CBD Function and Effects on the Human Body

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. It belongs to a group of compounds known as cannabinoids. Here are some of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis, along with their functions and effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS):

1.⁠ ⁠CBD (Cannabidiol):

  • Function: CBD has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (painkiller), anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), and antipsychotic properties. It affects the ECS by interacting with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and can increase the effectiveness of endogenous cannabinoids.


Effects of CBD (Cannabidiol):


1.⁠ ⁠Pain Relief: CBD has analgesic properties that may be useful in treating chronic pain, such as arthritis and neuropathic pain.

  • Source: Therapeutic Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD): A Review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7880228/


2.⁠ ⁠Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Studies show that CBD can be effective in reducing anxiety and stress, making it promising for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

  • Source: Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476


3.⁠ ⁠Sleep Improvement: CBD can help improve sleep quality and may be helpful for people with insomnia or other sleep disorders.

  • Source: Cannabinoids and Sleep: A Review of the Literature https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1328885/full


4.⁠ ⁠Neuroprotective Effects: CBD has neuroprotective properties that may be important for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

  • Source: Plastic and Neuroprotective Mechanisms Involved in the… https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28588483/


5.⁠ ⁠Antiepileptic Activity: CBD is approved for the treatment of certain forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

  • Source: Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/

 

2.⁠ ⁠CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid):

  • Function: CBDA is the acidic precursor of CBD. It may have anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties. It is still being researched, but it appears to play a role in the ECS by modulating receptor activity.

Effects of Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)

1.⁠ ⁠Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBDA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may make it useful in treating inflammatory diseases.

  • Source: Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) and Its Anti-Inflammatory Properties https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7425366/


2.⁠ ⁠Nausea and Vomiting: Research suggests that CBDA may help reduce nausea and vomiting, which may be helpful for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

  • Source: CBDA as a Potential Anti-Nausea Agent https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7858850/


3.⁠ ⁠Antidepressant Effects: CBDA has been shown to have a potential role in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

  • Source: Cannabinoids and Mental Health: A Review of the Literature https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326551/


4.⁠ ⁠Neuroprotective Properties: There is some evidence that CBDA may have neuroprotective effects, which may be important for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Source: Cannabinoids and Neuroprotection https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576607/


5.⁠ ⁠Antitumor Activity: Preliminary studies suggest that CBDA has potential antitumor properties, making it interesting for further research into cancer treatments.

  • Source: The Antitumor Activity of Cannabinoids https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770357/

 

3.⁠ ⁠CBG (Cannabigerol):

  • Function: CBG is often called the “mother cannabinoid” because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids. It has potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial properties, and may also influence ECS function by modulating receptor activity.

Effects of Cannabigerol (CBG)

1.⁠ ⁠Pain Relief: CBG has been shown to have analgesic properties, making it potentially useful for treating chronic pain.

  • Source: Cannabinoids and Pain Management https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4862655/


2.⁠ ⁠Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBG has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help treat inflammatory diseases such as colitis and arthritis.

  • Source: Cannabigerol: A Review of Its Therapeutic Potential https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412127/


3.⁠ ⁠Antibacterial Effects: Research shows that CBG has antibacterial properties, making it potential for the development of new antibacterial agents.

  • Source: Antibacterial Activity of Cannabinoids https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7273511/


4.⁠ ⁠Appetite stimulation: CBG can stimulate appetite, which can be helpful for people suffering from eating disorders or recovering from illness.

  • Source: The Role of Cannabinoids in Appetite Regulation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312154/


5.⁠ ⁠Neuroprotective Effects: CBG has potential neuroprotective properties, which may be important for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

  1. Source: Cannabinoids and Neuroprotection https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5971234/)4.⁠ ⁠CBGV (Cannabigerovarin


4. CBGV (Cannabigerovarin)

  • Function: CBGV has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as colitis and arthritis.

Effects of Cannabigerovarin (CBGV)

1.⁠ ⁠Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBGV has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be useful in treating various inflammatory diseases.

  • Source: Cannabigerovarin (CBGV) and its Anti-Inflammatory Properties https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7021930/


2.⁠ ⁠Pain Relief: CBGV may have analgesic properties, making it potentially useful for treating chronic pain.

