Marijuana is the psychoactive substance which is a product of the Cannabis plant mainly the Cannabis sativa,
Cannabis indica and the hybrid strains. The pharmacological and therapeutic effect of the plant is explained by the complex composition of cannabinoids,
terpenes, and other phytochemicals. Although marijuana is commonly used as a colloquialism,
in scientific circles the plant is generally referred to by its genus (Cannabis) or,
to be precise and unambiguous, one can specify which of its bioactive components are of interest.
Taxonomy of Cannabis: Sativa, Indica and Hybrids
Cannabis genus is broadly classified into three broad forms which include: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. Among these,
sativa and indica are the most common ones which are grown both as recreational and medicinal purposes.
- Cannabis sativa boasts a taller plant morphology,
has longer flowering time and its chemical composition tends to relate to stimulating effects. - Cannabis indica, on the contrary, is more bushy and shorter,
and its chemical composition is associated with sedative effects.
Hybrid strains GM Varying degrees of the genetic material of both sativa and indica plants are combined to produce custom cannabinoid and terpene profiles that are meant to produce a desired effect.
One should mention that researchers are more and more doubtful about these traditional classifications because of the lack of consistency in strain designations and Variability in chemical content, even among strains of the same designation.
Main Cannabinoids: THC, CBD, and More
Cannabinoids, a group of more than 100 structurally related compounds, are the most famous active components in marijuana, and they bond with cannabinoid receptors in the human body. The two most important and analyzed cannabinoids are:
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): It is the main intoxicating chemical that produces the high, which is implemented when marijuana is used. The main effects of THC are related to its binding to CB1 receptors in brain and central nervous system, which affect mood, memory, motor control and perception.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): Non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has received growing scientific and clinical interest in recent years, as it may have potential therapeutic uses, such as anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, or anti-epileptic. In contrast with THC, CBD does not bind well to CB1 receptors and does not generate euphoria or impairment.
Minor cannabinoids, including cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) among others, also occur and are being studied due to their various pharmacological actions.
Terpenes, flavonoids and the entourage effect
In addition to cannabinoids, Cannabis plants synthesize terpenes, aromatic organic compounds that possibly add to the physiological effects of the plant as well as its odor. Myrcene, limonene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene are examples, and each of them can adjust the mood, inflammation, or sedation. Marijuana also contains flavonoid, a type of polyphenolic compound and may possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The entourage effect is a hypothesis suggesting that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work synergistically to enhance therapeutic outcomes, rather than acting in isolation. This concept underscores the importance of whole-plant preparations in some medical marijuana formulations, although more clinical evidence is needed to validate these synergistic interactions.