People across the world are discovering the power of THC for relief of their chronic and temporary ailments. It’s a product and a topic that has reached popular culture and has found its way across many different demographics. But many people wonder about its potential to help children who also suffer from many of the same chronic issues as adults. Is it a safe option for them? What are the potential risks and benefits?
What is THC
Cannabidiol (THC) is a cannabinoid molecule produced by the cannabis plant that can be naturally consumed in marijuana or cannabis products. It is often removed from the plant through a process of extraction and made into a variety of THC products like oil, edibles, or salves.
THC is already known for its ability to help people manage their pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep, but it’s also being researched for its ability to target and reduce risks associated with drug relapse, drug cravings, and managing behaviors triggered by drugs [1].
How does it do this? THC is able to work by directly influencing our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is the part of our body that is responsible for controlling our mood, behavior, sleep, and even appetite. It strives to create a perfect state of homeostasis within our bodies.
One area that researchers are especially curious about is THC’s potential to help neurological conditions, especially in regards to children. With research compounding and new studies being regularly conducted, scientists are finding more intriguing benefits of THC and learning more about the way it interacts with children’s brains. Understanding how THC and other cannabinoids function in the brain is complicated because the brain itself is incredibly involved and contains a wide variety of receptors handling a multitude of interactions every single second.
What is the Endocannabinoid System
The ECS is responsible for maintaining a constant state of homeostasis in the body. This is an important function because all of our internal systems need to be in equilibrium to work effectively. When any sort of instability is registered, the ETS kicks in and rushes to the location of the issue to stabilize the condition.
There are three primary elements that make up the endocannabinoid system:
Endocannabinoids. Thechemical compounds the body naturally produces. These are structurally similar to endocannabinoids, the chemical compounds found in cannabis.
Cannabinoidreceptors. Found on the surface of cells throughout the body, endocannabinoids and cannabinoids are both able to attach to receptors allowing them to communicate with a variety of systems inside the body. This communication is what enables the ECS to detect and correct instability.
Enzymes. Proteins that work to break down the cannabinoids and endocannabinoids after they’ve attached themselves to the receptors and after homeostasis has been achieved. Enzymes are there to make sure the cannabinoids do not create an overcorrection once the risk has been effectively corrected.
Since cannabinoids from cannabis plants are similar to naturally produced compounds in the body, it’s possible for THC to attach to the receptors just as endocannabinoids do. THC has the ability to bind to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and once attached acts as a blocker, binding to receptors and dampening their signals.
How it Can Help Children
Epilepsy
Interestingly enough, the only FDA approved medication made from THC is used for treating seizures in children. The drug is called Epidiolex and is used primarily for controlling seizures in children suffering from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. These are both very rare forms of epilepsy that are notoriously difficult to treat, even with medications that already exist on the market for them.
Epidiolex is an oral solution that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant and is made of purified THC extract. During the clinical trials for the drug, researchers organized three randomized, double-blind trials that included more than 500 patients, all of whom had Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. These studies proved the medication to be effective at reducing seizure frequency, especially when compared to the placebo [2].
Being an FDA approved and regulated drug, Epidiolex is manufactured and administered carefully by all parties involved.
Autism
Over the years there have been several studies analyzing the use of THC or medical cannabis on children with autism. In all the studies, the conclusion has been that there is the potential for improvement in the symptoms of autism with the use of cannabis products. In these studies, test subjects saw improvements in seizures, restlessness, and rage attacks after just one month of use. Most participants saw these symptoms continue to lessen over the next 6 months of use [3].
Anxiety
There haven’t been many studies conducted specifically on children using THC to treat their anxiety issues, but previous studies on THC’s effect on stress and anxiety have been positive and it could stand to reason that it could help children struggling to overcome anxiety issues.
One study conducted on a 10-year-old patient suffering from PTSD found that the THC oil not only helped improve her feelings of anxiety, it also reduced her insomnia [4].
Because THC interacts with two specific ECS receptors found in the central nervous system, studies show that THC may alter serotonin signals, particularly the receptor that has the largest role in anxiety disorders [5]. This could help assist in neural regeneration [6] which is important as stress and anxiety for prolonged periods of time can cause damage to the neurons and the brain. In order to correct that damage, new neurons must be formed and new connections made. THC helps boost this corrective process and stimulates growth of new neurons, resulting in reduced anxiety.
