Very high CBD strains, which ones?

[sac beh]

CBD being a degradation produce of THC is old school info.

Used to be the accepted method that resulted in one or the other.

Current belief is that they both start from the same material.

I believe this is thought to be proven.

Both degrade into CBN

CBD is much more desirable than CBN.

I'm not sure that it was ever thought that CBD was the primary degradation product of THC, I think it was just confusion between CBD/CBN as they have some similar functions.

So yes, the pharmacological studies show that CBD is a cannabinoid produced along with THC during the growth and aging process of cannabis, while CBN only becomes seen in significant quantities as a result of THC oxidation.

The main thing that makes CBD special is that it acts an antagonist at the CB1 receptor, which has a mediating effect on THC.

 

[Herborizer]

A lot of people simply don't believe this sadly I can barely function socially when i'm high (from either indica or sativa but for different reasons). I'd like to be straight and not feel ill, pretty simple.

I agree 100%. I would probably prefer the 100% CBD cannabis over regular cannabis 29 of 30 days of the month. It's so frustrating when you have a medicine that works so well, but you are worried to take any during the day because it distracts your work. I don't take any medicine during the day for this reason.

 

[SCF]

CBD being a degradation produce of THC is old school info.

Used to be the accepted method that resulted in one or the other.

Current belief is that they both start from the same material.

I believe this is thought to be proven.

Both degrade into CBN

CBD is much more desirable than CBN.

You are semi correct on that. and i didnt get to explain CBN very well. but when i get home ill try to come up with some good reading material.

 

[ChynaRyder]

Great reading in this thread...

Pops, if you are still around, I would love to hear if you have found what you sought...I too am a med user in search of more CBD in my meds. to date, I have found the most success in medicating with a combination of strains, with the autoflowers making up the bulk of it. My assumption all along in using the rudy hybrids was that although ruderalis is low in cannabinoids, the reported 3+% CBD is vastly greater than any strain I can easily locate, so they have to give some upgrade in CBD levels. The effects have somewhat bourne out my assumptions, in that autos do help with my core complaints better than the dutch fare. Still, I think canna can do better for me, and have made the determination to try and find a potent, pure CBD strain. (I have chronic lyme disease that results in a host of issues, physical and neurological)

I have a collection of landrace seeds that I will be getting into this winter, the same strains that Pops was working with...would love to be able to do some home work, and possibly save some time in the search. Have a Pakistan Valley mom from a seedbank that does produce quite pleasant effects...wondering if selfing her, since I only have her, could bring out a shake up in the cannabinoids in some of the progeny?

 

[sbd420]

a few breeders collabrated on a project known as the CBD crew...they have a strain coming out soon in both regular and feminized version in which Cannatonic is crossed with AfxSk...now I know that the AfxSk male comes from Shantibaba so he is involved in the project, also whoever developed Cannatonic would be involved...suppose to be a strain that is high in both THC and CBD at around equal levels (tho i'm sure it varies a bit) so a plant may now be possible to be grown from seed and result in a 1:1 ratio...i've heard maybe 2 months and information will be released

 

[GET MO]

How bout DEEP CHUNK? seems like it might got some cbd in it, kinda landracy ya know?

 

[Muleskinner]

Forgive me if this has already been posted on this thread, but this website is great news for those of us pursuing high-CBD cannabis. Very exciting stuff going on in CA:

http://www.projectcbd.com/

 

[de145]

Sadly all I'm seeing for high CBD strains is focused almost entirely on cuttings or finished product only available at California dispensaries.

The rest of us are looking for someone selling seeds that will grow high CBD flowers and after much research online I've about given up on that as a lost cause.

Cannatonic is much in the news however there is zero evidence I've come across yet that anyone has grown high CBD medicine from those seeds.

Only that one test report of a particular sample from a particular plant that was brought in for testing and who knows if they even expected that result or just thought it was an interesting high and should be brought to the competition.

I'd love to get my hands on a super high CBD strain, I don't care about the level of THC because I can mix it with a standard high THC strain at any ratio I desire. This seems optimal. Why are people looking for balance in one plant, it seems so unnecessary?

It's not that hard to mix two strains together in the bowl or joint or vaporizer and you can customize the effect very accurately to suit.

I'm an old school smoker and I think I probably smoked a lot of high CBD cannabis back in the day as the effect was more happy, giggly and pleasant and today's cannabis seems more racy and intense or heavily narcotic to the point of being almost comatose.

It seems that people have forgotten there was a third type of high that was neither of those things and that's what I'm after with higher CBD levels.

I want something that is *always* welcome and pleasant to smoke that makes me feel cozy and comfortable and like laughing out loud and that great body stone and permagrin I remember.

