Join Florissant budtenders Dr. Bex Johnson and Jeff Rowse for their discussion about cannabinoids, recorded live on 11/15/2021.
0:00 A Little Bit of Banter
2:15 How to pronounce cannabinoids?
3:14 Welcome to Episode 3: Cannabinoids
4:10 150+ Cannabinoids in Cannabis
4:25 THCP and CBDP
5:23 Our Canned Food Drive for TEAM
6:30 Your body makes cannabinoids!
7:08 Endocannabinoids: 2AG and Anandamide
7:45 Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome
8:45 All About THC
11:55 All About CBD
14:05 Introducing CBN, the Sleepy Cannabinoid
17:05 New Products for Thanksgiving
19:10 Introducing CBC
20:09 Introducing CBG
20:39 CBGA: The Mother of All Cannabinoids
22:00 Exciting New Missouri Cannabis Products
24:15 Cannabinoids Can be Made from Yeast!
24:25 Questions from the Audience
25:20 Can you explain the 3 types of cannabis?
26:45 Does CBD really work for your pets?
27:50 How can I consume acidic cannabinoids?
Prefer to read this conversation about cannabinoids? Check out the transcript below!
BEX: Hello and welcome to The Feels, live at five thirty, with Jeff and myself, Dr. Bex.
JEFF: Today, we’re going to be talking about cannabinoids. It’s one of our favorite topics and it is impossible to go a day at Feel State without mentioning them. Whenever we talk to a patient about the endocannabinoid system, about choosing a chemovar-not a strain, or about achieving an optimal dose, we are talking about cannabinoids.
BEX: By now, we all know about THC, the molecule that gets you high; stoned; buzzed; ripped; turnttttt; and my favorite: healed. We’re also pretty familiar with CBD, the stuff you’re walking into Feel State for whenever you’re looking for lasting relief for sore muscles or stiff joints, or even seizure-relief. But did you know that there are five hundred natural chemicals in the cannabis plant? More than one hundred and fifty of them are cannabinoids and more are being discovered all the time!
JEFF: That’s right. The latest discovery happened in twenty nineteen. Italian scientists at the Military Chemical Institute in Florence, Italy discovered two new cannabinoids; THCP and CBDP. But with new discoveries come new responsibilities. THCP is thirty three times more active at the CB1 receptor than regular THC, and it’s a full agonist. That means it completely binds to and activates the receptor. Regular Delta 9-THC is only a partial agonist. CBDP, like CBD, is a weak agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. So who knows what the future holds for CBDP.
BEX: But before we dive more into the subject, we’d like to ask our viewers to bring in some non-perishable goods the next time they pay us a visit at Feel State Florissant. We’re accepting donations for TEAM, T-E-A-M, The Emergency Assistance Ministry, all this month. I’d first like to give a huge shout out to those who’ve already dropped off goodies at Feel State Florissant: y’all are going to heaven, thank you. And I’d like to remind those that still have canned goods and such collecting dust in your cabinets: y’all are going to hhhhh-AVE to join in on the fun this month of November! Because Feel State Florissant will hook you up with five percent off your entire purchase on Sundays and Mondays. We’ll accept your donations every day of the week, but if I were you, I’d feel angelic and put on my halo on Sunday and Monday. (wink)
JEFF: Alright Feel State Angels, let’s get ready to dive deep. Strap on your helmets tight and make sure your oxygen tank is turned up, because this next fact might make you faint. Did you know that the human body produces cannabinoids all by itself? In fact, any living creature with a brain and a central nervous system has what’s called an endocannabinoid system: a chemical communication system that stretches throughout the body. These endo, or inside-our-body, produced cannabinoids act as messengers between our cells and our brain that help regulate our homeostasis: our bodies’ ability to keep all eleven regulatory systems in harmony and tip top shape.
BEX: So, what are these “endocannabinoids” inside of us that Jeff speaks of, anyway? Well, the two that have been studied the most are called “2-AG” and “anandamide.” 2-AG, plays a complex and important role in various bodily processes including immunity and inflammation. Anandamide is also known as the “bliss” molecule. That’s because it is responsible for making us feel happy, and as I mentioned a few episodes ago, is also responsible for the runner’s “high” we experience after an invigorating run.
