What is The Active Ingredient In Marijuana?

Many people around the world decide to grow cannabis either for recreational use and relaxation or to treat disorders such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Many times it is believed that because a variety has high THC content they are the best, and with the passage of time, they realize that it is not. There are cannabinoids and terpenes, which if combined have psychoactive or relaxing effects, and both ingredients apply to the smell and taste of the variety of different types of cannabis that we will see below.  Our article will go over what is the active ingredient in marijuana.

 

Here is a list of active ingredients in marijuana

Cannabinoids

These chemicals are responsible for the mind or medicinal effects, as it is made up of various chemicals such as CBN, delta-g tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), also CBDA y THCA (where “A” is a carboxylic acid molecule made by the plant). Experts know what to do to regulate the number of their cannabinoids, for example, to get more THC that will give them a mental trip while those who want to get more CBD will relax them.

 

THC

THC is used to measure the potency of the crop. Its greatest quantity is found in seedless buds. In male plants, we find 0.5%, 2-3% in female plants, and 4-20% in high-quality female plants. Flowers can be created with up to 90% THC in hacis or distillates. It is responsible for the “high”, which makes people who consume it want it as well as its analgesic, anti-inflammatory effects and can help with appetite. To give you an idea, a normal joint contains 0.5 grams of marijuana and has approximately 25 milligrams of THC (which is lost while smoking). For therapeutic purposes, the amount is between 2.5 and 20 milligrams.  THC is one of the main ingredients and can help us answer the question as to what is the active ingredient in marijuana.

 

THCA

It consists of the natural acid that the plant produces by itself, but if consumed without decomposing it does not have the desired mental effect with THC. Decarboxylation consists of converting THC into THCA, through heat or combustion. After this process, that psychoactive effect that is sought to be consumed will be produced.

 

Cannabidiol CBD

CBD is sought after for its multiple benefits as it is able to work in conjunction with THC and its regular medicinal effects with mental ones. Studies have even confirmed that it is a great ally to combat anxiety. This reduces the panic attacks that THC often causes. Its effects are neuroprotective, antiepileptic, and sedative. As an antioxidant, it is very powerful even to treat arthritis, some cancers, alcoholism, and even Huntington’s disease. It is still under study to have it as an option in the future to treat severe disorders, intestinal diseases, and even multiple sclerosis.

 

CBDA

The plant is also in charge of producing both CBDA and THCA, so if one is higher the other tends to be lower. Yet both also have medicinal effects that can be obtained by making tea or squeezing the leaves of the plant.

 

CBN

This cannabinol occurs when marijuana has been stored incorrectly for a long time, you will not find it in healthy or well-cared-for plants. Its effects can be a bit uncomfortable, since it can cause dizziness and loss of muscle control, among others.

 

Terpenes

Are responsible for giving the flower its smell and taste. Many are still under study for their physiological effects. Some that have been identified so far are:

 

Pinene

Taste and strong aroma of pine. It can be found in pine trees, sage, rosemary, turpentine, and eucalyptus. It is believed to help maintain memories, focus, improve energy and lead to more self-satisfaction. It is also known as a bronchodilator as it improves the absorption of THC.

 

Terpineol

Its aroma presents odors of orange blossom and lilac. Its chemical composition makes you want to rest. It is useful for people with insomnia. Outside of cannabis use, it is also used in teas or lotions with high fragrances.

 

Caryophyllene

It is spicy and we can find it in our homes as in black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, hops, cloves, and basil. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is sought after to make ointments, it is also used to avoid episodes of alcohol, anxiety, and even depression.

 

Linalool

It has a smell similar to lilies and lavender. It is often a great sedative and relaxant for people looking to remove those annoying pains, for this, it is better to look for varieties with sweet and floral scents. He has also treated disorders such as anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, insanity, and depression.

 

Limonene

Its flavor is similar to that of a lemon, apart from being found in cannabis plants, they also exist in fruit peels, cosmetics, and cleaning liquids. Among its benefits, we can find its reduction to stress, improves mood, has antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, and relieves gastric reflux.

 

Myrcene

It can be found in mangoes, hops, lemongrass, thyme, basil, and bay leaf. It has a sedative effect and enhances the THC content. It is said that to increase the effect of THC in the body you can eat a mango, it could be used for your next consumption. It also serves as an antibiotic and antimutagenic, treats pain, inflammation and insomnia.

 

Pulegone

Companies that make candy often use it thanks to its minty aroma and flavor. It is said to help with memory loss and is effective in increasing the body’s alertness as well as concentration and even helping to repel insects.

Borneol

This terpene is very important in Chinese medicine. In the 1600s it was known as moxa, and it is used for inflammation and heart diseases or disorders and in recent years it has been used as a neuroprotective, analgesic, and antioxidant. It protects cannabis plants from insects and smells like menthol, which makes it a painkiller.

 

Bisabolol

It can also be found in chamomile and the candela tree. It tends to be used in the cosmetic industry due to its pleasant scent and anti-irritant. It has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. In cannabis use, it produces a calming effect, ideal for anxiety and sleep problems.

 

Geraniol

It is produced by bees with the aim of marking the flowers that are from their hive. It can be found in tobacco and lemon. It has been used to treat cancer, epilepsy, and anxiety. It is useful to repel mosquitoes. it is relaxing and helps to fall asleep and has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal characteristics.

 

Valencene

It is found mostly in Valencia oranges. Its aroma is similar to oranges or mandarins and can even scare away ticks and mosquitoes. It has anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties, it also gives some protection against the sun.

 

The bottom line

Over the years, new ingredients and new techniques for the use of cannabis have been discovered. When a grower understands the functions and what each ingredient provides, he has more knowledge of his tastes, he can enhance the characteristics that best suit his needs and thus enjoy his harvests or consumption successfully.  We hope this article helped with what is the active ingredient in marijuana.