Sometimes patients think that a higher concentration of THC will make their medicinal marijuana more effective, but studies show that is simply not true.
C. sativa and C. indica contain a huge variety of substances known as phytocannabinoids, of which cannabidiol (CBD), and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most studied extracts. THC is the major psychoactive compound and binds both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CBD is a non-psychoactive constituent and binds CB2 receptors. CBD does not bind to the CB1 receptor, it counteracts CB1 activation in the brain. CBD modulates pain via the endocannabinoid receptors by inhibiting the cellular uptake and degradation of the endocannabinoid anandamide.
CBD effects:
–Brain: relieves anxiety by inhibiting serotonin action, acts as an antipsychotic by inhibiting the CB1R signaling pathway, and acts as an anti-depressant.
–Heart: reducing risk of artery blockage by preventing plaque buildup in arteries and has anti-inflammatory effects by delaying adenosine uptake in the cell.
–Eyes: vasorelaxant for glaucoma.
–GI tract: anti-emetic, controls appetite, and acts as an anti-prokinetic agent on the intestines.
–Hands: analgesic for rheumatoid arthritis by unclogging the blood vessels and causing rapid desensitization.
–Legs: bone growth and strengthening bones affected by osteoporosis.
CBD enhances the beneficial effects of THC by limiting its psychotropic activity and increasing its tolerability at higher doses. Psychotic symptoms are more common with a lower CBD:THC ratio.
Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids Surgical Neurology International 2018, 9:91
