Cannabinoids and terpenes

In the world of health and wellness, CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant, has gained notable prominence in recent years thanks to numerous studies, clinical trials, and patient testimonials. This compound has become the star ingredient in a wide range of products, from oils to creams and capsules. But what distinguishes the so-called Full Spectrum oils is that they are enriched not only with CBD but also with other cannabinoids and terpenes. And all this without exceeding the legal limit of THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis.

Today we are going to explore this exciting world of full-spectrum oils or FSOs, and discover how these products offer a versatile and potentially beneficial alternative for those looking to experience the therapeutic effects of cannabis without the psychoactive side effects. We will also take a look at possible medical applications, their effects on health, and how they can be integrated into daily routines to improve overall well-being. Join us on this journey towards the discovery of a world of possibilities "without THC", but with all the benefits that cannabis offers us.

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For decades, cannabinoids had been considered unique to the cannabis plant, known for their association with recreational and medical cannabis. However, in a surprising turn of events, science has recently revealed a fascinating discovery: the existence of non-cannabis plants that produce cannabinoids.

These cannabinoids, chemical compounds with unique properties and therapeutic potential, have been found in a variety of plants not previously associated with these substances. This discovery has puzzled scientists and has opened a new window of research, challenging traditional perceptions about the distribution of cannabinoids in the plant kingdom.

In this article, we'll dive into the exciting world of these "non-cannabis plants" that produce cannabinoids, exploring the most notable findings and ongoing studies that are shedding light on this intriguing phenomenon.

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What is H4CBD?

• Name: Hexahydrocannabidiol
• Formula: C21H34O2
• IUPAC name: 2-(2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl)-5-pentylbenzene-1,3-diol
• Molecular mass: 318.501 g·mol−1
• Melting point: unknown
• Boiling point: unknown

Research in the world of cannabis and its compounds does not stop; Recently, we have told you in our Blog about a new synthetic cannabinoid called HHC or hexahydrocannabinol, which is a hydrogenated form of THC, in other words, a THC molecule to which hydrogen atoms have been added and changed its structure.

Well, today we present a new compound also obtained in the laboratory through the hydrogenation process, although in this case CBD or cannabidiol has been taken as the base cannabinoid. Yes, we are talking about H4CBD or hexahydrocannabidiol, a new form of the famous CBD that has entered the market with force and that we will study in detail today.

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The growing cannabis industry requires innovative solutions to analyze and understand the complex composition of cannabinoids and terpenes in plants. Valenveras, a pioneering Catalan company, in collaboration with Si-ware, an Egyptian-American company, has created a revolution in cannabis testing by developing predictive models of terpenes and cannabinoids for a portable device with NIR technology (near-infrared spectroscopy). This approach allows professional analysis of these compounds to be performed quickly, accurately, and affordably. In this article, we will delve into the features and benefits of this innovative system, and how it is changing the cannabis testing landscape.

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In recent years, the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has gained increasing popularity and acceptance in different parts of the world. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body to produce various therapeutic effects.

Although its use is still subject to regulation and restrictions in many places, scientific evidence suggests that medical cannabis may be beneficial for treating a wide variety of medical conditions, from chronic pain and inflammation to epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of medical cannabis, from its history and current use to its therapeutic effects and potential risks.

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The cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is one of the chemical components found in the cannabis plant. Although less well known than THC, the main and most popular of the psychoactive cannabinoids, THCV has been the subject of research in recent decades for its potential medical benefits. In this article, we invite you to explore in depth what THCV is, how it works in the human body, and what its potential health benefits are.

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What is caryophyllene?

• Name: Caryophyllene, β-Caryophyllene
• Formula: C15H24
• IUPAC name: 4,11,11-trimethyl-8-methylene-bicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene
• Molecular mass: 204.36 g/mol
• Boiling point: 130°C (403K)
• Vaporization temperature: 199ºC

First synthesized in the laboratory in 1964 by EJ Corey, caryophyllene (also called β-caryophyllene) is a bicyclic sesquiterpene found in various plants, including basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, hops, pepper, and, of course, also in cannabis. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and research has been focusing on it in relation to various health benefits.

In fact, caryophyllene is one of the most common terpenes found in marijuana, along with other terpenes like limonene, linalool, and pinene. As you probably already know, terpenes are volatile compounds found in the trichome glands of cannabis, responsible for the aroma and flavor of the plant. Let's delve a little into the properties and effects of this interesting compound!

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As you probably know, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive substance present in cannabis. Yes, among the more than 100 phytocannabinoids identified in this plant, THC is, by far, the one with the greatest presence as a psychotropic component. Although this compound has a series of more than interesting medicinal properties, its medicinal aspect has always been in the shadow of its psychoactive capacity, a capacity that historically has not exactly played in its favor in legislative matters.

However, THC has different types called isomers or analogs; For example, the THC we usually talk about is the isomer called Delta-9 THC, although other similar names may sound familiar to you, such as Delta-8 THC or Delta-10 THC, even THCV or THCP. In this article, we are going to talk about the main types of THC that you can find in your cannabis and see its main characteristics and effects.

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What is HHC or hexahydrocannabinol?