JEFF: But when our bodies aren’t producing enough endocannabinoids, we become “endocannabinoid deficient.” Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome could be a possible explanation for why people suffer from things like unexplained pain, mental issues, migraines, fibromyalgia, even irritable bowel syndrome. Fortunately, when we’re lacking endocannabinoids, we can supplement with phytocannabinoids or cannabinoids that come from plants. Cannabis, as one can imagine, is chalked full of phytocannabinoids.
BEX: So, when you’re deficient in nutrients like calcium, for example, your physician may tell you to add more calcium-rich foods to your diet, or, consume calcium supplements. Hopefully, though, as time progresses and knowledge spreads, we’ll begin to see a trend of physicians recommending phytocannabinoids when patients have an endocannabinoid deficiency. So, what are some of these cannabinoids we can replenish ourselves with, you’re asking?
JEFF: Let’s talk about the most famous and most studied of all the cannabinoids…drumroll please…THC! Delta nine-tetra-hydro-canna-binol was first discovered in nineteen sixty four by Bulgarian chemist Dr. Ra-fay-el Meh-shoe-lum. The discovery was made at The Weizmann Institute of Science, all the way over in Israel. At that time, Israel, shockingly, was far more permissive when it came to cannabis research than other countries like the UK or the US.
BEX: And, as research in the years that followed have proven, THC is a heavyweight of a cannabinoid: a total game-changer. In fact, I’d personally say it’s one of the world’s greatest game-changers since the discovery of fire. And, at last, now we humans know what to do with that flame: make THC.
JEFF: Right out of the gate, THC is what provides a psychoactive experience, or what is commonly called “being high”. Some people find it most pleasant while others can find it uncomfortable. That’s because THC augments the senses. Food can taste and smell better. Sights and sounds can become more vivid. Your sense of touch can also become heightened. In fact, many people report that sex becomes more pleasurable when one or both partners are “high”. But THC is good for more than just a psychoactive experience.
BEX: –FACTS! No printer.
JEFF: Clever.
BEX: You want more? Can’t spell healthcare without THC!
JEFF: Another one!
BEX: THC is medicine. It acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory; in fact, researchers have found that THC has thirty times more potent anti-inflammatory properties than aspirin and twice that of hydrocortisone! THC helps modulate pain, muscle spasticity, sedation, appetite, and mood. Additionally, it is a bronchodilator, a neuroprotective, and an antioxidant. THC is SUCH a bad-mama-jama that back in nineteen eighty five, the FDA gave a synthetic version called Dronabinol approval–so people suffering from chemo-related nausea could get some relief.
JEFF: Before we go any further, let’s talk about something that’s going to give you butterflies in your stomach. The twenty fourth of November is Green Wednesday. You think four twenty is a big deal? Eleven twenty four, yo! AKA one of THE biggest and merriest smoke days of the year. I can’t let the cats out of the bag yet otherwise Emily will kill me, but keep your eyes and ears tuned to social +media cause we’re going to be announcing discounts and giveaways for days.
BEX: Let’s get back to the cannabinoids. We’ve talked about THC. The next horse out of the barn is CBD. Canna-bi-diol was also discovered by Dr. Ra-fay-el Meh-shoe-lum at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, in nineteen sixty three; one year earlier than THC. That’s right: CBD was discovered first. In the years that followed its discovery, CBD has been found to produce a wide range of non-psychoactive pharmacological activity including: anticonvulsive or anti-seizure effects, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, and lastly, antipsychotic effects. In fact, research has found that psychiatric patients such as those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, treated with CBD, show a significant reduction in psychotic symptoms and improvement in functioning and cognitive abilities.
JEFF: All that pharmacological activity Dr. Bex just mentioned means CBD could be used to treat a wide range of ailments like: epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, depression, heart disease, even acne! CBD also has the ability to counteract the uncomfortable side effects of THC, such as anxiety and a rapid heart rate. It can even combat the munchies. In fact, a non-synthetic version of CBD (so, real, straight up CBD) called E-pi-di-o-lex received FDA approval in twenty eighteen for people with Dravet’s Syndrome: a severe form of epilepsy. Not surprising that the company who invented E-pi-di-o-lex, GW Pharmaceuticals, was bought by the Irish company Jazz Pharmaceuticals for seven point two billion dollars. Yeah. Billion with a B.
