CBN – CBG – CBDA – CBGA – Everything You Need to Know About These Cannabinoids!
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is part of the human nervous system. It is also referred to as the endogenous cannabinoid system. The term “endogenous” describes processes that occur within the body and are not caused by external influences. The central components are the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, as well as endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) that bind to these receptors and activate them.
When cannabis is consumed, the active ingredient THC also binds to cannabinoid receptors and thus unfolds its effect.
History
Israeli researchers Raphael Mechoulam and Yehiel Gaoni identified THC as the most important psychoactive ingredient in cannabis in the mid-1960s. About twenty years later, scientists discovered specific receptors in the human nervous system to which THC binds. Subsequently, Mechoulam and his research team found an endogenous cannabinoid. They named it Anandamide, inspired by the Sanskrit term “ananda,” which stands for bliss. This discovery marked the beginning of ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system.
Structure of the Endocannabinoid System
Cannabinoid receptors are found in various regions of the human body and influence different processes. CB1 receptors are mainly distributed in the brain but are also found in organs such as the kidneys or intestines. A particularly high concentration of CB1 receptors is located in brain regions responsible for motor control (basal ganglia, cerebellum) and information processing (hippocampus). CB1 receptors play an important role in motivation and cognitive functions such as memory formation. CB2 receptors are mainly associated with the central nervous system’s immune defense.
Activation of cannabinoid receptors occurs via endocannabinoids. Unlike most other neurotransmitters, endocannabinoids are not stored in nerve cells but are produced as needed. Along with anandamide, one of the best-known endocannabinoids is 2-arachidonoylglycerol, abbreviated as 2-AG.
Function of the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system plays a role in many bodily functions and also influences the activation of other neurotransmitters such as GABA, glutamate, and dopamine. Research into the endocannabinoid system is still relatively young, and new insights into its significance continue to emerge.
Interference with the endocannabinoid system can have significant consequences. In humans, for example, artificial blocking of CB1 receptors by the drug Rimonabant can trigger severe anxiety disorders. As a result, a medication containing the active substance was withdrawn from the market. It was originally intended to suppress appetite and thus help with weight loss in obesity. CB1 receptors also regulate appetite. In cannabis users, this effect can result in the so-called “munchies.”
Genetic variations of CB1 receptors are suspected to increase susceptibility to addiction or mental disorders. Furthermore, CB1 receptors are important in embryonic development for neurogenesis, the formation of neural networks.
The endocannabinoid system also plays a vital role in the processing of current information, such as access to working and short-term memory.
For many people, cannabinoids are completely new compounds. Yet, we see them almost everywhere and know some of them, such as CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
CBD products are mainstream and have been on the market for several years. But when it comes to molecules like CBN, CBG, CBDA, or even CBGA, that’s a different story. Some of these cannabinoids result from the transformation of existing cannabinoids. And what about the others? Let’s find out now!
Cannabinoid: What Is It?
There are more than a hundred different cannabinoids in the hemp plant (cannabis). They are all different and have unique properties. These compounds can interact with our endocannabinoid system, which is why they are of great interest to scientists around the world. Due to this interaction, cannabinoids are capable of influencing our essential biological functions. The benefits of cannabinoids for health and well-being are countless. Examples include the anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties of common cannabinoids like cannabidiol. Regular intake of CBD oil helps combat sleep disorders such as insomnia, night terrors, sleepwalking, sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness… In short, classic cannabinoids are a gift from above.
Recently, new cannabinoids have entered the market. They are even on the verge of overshadowing CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Lesser-known compounds like CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), and CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) are now competing with the long-dominant cannabinoids.
CBN (Cannabinol)
This compound is in full development and enjoying great success. However, it is important to note that research on CBN is still limited. CBN (cannabinol) is obtained by decarboxylating tetrahydrocannabinol. The combined effect of high temperature and oxidation leads to a significant chemical transformation. From THC, a new cannabinoid emerges. Scientists continue to experiment with the effectiveness of cannabinol in relieving various everyday ailments.
CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system differently than other cannabinoids. The interaction is not less effective, but CBN binds to entirely different neurotransmitters.
