The Endocannabinoid System

 

Our body not only produces its own cannabinoids, but has developed a complete signaling system, the so-called endocannabinoid system. It consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and enzymes. Two endocannabinoids are well researched: anandamide- an analog of THC, and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol – an analog of CBD, but we expect further research to identify more endocannabinoids.  So far two receptors were found: CB1 and CB2, with different distributions in the body. CB1 receptors are concentrated in the central nervous system, while the CB2 receptor is more evenly distributed throughout the body. Enzymes involved in this system are responsible for the proper formation and degradation of cannabinoids, allowing optimal performance for the endocannabinoid system.

The first insights into the functioning of the cannabinoid system have been given by the work of a research group led by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. A documentary about his work has been filmed and we highly recommended viewing it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csbJnBKqwIw

 

Source: ICANNA (International Institute for kannabinoide)

Cannabis Indica

 

Indicas are short, compact, wide cannabis plants that require less space than Sativas. An Indica can be mainly recognized by its color and the characteristics of the leaf, they are dark green and wide (broad-leaves). Indicas originate from Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent: Pakistan, Northern India, Tibet, Nepal, Afghanistan etc. The inter-nodes of an Indica are short and closer together so that the plant appears very ‘bushy’. Also its flowers (buds) are very compact. The flowering period of an Indica is about 6 to 9 weeks. This means that an Indica is ready to be harvested more quickly than a Sativa.

 

Cannabis Sativa

 

Sativas are long, thin, high cannabis plants and can become very large (larger than Indicas under the same conditions). Sativas can be recognized by their bright colored leaves (this is because there is less chlorophyll present than Indicas), and by their narrow leaves. So Sativas need relatively more light to thrive than Indicas, this also has to do with their origin (they grow in areas near the equator, higher light intensity of the sun).

Types of Sativas can be found in: Jamaica, Southern India, Thailand, Mexico, Columbia, Africa etc. The inter-nodes of a Sativa are further apart, which is why a Sativa is often described as ‘stretchy’. Sativas fly to the heights, especially when they are put into flowering. The flowering period of Sativas is about 9 to 15 weeks, so it can take twice as long than the flowering period of Indicas (another reason why Sativas are not very suitable for commercial growing operations).

 

 

 

 

Vir: amsterdamseedcenter.com

What the cannabinoids are?

Cannabinoids are a heterogeneous group of compounds, whose main common trait is that they bind to cannabinoid receptors. These molecules belong to the chemical class of terpenophenols and are lipid molecules, meaning that they are fat soluble. We currently know three groups of cannabinoids:

• endocannabinoids: they are formed in certain circumstances in the bodies of vertebrates, including humans
• phytocannabinoids: they are present in  plants (hemp, cannabis, purple coneflower, rue and certain species from the genus Apiaceae and Brassica)
• synthetic cannabinoids: they are made in chemical laboratories

 

Endocannabinoids are our own cannabinoids. They are formed in our bodies in the neuronal cells and serve as signaling molecules. They play a crucial bioregulatory role in our bodies and their action can best be described in these five words: eat, sleep, relax, forget and protect. Each and every cell in our body has receptors and is tuned to sense changes in the concentration of cannabinoids in its environment. Certain regions in the brain have a very high density of cannabinoid receptors, there the CB1 and CB2 receptors are the most abundant receptors of all, meaning that our brains are finely tuned to sense changes in concentrations of cannabinoids. These regulate practically every process in our bodies, i.e. fertility, fertilization, breastfeeding, development, immunity, learning, coordination, metabolism, excretion of hormones, cardiovascular system, pancreatic function …

 

Phytocannabinoids are plant derived cannabinoids, that are similar in structure to endocannabinoids and activate the same receptors in our bodies. They are present in diverse plant species but are most abundant in Cannabis sativa. This plant contains more than 140 cannabinoids and all together more than 1060 bioactive compounds. The ones best known, studied and also used in medicine are THC and CBD. But other cannabinoids also show amazing potential (CBN, CBG, CBC…). An increasing number of studies are  confirming  what has been known in practice for some time, namely that the best effects are seen when using whole plant extracts, where  the whole spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and other bioactive and non-active compounds is present, the so called entourage effect.

 

Synthetic cannabinoids are pure chemical compounds that are artificially made in laboratories. The majority of pharmaceutical preparations contain synthetic cannabinoids, thus making them available but experience is showing that these are significantly less effective than cannabinoids in their natural form.

 

Source: ICANNA (International Institute for kannabinoide

What are the effects of marijuana on body?

 

Brain:

• Antipsychotic
• Anti-Depressant
• Anti-Anxiety
• Anti-Seizure
• Antioxidant
• Neuroprotective
• Slows/Prevents Alzheimers
• Treats ADD and ADHD
• Helps with Tourettes & OCD
• Pain relief including PMS, Migraines, Fibromyalgia, & more

 

Eyes:

• Vasorelaxant for glaucoma

 

Lungs:

• Reverse carcinogenic effects of tobacco & improve lung healt

 

Heart:

• Anti- Inflammatory
• Prevents plaque buildup in ateries
• Arheroscloerosis Therapy

 

Intestines:

• Slows/Kills Colon Caner
• Treats Crohns diseanse
• Anti-prokinetic (digestive aid)

 

Stomach:

• Anti-emetic (vomiting and nausea)
• Appetite control

 

Legs:

• Muscle Relaxation
• Stimulates new bone growth ans strengthens bones affected by osteoporosis

The history of cannabis use goes back as far as 12,000 years, which places the plant among humanity’s oldest cultivated crops.

Hemp is one of the oldest domesticated plants, because it would be different civilizations have grown 12,000 years ago.

She was one of the first plants from which they were made dresses. Due to the strong fiber and rapid growth was used for all kinds of goods, particularly rope. As a result of strong rope was until recently irreplaceable in shipbuilding, it has always been highly prized plant, so that, for example, Maria Theresa with us enforce laws that are demanded from each farmer to a certain part of their land sown with hemp. A similar law is still in the 30 years of the 20th century also apply in the United States.

Due to the healing and psychoactive effects used by the priests and healers throughout Asia from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Many traditions have otherwise lost, but in Indian science is ubiquitous, found it in ancient Chinese medical writings. Archaeologists are in about 3,000 years old graves discovered its use in the skit, family semi-nomadic peoples in ancient times dominated the space between Europe and India. About Scythian use of cannabis in psychoactive purposes also wrote Herodotus. Finds Scythian military and riding equipment can also be found in Styria.

Cannabis can also be found in the Bible: “I shone for them a plant, which will be by far the fingers …”

It is estimated that as much as 90% of all paper used until 1883 made from hemp fiber, the same is true for rope, twine and the ship sails. Oil from its seeds is still at the beginning of the last century represented the main component varnishes and polishes, and they used it also for the production of fuels from biomass.

After the Second World War the cultivation and use of cannabis unexpectedly became prohibited.

 

Resources: Konopljinasmola.si, Wikipedija