• Name: Hexahydrocannabinol
• Formula: C21H32O2
• IUPAC name: (6aR,10aR)-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydrobenzo[c]chromen-1-ol
• Molecular mass: 316.485 g·mol−1
• Melting point: 560.44K
• Boiling point: 837.1K

Recently, a new cannabinoid that until recently had not been heard of has started making headlines in the cannabis press. This is HHC or hexahydrocannabinol, a compound with properties similar to those of Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC that is seeing its popularity skyrocket thanks precisely to the effect it causes, which is somewhat softer than that of its THC analogue.

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The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an intercellular communication system that is made up of endogenous cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids (those produced by our own body) and that can also interact with the cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids).

Cannabinoid receptors are located mostly in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system), the peripheral nervous system, and in many tissues and organs in our body. These receptors are activated when stimulated by endocannabinoids: their ligands. These molecules fit perfectly with them and allow them to send cellular signals to regulate all kinds of functions in our body. In a similar way, these receptors "listen" to conditions outside the cell and transmit information about those changing conditions to the interior of the cell, initiating the appropriate response.

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Cannabis flowers are consumed for medicinal and recreational purposes based on the properties of their specialised metabolites (such as cannabinoids and terpenes). The metabolites are abundantly produced within the glandular trichomes of the female flowers, which represent the essence of the prized cannabis bud. But despite the economic and medicinal importance of cannabis glandular trichomes, the relative properties and contributions of the different types of trichomes remain poorly understood.

The term trichome comes from the Greek ('thrix', 'trichos', hair or hair) and in many plant species, they form a small hairy covating. Trichome shape ranges from straight or spiral, to globular, which are those that have the greatest interest in cannabis. Trichomes perform various defensive and protective functions, and can be quite specialised; for example, the hair-like cells in carnivorous plants that trigger the trap to close on an unsuspecting insect are derived from trichomes.

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What is Linalool?

• Name: Linalool
• Formula: C10H18O
• IUPAC name: 2,6-dimetil-2,7-octadien-6-ol
• Molar mass: 154.25 g/mol
• Melting point: -20 °C (253.15 K)
• Boiling point: 198.6 °C (471.75 K)
• Appearrance at ambient temperature: Colourless oil

Linalool is a monoterpenoid (chemically we would speak of it as an alcohol) that s found in more than 200 plant species such as citrus or labiatae - and also in cannabis - which gives them a pleasant minty and floral aroma. You will have already appreciated its smell when near thyme, lavender, laurel, cinnamon, pine, birch or mint plants. It can also be found in extracts of lemon, orange, verbena and many other essential oils. Widely used in the cosmetics industry to scent products, it is also used in detergents and soaps to give them a natural, "clean" smell.

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The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), also known as the aguará guazú, which means 'big fox' in Guaraní, is the tallest canid in existence. Its name alludes to the long black hairs on the top of its neck, but it is also known as the 'wolf on stilts' because it has thin, endless legs (like socks and stockings) that help it to walk in pastures or flooded terrain and raise its head above the undergrowth in which it moves. Undoubtedly, the perfect result of millions of years of evolution to adapt to its environment, the extensive savannah of Brazil, although it is also found in the pampas of Peru and the scrublands of Paraguay and the northern part of Argentina.

It is a very enigmatic animal, solitary by nature (unlike other large canids, the maned wolf does not form packs) and a species rarely photographed in its environment and for which very little information exists. In fact, it is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, due to intense deforestation of its habitat, a vast territory once dominated by wild grasslands that are now cultivated with eucalyptus, pine, soya bean and sunflower plantations.

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Before we start talking about the different consumption methods available, it is worth mentioning that they all have something in common: the cannabis is heated. During this process, high temperatures cause the cannabinoids to decarboxylate, turning them into pharmacologically active compounds.

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a compound in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). This process activates the plant’s cannabinoids, which are found in their acid form (like THCA and CBDA) and transforms them into the cannabinoids that we know (THC and CBD).

It is important to highlight that cannabis decarboxylation is necessary for cannabis to produce its psychoactive effects, because THC in its acid form (THCA) does not produce the psychoactivity traditionally associated with marijuana. Therefore, even when it’s being ingested, it is advisable to first heat the cannabis (cooking it in some way) to activate its components.

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From the fuel flavoured OG Kush to the citric Lemon Haze or the typically skunky Sour Diesel, there is a plethora of flavours from which marijuana lovers can choose their favourite weed.

The main components of the cannabis plant responsible for its characteristic aroma and flavour are terpenes. They are divided into monoterpenes (10 carbon atoms) and sesquiterpenes (15 carbon atoms). Depending on their proportion, variety, and combination, they can generate thousands of different organoleptic profiles. Terpenes, along with cannabinoids, develop in the plant’s resin glands (trichomes). The higher the number of trichomes, the more intense the aromatic combination.

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What is Delta-8-THC?

• Name: Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ8-THC
• Formula: C21H30O2
• IUPAC name: (6aR, 10aR) -6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a, 7,10,10a-tetrahydrobenzo [c]chromen-1-ol
• Molecular mass: 314.5 g/mol
• Boiling point: 383.5 ± 42.0 ° C

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