Understanding Newly Discovered Cannabinoids: THCP & CBDP

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To fully appreciate this news from the world of cannabis research regarding the discovery of new cannabinoids, readers should first gain a basic understanding of the biological framework in which phytomolecules from plants such as hemp and cannabis interact with the human body.

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System

During the 1960s, Israeli scientists discovered a network of microscopic cellular receptors located throughout the body, with the greatest densities in critical organs such as the brain, central nervous system, and the tissues involved in the immune system. Called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), this complex web of cellular neurotransmitters has been found to play a prominent role in important bodily functions, including sleep, appetite, mood, immune function, pain, cognition, and even libido.  

The body produces special wellness molecules that interact with the ECS called endocannabinoids. The cannabis plant produces a family of similar molecules called phytocannabinoids that scientists have determined mimics endocannabinoids. This plant-based game of impersonation involves two primary types of microscopic cellular receptors in the ECS: CB1 (located mostly in the brain and central nervous system) and CB2 (found primarily in the organs and glands of the immune system).   

These phytocannabinoids include cannabidiol (CBD), the anti-inflammation, anticonvulsant, and anti-anxiety cannabinoid that produces no overt psychoactivity and the most infamous phytocannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which provides similar efficacies to CBD, including decreased anxiety and a variety of anti-cancer mechanisms. 

THC is the most prevalent cannabinoid in most modern commercial cultivars (strains) of cannabis. Unlike CBD, potent samples of loose-leaf flower and concentrates that are rich in THC produce pronounced psychoactivity.       

The ECS & Runner’s High

A clearer understanding of the ECS and its interaction with endocannabinoids can be gained from consideration of its role in the scenario of pain management. Endurance athletes often suffer a significant amount of pain during activities like marathons and 100-mile cycling tours. In response to pain, the body produces an endocannabinoid called anandamide. Interestingly, the runner’s high phenomenon experienced by endurance athletes is not the result of endorphin, a hormone produced by the body in response to pain, as was erroneously preached by the media and medical professionals for decades. 

Research has revealed that endorphin is not involved in the mechanism of runner’s high because it is not granted access to the brain by the extremely selective blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Copyright ? 2018-2021 by Curt Robbins. All Rights Reserved.

Instead, runner’s high is the result of anandamide reaching CB1 receptors in the brain. Research has revealed that endorphin is not involved in the mechanism of runner’s high because it is not granted access to the brain by the extremely selective blood-brain barrier (BBB). Anandamide, however, is granted access to the ECS receptors in the brain, resulting in this euphoric state. 

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About The Author

Curt Robbins is a technical writer, instructional designer, and lecturer who has been developing science-based educational and training content for Fortune 200 enterprises for more than 30 years. His clients have included Federal Express, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, Northrop Grumman, National City Bank, Strainprint Technologies Ltd., the J.M. Smucker Company, and USAA. 

Robbins has developed more than 600 educational articles regarding hemp and its various health components, including terpenes, cannabinoids, and the human endocannabinoid system for clients in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His latest white paper, CBG: The Mother of Cannabinoids, is an evidence-based 50-page deep dive into the biochemistry of the hemp-derived phytocannabinoid cannabigerol that features 60 peer-reviewed research study citations.

Robbins currently serves as Director of Curriculum Development for Higher Learning LV? based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robbins can be found on Twitter at @RobbinsGroupLLC and via email at [email protected]. To learn more, search for his social media hashtag campaigns on your favorite social media network:

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Copyright ? 2019-2021 by Curt Robbins. All Rights Reserved.