ADHD
There is very little research on the effects of THC on children who have ADHD, however anecdotally some parents have reported a reduction in their children’s symptoms of ADHD after giving them THC oil. However some parents also report there was no effect at all.
There isn’t currently enough data to suggest THC can help with ADHD, but it is something scientists and researchers are pursuing and something that — based on results from previous studies for other conditions — has the potential to show its benefits once it has been more closely researched.
Risks
Marijuana as a consumable has been around for a long time, however THC is a relatively new product with new information being continually released. For that reason, it has not seen much in the way of specific testing in regards to its effect on children. Some children who use THC for their chronic conditions report side effects including diarrhea, lethargia, rash, insomnia, lack of appetite, and even some issues with reflux.
Parents should also be aware that THC could interact with other medications the child is taking. In the same way grapefruit often interferes with certain enzymes needed to properly metabolize medications in the human body, THC has been found to also impede proper breakdown of certain medications. Parents should always talk to their doctor before giving their children THC and they should be especially cautious about prescriptions that warn about mixing them with grapefruit juice.
As mentioned earlier, there is so far only one THC medication that is FDA approved and regulated. That means every other THC product available is unregulated and therefore should be researched carefully before purchase or use. Some reports have shown that many labels of THC products are inconsistent with the product inside, so it’s important for consumers to do their own research and ask lots of questions when making their purchase decisions [7].
People often wonder how powerful THC really is, or what its true potential is. A recent study sought to find out more about exactly that, and more specifically, how potent THC is when it comes to interacting with the human brain. What they found was eye-opening and provided many researchers with optimistic results for the future of both THC and brain research.
The researchers found that just a single dose of THC was powerful enough to temporarily increase blood flow to certain parts of the brain. What does that mean exactly? Scientists are still working out all the specific details and working through the potential, but in short it could mean important advancements for people suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and other mental issues, whether they are chronic or temporary.
The Study
This particular study was reported in the Journal of Psychopharmacology after researchers in London discovered amazing results from a controlled experiment. In this study, 15 healthy people were given either 600mg of oral THC or a placebo on a number of different occasions. After administering the doses of THC, scientists used magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, scans to monitor how the drug was interacting with the body and what effects it had on the blood oxygen levels in the brain.
They found that just a single dose of THC instantly and significantly increased blood flow to the brain, especially to the hippocampus structure. The hippocampus plays a huge role in the way humans feel emotions, how they learn, and the overall stability and function of their memory. Researchers also found that blood flow was increased to the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for processing social behavior and overall decision making.
What This Means
In order to understand the potential of THC for the brain, it’s important to understand what THC is and how it interacts with the human body.
THC Basics
Cannabidiol (THC) is a cannabinoid molecule produced by the cannabis plant that can be naturally consumed in marijuana or cannabis products. It is often removed from the plant through a process of extraction and made into a variety of THC products like oil, edibles, or salves.
One area that researchers are especially curious about is THC’s potential to help neurological conditions. With research compounding and new studies being regularly conducted, scientists are finding more intriguing benefits of THC and learning more about the way it interacts with the brain. Understanding how THC and other cannabinoids function in the brain is complicated because the brain itself is incredibly involved and contains a wide variety of receptors handling a multitude of interactions every single second.
Besides increasing the blood flow to the brain, research also suggests that THC can help treat the following conditions:
Now that THC has been explained, it’s time to discuss the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for the way THC interacts with the body. The ECS manages a constant state of homeostasis in the body. This is an important function because all of our internal systems need to be in equilibrium to work effectively. When any sort of instability is registered, the ETS kicks in and rushes to the location of the issue to stabilize it.
There are three primary pieces that make up the endocannabinoid system:
Endocannabinoids. Thechemical compounds the body naturally produces. These are structurally similar to endocannabinoids, the chemical compounds found in cannabis.
Cannabinoidreceptors. Found on the surface of cells throughout the body, endocannabinoids and cannabinoids are able to attach to receptors allowing them to communicate with a variety of systems inside the body. This communication is what enables the ECS to detect and correct instability.
