Quite possibly, the endocannabinoid signaling system is the most important one humans have when it comes to maintaining homeostasis, which is vital to our survival. But it isn’t taught in classrooms, said Olivia Kulander, who spent years teaching college anatomy and physiology.
“The endocannabinoid system is an Important link between the brain and body that helps us make sense of what’s happening,” said Kulander.
When asked what a cannabinoid was, Kulander smiled and said with a fair amount of relish that my question was, in fact, a very complicated question masquerading as an easy one.
When most people talk about cannabinoids they generally mean phytocannabinoids, says Kulander, meaning naturally occurring and plant-based cannabinoids, such as THC and CBG. There are also endocannabinoids, which evolved differently and have very different purposes.
Turns out, cannabinoids are not always what they appear to be. For instance, the beta caryophyllene cannabinoid many medical cannabis patients know and love as a potential mitigator for anxiety is actually a terpene that only acts as a cannabinoid. Tricky, I know, and it only gets more difficult to unpack from there. But in a good way.
These biomolecules made in the sticky trichome resin we cherish so much start out as molecules of CBGa, which are then broken down by acids known as enzymes into THCa. Truth is, science now tells us cannabis plants create different cannabinoids in a variety of forms that have great potential to provide many benefits.
Related Article: Baked Q&A: Nothing In Our Toolkit Before Cannabis with Desiree Hennessey
Switching gears, we looked at terpenes. “A terpene is what makes orange peel smell like an orange; they are basic biomolecules that give cannabis its flavor, aroma, and effects,” Kulander said. An important for patient consumers to know because it means certain combinations of terpenes will provide very specific effects.
Genetically speaking, terpenes are also responsible for giving us Sativa and Indica strains, which Kulander described as hybrid subspecies of the same plant with different genetics.
The reason we like terpenes so much is because of their ability to combine in countless combinations with cannabinoids, which in turn can create what’s known as the Entourage Effect, a unique synergizing effect that is more than the sum of its parts.
This happens because both flower and fruit contain lots of Myrcene. Common cannabis strains with an abundance of Myrcene include OG Kush, Grape Ape, and Harlequin. To explore the Entourage Effect, Kulander suggested you might try eating a mango with Indica flower for a bit more elevation.
“Now, we can study cannabis from a dispensary where it previously had to come from a single grower in Mississippi that grew only one type of flower. Now we can study all kinds from different places. It’s a fascinating time for cannabis research.”
Olivia Kulander, Science Director at The Boojum Group
According to Kulander, cannabis science is about to take off in the most exciting ways. After more than 12,000 years of human consumption, I can’t wait to learn more about what cannabinoids and cannabis can do for people. As new discoveries seem imminent, I’m sure we’ll meet again soon. Until then, thanks Olivia.
Published in Salt Baked City Print Magazine – Spring 2021