From time to time I seem to randomly stumble across something close but the people I know could care less about the strain or anything about the weed they smoke, to them it's just "pot", they have no love for the plant beyond getting messed up.

There is just so much mis-information about CBD and so many people willing to spout the same wrong nonsense about it (much of it in this thread) that it's damn near impossible to separate out the really good information.

I wish anyone who started typing "I'm not an expert but.." would just stop right there and save us all a lot of mis-information.

Maybe a good starting point would be to define what a CBD influenced high feels like, get a good definition going so we can evaluate our smoke for those of us without access to a mass spectrometer.

And a list of good candidate seeds to try that seem to reliably produce useful levels of CBD.

 

[SCF]

Marijuana

Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN...)


The Active Ingredients Of Cannabis

Below are some of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis products like marijuana, hashish, and hashish oil. In addition to natural cannabinoids, there are many synthetic cannabinoids which are not covered in this article. Synthetic cannabinoids are not found in marijuana, hashish, or hashish oil unless they have been intentionally added.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) gets a user high, a larger THC content will produce a stronger high. Without THC you don't get high.

CBD (Cannabidiol) increases some of the effects of THC and decreases other effects of THC. High levels of THC and low levels of CBD contribute to a strong, clear headed, more energetic high.

Cannabis that has a high level of both THC and CBD will produce a strong head-stone that feels almost dreamlike. Cannabis that has low levels of THC and high levels of CBD produces more of a stoned feeling. The mind feels dull and the body feels tired.

CBN (Cannabinol) is produced as THC ages and breaks down, this process is known as oxidization. High levels of CBN tend to make the user feel messed up rather than high.

CBN levels can be kept to a minimum by storing cannabis products in a dark, cool, airtight environment. Marijuana should be dry prior to storage, and may have to be dried again after being stored somewhere that is humid.

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is found primarily in strains of African and Asian cannabis. THCV increases the speed and intensity of THC effects, but also causes the high to end sooner. Weed that smells strong (prior to smoking) might indicate a high level of THCV.

CBC (Cannabichromene) is probably not psychoactive in pure form but is thought to interact with THC to enhance the high.

CBL (Cannabicyclol) is a degradative product like CBN. Light converts CBC to CBL.

If you are a grower, you can experiment with different strains of cannabis to produce the various qualities you seek. A medical user looking for something with sleep inducing properties might want to produce a crop that has high levels of CBD.

Another user looking for a more energetic high will want to grow a strain that has high levels of THC and low levels of CBD. In general, Cannabis sativa has lower levels of CBD and higher levels of THC. Cannabis indica has higher amounts of CBD and lower amounts of THC than sativa. See marijuana strains.


For a more scientific description, see below for an excerpt from marijuana growers guide by Mel Frank.

Cannabis is unique in many ways. Of all plants, it is the only genus known to produce chemical substances known as herbal cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are the psychoactive ingredients of marijuana; they are what get you high, buzzed, or stoned. By 1974, there were 37 naturally occurring cannabinoids that had been discovered.

There are 3 types of cannabinoids:
--- Herbal: occur naturally only in the cannabis plant
--- Endogenous: occur naturally in humans and other animals
--- Synthetic: cannabinoids produced in a lab

Most of the cannabinoids appear in very small amounts (less than .01 percent of total cannabinoids) and are not considered psychoactive, or else not important to the high. Many are simply homologues or analogues (similar structure or function) to the few major cannabinoids which are listed.

There are several numbering systems used for cannabinoids. The system used here is based on formal chemical rules for numbering pyran compounds (any of a class of organic compounds of the heterocyclic series in which five carbon atoms and one oxygen atom are present in a ring structure). Another common system is used more by Europeans and is based on a monoterpenoid system which is more useful considering the biogenesis of the compound.


Tetrahydrocannabinol - THC

Delta 9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol - delta-9 THC is the main psychotomimetic (mindbending) ingredient of marijuana. Estimates state that 70 to 100 percent of the marijuana high results from the delta-9 THC present. It occurs in almost all cannabis in concentrations that vary from traces to about 95 percent of all the cannabinoids in the sample.

In very potent strains, carefully prepared marijuana can be 30 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight (seeds and stems removed from flowering buds). Buds are the popular name given to masses of female flowers that form distinct clusters.

Delta 8-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol - delta-8 THC is reported in low concentration, less than one percent of the delta-9 THC present. Its activity is slightly less than that of delta-9 THC. It may be an artefact of the extraction/analysis process. Almost everyone who uses the term THC, refers to delta-9 THC and delta-8 THC combined, as THC.