Enzymes. Proteins that work to break down the cannabinoids and endocannabinoids after they’ve attached themselves to the receptors and after homeostasis has been achieved. Enzymes make sure the cannabinoids do not create an overcorrection once the risk has been effectively corrected.
Inside the brain are highly specialized cells called neurons which connect to other neurons through structures called synapses. These neurons release chemicals known as neurotransmitters which are able to communicate with each other. Each neuron has its own receptor and these receptors respond to chemicals produced by the brain (like dopamine and serotonin) as well as chemicals produced outside the body, like cannabinoids.
Since cannabinoids from cannabis plants are similar to naturally produced compounds in the body, it’s possible for THC to attach to the receptors just as endocannabinoids do. THC has the ability to bind to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and once attached acts as a blocker, binding to receptors and dampening their signals.
Who This Can Help
The study suggests that people suffering from a wide range of mental issues can potentially benefit from adding THC to the daily routines, but it appears to be especially effective to those suffering from the follow conditions:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
This is a condition that occurs after a person has experienced a hazardous event. It’s normal for someone to feel fear whenever they find themselves in a dangerous situation; that feeling of fear is what triggers a human’s natural fight-or-flight response, or their immediate decision in the face of danger to run away or stay and fight. This reaction is deeply embedded in humans and has been an important part of survival for thousands of years. What triggers the diagnosis of PTSD is what occurs after a traumatic event takes place.
After the event, almost everyone will experience some sort of emotional response, yet most will naturally recover from those feelings over time. The people who are unable to rebound from those devastating feelings, however, may find themselves experiencing long-term emotional problems and ultimately find themselves diagnosed with PTSD. Those who suffer from PTSD can find themselves feeling stressed or frightened over the course of a normal day, when there is no actual danger presenting itself. They are sometimes easily triggered by things that are seemingly unrelated to the previous trauma, or very closely related. This can obviously have debilitating results on a person’s ability to lead a comfortable life.
Anxiety
We all experience stress or anxiety at some point in our lives. Whether it’s a demanding job, a bustling family, or the burdens of modern life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Often, anxiety is temporary and based around some sort of short-term situation. Once the situation is resolved, the feeling will dissipate and life can get back to normal. However, when a person feels a sense of constant dread and uncertainty, they are experiencing something called chronic anxiety and it is considered a serious mental disorder.
Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States that 40 million adults suffer from every year [8]. Common symptoms of anxiety are excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worry. These feelings cause mental anguish and lead to issues such as insomnia, depression, and social isolation. They can also cause physical changes in the body, including headaches, a pounding heart, difficulty breathing, upset stomach, increased blood pressure, extreme fatigue, and muscle aches. Managing this feeling is not only important to a person’s mental health, but also to their physical.
Conclusion
The results of this study are very promising to not only those suffering from temporary and chronic mental conditions, but also to scientists and researchers across the globe. The more they explore the possibilities of THC, the closer they get to finding effective solutions for any number of common ailments people suffer from. This particular study gives researchers hope for more progress in the area of Alzheimer’s prevention and care, as well as other conditions like schizophrenia and the often debilitating PTSD. The world can expect to see more studies such as this one and with each new study, learn more about the power of THC and the many benefits it can bring to our lives.
Thanks to the Agricultural Act of 2018 removing cannabis from the list of controlled substances, cannabis has once again been allowed opportunities to not only be researched for therapeutic and medicinal qualities, but also as a lucrative crop for farmers across the country.
At its core, the push to legalize cannabis came from the need to create large scale cannabis farms across the country after the recent slump of the tobacco industry. Many farmers and community leaders realized the potential of cannabis farming and how easily they could convert their tobacco farms into cannabis farms. The possibilities of what can be done with this plant are incredible. Even those who have never farmed before are gaining interest in the industry. With it’s multitudes of uses, it really opens up possibilities to potential cannabis farmers interested in using this ancient plant for modern purposes.
There are different options on how to grow cannabis. While many farmers choose to grow outdoors on traditional farms, many are choosing to grow indoors using greenhouses. So which is better in the long run? As with most things, it depends on each individual purpose.