  • Source: Cannabinoids and Pain Management https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6340520/


3.⁠ ⁠Antibacterial Effects: Research suggests that CBGV has antibacterial properties, making it interesting for the development of new antibiotics.

  • Source: Antibacterial Activity of Cannabinoids https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6281812/


4.⁠ ⁠Neuroprotective Effects: CBGV has potential neuroprotective properties, which may aid in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

  • Source: Cannabinoids and Neuroprotection https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6313286/


5.⁠ ⁠Appetite regulation: CBGV may influence appetite, which may be useful for people looking to regulate their food intake.

  • Source: The Role of Cannabinoids in Appetite Regulation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469782/

 

5.⁠ ⁠CBN (Cannabinol):

  • Function: CBN is produced by the breakdown of THC and has mild psychoactive properties. It can have a calming effect and is being studied for its potential as a sleep aid. CBN may also promote interaction with the ECS, particularly in relation to sleep and relaxation.

Effects of Cannabinol (CBN)

1.⁠ ⁠Sleep Improvement: CBN is known for its calming effects and can help improve sleep quality, making it useful for those suffering from insomnia.

  • Source: Cannabinol (CBN) as a Sleep Aid https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6151653/


2.⁠ ⁠Pain Relief: CBN may have analgesic properties and may be useful in treating chronic pain.

  • Source: Cannabinoids for Pain Management https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151329/


3.⁠ ⁠Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBN has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may aid in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

  • Source: Cannabinoids and Inflammation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6310166/


4.⁠ ⁠Appetite Suppression: Unlike THC, CBN can suppress appetite, which can be helpful for those trying to lose weight.

  • Source: The Role of Cannabinoids in Appetite Regulation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6064403/


5.⁠ ⁠Neuroprotective Effects: CBN has potential neuroprotective properties, which may be important for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

  • Source: Cannabinoids and Neuroprotection https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6040804/


6.⁠ ⁠THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol):

  • Function: THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. It binds strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to the typical "high". It also has analgesic, appetite-stimulating and antiemetic properties.

Effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

1.⁠ ⁠Pain Relief: THC is known for its analgesic properties, making it useful for treating chronic pain.

  • The Role of Cannabinoids in Pain Management https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/


2.⁠ ⁠Relief of Nausea and Vomiting: THC is often used to relieve nausea and vomiting, especially in chemotherapy patients.

  • Cannabinoids for Nausea and Vomiting in Adults with Cancer https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343205/


3.⁠ ⁠Appetite stimulation: THC can increase appetite, which is helpful for people with eating disorders or those recovering from illness.

  • Cannabinoids and Appetite: Food Craving and Food Pleasure https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4983646/


4.⁠ ⁠Anxiety and Stress Reduction: THC may help reduce anxiety and stress, although effects may vary depending on the dose and the person.

  • THC, CBD, and Anxiety: A Review of Recent Findings https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6601956/


5.⁠ ⁠Sleep Improvement: THC can contribute to better sleep quality and may be helpful for people with insomnia.

  • Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: A Review of the Literature https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326555/


7.⁠ ⁠THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin):

  • Function: THCV has a different action than THC and can suppress appetite. It is being studied for its potential in weight management and diabetes management. It also has effects on the ECS, possibly by modulating receptors.

Effects of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

1.⁠ ⁠Appetite Suppression: THCV is known for its potential to suppress appetite, which may make it useful for weight management and the treatment of obesity.

  • Source: Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) as a Novel Anti-Obesity Treatment https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6001797/


2.⁠ ⁠Pain Relief: THCV may have pain-relieving properties and may be useful in treating chronic pain.

  • Source: Cannabinoids: Therapeutic Potential in Pain Management https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604184/


3.⁠ ⁠Anticonvulsant Properties: Research suggests that THCV may have anticonvulsant effects, which may help treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

  • Source: Anticonvulsant Activity of Tetrahydrocannabivarin https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5631977/


4.⁠ ⁠Improved Glucose Governance: THCV may help improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which may be beneficial for people with diabetes.