Cannabidiol - CBD

Cannabidiol - CBD also occurs in almost all strains. Concentration range from none, to about 95 percent of the total cannabinoids present. THC and CBD are the two most abundant naturally occurring cannabinoids. CBD is not psychotomimetic in the pure form, although it does have sedative, analgesic, and antibiotic properties.

In order for CBD to affect the high, THC must be present in quantities ordinarily psychoactive. CBD can contribute to the high by interacting with THC to potentiate (enhance) or antagonize (interfere or lessen) certain qualities of the high.

CBD appears to potentiate the depressant effects of THC and antagonize is excitatory effects. CBD also delays the onset of the high but can make it last considerably longer (as much as twice as long). The kind of grass that takes a while to come on but keeps coming on.

Opinions are conflicting as to whether it increases or decreases the intensity of the high, intensity and high being difficult to define. Terms such as knock-out or sleepy, dreamlike, or melancholic are often used to describe the high from grass with sizeable proportions of CBD and THC.

When only small amounts of THC are present with high proportions of CBD, the high is more of a buzz, and the mind feels dull and the body de-energized.


Cannabinol - CBN

Cannabinol - CBN is not produced by the plant per se. It is the degradation (oxidative) product of THC. Fresh samples of marijuana contain very little CBN but curing, poor storage, or processing such as when making hashish, can cause much of the THC to be oxidized to CBN. Pure forms of CBN have at most 10 percent of the psychoactivity of THC.

Like CBD, it is suspected of potentiating certain aspects of the high, although so far these effects appear to be slight. CBN seems to potentiate THC's disorienting qualities. One may feel more dizzy or drugged or generally messed up but not necessarily higher.

In fact, with a high proportion of CBN, the high may start well but feels as if it never quite reaches its peak, and when coming down one feels tired or sleepy. High CBN in homegrown grass is not desirable since it represents a loss of 90 percent of the psychoactivity of its precursor THC.


Tetrahydrocannabivarin - THCV

Tetrahydrocannabivarin - THCV or THV is the propyl homologue of THC. In the aromatic ring the usual five-carbon pentyl is replaced by a short three-carbon propyl chain. The propyl cannabinoids have so far been found in some strains originating from Southeast and Central Asia and parts of Africa.

In one study, THCV made up to 48.23 percent (Afghanistan strain) and 53.69 percent (South Africa) of the cannabinoids found. We've seen no reports on its activity in humans. From animal studies it appears to be much faster in onset and quicker to dissipate than THC. It may be the constituent of one or two toke grass, but its activity appears to be somewhat less than that of THC. Some people use the term THC to refer collectively to delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC, and THCV.

An interesting note is that people who have a prescription for Marinol (synthetic medical THC) may be tested for THCV. Marinol contains no THCV, if a person tests positive it means they have been using marijuana, or another cannabis product. This is usually sufficient grounds to terminate the prescription of a person who has signed a contract not to ingest any cannabis while taking Marinol.


Cannabichromene - CBC

Cannabichromene - CBC is another major cannabinoid, although it is found in smaller concentrations than CBD and THC. It was previously believed that is was a minor constituent, but more exacting analysis showed that the compound often reported as CBD may actually be CBC.

Relative to THC and CBD, its concentration in the plants is low, probably not exceeding 20 percent of total cannabinoids. CBC is believed not to be psychotomimetic in humans; however, its presence in plants is purportedly very potent has led to the suspicion that it may be interacting with THC to enhance the high.


Cannabicyclol - CBL

Cannabicyclol (CBL) is a degradative product like CBN. During extraction, light converts CBC to CBL. There are no reports on its activity in humans, and it is found in small amounts, if at all, in fresh plant material.


Cannabinoids And The High

The marijuana high is a complex experience. It involves a wide range of psychical, physical, and emotional responses. The high is a subjective experience based in the individual and one's personality, mood, disposition, and experience with the drug.

Given the person, the intensity of the high depends primarily on the amount of THC present in the marijuana. Delta-9 THC is the main ingredient of marijuana and must be present in sufficient quantities for a good marijuana high.

People who smoke grass that has very little cannabinoids other than delta-9 THC usually report that the high is very intense. Most people that don't smoke daily will feel something from a joint having delta-9 THC of 3 percent concentration to material.

Cannabis products having a THC concentration of 5-10 percent would be considered good, 10-25 percent would be considered very good, and over 25 percent would be excellent quality by daily users standards. In general, we use potency to mean the sum effects of the cannabinoids and the overall high induced.

Marijuana is sometimes rated more potent than the content of delta-9 THC alone would suggest. It also elicits qualitatively different highs. The reasons for this have not been sorted out. Few clinical studies with known combinations of several cannabinoids have been undertaken with human subjects.