The Basics
Even if the cannabis growers eventually plan to move the plants outside, there are many benefits that come with starting the growth inside a greenhouse. When plants are started indoors they are more likely to properly germinate and root, meaning for stronger and healthier plants once they are moved outdoors. While the overall cost to start plants indoors before moving them outdoors is higher, the benefits far outweigh that one negative. In the end growers may even find they are saving time and money by concentrating on greenhouse seedling starts before starting an outdoor crop.
However, when grown entirely indoors farmers are given more options when it comes to the growth cycle of their cannabis plants. One of the biggest benefits is controlling the time it takes to sow the seed and when that process happens. When growing outdoors, the time to do that is based on weather patterns and seasonal changes. When growing indoors, the schedule belongs to the growers instead of mother nature. Ultimately this can save weeks on each season when they plant seedlings or clones indoors rather than out. When cannabis is planted outdoors, growers must adhere to a somewhat strict schedule in order to ensure that they don’t plant too early, which could mean the cannabis would flower too early, degrading the crop.
Growing cannabis in a greenhouse also allows more control over the kind of crop being cultivated. When the plants are controlled indoors it’s easier to determine the sex of each, decreasing the odds that male plants will find their way into that year’s crop, potentially ruining it.
Growing young plants indoors can also be a tricky process, so many growers choose to specialize in doing just that and focus on selling these young seedlings to other growers who either don’t have the resources to start their own plants indoors, or would rather leave it to someone else so they can concentrate on their outdoor crop. Either way, the process works out well for both types of growers, since they are able to help each other out with a common goal and business.
Greenhouses Moving to Cannabis
The process of growing seedlings is called propagation, and experienced propagators can actually help farmers maximize their quality of plants by providing them with improved germination rates and consistent rooted cuttings with controlled growth by temperature and light acclimatizing them to outdoor growth before ever making it to their final farm for outdoor planting.
This process saves the farmer production costs and risks associated with propagating on their own. It’s not uncommon for entire crops to be ruined by a single dry period that causes premature flowering or genetic issues down the road.
With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, many commercial greenhouse growers specializing in ornamentals or vegetable industries are making the transition into cannabis. This can be especially beneficial to new cannabis farmers because many of these established greenhouses have years of experience and know how to produce healthy seedlings. Having those experienced greenhouse operators available to them will really give the cannabis industry the boost it needs as a relatively new and growing corner of the industry.
The Cost Difference
As a young industry, cannabis growers have already faced some challenges. There were some years where seeds proved themselves unreliable, but now that it’s gained some traction, cannabis growers are finally getting the higher quality plants they need to boost their production and overall quality. Of course, higher quality generally means higher cost, and that goes for cannabis cultivation as well.
As the industry grows and demand increases, growers will find themselves faced with acknowledging the benefits of guaranteed quality and stability. Even though this will often come at a higher price to them, it also means there is always a support system in place to make sure they are taken care of if something goes wrong. When running any kind of business, that type of assurance is necessary.
What This Means
Even though cannabis has been around for centuries, in its current iteration it’s only been legal for a small amount of time. The processes are being learned and the industry is growing. With growth comes new knowledge and of course growing pains. Having the option to start plants in a greenhouse will give growers the peace of mind knowing that their plants start out healthy and established for healthy growth. These strict greenhouse starts ensure the plant is consistent, uniform, and will be expected to to perform within specific parameters guaranteed to give growers optimal results. Having that predictability is essential for profits, as well as for allowing for appropriate planning and organization of the crop to ensure the highest quality product possible after cultivation.
While the upfront cost may be slightly higher than it would be otherwise, the benefits are well worth it, especially in a new industry like cannabis cultivation. This industry may be seeing many newcomers, many without extensive propagation or farming experience. Leaving that part up the experts will help these new growers learn as they build their business, ultimately providing excellent skills to the grower and high quality results to the consumers.
Conclusion
The farm bill legalized the cultivation of cannabis, but it is still a highly regulated industry and individuals are not allowed to grow plants at home. Cannabis can only be grown on registered farms and is federally monitored for cultivation and production. It is legal to transport across state lines for both commercial and personal use, just as long as those cannabis products are produced in a manner consistent with the law. Since the process is still so new, there are going to be speedbumps and parts of the process that need a more detailed look. Farmers and the government are doing their best to work with each other to make the coming years as problem-free as possible for a brand new and booming industry.
