There are currently about 113 cannabinoids that have been identified and isolated from cannabis.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids is a general term for a class of chemical compounds that naturally occur in cannabis. They are formed and found in the trichomes of the plant. There are many different cannabinoids or phyto-cannabinoids present in cannabis. These cannabinoids are what makes cannabis such an amazing, beneficial plant. They each have their own set of benefits and effects. This post will focus on the three main cannabinoids, THC, CBN, & CBD.
Did you know that the human body has an Endocannabinoid system or ECS? It is a biological system that’s made up of endocannabinoids that are produced within your body & cannabinoid receptors, C1 & C2. These receptors are located in the brain, central nervous system and immune system. Humans aren’t the only ones, even animals have an endocannabinoid system.
The ECS has been called the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health. It promotes homeostasis which can effect many things like sleep, appetite, pain, inflammation, mood, memory and even reproduction. This same system is responsible for processing the cannabinoids in your cannabis.
THC
- Also known as delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol
- This cannabinoid has the strongest psychoactive effect, which provides the “high” feeling
- Mimics the actions of the endocannabinoid Anandamide
- Causes feelings of euphoria and relaxation
- It alters your behaviour, mood and consciousness
- THC can cause increased feelings of creativity and curiosity
- It can cause altered perception of time
- High levels of THC can cause some to feel anxious, disoriented or “drugged”
- It can have beneficial effects on your health especially when combined with other cannabinoids
- It is neuroprotective, meaning it helps to protect your brain from age related deterioration
- When CBN & CBD are present in higher amounts, it prevents the negative side effects such as anxiety, disorientation and lapses in memory
How to Increase THC in Your Buds
- Pick high THC strains (genetics play a huge role in THC levels)
- Increase resin production to increase overall THC levels
- Harvest when most trichomes are milky/cloudy with few amber tricomes for highest THC levels
- Dry and cure your buds properly, for my blog on check out the link
CBN
- Also known as Cannabinol
- Less psychoactive than THC
- As THC oxidizes, it releases Cannabinol
- Reduces feelings of anxiety that some people feel with high THC levels
- CBN is sedative and contributes to feeling “couchlocked”
- It promotes uninterrupted sleep
- Too much CBN will make you feel groggy/sleepy
- It minimizes the pressure on the optic nerve that’s associated with glaucoma
How to Get More CBN in Your Buds
- Wait longer to harvest because CBN levels are directly linked to the maturity of the buds
- For more CBN, wait until the trichomes have started to turn amber
CBD
- Also known as Cannabidiol
- Genetics mainly affect CBD levels, not environment
- Autoflowers tend to have a higher CBD levels
- High CBD strains tend to have lower THC levels
- It doesn’t make you feel impaired because it’s not psychoactive
- Perfect for someone who wants the benefit of cannabis without impairment
- Higher levels of CBD reduces the psychoactive effects of THC
- Reduces pain and anxiety
- It is neuroprotective, which means it helps to protect your brain from age related deterioration
- Prevents seizures and spasms
- It has a calming effect
- Relieves some types of inflammation
- Prevents the memory impairment and disorientation associated with THC
- Acts as an anti-psychotic for people suffering from Schizophrenia
- Can offer relief for some patients that suffer from Multiple sclerosis, Epilepsy, and Fibromyalgia
- It can possibly help inhibit the growth of Cancer cells
How to Get High CBD in Your Buds
- Genetics determine the CBD amounts. Therefore, you can purchase high CBD strains
- They now have strains of cannabis with High THC levels as well as High CBD levels
How to Control THC, CBN & CBD Levels in Your Buds
- Pick your strain based on your needs (Most important factor for THC & CBD)
- Harvest at the correct time (Important factor for THC & CBN)
- Dry and cure buds properly (Important factor for THC & CBN)