So far, different highs and possibly higher potency seem to be due to the interaction of delta-9 THC and other cannabinoids (THCV,CBD,CBN, and possibly CBC). Except for THCV, in the pure form, these other cannabinoids do not have much psychoactivity.

Another possibility for higher potency is that homologues of delta-9 THC with longer side chains at C-3 (and higher activity) might be found in certain marijuana strains.

Compounds with longer side chains have been made in laboratories and their activity is sometimes much higher, with estimates over 500 times that of natural delta-9 THC.

The possibility that there are non-cannabinoids that are psychoactive or interacting with the cannabinoids has not been investigated in detail. Non-cannabinoids with biological activity have been isolated from the plants, but only in very small quantities.

None are known to be psychotomimetic. However, they may contribute to the overall experience in non-mental ways, such as the stimulation of the appetite.

Different blends of cannabinoids account for the different qualities of intoxication produced by different strains of cannabis. The intensity of the high depends primarily on the amount of delta-9 THC present and on the method of ingestion.

A complex drug such as marijuana affects the mind and body in many ways. Sorting out what accounts for what response can become quite complex.


http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/mj028.htm

 

[SCF]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid


Cannabinoid
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Contents [hide]
1 Cannabinoid receptors
1.1 Cannabinoid receptor type 1
1.2 Cannabinoid receptor type 2
2 Phytocannabinoids
2.1 Types
2.1.1 Tetrahydrocannabinol
2.1.2 Cannabidiol
2.1.3 Cannabinol
2.1.4 Cannabigerol
2.1.5 Tetrahydrocannabivarin
2.1.6 Cannabichromene
2.1.7 Double bond position
2.1.8 Length
2.1.9 Plant profile
2.2 Pharmacology
2.2.1 Plant synthesis
2.2.2 Separation
2.3 History
3 Endocannabinoids
3.1 Types of endocannabinoid ligands
3.2 Function
3.2.1 Retrograde signal
3.2.2 Range
3.3 Other thoughts
3.4 U.S. Patent # 6630507
4 Synthetic and patented cannabinoids
5 Table of natural cannabinoids
6 See also
7 References
8 Further reading
9 External links
Cannabinoid is a generic term for:
Phytocannabinoids, compounds found in the Cannabis plant that are structurally related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)[1]
Endocannabinoids, found in the nervous and immune systems of animals and that activate cannabinoid receptors[1]
Synthetic cannabinoids, a structurally diverse class of mostly synthetic substances that bind to cannabinoid receptors[1]
Synthetic cannabinoids encompass a variety of distinct chemical classes: the classical cannabinoids structurally related to THC, the nonclassical cannabinoids including the aminoalkylindoles, 1,5-diarylpyrazoles, quinolines and arylsulphonamides, as well as eicosanoids related to the endocannabinoids.[1]
[edit]Cannabinoid receptors

Before the 1980s, it was often speculated that cannabinoids produced their physiological and behavioral effects via nonspecific interaction with cell membranes, instead of interacting with specific membrane-bound receptors. The discovery of the first cannabinoid receptors in the 1980s helped to resolve this debate. These receptors are common in animals, and have been found in mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. At present, there are two known types of cannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2, with mounting evidence of more.[2] In recent study it has been found that humans have these receptors as well.
[edit]Cannabinoid receptor type 1
Main article: Cannabinoid receptor type 1
CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain, to be specific in the basal ganglia and in the limbic system, including the hippocampus. They are also found in the cerebellum and in both male and female reproductive systems. CB1 receptors are absent in the medulla oblongata, the part of the brain stem responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular functions. Thus, there is not a risk of respiratory or cardiovascular failure as there is with many other drugs. CB1 receptors appear to be responsible for the euphoric and anticonvulsive effects of cannabis.
[edit]Cannabinoid receptor type 2
Main article: Cannabinoid receptor type 2
CB2 receptors are almost exclusively found in the immune system, with the greatest density in the spleen. While found only in the peripheral nervous system, a report does indicate that CB2 is expressed by a subpopulation of microglia in the human cerebellum .[3] CB2 receptors appear to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory and possibly other therapeutic effects of cannabis.
[edit]Phytocannabinoids