BEX: So, CBD alone–like, not considering THC–is a multi-billion dollar industry?! SHEESH! Let me continue to talk mo’ money then baby! Our next cannabinoid is CBN or Canna-bi-nol. CBN was first isolated from cannabis before CBD and THC; it was discovered back in the day in eighteen ninety nine by three Masters of the Arts: Thomas Barlow Wood, W.T. Newton Spivey, and Thomas Hill Easterfield. They discovered that CBN was present in charas.
JEFF: Charas is traditionally made over in India, and it’s what you get when you process cannabis without gloves. Your hands get covered in trichomes. When you rub your hands together in a circular motion, the trichomes become kif and the kif starts to form a small ball in your palms. The stickier your hands are, and the longer you rub them together, the larger the ball becomes. When it gets to the size of a gumball it’s called charas. But the heat from all that friction starts to turn THC into CBN.
BEX. And when THC turns into CBN, it’s sleepytime. You’ll feel super sedated. THC will turn into CBN when it ages, too. That random old, dusty nug you found cleaning your room? Knock out material. Not surprising CBN has been shown to act as a strong sedative in both animal and human studies–and, get this, pops up in a gummy here at Feel State tailored to improve sleep! Are any of our viewers prone to seizures, chronic pain, or infections? Well, CBN is your girl: it is also an anticonvulsant and has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties as well.
JEFF: That’s right Doc. That’s because CBN interacts very well with our T-R-P-V-2 receptors which are responsible for regulating inflammation in the body. Another quality CBN has is that it can inhibit skin cell production. Bang. I immediately thought of topicals to help against psoriasis, eczema, acne, even athlete’s foot. Any manufacturers out there listening? Lastly, CBN also stimulates the stem cells that promote bone growth. Imagine: infusing oat or soy milk with CBN for strong bones. MOOOO-ve over cows! Cannabis is coming!
DR BEX: Move over…cows? Soundin’ a bit anti-cow there, Jeff. Wait…do we work for Chick-Fil-A now? (Rolls eyes)
JEFF: Nah. We just MOOOO-ved over to Bee Kay, Pee Kay.
BEX: Aw man, we just made me hungry! Before we talk about our last two cannabinoids, let’s talk about the Thanksgiving-sized cornucopia of new products we have now at Feel State Florissant! Fresh-off-the-stem from Illicit, we have “Creamz” with a Z. Creamz is loaded with the terpene nerolidol, which is known for its super sedating- as well as antioxidant and antiparasitic properties. Couple all that with a bangin’ twenty nine point nine five percent total THC? Baaaaby, the bedbugs definitely won’t be bitin’.
JEFF: Also new from Illicit is Bubblegum Gelato. These stanky dank nugs clock in at twenty two point four eight percent total THC and just a smidgen of CBD at zero point zero five percent. It’s also loaded with the terpenes myrcene, pinene and limonene. We got returning favorites from Illicit, too: Ghost OG, GMO Cookies, and everybody’s favorite…drumroll please…Purple Chem. This batch tests high in limonene, pinene, and linalool, so, your experience should be Kool and the Gang. We’ll tell ya exactly why these terps are the bees knees on our next episode of The Feels.
BEX: I’ll tell ya one thing Jeff, if there’s one chemovar out there–in the WHOLE entire world–that Feel State had to have a mascot of? It’d be Purple Chem. Both staff and patients alike can’t get enough! We ARE Purple Chem at this point; amirite?
JEFF: If someone out there can turn Purple Chem into cologne -holla at me Prince’s estate- please have it delivered to four four four Howdershell, area code six three zero three one. Thank you.
BEX: ANYWAYS. Let’s dive back into a couple more cannabinoids you should know about, before we get to your questions. The first is CBC. Canna-bi-chro-mene does not produce a psychoactive experience. It also binds weakly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. So, what’s its point? Well, it does bind well with our T-R-P-V-1 and T-R-P-A-1 receptors dispersed mainly throughout our central- and peripheral-nervous systems, which regulate our responses to pain. Therefore, CBC serves as an analgesic. Even moreso, in a twenty twelve study, CBC reduced cancerous skin tumors in two different mice models. If I could offer you one tip for the future, manufacturers watching, CBC sunscreen would be it.