This “decarboxylated” version of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) does not cause as many psychotropic effects as its predecessor. In terms of benefits, CBN is just as effective as classic cannabinoids. For example, it could help anorexic individuals in their daily struggle. Cannabinol has positive effects on appetite. For people with chronic pain, CBN may help soothe sore spots. It is said to have strong analgesic properties. Moreover, CBN is especially known for its exceptional effects on sleep. Its perfect synergy with THC provides an effective solution against insomnia. Confirming these effects is still difficult due to the complex synthesis of CBN.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Cannabigerol is gaining increasing acceptance among consumers of hemp-derived products. Research into CBG is encouraging and opening new perspectives. Cannabigerol is naturally derived from hemp (cannabis). In fact, it is the precursor compound of other cannabinoids. The presence of specific enzymes leads to a cascade of chemical reactions resulting in the cannabinoids you already know. Because of this, hemp plants generally contain only small amounts of CBG, as most cannabigerol molecules have already been converted. However, breeders have succeeded in producing more by crossbreeding different cannabis strains.
Unlike other cannabinoids, which primarily exert their effects through binding to CB1-CB2 neuroreceptors, CBG acts differently. In the cerebral cortex, a neurotransmitter called GABA is closely associated with regulating mood and emotions. CBG binds to these neuroreceptors and indirectly affects stress response, emotional regulation, and sleep quality. This mysterious cannabinoid also has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to have unusual antioxidant characteristics. In other words, CBG fights free radicals and protects the body’s cellular defenses. CBG is therefore an essential wellness product. Benefit from the entourage effect to enhance the potential and effectiveness of cannabinoids!
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
Like cannabigerol, CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is a compound that naturally occurs in the hemp plant. CBDA is widespread in the plant and is closely related to cannabidiol, as its acronym already suggests. It is the primary form of CBD. Cannabidiol undergoes a cascade of chemical reactions in the plant through decarboxylation and heat exposure. A catalyst acts on the molecule and completes the conversion. Like cannabidiol, CBDA has an affinity for the endocannabinoid system. However, there is a key difference: CBDA does not bind to the CB1 and CB2 neuroreceptors. Cannabidiolic acid primarily affects the ECS by blocking the action of cyclooxygenases – enzymes involved in prostanoid production. Therefore, CBDA has very strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Several studies also show that CBDA is a very effective natural anxiolytic for anxiety disorders. It may help people suffering from various forms of psychosis. CBDA is recommended to reduce anxiety, depression, fear, and stress. This compound offers psychological protection against negative thoughts. The soothing and calming effect of CBDA allows you to overcome worries and fears. This cannabinoid promotes mental calm and well-being. Other scientific studies highlight CBDA’s potential anti-cancer properties. It may slow the development of tumors and cancer cells. According to a recent study, CBDA also has remarkable effects on regulating the digestive system. It may help relieve nausea and vomiting, making it a potential natural solution for chemotherapy patients to counter side effects.
CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)
CBGA, or cannabigerolic acid, is initially formed in the bracts of the unfertilized female flowers of the hemp plant. It is also a parent cannabinoid and serves as the actual precursor to the formation of cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). It plays a biosynthetic role in the hemp plant. In addition to this main function, it ensures the proper development of the flowers by inhibiting cell growth in the leaves. This cannabis active ingredient does not cause psychotropic effects. Therefore, it does not induce euphoria or a “high.” However, its effects on the central nervous system are not to be underestimated.
Recently, research teams have explored the effectiveness of CBGA in inflammatory bowel diseases. To do this, scientists conducted several significant tests on guinea pigs. CBGA showed a strong ability to inhibit nitric oxide and oxidation particles in the intestinal tract. Further research on this cannabinoid could help combat serious diseases such as colitis. Another study investigated the effects of CBGA on colon cancer. The CBGA used in the clinical study consisted of synthetic compounds mixed with other active ingredients. Traditional cannabigerolic acid is not a drug.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that secondary cannabinoids are attracting increasing interest. In addition to CBD, CBN, and THC, lesser-known cannabinoids are gaining attention from the scientific community and hemp product consumers alike. CBN, CBG, CBDA, CBGA… These fascinating molecules have real potential for applications in wellness and general health. The hemp plant is undoubtedly captivating. The potential of its active ingredients offers promising solutions to relieve various everyday ailments. At High Society, you will find natural and safe alternatives.
Author: Mario Bader
"Gesundheit neu denken – von der Zelle bis zum ganzen Menschen" Gesundheit beginnt in den Zellen – doch oft sind es tiefere Wurzeln wie ungelöste Konflikte, hinderliche Glaubenssätze oder alte Verletzungen, die dieses Gleichgewicht stören. Diese Muster zu erkennen und gezielt aufzulösen, schafft die Grundlage für nachhaltige Gesundheit und echte Vitalität.