What are cannabinoids? An overview of CBD, CBDa, CBG

Where do cannabinoids act?

First, we need to take a little detour. Most higher developed living beings have an endocannabinoid system. This is a complex system made up of substances, receptors, carriers, and enzymes produced by the body that together regulate a variety of functions within the body.

These include, for example:

• Temperature regulation
• Synaptic plasticity – learning and memory
• Appetite
• Blood pressure regulation
• Immune response
• Stomach and bowel movement
• Fat production
• Bone formation
• Fertility
• Pain perception

(Nicolussi and Gertsch 2015)

Substances produced by the body require enzymes within the metabolism to be built up and broken down, as well as carriers to reach their place of effect. Most important, however, are the receptors, because the substances attach there to start their mode of action.

What are endocannabinoids?

Here we come to cannabinoids. Literature states that those substances that can act on receptors, carriers, or enzymes of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) are called cannabinoids. These can be further divided into endocannabinoids (produced by the body itself – e.g., anandamides and 2-AG), phytocannabinoids (produced in plants – e.g., CBD, THC & CBG), and synthetic cannabinoids (humans use chemical or molecular biological methods to synthesize cannabinoids – e.g., rimonabant, JWH-018, and AM-1220).

What are phytocannabinoids?

We find phytocannabinoids particularly fascinating because they are found in some plants. Those who believe phytocannabinoids are only found in hemp plants are mistaken. Phytocannabinoids have already been detected in hops, cocoa, echinacea, or kava, and we are sure there are many other exciting plants. The more science deals with the endocannabinoid system, the greater the variety of involved receptors becomes. Where a few years ago the CB1 and CB2 receptors were the focus, now GPR55, GPR18, or GPR119 are of interest in research.

What is CBD (cannabidiol)?

CBD is the cannabinoid most abundantly found in industrial hemp. It has always been present in hemp products and is considered very safe by the WHO (World Health Organization) as it shows no mind-altering effects. The physiological effects of CBD can be traced back to interaction with a surprisingly high number of receptors, enzymes, and carriers in the body. These are not solely assigned to the endocannabinoid system, although the inhibitory effect on the GPR55 receptor and the modulation of FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase) are exceptions. CBD can enhance the effect of various neurotransmitters and can modulate serotonin, dopamine, GABAA, glycine, and acetylcholine receptors. Furthermore, it has direct effects on adenosine receptors and thus on the immune system. Cannabidiol can positively stimulate bone formation and, like THC, shows antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects. The latter is linked to interactions at the TRPV1 receptor. The strongest known effect so far is the anxiety-relieving effect. Medically, CBD is currently used for childhood epilepsy – Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut (trade name: Epidiolex/Epidyolex) as well as for multiple sclerosis (trade name: Sativex/Nabiximols). As aromatic products, dietary supplements containing hemp extracts, and CBD flowers, cannabidiol is accessible to the general public and is gaining popularity due to its natural origin.

What is CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)?

Cannabidiolic acid is the natural precursor of CBD and carries a carboxylic acid group. This makes it unstable but significantly more effective. Its effects are already being researched but are not yet as clearly described as those of cannabidiol.

What is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)?

THC occurs in a variety of forms, the most common and well-known being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is used as a medicine under the names dronabinol/Marinol/Syndros and is derived from the hemp plant. Dronabinol is usually applied in oily solution or as a capsule, with doses up to 20 mg per day administered. The synthetic derivative is called nabilone/Cesamet/Canemes and is effective in capsule form at much lower doses. The areas of use are diverse, with anorexia, wasting syndrome, and supportive therapy during chemotherapy for cancer patients being the main focus. Due to its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects, it is also used for various diseases, e.g., multiple sclerosis (MS). THC has mind-altering properties and falls under the narcotics law. Despite frequent use among the population, no deaths from overdoses are known to date. THC is also a natural plant substance in hemp and thus present in hemp extracts. Below a legal limit, it is also harmless and lawful.

Of course, there are many other cannabinoids that are continuously researched and also found in trace amounts in natural hemp extracts. Among the best known are:

CBG (cannabigerol)

CBC (cannabichromene)

CBN (cannabinol)

CBDV (cannabidivarin)

THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)

CBDE (cannabielsoin)

CBM (cannabimovone)

Which phytocannabinoids are found in our products?

Besides the phytocannabinoids from hemp naturally contained in our CANNEXOL products, we are also working on other innovative products. Unfortunately, our hemp chocolate from QAQAO with CBD has not been in the range since 2019 due to the Novel Food regulation. However, we continue to work on new possibilities for product innovations with promising plant substances and various cannabinoids.