Countless consumers have already heard of THC. It’s popularity is spreading and availability is becoming more accessible as it hits the shelves in stores across the country. But cannabis doesn’t only produce two cannabinoids, even if THC and THC are currently the most popular. The cannabis plant produces more than one hundred other cannabinoids, each having its own distinct chemical properties.
One of the most promising cannabinoids is called cannabigerol, or CBG. Anecdotally, CBG has already been said to be a better anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety treatment than THC or marijuana [1]. Offering many potent therapeutic benefits, CBG could be the next rising star of the cannabis plant.
The Endocannabinoid System
Before getting into the details of CBG, it’s important to understand how CBG and other cannabinoids work with the body. Cannabinoids have a very specific effect on the human system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions as a way to stabilize the body and return to homeostasis when trauma or danger are introduced. If some sort of disruption is introduced in the body, the ECS will activate and control the situation to make sure all systems it controls remain at an optimal level. This is a fundamental function of human physiology because all the internal systems need to be in a state of equilibrium to work effectively.
There are three primary elements that make up the endocannabinoid system:
Endocannabinoids: Compounds that are produced by the body, but are very similar to the chemical compounds in cannabis, like THC or CBG.
Cannabinoid Receptors: Receptors found on the surface of cells throughout the body. Any endocannabinoids or ingested cannabinoids will bind to these receptors. The action of binding allows them to communicate with different systems in the body, helping the ECS maintain an equilibrium in each of the specific systems.
Enzymes: After endocannabinoids attach themselves to the cannabinoid receptors and the ECS has maintained stabilization, enzymes break down the endocannabinoids to prevent overcorrection. Each type of endocannabinoid has a specific enzyme that works at breaking it down effectively.
The endocannabinoid system maintains equilibrium in the immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Because cannabinoids can so easily interact with the ECS they are able to have an effect on any number of issues that may arise within those systems, making them potentially powerful tools to use when battling certain conditions and diseases.
What is CBG
Like THC or THC, CBG comes from the cannabis plant. In the cannabis plant, CBG is present in much lower quantities than THC, yet is still one of the most important compounds because it is the “mother” cannabinoid that all other cannabinoids are synthesized from. It is only measurable at around 1% in most cannabis, so CBG would be what’s considered a minor cannabinoid however it still offers exciting potential for therapeutic benefits.
CBG is created when specific enzymes break down the CBGA of the plant and then direct it to one of three different places. These broken down acids are exposed to either ultraviolet light or heat and become the cannabinoids THC or THC. Most of the time CBGA is converted into THCA or CBDA, meaning that the more THC a product has, the less THC it will also have. This ratio can also be reversed and at its core is simply a product of nature and how the products are synthesized.
Some breeders are even experimenting with CBG and genetic manipulation in order to obtain strains that produce more CBG. Scientists are able to extract high levels of CBG from plants simply by pinpointing the optimal time for extraction, which is usually about six to eight weeks into the flowering cycle. Being able to determine the best time to extract and optimize the process means consumers will likely be able to get their hands on CBG products sooner than later. With all of the potential uses for CBG, this is very important to many people.
Research has found CBG helps very specific systems and problems, including:
Glaucoma. Endocannabinoid receptors are abundant in the eye structures, giving CBG the opportunity to attach to them and increase its ability to alleviate intraocular pressure, a common issue with glaucoma. CBG also acts as a vasodilator and offers neuroprotective effects, all of which benefit those suffering from glaucoma [2].
Inflammatory bowel disease: In animal experiments, CBG was found to be effective in reducing bowel inflammation in those subjects suffering from IBD [3].
Huntington’s disease: In a recent study, CBG was shown to protect neurons in mice with Huntington’s disease, possibly easing cell degeneration in the brain [4].
Cancer: CBG has shown the potential in the fight against cancer. Specifically, it may be able to block receptors that cause cancer cell growth. In one study of mice, it did inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer cells, actually slowing the growth of colon cancer. The study found that CBG hindered tumors and colon carcinogenesis, opening up interesting possibilities for the use of the cannabinoid in the treatment and curing of colon cancer [5].
