Cannabinoids are the major component of the cannabis plant that give its medicinal properties. Cannabinoids, along with terpenes, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to relieve symptoms.
Continue reading to learn more about cannabinoids.
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoid is an umbrella term commonly used to describe phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. A cannabinoid is a type of neurotransmitter that reacts with receptors in the human body. Neurotransmitters are signaling molecules that fill in the gap, the synapse, between two neurons and bind to receptors. This allows for various functions that occur in the body. Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced by a plant whereas endocannabinoids are found in mammals. There have been over 100 cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant.
Most cannabinoids found in cannabis are acids and their decarboxylated form is what you find in medical cannabis products. For example, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is naturally found in high concentrations in marijuana and then is decarboxylated during the extraction process to convert it to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Common cannabinoids include:
- THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol)
- CBD (Cannabidiol)
- CBG (Cannabigerol)
- CBN (Cannabinol)
How do cannabinoids interact with my body?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most well-known and most abundant phytocannabinoids found in cannabis. They interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that also interact with the endocannabinoid system and contribute to the entourage effect. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors are primarily found in the peripheral nervous system.
Which cannabinoids are in Texas Original’s medicine?
THC and CBD are the two cannabinoids in Texas Original’s medicine. These cannabinoids work well together and can be found in different ratios in our formulations. The first number of the ratio is CBD and the second number is THC.
Our High-CBD formulation is a 20:1 ratio that is available in tincture or mouth spray. A high-CBD concentration is most beneficial for epileptic patients. Our Balanced formulations come in two ratios, a 3:1 ratio and a 1:1 ratio. Our Balanced formulations are available in tincture, lozenges or gummies (1:1 only). The THC-only formulation is a 0:1 ratio available in tincture or gummies. The Balanced and THC-only formulations may be beneficial for patients experiencing pain, insomnia, nausea, spasticity and many other symptoms.
Each person’s cannabinoid system is unique. Therefore, sensitivity to different cannabinoids varies by person. Registered physicians in the Texas Compassionate Use Program work with their patients to find which formulation and dose work best to relieve their individual symptoms. If you would like to speak with a registered physician about your eligibility for a medical marijuana prescription at no cost, please click on the button below.
