The Leaf THE LEAF Nov-Dec 2018 | страница 12

When cannabinoid receptors are stimulated, a variety of physiologic processes begin. Researchers have identified two cannabinoid receptors: CB1, predominantly present in the nervous system, connective tissues, glands, and organs, and CB2, predominantly found in the immune system. Many tissues contain both CB1 and CB2 receptors, each linked to a different action. Endocannabinoids are substances our bodies naturally make to stimulate CB1 and CB2 receptors. The two most well understood of these molecules areanandamide and 2- arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), they are synthesized on-demand from cell membrane arachidonic acid derivatives, have a local effect and short half-life before being degraded by the enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). What are Cannabinoids Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant, active chemicals in cannabis that cause drug- like effects throughout the body, including the central nervous system and the immune system. They are also known as Phytocannabinoids. The main active cannabinoid in cannabis is delta-9-THC. Another active cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which may relieve pain and lower inflammation without causing the "high" of delta-9-THC. Cannabinoids may be useful in treating the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Other possible effects of cannabinoids may include: • Anti-inflammatory activity • Blocking cell growth • Preventing the growth of blood vessels that supply tumours • Antiviral activity • Relieving muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis What is CBD? CBD is short for cannabidiol- is one of at least 113 active cannabinoids identified in cannabis. It is a major Phytocannabinoid accounting for up to 40% of the plant's extract. CBD is considered to have a wide scope of potential medical applications - due to clinical reports showing the lack of side effects, particularly a lack of psychoactivity (as is typically associated with ∆9-THC), and non- interference with several psychomotor learning and psychological functions. CBD produces some of the same (well researched) medical benefits of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) without the high. Terpenes Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants that are the major components of resin offering their lush aroma. In 3 seconds, the body responds to the aroma of an oil. It profoundly impacts the nerves, cells, and mood via the limbic system of the brain. Terpenes and terpenoids are the primary constituents of the essential oils of many types of plants and flowers and are derived biosynthetically from units of isoprene, the isoprene units linked together and form linear chains, as chains of isoprene units are built up, the resulting terpenes are classified sequentially by size as hemiterpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes, triterpenes, and tetraterpenes.