MRSA: Studies have shown CBG may be a very effective antibacterial agent, especially against Staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA. MRSA is notoriously difficult to treat and resistant to many different types of drugs, so being able to use a topical CBG treatment for relief is potentially life-changing to many patients living with MRSA [6].
Cachexia: Recent research has shown that a very specific form of CBG that has been purified to remove even trace elements of THC can effectively stimulate appetite in rats. This opens up the possibility of treatment for the muscle wasting and weight loss seen in late stage diseases like cancer [7]. Because the treatment would also be non-intoxicating, it may prove especially beneficial for a great number of people.
Bladder dysfunction: A study focused on CBG and bladder dysfunction showed that the cannabinoid tested best at inhibiting muscle contractions, adding potential for the compound to work effectively in preventing many bladder dysfunction disorders [8].
CBG vs THC
As mentioned earlier, CBG is known as the mother cannabinoid because all other cannabinoids come from it. Molecularly they are different compounds that come from the same plant, yet they are very similar in many other ways.
Both CBG and THC are non-psychotropic, making them especially interesting options for people looking for relief without the need or desire to also feel intoxicated. Both compounds are actually able to counteract the intoxicating effects of marijuana and THC products when taken together.
It is possible that CBG will increase a person’s appetite while THC hasn’t shown that effect in any current studies.
These two compounds are more closely related than not, so the benefits of both will be somewhat balanced to the other, yet studies are slowly showing that each has its own benefits and additional strengths when compared to the other.
The two will also work together to give maximum benefits using something called the entourage effect. While each of these cannabinoids on its own has the potential to be a powerful and healing compound, when they are all combined together they can bring additional benefits. All of the cannabinoids work together synergistically and have the ability to amplify the combined effect. Research has shown that removing even one of these compounds may reduce the effectiveness of the compounds compared to the results when they are allowed to work together [9]. This is a powerful benefit and something to consider when deciding whether to try one or both of these compounds.
Conclusion
Expect to see more CBG isolated products hit the shelves in the coming years as research and technology progress. The benefits of CBG are still being realized and as time goes on, users will likely find more reasons to try this specific cannabinoid product. While many may opt to continue with THC products or products containing all the cannabinoids for the full entourage effect, many will find exactly what they need in CBG alone. It’s an exciting time for the cannabis plant and all of its byproducts and CBG is yet another on that list. Soon its name will be as well known as its cousin THC.
Most people have undoubtedly heard of THC at this point. It’s showing up in almost every store, on televisions across the country, and in a variety of daily conversations. The therapeutic properties of this powerful cannabinoid have been studied and applauded by many and THC has created quite a following for itself based on success story after success story of its medicinal uses. But what about some of the other cannabinoid compounds found within the cannabis plant?
Cannabis produces more than one hundred cannabinoids, many of them found in much smaller quantities than the popular THC or THC. Because the level of these cannabinoids is so much lower than those of THC and THC, it’s difficult for researchers to know exactly how many other cannabinoids exist in the cannabis plant but they have been able to gather data on the handful of cannabinoids that are present in more substantial amounts. What they’ve found about one cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN) in particular is especially promising.
The Endocannabinoid System
Before getting into the details of CBN, it’s important to understand how CBN and other cannabinoids work within the body. Cannabinoids have a very specific effect on the human system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions as a way to stabilize the body and return to homeostasis when trauma or danger are introduced. If some sort of disruption is introduced in the body, the ECS will activate and control the situation to make sure all systems it controls remain at an optimal level. This is a fundamental function of human physiology because all the internal systems need to be in a state of equilibrium to work effectively.
There are three primary elements that make up the endocannabinoid system:
Endocannabinoids: Compounds that are produced by the body, but are very similar to the chemical compounds in cannabis, like THC or CBN.
Cannabinoid Receptors: Receptors found on the surface of cells throughout the body. Any endocannabinoids or ingested cannabinoids will bind to these receptors. The action of binding allows them to communicate with different systems in the body, helping the ECS maintain an equilibrium in each of the specific systems.
Enzymes: After endocannabinoids attach themselves to the cannabinoid receptors and the ECS has maintained stabilization, enzymes break down the endocannabinoids to prevent overcorrection. Each type of endocannabinoid has a specific enzyme that works at breaking it down effectively.
