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Rare cannabinoids like CBN (cannabinol), THCV (tetrahydrocannabinol), and CBC (cannabichromene) are poised to expand their presence in the cannabis industry. It’s also essential to choose a reputable rare cannabinoid company for your needs.
Unlike THC and CBD, these cannabinoids are less psychoactive. However, they boast specific therapeutic benefits.
THC
THC acts on endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, which control motor functions, memory, and pleasure. Its effects on the central nervous system make it an effective treatment for various conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate symptoms of psoriasis, such as redness and skin flaking, by inhibiting the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, a recent study found that it decreases intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
It may interact with medications metabolized by the same CYP450 isoenzyme as THC, such as antipsychotics and some cardiovascular drugs. This may occasionally result in a worsening of fatigue and drowsiness. Therefore, it is essential to have thorough discussions with patients and their interprofessional team.
CBD
Hemp, cannabis, and other plants contain hundreds of chemicals called terpenes. These aromatic oils have distinct effects on our mental and physical states. For example, linalool contributes to lavender’s fragrance and offers relaxing and sleep-promoting properties.
CBD’s efficacy as an add-on therapy has been shown in several RCTs for social anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.
The unique therapeutic properties of rare cannabinoids offer a massive opportunity for the nutraceuticals and consumer goods industries to differentiate their products and improve people’s quality of life. Nevertheless, the gap between effective doses demonstrated in RCTs, and their availability as affordable treatments remains challenging. This requires a significant investment in biosynthesis technologies.
CBN
A naturally occurring cannabinoid, CBN acts as a potent sedative and is commonly used in sleep aids for insomnia. It has been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase sleep duration in those with insomnia disorder.
In vitro research has shown that CBN protects mitochondria—the cell’s powerhouses—from oxidation, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that CBN maintained glutathione levels, keeping the mitochondria from curling up like donuts — an expected change in Alzheimer’s cells.
CBN also has a multi-target neuroprotective effect in the eye, lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), a significant risk factor for glaucoma. Eye drop formulations with CBN are in development for glaucoma treatment.
THCV
THCV’s appetite suppression and metabolic regulation properties have given way to inquiries into its potential usefulness as a treatment for obesity. It has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, which can help prevent complications associated with diabetes, including high blood pressure and heart disease.
Because THCV binds to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, it has been found to have anticonvulsant effects in animal studies. This could make it a viable medication for treating seizure disorders, particularly drug-resistant epilepsy syndromes.
THCV is also known to reduce oxidative stress in rat cortical neurons, which suggests it may protect against neurodegeneration and improve the overall cognitive function of older adults. It is also known to promote the proliferation of stem cells in culture, providing a possible treatment for aging-related diseases such as glaucoma.
CBG
Like CBD, CBG is non-psychoactive and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It also reduces oxidative stress and may prevent metabolic syndrome by stimulating adipogenesis (creating new fat cells) and insulin sensitization (making the body more sensitive to the effects of glucose).
Unlike most phytocannabinoids, CBG has affinity for and agonist activity at the PPAR (Phospholipid Peroxidation-Related) nuclear receptors, which are transcription factors that regulate lipid metabolism and hepatic metabolic functions. It can improve cognition by increasing neurogenesis in the hippocampus and decreasing neuroinflammation.
These rare cannabinoids are the newest frontier of research. Due to the scarcity of cannabis plants and the difficulty of isolation, they were overlooked until recently. However, advances in genetics and extraction technology have enabled scientists to isolate these molecules.