Type Skeleton Cyclization
Cannabigerol-type
CBG
Cannabichromene-type
CBC
Cannabidiol-type
CBD
Tetrahydrocannabinol-
and
Cannabinol-type
THC, CBN
Cannabielsoin-type
CBE
iso-
Tetrahydrocannabinol-
type
iso-THC
Cannabicyclol-type
CBL
Cannabicitran-type
CBT
Main classes of natural cannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids, also called natural cannabinoids, herbal cannabinoids, and classical cannabinoids, are only known to occur naturally in significant quantity in the cannabis plant, and are concentrated in a viscous resin that is produced in glandular structures known as trichomes. In addition to cannabinoids, the resin is rich in terpenes, which are largely responsible for the odour of the cannabis plant.
Phytocannabinoids are nearly insoluble in water but are soluble in lipids, alcohols, and other non-polar organic solvents. However, as phenols, they form more water-soluble phenolate salts under strongly alkaline conditions.
All-natural cannabinoids are derived from their respective 2-carboxylic acids (2-COOH) by decarboxylation (catalyzed by heat, light, or alkaline conditions).
[edit]Types
At least 85 cannabinoids have been isolated from the cannabis plant[4] To the right the main classes of natural cannabinoids are shown. All classes derive from cannabigerol-type compounds and differ mainly in the way this precursor is cyclized.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) are the most prevalent natural cannabinoids and have received the most study. Other common cannabinoids are listed below:
CBG Cannabigerol
CBC Cannabichromene
CBL Cannabicyclol
CBV Cannabivarin
THCV Tetrahydrocannabivarin
CBDV Cannabidivarin
CBCV Cannabichromevarin
CBGV Cannabigerovarin
CBGM Cannabigerol Monoethyl Ether
[edit]Tetrahydrocannabinol
Main article: Tetrahydrocannabinol
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive component of the plant. It appears to ease moderate pain (analgetic) and to be neuroprotective. THC has approximately equal affinity for the CB1 and CB2 receptors.[5]
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, THC) and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), mimic the action of anandamide, a neurotransmitter produced naturally in the body. The THCs produce the high associated with cannabis by binding to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
[edit]Cannabidiol
Main article: Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol (CBD) is not psychoactive, and was thought not to affect the psychoactivity of THC.[6] However, recent evidence shows that smokers of cannabis with a higher CBD/THC ratio were less likely to experience schizophrenia-like symptoms.[7] This is supported by psychological tests, in which participants experience less intense psychotic effects when intravenous THC was co-administered with CBD (as measured with a PANSS test).[8] It has been hypothesized that CBD acts as an allosteric antagonist at the CB1 receptor and thus alters the psychoactive effects of THC.[citation needed]
It appears to relieve convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, and nausea.[9] CBD has a greater affinity for the CB2 receptor than for the CB1 receptor.[9]
CBD shares a precursor with THC and is the main cannabinoid in low-THC Cannabis strains.
[edit]Cannabinol
Main article: Cannabinol
Cannabinol (CBN) is the primary product of THC degradation, and there is usually little of it in a fresh plant. CBN content increases as THC degrades in storage, and with exposure to light and air. It is only mildly psychoactive. Its affinity to the CB2 receptor is higher than for the CB1 receptor.[10]
[edit]Cannabigerol
Main article: Cannabigerol
Cannabigerol (CBG) is non-psychotomimetic but still affects the overall effects of Cannabis. It acts as an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, and CB1 receptor antagonist.[11] It also binds to the CB2 receptor.[11]
[edit]Tetrahydrocannabivarin
Main article: Tetrahydrocannabivarin
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is prevalent in certain South African and Southeast Asian strains of Cannabis. It is an antagonist of THC at CB1 receptors and attenuates the psychoactive effects of THC.[12]
[edit]Cannabichromene
Main article: Cannabichromene
Cannabichromene (CBC) is non-psychoactive and does not affect the psychoactivity of THC .[6]
[edit]Double bond position
