psychoactive effects. THC, THCV (at higher doses), and anandamide are all CB1 agonists and elicit the euphoric effects of cannabis. CBD has the opposite effect—it antagonizes the CB1 receptors, reducing the psychoactive effects of THC. CBG has also been shown to have agonist effects on both CB1 and CB2 receptors, though its effect is weaker than THC’s. This self-balancing regulatory system provided by the cannabis plant is one reason using whole plant medicine may be more beneficial than standardized extracts of phytocannabinoids.
Knowledge of the ECS and the effects phytocannabinoids have upon it can quickly help you separate fact from fiction in an unregulated marketplace where manufacturers often make dubious claims or tout measurements that have little basis in science. As you make decisions about how to incorporate new cannabis products into your therapy, it is important to know the correct phytocannabinoid profiles to ensure consistency in treating specific conditions. Not only is the source important, but as with any other botanical product, each harvest can yield a slightly different profile due to environmental conditions. The more information you can acquire, the better equipped you will be.
Terpenoids
Beyond the phytocannabinoids, cannabis also contains terpenoids—over 200 have been discovered. We
are already familiar with the
therapeutic properties of common constituents like a-pinene in pine needles, d-limonene in citrus, and b-caryophyllene in carrot seeds, and these are among the many constituents also found in cannabis. Research into these and into the ways in which cannabis interacts with other oils and terpenoids could yield dramatic results. According to neurologist and cannabis researcher Ethan Russo (2011), some of these phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects could well come from the interaction of cannabis with frankincense, citrus oil, lavender, spearmint, pine, black pepper, rosemary, sage, and others. As we learn more, terpenoids in cannabis and their effects will contribute to the plant’s emerging demarcation, leading to more sophisticated products and better marketing.
Cannabis Products
There are countless cannabis products on the market today. Many of these are unregulated and the manufacturers behind them have no experience or education in phytochemical interactions. Until there is more regulation and greater understanding about the benefits and entourage effects of phytocannabinoids, it is wise to purchase only cannabis-extract products that have undergone rigorous third-party testing and provide a certificate of analysis.
CBD oil has become very popular for children and young adults with seizure disorders and is sold across the country without much regulation. Many of the claims attributed to CBD oil are not unfounded, yet it is important to remember that it is not a panacea and common sense should be applied when working with these oils. As with all herbal products, it is important to know your source and ask about growing practices, pesticide use, and application and extraction methods.