What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a family of chemical compounds naturally present in the cannabis plant. To date, more than 100 different cannabinoids have been identified, although only a few are present in significant concentrations and have been studied clinically.

What makes these compounds particularly interesting is that the human body has a physiological system —the endocannabinoid system— designed precisely to interact with them. This system takes part in regulating pain, sleep, mood, immune response and many other essential processes.

The main cannabinoids

Of all the identified cannabinoids, four concentrate nearly all clinical and commercial attention:

CBD (Cannabidiol)

The most studied non-psychoactive cannabinoid. In 2018 the FDA approved a CBD-based drug for the treatment of rare forms of childhood epilepsy. Its use is being researched in anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation and sleep disorders.

THC (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol)

The main psychoactive component of cannabis. In controlled doses and under medical supervision it has recognized therapeutic applications: neuropathic pain control, appetite stimulation in oncology patients and nausea management during chemotherapy.

CBN (Cannabinol)

Natural product of the oxidative degradation of THC. Researched for its sedative properties and potential use in sleep disorders.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Often called "the mother cannabinoid" because it is the chemical precursor from which the others are synthesized during plant growth. Preliminary studies suggest anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

The endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of three main elements:

• Endocannabinoids — molecules the body itself produces (anandamide, 2-AG).
• Receptors — mainly CB1 (more concentrated in the nervous system) and CB2 (more concentrated in the immune system).
• Enzymes — responsible for synthesizing and degrading endocannabinoids as physiological needs require.

Plant cannabinoids act by modulating this system, which explains their broad spectrum of therapeutic effects.

Full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolates

There are three main ways in which cannabinoids are presented in medicinal products:

Full spectrum

Preserves the entire cannabinoid, terpene and flavonoid profile of the original plant, including variable amounts of THC depending on the plant\u2019s genetic identity. Its therapeutic use takes advantage of the so-called entourage effect — the synergy between components that enhances the pharmacological effect.

Broad spectrum

Keeps almost all cannabinoids except THC, which is completely removed. Non-psychoactive.

Isolates

Contain a single cannabinoid at high purity (typically CBD at 99 %+). Useful for research and for formulations requiring absolute control of composition.

Why does the entourage effect matter?

Pharmacological studies have shown that whole-plant cannabis extract demonstrates greater therapeutic efficacy than isolated CBD in equivalent amounts. The reason is that terpenes and other minor cannabinoids modulate ECS receptors and the bioavailability of the main components.

This is why at Panakia, in addition to isolated cannabinoids, we produce full spectrum extracts: the marginal loss of control over the exact composition is amply compensated by the higher clinical efficacy of the final product.