  • Source: Tetrahydrocannabivarin Improves Glucose Tolerance https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3682873/


5.⁠ ⁠Neuroprotective Effects: THCV has potential neuroprotective properties, which may be important for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

  • Source: Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabinoids https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6271260/

 

8.⁠ ⁠CBC (Cannabichromene):

  • Function: CBC has anti-inflammatory properties and may also contribute to the analgesic effects of cannabis. It appears to interact with the ECS, although the exact mechanisms are still being investigated.

Effects of Cannabichromene (CBC)

1.⁠ ⁠Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBC has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help treat inflammatory diseases. One study showed that CBC can reduce hypermotility in the intestines.

  • Source: Inhibitory effect of cannabichromene, a major non-psychotropic cannabinoid https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3417459/


2.⁠ ⁠Pain Relief: CBC exhibits pain-relieving properties, making it potentially useful for treating chronic pain. Studies suggest that CBC may help reduce pain through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system.

  • Source: Antinociceptive Effects of Cannabichromene (CBC) in Mice: Insights https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/1/83


3.⁠ ⁠Neuroprotective Effects: CBC has potential neuroprotective properties, which may be important for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Research has shown that cannabinoids like CBC may have neuroprotective effects.

  • Source: The Potential of Cannabichromene (CBC) as a Therapeutic Agent https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/early/2024/05/22/jpet.124.002166


4.⁠ ⁠Antidepressant Effects: There is evidence that CBC can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Cannabinoids can influence serotonin activity, which is important for regulating mood.

  • Source: Pharmacological Evaluation of the Natural Constituent of Cannabis https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2967639/


5.⁠ ⁠Skin Health: CBC also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to skin health. This makes CBC an interesting subject for further research into skin treatments.

  • Source: Cannabichromene - an https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/cannabichromene


9.⁠ ⁠CBDV (Cannabidivarin):

  • Function: CBDV is a variant of CBD and is being studied for its potential in treating epilepsy and other neurological disorders. It may affect the ECS by modulating receptors and increasing the activity of endogenous cannabinoids.

1.⁠ ⁠Effects of CBDV on brain excitation and inhibition:

  • A study investigated the effects of CBDV on the glutamate and GABA systems in the brains of adults with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study used a double-blind, randomized crossover design and compared glutamate (Glx) and GABA levels in different brain regions after administration of a placebo or 600 mg CBDV to 34 healthy males (17 with ASD and 17 without)
  • CBDV significantly increased Glx levels in the basal ganglia of both groups, but the response was not uniform.
  • In the ASD group, there was a negative correlation between the shift in Glx levels and basal Glx concentrations.
  • CBDV had no significant impact on Glx levels in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex or on GABA+ levels in either brain region.
  • The authors concluded that CBDV modulates the glutamate-GABA system in the basal ganglia, but not in frontal areas. They suggested that future research should investigate the effects of CBDV on behavior and whether the acute response to CBDV can predict potential clinical treatment response in ASD.


2.⁠ ⁠Safety and side effects of cannabidiol:

  • Another review provides an overview of the safety and side effects of cannabidiol, including CBDV. This research provides insights into the overall effects of cannabinoids on health and their potential therapeutic applications.


Important Research Links:

Here are some links to outside resources that provide more information about the research on CBDV:

  • Effects of cannabidivarin (CBDV) on brain excitation and inhibition https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-019-0654-8
  • An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of… https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5569602/
  • Cannabidivarin - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/cannabidivarin
  • New Research Explores the Effects of Cannabidiol on General Health https://www.unco.edu/news/articles/2024-cbd-research-stewart.aspx
  • Study Reveals How Cannabidiol Counters Epileptic Seizures | NYU… https://nyulangone.org/news/study-reveals-how-cannabidiol-counters-epileptic-seizures


These studies and articles provide a good overview of the current research on CBDV and its potential applications.
Effects on the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating several physiological processes, including:

•⁠ ⁠Pain perception
•⁠ ⁠Immune response
•⁠ ⁠Sleep cycle
•⁠ ⁠Appetite and metabolism
•⁠ ⁠Mood and emotional response

Cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, and others affect the ECS by binding to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and modulating the activity of endogenous cannabinoids. This can lead to a wide range of therapeutic effects depending on the specific cannabinoid and dosage.

Research into the different cannabinoids and their effects on the ECS is still in its early stages, and there is much to learn about their full potential and effects.