The endocannabinoid system maintains equilibrium in the immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Because cannabinoids can so easily interact with the ECS they are able to have an effect on any number of issues that may arise within those systems, making them potentially powerful tools to use when battling certain conditions and diseases.
What is CBN
Just like THC and dozens of other cannabinoids, CBN is a chemical compound that is found within the cannabis plant. This particular compound comes from the process of breaking down the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) molecules. Even though THC and THC so far seem to be the stars of cannabis, CBN is slowly making its way to the front of the pack as well.
Like most of the other cannabinoids, cannabinol is non-intoxicating, but the CBN compound is actually created by the process of THC aging. This means CBN is generally found in higher quantities in older cannabis flowers that contain higher levels of THC. Some users actually seek out older cannabis in order to get the additional benefits of the larger quantities of CBN in the aged plant.
Research has found CBN to have the following benefits:
Anti-bacterial: Recent studies have shown CBN to be a powerful antibacterial compound. Researchers tested CBN on patients with various strains of MRSA and found it to be a potent treatment for the bacteria. This is especially important as MRSA is a notoriously antibiotic resistant ailment. This opens up the possibility that perhaps in the future CBN will be helpful in treating conditions otherwise untreatable by traditional antibiotics [1].
Neuroprotectant: A study on rodents found that CBN could be successfully used as a preventative treatment for ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Using CBN was found to actually delay the onset of the condition. Human studies are still needed, but this does suggest that perhaps CBN can act as a powerful weapon against ALS and many other neurodegenerative diseases [2].
Appetite stimulation: Studies performed on rodents noted that giving the subjects CBN increased the amount of food they ate. This could suggest that CBN works as a powerful appetite stimulant much like THC. However, unlike THC, CBN does not contain psychoactive properties that cause intoxication. Potentially meaning that CBN could be used for those seeking an alternative way to to increase appetite without feeling high [3].
Glaucoma: Researchers performed a study on rabbits and found that administering CBN reduced intraocular pressure in the test subjects. Intraocular pressure is the biggest risk factor for glaucoma, so being able to control it would mean having some sort of control over the introduction of glaucoma. It should be noted, however, that research is still very new and at this point CBN has not been shown to be more powerful than other medication currently being used to treat glaucoma [4].
Anti-inflammatory: Like other cannabinoids, CBN has the potential to be a powerful anti-inflammatory, especially helpful to those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. One study in particular found that CBN was successful in reducing arthritis in rats. Like other cannabinoids and treatments, this needs more studies performed, but so far the results are promising [5].
Because it occurs naturally in the plant and is easily produced by simply heating THC or exposing it to oxygen, CBN is gaining traction as another cannabinoid with incredible therapeutic properties.
CBN vs THC
These two compounds may seem similar, but fundamentally they are two totally different molecules with two different origins. Traditionally, THC comes from cannabis plants as they hold the highest concentration of THC making for the easiest and purest extraction. On the other hand, CBN comes from THC, meaning it can only come from marijuana plants. The amount of CBN present also depends heavily on the amount of heat and light the cannabis flower is exposed to and the age of the plant. CBN is simply a product of oxidation and degradation.
However, even though they are different at a molecular level, they do share a lot of the same properties and very similar therapeutic benefits. Neither are psychoactive, giving them both the opportunity to be helpful to individuals without an intoxicating effect.
Overall THC has been found to have many more therapeutic benefits than CBN, however there haven’t been as many studies performed on CBN as have been on THC so it’s possible that number could change rapidly as scientists spend more time looking into this promising cannabinoid.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, CBN is typically found in older marijuana plants. It occurs naturally when the THC-containing flowers are exposed to oxygen, however that is not the most efficient way of obtaining CBN products. You can already find CBN products online and in your local dispensary that are well suited to both newcomers and experienced users. These are typically in the form of tinctures or edibles. As the therapeutic benefits of CBN are further explored, we’re likely to see more and more products hit the shelves with specialized formulations and consumption options. This is truly just the beginning for CBN and its future as a powerful therapeutic cannabinoid is certain to keep moving forward and upwards.
