The Complex World of Cannabis: Understanding the Compounds of the Plant

Cannabis, a plant that has been utilised for various purposes throughout human history, has recently gained significant attention due to its psychoactive and therapeutic effects. Although more than 100 plant cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant, it is essentially only one compound that causes the typical “marijuana” effects: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). However, other compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD) can modify the effects of THC, resulting in a diverse range of experiences for users.

The Euphoria-Inducing Compound: THC

The sought-after euphoria produced by smoking marijuana is entirely attributable to THC and not at all attributable to the other cannabinoids found in the plant (Mechoulam et al. 2014). THC is not evenly distributed throughout the plant. It is absent from the roots and the seeds and is found only at very low concentrations in the stems. The lower leaves contain less THC than the upper leaves (typically 2–3 per cent). However, unpollinated, all-female floral material— called sinsemilla, meaning “without seeds” in Spanish—is a primary source of THC (with concentrations as high as 25 per cent) and other cannabinoids.

The Role of Trichomes in Cannabinoid Production

The concentration of cannabinoids within individual plants and tissues is due mainly to the presence or absence of glandular or capitate trichomes—small structures in which cannabinoids are synthesised and sequestered. These trichomes play a crucial role in determining the potency and effects of different strains of cannabis.

Varieties of Cannabis Plants and Their Cannabinoid Contents

Varieties of cannabis plants differ in their cannabinoid contents. The concentration of THC in industrial hemp is less than 0.3 per cent. In hashish in the 1960s, it was about 5 per cent, whereas in marijuana it was about 2–3 per cent. In the twenty-first century, strains of marijuana have been developed that contain up to 25 per cent THC.

The Debate on Cannabis Classification

Because all its types are able to interbreed, many academic botanists argue that cannabis is one polymorphic species (Piomelli and Russo 2016; Russo 2014) and that the biochemical cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles of different strains of cannabis account for their differing effects. On the other hand, there is recent genetic evidence indicating that hemp is genetically more similar to Cannabis indica than to Cannabis sativa (Sawler et al. 2015).

The Eleven Types of Cannabinoids

The cannabinoids identified from cannabis are of eleven types (ElSohly and Gul 2014; Mechoulam 2005): Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinodiol (CBND), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabinol (CBN), cannabitriol (CBT), and miscellaneous cannabinoids. Each of these cannabinoids has unique properties and can contribute to the overall effects experienced by users.

The Role of Terpenoids in Cannabis

In addition to cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains hundreds of non-cannabinoid constituents, including terpenoids, which give the plant its characteristic smell (and which are also found in hops, a close relative to cannabis). In vitro and in vivo, some terpenoids have been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-anxiety effects (Piomelli and Russo 2016); however, no clinical trials support those claims. Various combinations of cannabinoid constituents and their interaction with terpenoids could provide diverse therapeutic results, accounting for why people claim different symptomatic relief from using different strains.

Conclusion

The world of cannabis is complex and fascinating, with a myriad of cannabinoids and terpenoids contributing to the unique effects experienced by users. As research continues to expand our understanding of this plant and its constituents, it is likely that we will continue to uncover new and potential therapeutic applications for cannabis and its various compounds.

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