Weed is the slang term or commonly used term for CANNABIS SATIVA, the greyish-green dried herb obtained from its plant and is used mostly for medicinal purposes or for recreational purposes, Historians state that weed has been used by many civilizations since the advent of mankind, it was reported that Asians started using it in the 500 B.C,it’s remains were found in a Chinese SHAMAN’s tomb.
The Egyptians used it back in the 2000 B.C they believed that it helped in curing many disease which included depression, glaucoma, inflammation, hemorrhoids, cataracts, even cancer and many plagues which were regarded as a punishment from their Gods, Hence it also had religious and spiritual importance, later on when it was introduced to Europe it’s seeds were used as fodder and it was also used to make ropes, clothes, paper and sails. It became popular in the 1800s in Europe for its medicinal properties, it was believed to cure cholera, nausea and vomiting with other stomach diseases.
While the herb has also been used widely for recreation and is reported to induce euphoria, sense of relaxation and happiness because it is a psychoactive drug and can also cause sedation, it’s important to understand the chemistry of its components and the facts associated with it to make out the fullest of this herb. Let’s take a look at the chemistry of the brain first to understand how the chemical components react with the brain.
Endocannabinoid System
The brain has an endocannabinoid system which includes brain receptors and enzymes. This system functions in your body regardless of the fact that you’re a weed user or not.
Receptors: There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:
CB-1 RECEPTORS:
CB1 receptors, which are mostly found in the central nervous system, which includes the basal ganglia and limbic system, hippocampus, brain stem and the medulla oblongata, which is responsible for respiratory, Reproductive system both of male and female , memory, cognition, anger, pain and many of the important functions of the body.
CB-2 RECEPTORS:
CB2 receptors, which are mostly found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune-modulatory cells which are responsible for inflammatory processes and many auto-immune disorders.
THE cannabinoids bind to these receptors to produce an effect in the body
Chemistry of It’s Components
Cannabinoids
CANNABINOIDS are those concoction constituents which are found in weed or cannabis and are answerable for its sure or negative consequences for the body. Cannabinoids naturally occur in an acidic form and when they are heated through the process of DECARBOXYLATION it is converted into a neutral form which reacts with the endocannabinoids system of the brain.
More than 140 cannabinoids are reported to be found in different strains of weed out of which a few of them are well-known which includes the following:
Cannabigerols (CBG), Cannabichromenes (CBC), Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), Cannabinol (CBN) and Cannabinodiol (CBDL) .The most potent of them are found to be CBD AND THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This is the main constituent which is psychoactive and binds to both the receptors CB-1 and CB-2 so Is considered as a powerful mind-altering agent, it is the main compound which is responsible for feelings of euphoria, relaxation and for the heightening of sensations.
CANNABIDIOL (CBD): This constituent is said to be antagonist to THC as it said to be the non-psychoactive constituent of the plant and is said to bind to CB-2 receptors to elevate pain and CB-1 to elevate mood, treat seizures and Some of the inflammatory disorders too.
Cannabigerols (CBG): It is also a non-psychoactive compound and is said to be a precursor of both THC and CBD as soon as it enters the BBB it through complex processes converts to either CBD or THC and it has remarkably shown effects against bowel and bladder diseases.
TETRAHYDROCANNABIVARIN (THCV): It is also known as the precursor of THC as the name indicates but has certain access as is found in only traces in most of the strains, in low amounts is found to act as an antagonist to THC but when consumed in high amounts can cause a synergistic effect along with THC and is said to add to the effects of euphoria, high Sensory perceptions and sedation
CANNABIDIVARIAN (CBDV): It is found along with CBD and is called as an analogue of it , it is also N0n-psychoactive like CBD but is fund to have the same medicinal benefits as of CBD , it has also known to show anti-epileptic and anti-nauseatic effects properties and is found in high amounts in the strains In which CBD is also present.
Effects Of Weed
There are positive as well as negative side effects of weed as it is used for medicinal purposes to treat many, neurological and physiological conditions, but due to it’s high demand and use as a recreational or occasional herb, it also has side effects, but it also depends on the kind of strain you’re using if the strain has higher amounts of THC it can cause greater side effects than CBD- rich strains. IF THC rich strains are used for prolonged periods it can occur in psychosis and its smoke can cause greater effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory system of the body to an extent that can be irreversible.
Some of the most potent strains are ocean grown having up to 20% of THC. If you want to learn more about those check out this Zamnesia blog post about it’s origins and naming.
It is important to research first and use it as it can show agonist or antagonist properties with many of the medications like Barbiturates, opioids and some of the CNS-DEPRESSANTS, the use of alcohol along with weed has also reported to damage liver and kidney.
MEDICINAL EFFECTS: Regardless of its negative effects it has reported to treat many complex diseases with less side effects than many of the drugs. It is mainly available in many forms which includes pills, tablets, nasal sprays, ointments and tinctures.
Medical marijuana is reported to treat many neurological disorders which includes Depression and Anxiety, relieving pain, increase in appetite, epilepsy and multiple-sclerosis.
CBD has reported to also have some neuroprotectant abilities which prevents dementia, loss of neuron of the brain in individuals and ADHD too. It can easily be brought by an 18+ Or an ADULT on a store or on an online- dispensary for example: budstars. In some places medical marijuana still requires a prescription as it is still a controlled substance and comes under the SCHEDULE I because has the tendency to cause physical and emotional dependence.