In addition, each of the compounds above may be in different forms depending on the position of the double bond in the alicyclic carbon ring. There is potential for confusion because there are different numbering systems used to describe the position of this double bond. Under the dibenzopyran numbering system widely used today, the major form of THC is called Δ9-THC, while the minor form is called Δ8-THC. Under the alternate terpene numbering system, these same compounds are called Δ1-THC and Δ6-THC, respectively.
[edit]Length
Most herbal cannabinoid compounds are 21-carbon compounds. However, some do not follow this rule, primarily because of variation in the length of the side-chain attached to the aromatic ring. In THC, CBD, and CBN, this side-chain is a pentyl (5-carbon) chain. In the most common homologue, the pentyl chain is replaced with a propyl (3-carbon) chain. Cannabinoids with the propyl side-chain are named using the suffix varin, and are designated, for example, THCV, CBDV, or CBNV.
[edit]Plant profile
Cannabis plants can exhibit wide variation in the quantity and type of cannabinoids they produce. The mixture of cannabinoids produced by a plant is known as the plant's cannabinoid profile. Selective breeding has been used to control the genetics of plants and modify the cannabinoid profile. For example, strains that are used as fiber (commonly called hemp) are bred such that they are low in psychoactive chemicals like THC. Strains used in medicine are often bred for high CBD content, and strains used for recreational purposes are usually bred for high THC content or for a specific chemical balance. Some strains of more than 20% THC in their flowering buds have been created.[citation needed]
Quantitative analysis of a plant's cannabinoid profile is usually determined by gas chromatography (GC), or more reliably by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Liquid chromatography (LC) techniques are also possible, although these are often only semi-quantitative or qualitative. There have been systematic attempts to monitor the cannabinoid profile of cannabis over time, but their accuracy is impeded by the illegal status of the plant in many countries.
[edit]Pharmacology
Cannabinoids can be administered by smoking, vaporizing, oral ingestion, transdermal patch, intravenous injection, sublingual absorption, or rectal suppository. Once in the body, most cannabinoids are metabolized in the liver, especially by cytochrome P450 mixed-function oxidases, mainly CYP 2C9. Thus supplementing with CYP 2C9 inhibitors leads to extended intoxication.
Some is also stored in fat in addition to being metabolized in liver. Δ9-THC is metabolized to 11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC, which is then metabolized to 9-carboxy-THC. Some cannabis metabolites can be detected in the body several weeks after administration.
[edit]Plant synthesis
Cannabinoid production starts when an enzyme causes geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid to combine and form CBG. Next, CBG is independently converted to either CBD or CBC by two separate synthase enzymes. CBD is then enzymatically cyclized to THC. For the propyl homologues (THCV, CBDV and CBNV), there is a similar pathway that is based on CBGV.
[edit]Separation
Cannabinoids can be separated from the plant by extraction with organic solvents. Hydrocarbons and alcohols are often used as solvents. However, these solvents are flammable and many are toxic. Supercritical solvent extraction with carbon dioxide is an alternative technique. Although this process requires high pressures (73 atmospheres or more), there is minimal risk of fire or toxicity, solvent removal is simple and efficient, and extract quality can be well-controlled. Once extracted, cannabinoid blends can be separated into individual components using wiped film vacuum distillation or other distillation techniques. However, to produce high purity cannabinoids, chemical synthesis or semisynthesis is generally required.
[edit]History
Cannabinoids were first discovered in the 1940s, when CBD and CBN were identified. The structure of THC was first determined in 1964.
Due to molecular similarity and ease of synthetic conversion, CBD was originally believed to be a natural precursor to THC. However, it is now known that CBD and THC are produced independently in the cannabis plant.
[edit]Endocannabinoids