JEFF: Our last cannabinoid for tonight is non-psychoactive CBG or Canna-bi-gerol. CBG binds at both our CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is also a very potent agonist at our alpha-2 receptor which is responsible for lowering our blood pressure. CBG also reduces intraocular pressure, that’s our eyeballs. In a two thousand eight study, CBG was found to be among the most potent cannabinoids tested against antibiotic resistant strains of Staph infections. The acidic form of CBG, CBGA, is called the mother of all cannabinoids because it produces THCA, CBDA and CBCA.
BEX: Just to clarify: no, Jeff was not just speaking pig Latin to you all-A. The “A” after all those familiar cannabinoids simply stands for “acidic.” All cannabinoids start out in the acidic form. When you have a nug of flower, you are looking at an unactivated form of THC, AKA THC-A. In order to change to an active form, AKA “THC” without the “A”, we must detach a carbon chain in the molecule. That process is called de-carb-oxylation, and requires high heat to do so. Now, decarbin’ cannabis is as easy as lighting a joint or placing a tray of ground cannabis in the oven. Just remember, cannabinoids and terpenes for that matter, both have different evaporation temperatures: so, if you’re decarbing in the oven, it’s good to keep a real close eye on the temperature gauge.
JEFF: Here’s something I want our viewers to keep a close eye on, Doc. We have a new brand in house called Care By Design. We are now carrying their one to one pain cream and one to one and four to one CBD dominant soft gels. And speaking of soft gels, Vivid’s Dream capsules are back but they’re moving fast. Vivid gummies are back, too, but this time around we’ve got razzberry. The last two exciting products in our cornucopia come from Keef. We have two new twelve ounce resealable cans of tasty beverages with twenty seven milligrams of THC each. One’s named High Octane and the other is Flo, and both are carbonated energy beverages. Both have caffeine. High Octane tastes like lemon lime and Flo tastes like berries.
BEX: Wowzers, that sounds amazing! (Pointing to self) This woman? Relatedly runs on nothin’ but caffeine and Jesus. Adding THC makes it my Holy Trinity.
JEFF: AMEN!!
BEX: Hashtag blessed. I’m convinced! We’re legitimately working for Heaven on earth.
JEFF: Preach on, Doc!!
BEX: But we ain’t done yet though, Jeff. Feel State Florissant just got a huge drop from Flora Farms, who’s been stepping up their game, but never their prices. Due to Flora’s ability to consistently clock-in at forty dollars an eighth and consistently be fire, as a clinical cannabis pharmacist, I’m able to make an impact in medicine cabinets across Missouri. I feel as though I’m the Medicine-Cabinet Makeover-Wizard or something: patients’ prescribed pharmaceuticals have decreased and phytocannabinoids have increased. All thanks to Feel State, thanks to Flora. For example, viewers and patients: I present to thee thou “Bayer” aspirin of bud that should be inside every medicine cabinet, and her name is Blue Dream. We’ve also now got some Biscotti, Pineapple Kush, Grenadine, Smuckers, and Watermelon Zkittles all in stock. But make sure you get here quickly. Our patients love our two hundred and forty dollar mix and match ounce special, and Flora flies out Feel State’s door.
JEFF: We also have four hundred dollar mix and match Heya ounces, and, if you buy an eighth of Katsu Bubba, you’re going to get a Scooby Snacks pre-roll for a penny. That’s better than Columbia House. Well, as we conclude our discussion on cannabinoids, here’s a fun fact: did you know that they can be produced from yeast? I’m not kidding. Google cannabinoids and yeast and check out the companies producing THC, CBD, and CBG from one of the ingredients we use to make bread. Does anybody make bread at home anymore? Why don’t we make that the first question of the night for our viewers. Anybody out there make bread? (Pause) Anybody remember Columbia House? Doc? Cassettes for a penny. Walkmans? Early onset of tinnitus? Anybody?
BEX: While Jeff is lost in nostalgia, why don’t we take some questions from the audience.
Questions from the Audience
- Can you explain the 3 types of cannabis?
- Does CBD really work for your pets?
- How can I consume acidic cannabinoids?
