List of Chemical Composition of Marijuana and What Each Does?

Chemical composition that make marijuana and what they do to you

Ahh, marijuana! That amazing gift from God to humans, which works like magic. Use it the way you want — smoke it, vape it, eat it or massage with it — it’s one magic herb with unimaginable benefits. If you are new to this or want to explore the unexplored universe of marijuana, also called cannabis, you must know how it works. What is the chemical composition in marijuana that makes it so potent yet so subtle? After all, what’s the point of making something a part of your life without fully knowing it. You know what I mean! 

Ok, let’s assume that you have made the final decision to learn about complete chemical composition of marijuana inside out. 

Let’s dive in!

What is marijuana?

Marijuana or cannabis is a plant, which grows in the fields and can be extracted from its shredded and dried parts. All its body parts, including stems, seeds, leaves, and flowers, have a plethora of uses for medical as well as recreational purposes. It’s countless names exist the popular culture — weed, hash, pot, and marijuana, to name a few. As its popularity grows, people have found various ways to consume it.

While some people may like to smoke marijuana, others may not want to put an unnecessary burden on their lungs and thus, be happy drinking hash tea or pot cake. The effects may vary — smoking can have a faster and deeper impact while it may take longer to feel the effect if you eat marijuana. Cannabis is made up of around 500 chemical compounds. Also known as cannabinoids, that come into play when you have it. The effect is beautifully complex and magical. Now, let’s talk about all the major ingredients of marijuana, what they do, and their benefits.

THC or Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) : Interesting Composition of Marijuana

This is the most notorious chemical composition or cannabinoid found in a cannabis plant (marijuana). This is the single compound responsible for causing a ‘high’. How does it do that? Well, it interacts with receptors in our brain. This interaction boosts the production of dopamine, a brain chemical that activates reward circuits in the brain, thus, making you feel on top of the world. If you are new into this, ‘high’ is a feeling similar to when you play your favourite game, let’s say PUBG, or have the sex of your life with your childhood crush.

Now, come back to reality, and imagine if you can get that level of ‘high’ almost anytime you wish. It seems unreal. Well, THC can do it very well for you. Not only that, but THC also comes with many health-related benefits. There are countless products available, both online and offline, specifically designed to address a particular health problem. If you want to try THC, ask your doctor, and seek advice on product and dosage.

CBD or Cannabidiol & reasons why is it the most famous cannabinoid?

CBD is everywhere and you might have heard about it even if you are not into marijuana. Thousands of companies have cropped up, flooding the market with CBD products, which can practically work against a bulk of ailments. CBD as a cannabinoid is present in abundance — about 20 percent composition — in a marijuana plant. It’s most famous among all cannabinoids because it does not cause the so-called ‘high’ and it has properties that can be used to cure critical illnesses.

Notably, CBD can cure health problems like a seizure, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, epilepsy, among others. It’s highly recommended for children suffering from epilepsy. CBD also works well against digestion problems. CBD is more medicinal than THC. The combination of the compounds also works well for many. If you think general medication isn’t working and you want to make a switch, go for CBD. Consult your medical doctor and seek advice on ways that can make your life better. Moreover, since it’s non-psychoactive, most governments are okay with it. This is why you can find CBD-based products everywhere — from over-the-counter shops to online stores.

Cannabinol or CBN: Low in Composition in Marijuana

It is the third most common cannabinoid found in a cannabis plant. The CBN is released when THC compounds get exposed to oxygen or heat. CBN has a sedative effect. But the compound is found in less than one percent composition in the marijuana plant. It’s not a highly psychoactive substance and also lacks the medicinal properties of CBD. 

Cannabigerol or CBG: Mother of Other Marijuana Compounds

CBG is the most basic chemical compound found in a cannabis plant. Consider it the root of all cannabinoids. It’s formed in a marijuana plant in the early stage of harvest and has just one percent composition. Following its further contact with oxygen and heat, CBG releases all other cannabinoids, also named as CBD, THC, CBG, and CBN, among others. CBG was first discovered in 1964 by Israeli researchers. However, due to its expensive extraction method, researchers found it less useful for the masses.

More research efforts were put into discovering the health benefits of THC and CBD due to their high composition in marijuana. As the popularity of these two compounds reached all new heights, the medical science community explored the properties of CBG too. Now there are marijuana strains that comprise a higher composition of CBG. It’s been found to be highly useful against neurodegenerative diseases and cancer cell growth.  

What are terpenoids?

Apart from over 500 cannabinoids, a marijuana plant also contains over 100 terpenoids. These are compounds that contain aroma and flavour. They are also believed to possess several medicinal properties. Interestingly, all types of marijuana strains may contain cannabinoids and terpenoids, which can produce unique highs and medicinal benefits for users. 

The bottom line

Marijuana is a complex plant, so complex that you can write a series of books on its benefits and drawbacks and still find many of its aspects uncovered. Due to the openness shown by liberal nations like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, among other nations, researchers are now moving in the direction of exploring the plant to its maximum potential. The need is to adopt it in lifestyle and gain maximum benefits from its medicinal properties.