For more details on the roles and regulation of the endocannabinoids, see Endocannabinoid system.

Anandamide, an endogenous ligand of CB1 and CB2
Endocannabinoids are substances produced from within the body that activate cannabinoid receptors. After the discovery of the first cannabinoid receptor in 1988, scientists began searching for an endogenous ligand for the receptor.
[edit]Types of endocannabinoid ligands
Arachidonoylethanolamine (Anandamide or AEA)
In 1992, in Raphael Mechoulam's Israeli lab, the first such compound was identified as arachidonoyl ethanolamine and named anandamide, a name derived from the Sanskrit word for bliss and -amide. Anandamide is derived from the essential fatty acid arachidonic acid. It has a pharmacology similar to THC, although its chemical structure is different. Anandamide binds to the central (CB1) and, to a lesser extent, peripheral (CB2) cannabinoid receptors, where it acts as a partial agonist. Anandamide is about as potent as THC at the CB1 receptor.[13] It is found in nearly all tissues in a wide range of animals.[14]
Two analogs of anandamide, 7,10,13,16-docosatetraenoylethanolamide and homo-γ-linolenoylethanolamine, have similar pharmacology. All of these are members of a family of signalling lipids called N-acylethanolamides, which also includes the noncannabimimetic palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamine, which possess anti-inflammatory and orexigenic effects, respectively. Many N-acylethanolamines have also been identified in plant seeds[15] and in molluscs.[16]
2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG)
Another endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors with similar affinity, acting as a full agonist at both.[13] 2-AG is present at significantly higher concentrations in the brain than anandamide,[17] and there is some controversy over whether 2-AG rather than anandamide is chiefly responsible for endocannabinoid signalling in vivo.[18] In particular, one in vitro study suggests that 2-AG is capable of stimulating higher G-protein activation than anandamide, although the physiological implications of this finding are not yet known.[19]
2-arachidonyl glyceryl ether (noladin ether)
In 2001, a third, ether-type endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonyl glyceryl ether (noladin ether), was isolated from porcine brain.[20] Prior to this discovery, it had been synthesized as a stable analog of 2-AG; indeed, some controversy remains over its classification as an endocannabinoid, as another group failed to detect the substance at "any appreciable amount" in the brains of several different mammalian species.[21] It binds to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor (Ki = 21.2 nmol/L) and causes sedation, hypothermia, intestinal immobility, and mild antinociception in mice. It binds primarily to the CB1 receptor, and only weakly to the CB2 receptor.[13]
N-arachidonoyl-dopamine (NADA)
Discovered in 2000, NADA preferentially binds to the CB1 receptor.[22] Like anandamide, NADA is also an agonist for the vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (TRPV1), a member of the vanilloid receptor family.[23][24]
Virodhamine (OAE)
A fifth endocannabinoid, virodhamine, or O-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine (OAE), was discovered in June 2002. Although it is a full agonist at CB2 and a partial agonist at CB1, it behaves as a CB1 antagonist in vivo. In rats, virodhamine was found to be present at comparable or slightly lower concentrations than anandamide in the brain, but 2- to 9-fold higher concentrations peripherally.[25]
[edit]Function
Endocannabinoids serve as intercellular 'lipid messengers', signaling molecules that are released from one cell and activating the cannabinoid receptors present on other nearby cells. Although in this intercellular signaling role they are similar to the well-known monoamine neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and dopamine, endocannabinoids differ in numerous ways from them. For instance, they use retrograde signaling. Furthermore, endocannabinoids are lipophilic molecules that are not very soluble in water. They are not stored in vesicles, and exist as integral constituents of the membrane bilayers that make up cells. They are believed to be synthesized 'on-demand' rather than made and stored for later use. The mechanisms and enzymes underlying the biosynthesis of endocannabinoids remain elusive and continue to be an area of active research.
The endocannabinoid 2-AG has been found in bovine and human maternal milk.[26]
[edit]Retrograde signal
Conventional neurotransmitters are released from a ‘presynaptic’ cell and activate appropriate receptors on a ‘postsynaptic’ cell, where presynaptic and postsynaptic designate the sending and receiving sides of a synapse, respectively. Endocannabinoids, on the other hand, are described as retrograde transmitters because they most commonly travel ‘backwards’ against the usual synaptic transmitter flow. They are, in effect, released from the postsynaptic cell and act on the presynaptic cell, where the target receptors are densely concentrated on axonal terminals in the zones from which conventional neurotransmitters are released. Activation of cannabinoid receptors temporarily reduces the amount of conventional neurotransmitter released. This endocannabinoid mediated system permits the postsynaptic cell to control its own incoming synaptic traffic. The ultimate effect on the endocannabinoid-releasing cell depends on the nature of the conventional transmitter being controlled. For instance, when the release of the inhibitory transmitter GABA is reduced, the net effect is an increase in the excitability of the endocannabinoid-releasing cell. On the converse, when release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is reduced, the net effect is a decrease in the excitability of the endocannabinoid-releasing cell.
[edit]Range
Endocannabinoids are hydrophobic molecules. They cannot travel unaided for long distances in the aqueous medium surrounding the cells from which they are released, and therefore act locally on nearby target cells. Hence, although emanating diffusely from their source cells, they have much more restricted spheres of influence than do hormones, which can affect cells throughout the body.
[edit]Other thoughts
Endocannabinoids constitute a versatile system for affecting neuronal network properties in the nervous system.
Scientific American published an article in December 2004, entitled "The Brain's Own Marijuana" discussing the endogenous cannabinoid system.[27]
The current understanding recognizes the role that endocannabinoids play in almost every major life function in the human body.[citation needed]


U.S. Patent # 6630507
In 2003 The U.S.A.'s Government as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services was awarded a patent on cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants. U.S. Patent 6630507.

Synthetic and patented cannabinoids

Historically, laboratory synthesis of cannabinoids were often based on the structure of herbal cannabinoids, and a large number of analogs have been produced and tested, especially in a group led by Roger Adams as early as 1941 and later in a group led by Raphael Mechoulam. Newer compounds are no longer related to natural cannabinoids or are based on the structure of the endogenous cannabinoids.
Synthetic cannabinoids are particularly useful in experiments to determine the relationship between the structure and activity of cannabinoid compounds, by making systematic, incremental modifications of cannabinoid molecules.
Medications containing natural or synthetic cannabinoids or cannabinoid analogs:

Dronabinol (Marinol), is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), used as an appetite stimulant, anti-emetic, and analgesic

Nabilone (Cesamet), a synthetic cannabinoid and an analog of Marinol. It is Schedule II unlike Marinol, which is Schedule III
Sativex, a cannabinoid extract oral spray containing THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids used for neuropathic pain and spasticity in 22 countries including England, Canada and Spain. Sativex develops whole-plant cannabinoid medicines

Rimonabant (SR141716), a selective cannabinoid (CB1) receptor antagonist used as an anti-obesity drug under the proprietary name Acomplia. It is also used for smoking cessation
Other notable synthetic cannabinoids include:

JWH-018, a potent synthetic THC analogue discovered by Dr. John W. Huffman at Clemson University. It is being increasingly sold in legal smoke blends collectively known as "spice". Several countries and states have moved to ban it legally.

