While the media and medical practitioners have praised marijuana as a beneficial form of alternative medicine, we must not forget that (no matter what picture you paint) the little green plant can have a profound and sometimes long-lasting effect on your mind and body. Why is this so? Simply put, the cannabis plant produces potent chemicals called cannabinoids, including the psychoactive substance called THC and its calming cousin CBD (a component in seizure medication). As to how many of these actually exist inside the herb, we cannot tell, but scientists have speculated that over 100 chemicals are found in a single plant. Even more interesting, some of these cannabinoids occur at minimal levels in marijuana, so scientists may not be able to identify them very easily. In light of election week and the big drug debate, let’s take a closer look at the major cannabinoids in marijuana and their side effects.
Cannabinoid Acids Produce Cannabinoids
Interestingly, the marijuana plant itself does not directly produce its most famous components, THC and CBD. In fact, the little green herb synthesizes a variety of cannabinoid acids, which must be activated (typically through decarboxylation) by heat, to produce these mind-altering compounds. However, besides THCA and CBDA (the base of THC and CBD), other acids exist in the plant. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
- CBCA: Cannabichromenenic acid
- CBCVA: Cannabichromevarinic acid
- CBDA: Cannabidiolic acid
- CBDVA: Cannabidivarinic acid
- CBGA: Cannabigerolic acid
- CBGVA: Cannabigerovarinic acid
- THCA: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid
- THCVA: Tetrahydrocanabivarinic acid
Overall, THCA and CBDA are the most prominent acids in the plant, while this lineup usually occurs in the smallest amounts. Interestingly, these acidic compounds do not produce mind-altering effects, but, instead, contain antibacterial or insecticidal properties (the reason these acids are produced in the first place).
Not High Times
Even more interesting, scientists have proven that the majority of cannabinoids in marijuana cannot produce a high. Marijuana’s primary chemical THC is solely responsible for stimulating the reward center of the brain. However, additional research has confirmed that the mixture of cannabinoid acids can determine how the psychoactive agent affects you.
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.