervous system activity.
• Antimicrobial Activity: Studies suggest that CBG possesses antimicrobial properties, making it a potential candidate for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections.

2. Cannabichromene (CBC):

CBC is another lesser-known cannabinoid that deserves attention for its unique properties. Although it does not receive as much scientific focus as THC or CBD, CBC has shown potential in several areas.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Similar to CBG, CBC exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which may be helpful in managing inflammatory conditions such as acne and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Pain Relief: CBC appears to interact with pain receptors in the body, potentially contributing to its analgesic properties and making it a promising candidate for pain management.
• Neurological Conditions: Preliminary research suggests that CBC may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially play a role in the treatment of conditions like multiple sclerosis.

3. Cannabinol (CBN):

CBN is a cannabinoid that forms through the degradation of THC. While it is usually present in minimal quantities in fresh cannabis plants, it becomes more abundant as THC ages or undergoes exposure to light and heat.

• Sleep Aid: CBN is often associated with sedative effects, which may make it useful for individuals experiencing sleep difficulties or insomnia.
• Antibacterial Properties: Preliminary research suggests that CBN could have antibacterial properties, potentially helping to combat bacterial infections.
• Appetite Stimulant: Some studies indicate that CBN may increase appetite, offering potential benefits for individuals with reduced appetite due to certain medical conditions.

While THC and CBD remain at the forefront of cannabinoid research, cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, and CBN are gaining recognition for their unique properties and potential therapeutic benefits. You could start your day with CBG for a boost in energy and motivation to get productive at work, and end your day with CBN for sleep and relaxation.

Lastly, my piece of advice is for if you have overshot on THC and feel a bit too high, or maybe paranoid and anxious thoughts are intruding. CBD oil (drop under the tongue) can help, as can crunching black peppercorns between your teeth. Black pepper contains the terpenes pinene and caryophyllene, which are both known to temper THC’s psychoactive effect to create a more calming, therapeutic effect.

It’s important to note that THC can also cause unwanted side effects such as grogginess and impaired memory and coordination. There may be potential risks and side effects of taking any cannabinoid, especially for those with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications.