What are Cannabinoids and

Why do they matter?

Do you know about the naturally occurring chemicals in cannabis plants that provide the amazing benefits we all love?

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you either love cannabis or want to know more about it. At The Pottery, we’re huge believers in knowing as much as you can about anything that goes into your body— and cannabis is no exception.

That’s why we’re excited to launch our blog series on the chemical compounds in cannabis known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are one of the most essential parts of cannabis, because they’re the compounds that are the most responsible for the wellness benefits, positive emotional impact, and health improvements cannabis can provide. These cannabinoids can help you feel better, sleep better, perform better, and even reduce pain, soreness, and other symptoms.

In this post, we want to introduce you to a general overview of what cannabinoids are and how they work. Then, in future articles, we’ll discuss specific cannabinoids and the properties/benefits they can provide.

The Basics of Cannabinoids

Without getting too science-y, cannabinoids are chemical compounds that appear in cannabis plants and have around 100+ different variants. While you might not think you know exactly what cannabinoids are, chances are you’ve heard some of their names. THC and CBD are the two most popular ones, and their various benefits and traits are widely known within the cannabis world.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of other cannabinoids— and you’ll find some of them in products at The Pottery These include everything from CBG and CBN to THCa, THCv, and CBDa.

We’ll get into these cannabinoids in a bit more detail in later posts, but first let’s learn a little more about how cannabinoids work with your body.

Meet the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system, aside from being a mouthful to say, is also a system in our body that’s connected to the brain and nervous system. Within this system is a series of receptors which bind with chemicals called endocannabinoids. These chemicals naturally occur in the body, and the similarity between these endocannabinoids and the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants is what allows them to interact with our body in a natural, effective way.

In basic terms— cannabinoids help your body do things it already does, but even better. They bind to your body’s natural receptors and send signals to create certain benefits, like pain relief, reduced anxiety, and the ‘high’ usually associated with THC.

Think about taking a vitamin. That vitamin may look artificial, but it’s composed of natural ingredients that your body produces on its own. When you consume a cannabis product, you’re taking part in a similar experience. Which cannabis strain you choose, and the cannabinoids it contains, will determine which benefits and experiences you enjoy.

Stay tuned to the Pottery Journal to learn more about Cannabinods and the Endocannbinoid system! If you want more cannabis information, read our blog on cannabis flower.