By now, we are all well aware that marijuana has the potential to treat a vast array of illnesses and symptoms. Often times, when we think about medical marijuana, THC and CBD come to mind. While it is true that many of the medical properties of cannabis stem from these two main compounds, they are not the only two found in the plant. There are over 100 other beneficial compounds in Marijuana, albeit in much smaller quantities when compared to THC and CBD. While they are not as prevalent, they still have a huge impact on how THC and CBD affect us.
First, we're going to examine the medical properties of THC and CBD, and then we will look at some of the lesser known cannabinoids to better understand how medical marijuana can help us!
The Two Most Well-Known Cannabinoids
THC
This compound is the most well-known component of marijuana. It's most notable effect is the mid-altering, euphoric feeling that it can provide to the user. This compound:
- Relieves pain
- Reduces nausea and vomiting
- Inhibits cell growth in tumors and cancer cells
- Reduces inflammation
- Suppresses muscle spasms
- Stimulates appetite
- Protects against Sleep Apnea
- Fights depression
- Reduces pressure in the eye associated with Glaucoma.
CBD
This compound is the main reason why cannabis is such an effective medical treatment. CBD continues to prove its worth, as studies continue. It can:
- Relieves pain
- Kills or slows bacterial growth
- Reduces nausea and vomiting
- Treats Psoriasis
- Reduces blood sugar levels
- Reduces seizures and convulsions
- Manages psychosis
- Reduces inflammation
- Reduces risk of artery blockage
- Decreases blood pressure
- Inhibits cell growth in tumors and cancer cells
- Suppresses muscle spasms
- Relieves Anxiety
- Promotes bone growth
- Reduces function in the immune system (helpful for autoimmune diseases)
- Decreases contractions in the small intestine (helpful for GI disorders)
- Protects against nervous system degeneration
- Fights anxiety and depression
- Minimizes organ rejection
Important Cannabinoids You’ve (Probably) Never Heard of
While these are found in much smaller concentration in the marijuana plant, they can have a huge effect on health benefits and the way that THC and CBD affect us. For instance, CBC, CBG and CBN can lessen the effects of THC while aiding the benefits of CBD. THCV also has the opposite effect of THC, when it comes to appetite.
THCV
- Suppresses appetite and aids in weight loss
- Reduces seizures and convulsions
CBC
- Relieves pain
- Treats fungal infection
- Reduces inflammation
- Inhibits cell growth in tumors and cancer cells
- Promotes bone growth
- Increases blood pressure (vasoconstriction)
CBG
- Kills or slows bacterial growth
- Reduces inflammation
- Inhibits cell growth in tumors and cancer cells
- Promotes bone growth
CBN
- Relieves pain
- Acts as a sleep aid
- Suppresses muscle spasms
Why are These Important?
Three words: Whole Plant Therapy. This is the form of medical treatment that uses the entire plant, as it is believed to have a stronger effect when all of the cannabinoids work together. You can learn more about it, HERE.
Many products on the market are THC isolates or CBD isolates, meaning the compounds have been extracted to be on their own. While these isolates can be effective, whole plant therapy may be even more beneficial. The bottom line is, the medical properties of cannabis are vast, and will continue to grow as research progresses.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're a Florida resident, and believe that you may be a good candidate for medical marijuana, call us at (786) 224-4005 or schedule your free consultation online, today.