CP-55940, produced in 1974, this synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist is many times more potent than THC
Dimethylheptylpyran

HU-210, about 100 times as potent as THC[28]

HU-331 a potential anti-cancer drug derived from cannabidiol that specifically inhibits topoisomerase II.

SR144528, a CB2 receptor antagonists

WIN 55,212-2, a potent cannabinoid receptor agonist

JWH-133, a potent selective CB2 receptor agonist
Levonantradol (Nantrodolum), an anti-emetic and analgesic but not currently in use in medicine

 

[de145]

Hi SCF so really we *can't* evaluate the CBD level subjectively and we're back at square one. Some of that info appears to be from the 70's though maybe that's the last really decent time of study.

I'm disappointed that a place like Harbourside with their mass spectrometer testing aren't contributing to the knowledge in general.

There is so much that would be helpful to know and so many myths that could be resolved so easily by them or anyone with access to that equipment.

For example what is the chemical composition of cannabis harvested at the different trichome stages? So easy to test and yet so many myths right there could be busted or proved.

What cannabis available in seed form reliably produces balanced or high levels of CBD? People who want it for legitimate medical purposes are asking constantly on all the boards and if Harbourside really wanted to be altruistic about it they could be a great service to everyone in that way.

Sure would be nice if someone could come up with a home test kit to test their own grown for even rough levels of CBD/THC etc.

For the many of us around the world without access to a medical marijuana dispensary finding a strain that does what we need is a huge task and there are no consistent sources of information, having tools to determine this on our own would be huge and contribute greatly to the body of knowledge because people who find it helps with a certain condition could state at least roughly the chemical makeup of their medicine.

 

[Puffin13]

Sure would be nice if someone could come up with a home test kit to test their own grown for even rough levels of CBD/THC etc.

Cannalytics Fingerprint & Test Kit

 

[Aeronoob]

CBD breeders, or seeds on the market anyone?

CBD breeders, or seeds on the market anyone?

Any one breeding strains right now for high CBD levels and low THC levels? Or do you know of any seed companies that sell a high CBD strain... Im in search of something for me and my grandmother. Im curious to this not getting high, but large medicinal benefit of CBD. Any where I can obtain a pure landrace indica?

 

[Doobie Nyce]

not a clue.... but good idea man!!

So many people select for high THC content, I'm afraid other plant constituents are falling to the wayside

 

[elmanito]

Namaste

 

[de145]

Wow Puffin, that's excellent! If it works as accurately as it appears to then all we need is a big online database of scans from different phenotypes people grow and we could find specific chemical profiles in reliable traits of a particular seed strain.

I can think of a million other uses though as well.

I hope they're sold at grow shops for cash, it's not the sort of thing you want to order online and have come in the mail.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has used this test kit.

 

[Aeronoob]

what people need to understand is I guess there are 2 genes in marijuana plant. 1 is for cbd and the other is for THC, so any of the strains out their circling around have been bred so much for the THC gene, the CBD one is irrelevent and cannot show up unless bred back to a landrace or ferral hemp, since hemp has the original genese to be transferred to the offspring of a mother plant for a chance of a 50/50 ratio of thc/cbd or all cbd, or by bad luck all thc. so you would need to breed todays cannabis genetics with a high CBD hemp plant? im assuming to even be at squar one for showing a significant amount of CBD. cannatonic could be an exception since their offering seed but thei claimed 50/50 ratio isnt set in stone and offspring might show a trait of not having cbd. the sample they tested was able to prove the THC/CBD content for THAT PLANT ONLY,and getting any chance of the same end result in your buds would be to get the female seeds of the original tested cannatonic plant that was self feminized....or I might be wrong and maybe even that wouldn't gaurentte you the CBD triat to follow to its seed stock.

 

[Aksala]

That cannatonic would be really interesting..read a blurb in hightimes about it..

Equal CBD and THC both around 7%....pretty crazy.

 

[Aeronoob]

That cannatonic would be really interesting..read a blurb in hightimes about it..

Equal CBD and THC both around 7%....pretty crazy.

read what I wrote right above your post tho...

 

[Aksala]

OK...read it...still feel it would be interesting....

??