One of the most valuable words in the medical cannabis glossary that all patients need to understand is cannabinoid. Cannabinoids, like THC, CBD and CBG, are organic chemical compounds that, with terpenes, make up the building blocks of the cannabis plant. Translating into medicinally valuable relief, cannabinoids have been successfully used in the treatment of conditions such as cancer, seizures, and Parkinson’s disease, and symptoms such as inflammation, pain and nausea.
Cannabis cannabinoids provide such medical efficacy to humans because they mimic our own naturally produced endocannabinoids, and bind to the same receptors, located throughout the brain and body. The human endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating many different body systems, including pain, memory, mood and appetite. The unique ability of cannabinoids to communicate with the human body in the same manner that it communicates with itself makes cannabis an ideal medicine for humans.
Interesting Fact: Researchers discovered the human body’s endocannabinoid system in 1988.