MAY 2025 | 37 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff. mainly found in our peripheral nervous system and immune system. Endocannabinoids are substances our bodies make naturally to stimulate the receptors in the ECS. Phytocannabinoids are chemicals found in plants like cannabis, sunflower, echinacea, black pepper, black truffle, cacao, kava, electric daisy, Japanese liverwort, rhododendron and tea plants.38 Two major endocannabinoids are made within our bodies on demand when needed: anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Anandamide is our body’s bliss molecule, and it bonds to the CB1 receptors.39 This is the same receptor THC bonds to within the body. 2-AG is the most prevalent endocannabinoid in the human body, and it plays a significant role in anti- inflammation through immunosuppression, similar to how steroids work. It also acts in a psychoactive manner when binding to the CB1 receptor, though it binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. An article on male reproductive health and infertility noted: “Recent research has documented that a variety of human disorders are accompanied by dysfunction in the ECS; therefore, pharmacological interventions that normalize dysfunctional ECB signaling, i.e. temporally activating CB receptors by THC could be potential therapeutics for diseases associated with hypo-cannabinergic pathology.”40 Another article, published on Feb. 3, recognized that the ECS “plays a fundamental role in the physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the small and large intestine and liver.”41 This begs the question, “Is there a medical reason, even potentially a healthful reason, that the munchies are associated with cannabis consumption?” Further research is needed, but the correlation between cannabis usage and the improvement in appetite was one of the early arguments for medical legalization and is what brought us to this path. CBD and Delta-9 THC are generally the most predominant cannabinoids in cannabis, and CBD affects the way Delta-9 THC interacts with the CB1 receptors.42 Further, as cannabis flower ages with time and exposure to oxygen, THC breaks down into cannabinol (CBN). CBN has been determined to be an effective sleep aid, pain reliever and immune system booster.43 So far, 113 different cannabinoids and 120 terpenes have been identified in cannabis.44 Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in all plants, whether it’s cannabis, a flower, a fruit or a vegetable.45 The combination of terpenes gives each plant its unique scent. When cannabinoids and terpenes are consumed together in cannabis, they cause the user to experience what is called the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect is the synergistic effect of consuming all the compounds in the cannabis plant.46 Hemp/cannabis is considered a superfood for its nutritive value.47 Hemp seeds are rich in protein, fiber, omega-3s and 6s fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, along with antioxidant effects.48 All of this is consumed without psychoactive effects. We can look at this to understand the interplay of terpenes and cannabinoids in consumption. In explaining this synergistic interplay, it is easiest to compare terpenes to essential oils and cannabinoids to vitamins and minerals. This is a very simplistic metaphor, but it helps people understand the principles of the compounds and how they work as medicine in a plant. For many years, it has been the trend to treat everything from insomnia to indigestion with an essential oil. Further, we know the vitamins and minerals we ingest have an overall impact on our immune systems and general health and well-being. Terpenes are found in all plants, so we already consume them, and cannabinoids are also found in many commonly consumed plants, as discussed earlier. Initially, terpenes were believed to simply enhance the experience of cannabis consumption through the smell of the flower before smoking.49 Incidentally, many people do not understand that it is the flower of the cannabis plant that is primarily smoked or consumed, not the leaves. However, research indicates that terpenes may contribute to the overall medical benefit of cannabis consumption. Linalool is the terpene in lavender that makes us feel relaxed.50 Linalool is also antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, anxiety- reducing and an immune booster. Limonene is the terpene found in citrus fruits that makes us feel energized. It’s also an antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antianxiety agent.51 Eucalyptol is found in eucalyptus and helps open bronchial passages.52 It is also antibacterial and anti- inflammatory and has been found to kill certain cancer cells. Myrcene is a terpene prevalent in hops, lemongrass, verbena, bay and citrus fruits and juices.53 Myrcene has properties that are analgesic, sedative, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, as well as having anticancer effects. Caryophyllene is found in clove,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTk3MQ==