What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are active chemicals naturally found in cannabis AND in the body. Plant-derived cannabinoids in cannabis are called phytocannabinoids, while human-derived cannabinoids are called endocannabinoids.

There are over 100 different cannabinoids that can be isolated from cannabis, each with distinct impacts on our nervous, immune, digestive, and skeletal systems.

The most notable cannabinoid is the psychoactive phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabidiol (CBD) is another popular phytocannabinoid.

CBD is a non-intoxicating chemical compound. So it doesn’t alter the mind like THC. CBD is surging in demand because of its robust and varied health benefits.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

Both cannabis-derived and human-derived cannabinoids bind with our CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which are located throughout the body.

These cannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters are part of our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is our body’s self-regulating system that helps maintain the balance of our complex biological functions.

The ECS plays a direct role in movement, memory, pain, appetite, and mood, among other vital processes.

When you think about it, it’s pretty remarkable that our cannabinoid receptors bind with our innate endocannabinoids AND phytocannabinoids from cannabis.

No other drug interacts with a dedicated system in the body like cannabinoids do with the ECS. The relationship between cannabis and the ECS is one-of-a-kind.

How do cannabinoids work?

When cannabinoids enter the body via inhalation (i.e. smoking or vaping), they pass through the highly selective blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is the critical passageway that protects our brain.

Cannabinoids can also be absorbed through the skin or digested depending on the route of application. But once these cannabinoids enter the bloodstream, our ECS is kicked into high gear.Both phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids are essentially neurotransmitters. So they act as chemical messengers that work to harmonize our natural molecular and physiological processes.

What are the benefits of cannabinoids?

As mentioned, there are 100+ chemically distinct cannabinoids. They each have unique properties and therapeutic benefits on various aspects of the body and brain.

Let’s quickly cover the major benefits of the two most popular phytocannabinoids in cannabis: THC and CBD.

• THC is an anticonvulsant, sedative, sleep aid, muscle relaxant, appetite stimulant, neuroprotective antioxidant, and glaucoma treatment. THC also relieves itching and distracts from chronic pain without masking and worsening the underlying problem. Plus, THC has twenty times the anti-inflammatory strength of aspirin.
• CBD combats excessive daytime sleepiness, chronic fatigue, pain, chronic inflammation, bone fractures, skin irritations, certain bacteria, and types of cancer. CBD is also hailed as a powerful anticonvulsant and appetite suppressant.
• CBN is a slightly psychoactive cannabinoid that has shown success among some as a sleep and relaxation aid. It can also have pain relieving properties.

Green Revolution’s Beauty Sleep water tincture is a water soluble, flavorless cannabis-infused tincture that harnesses the resting and restorative properties of CBD, THC and CBN!