Cannabinoids and Their Positive Effects on the Body

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In the past marijuana has mostly been known for its recreational usage. But what many people don't know is that the Cannabis plant also has many potential health benefits. The human body has receptors that are specially-designed for cannabinoids, which are the chemical compounds that are found in the Cannabis plant. Scientists have recently discovered that cannabinoids are produced naturally inside the human body, in what is known as the endocannabinoid system, and this is what induces physiological change by binding with specific receptors. Marijuana contains several different cannabinoids which can also be enhanced through the process of extraction and cultivation. Each cannabinoid affects the body in a different way depending on its molecular makeup. There are over 85 cannabinoids that are found in the Cannabis plant. However, there are only a handful of cannabinoids that have undergone scientific and pharmaceutical research.

THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the most popular cannabinoid consumed for recreational purposes due to its classic �high� effects on your body. The psychoactive effects of THC are often prescribed by doctors as a pain killer or appetite stimulant. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for giving you the 'munchies'. THC is also known to suppress muscle spasms, nausea and vomiting. You can find THC extracts in the brand name drug, Sativex � an orally administered mouth spray. Sativex is developed by the British biopharmaceutical company, GW Pharmaceuticals, to treat patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and other severe neurological conditions. Sativex is currently in phase three clinical trials to alleviate cancer-related pain.

CBD. While many different cannabinoids are studied for their health benefits, Cannabidiol also known as CBD offers the widest range of health benefits. In the state of Colorado, cannabis-infused products are enhanced with CBD to amplify its medical applications and use as a natural medicine specifically in the form of marijuana concentrates, such as edibles, ointments and tinctures. The FDA granted GW Pharmaceuticals permission to begin phase two clinical trials for highly purified liquid CBD formulas which will be under the product name of Epidiolex. The treatment focuses on patients who have pediatric epilepsy syndromes. Last year, Tikun Olam, which is an Israeli medical Cannabis facility, patented the first CBD-enriched cannabis plant that has no THC for treating a variety of diseases and for use as a herb medicine, to help with arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. GW's Sativex drug contains a one to one ratio of CBD and THC.

THC-V. Tetrahydrocannabivarin, which is also known as THC-V or THV, is a homologue of THC that occurs naturally in the Cannabis plant. The cannabinoid in THC-V is inactive and doesn't provoke any of the high psychoactive effects. THC-V is also a natural medicine that has many potential health benefits, to include bone growth stimulation, appetite suppression and seizure reduction.

GW Pharmaceuticals is currently studying THC-V for its ability to help treat metabolic diseases. The research suggests that THC-V may be used as an effective appetite suppressor which inhibits the effects of THC. Bethenny Frankel, who is the founder of Skinnygirl, is in the process of releasing her munchie-less strain of marijuana in the four U.S. states where the recreational use of Cannabis is currently legal.

CBN. CBN is known for its sedative-like effects on the human body, Cannabinol also known as CBN is often used to treat muscle spasms in medical patients. The cannabinoid in CBN can also help to induce sleep along with helping to combat harmful bacterial infections. Researchers at the Steep Hill Lab are studying CBN for its ability to help sedate with relatively low consumption levels when compared to popular pharmaceutical sedatives that are available, such as Diazepam. You will find out more about these natural medicines on the Jollity Magazine site. **

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