Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychotropic. Recent evidence shows that the compound counteracts cognitive impairment associated with the use of cannabis. Cannabidiol has little affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors but acts as an indirect antagonist of cannabinoid agonists. It was found to be an antagonist at the putative new cannabinoid receptor, GPR55, a GPCR expressed in the caudate nucleus and putamen Cannabidiol has also been shown to act as a 5-HT1A receptor agonistCBD can interfere with the uptake of adenosine, which plays an important role in biochemical processes, such as energy transfer.[citation needed] It may play a role in promoting sleep and suppressing arousal.
CBD shares a precursor with THC and is the main cannabinoid in CBD-dominant Cannabis strains. CBD has been shown to play a role in preventing the short-term memory loss associated with THC
There is tentative evidence that CBD had an anti-psychotic effect, but research in this area is limited
Cannabinol
Cannabinol (CBN) is the primary product of THC degradation, and there is usually little of it in a fresh plant.[citation needed] CBN content increases as THC degrades in storage, and with exposure to light and air.[citation needed] It is only mildly psychoactive. Its affinity to the CB2 receptor is higher than for the CB1 receptor.
Cannabigerol
Cannabigerol (CBG) is non-psychoactive but still contributes to the overall effects of Cannabis.[citation needed]
Tetrahydrocannabivarin
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is prevalent in certain central Asian and southern African strains of Cannabis.It is an antagonist of THC at CB1 receptors and lessens the psychoactive effects of THC.
Cannabidivarin
Although cannabidivarin (CBDV) is usually a minor constituent of the cannabinoid profile, enhanced levels of CBDV have been reported in feral cannabis plants from the northwest Himalayas, and in hashish from Nepal.
Cannabichromene
Cannabichromene (CBC) is non-psychoactive and does not affect the psychoactivity of THC.CBC acts on the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, interfering with their ability to break down endocannabinoids (chemicals such as anandamide and 2-AG that the body creates naturally). CBC has shown antitumor effects in breast cancer xenoplants in mice. More common in tropical cannabis varieties.
Biosynthesi
Cannabinoid production starts when an enzyme causes geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid to combine and form CBGA. Next, CBGA is independently converted to either CBG, THCA, CBDA or CBCA by four separate synthase, FAD-dependent dehydrogenase enzymes. There is no evidence for enzymatic conversion of CBDA or CBD to THCA or THC. For the propyl homologues (THCVA, CBDVA and CBCVA), there is an analogous pathway that is based on CBGVA from divarinolic acid instead of olivetolic acid.
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.