Ingredients in Cannabis

When cannabinoids, terpenes and other substances in cannabis interact, there is often talk of the so-called entourage effect, described already in 1998. Nestor of world hemp research prof. by Raphael Mechoulam). In short, this means that when we administer different cannabis substances individually, their effect will not be the same as when they are administered together. This is therefore a kind of denial of the modern approach in medicine, when scientists and doctors try to work with only one active substance.

Cannabinoids or also phytocannabinoids is a designation for a group of primary therapeutically active substances produced by the cannabis plant. These content components of hemp are unique in that they are not found in other plants in nature. More than 140 cannabinoids have been described so far, and this number is constantly growing. Furthermore, a number of synthetic cannabinoids, which are substances with a similar structure to phytocannabinoids, have been produced in pharmaceutical laboratories. Older clinical studies very often worked precisely with these synthetic cannabinoids, such as dronabinol (trade name Marinol), which is an artificially created analogue of THC.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known cannabinoid for professionals and the lay public alike. It is to him that cannabis is “thankful” for its psychoactive effects on humans (and animals), but at the same time it is a substance with a wide therapeutic potential. The main scientifically and clinically tested effects are analgesic, antispasmodic or antiemetic. Cannabis or preparations made from it with a higher THC content are also successfully administered to patients with anorexia, oncological diseases, gastrointestinal problems or perhaps post-traumatic stress disorder.

In the Czech Republic, however, we use a list of indications and conditions, for which cannabis can be prescribed, with a specialist doctor who is licensed to do so (which, paradoxically, a gastroenterologist in the Czech Republic is not), also determines the amount of THC prescribed – in relation to another very important cannabinoid – cannabidiol.

Cannabidiol (CBD) as the second most abundant cannabinoid component, according to the results of a long series of studies and practical experiences of patients, has a very wide therapeutic potential, but without the often undesirable psychotropic effects associated with the consumption of THC. The ability of CBD to moderate the short-term and long-term negative effects of THC has been talked about for a number of years, but studies, especially in the area of ​​acute effects, are not conclusive.

In terms of potential medical uses, research shows that CBD is effective in alleviating the symptoms of a very long list of diseases and conditions. Whether it is pain, epileptic seizures, depression, problems with the digestive tract or blood pressure regulation. This is due to the interaction of cannabidiol with the endocannabinoid system and its receptors (CB1, CB2, TRPV1, TRPV2, GPR119, GPR55 or GPR18) by different mechanisms.

In the Czech environment, we are again based on the above-mentioned list of indications and conditions, while medical cannabis is prescribed by doctors precisely with regard to the content and ratio of CBD and THC. Last but not least, it is important to note that CBD is one of the few known natural inhibitors of FAAH. Compared to synthetic substances, it is highly selective and therefore has minimal side effects. The greatest risk of using CBD is associated with its ability to influence the metabolism of certain pharmaceuticals. That’s why it’s important when using CBD in addition to prescribed medications take extra care.

Among the so-called minor cannabinoids cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidivarin (CBDV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and others with therapeutic potential, which are usually found in cannabis in many times smaller amounts than THC and/or CBD, are included.