GW -Phytocannabinoid Compounds
Naturally occurring cannabis contains a group of chemical compounds not found in other plants known as cannabinoids. Over 80 different cannabinoids have so far been identified but the role and importance of many of these has yet to be fully understood. GW is researching a large number of cannabinoids, each of which has different effects and applications.
GW has a proprietary and extensive library of “phytocannabinoids” through the breeding of unique “chemotypes” (plants characterised by their chemical content). Currently available cannabinoids include:
- CBD (Cannabidiol)
- CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
- CBDA (Cannabidiol - Acid)
- CBDVA (Cannabidivarin - Acid)
- CBC (Cannabichromene)
- CBG (Cannabigerol)
- CBGA (Cannabigerol – Acid) C
- BGV (Cannabigerovarin)
- CBN (Cannabinol)
- CBNV (Cannabinovarin)
- THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinol – Acid)
- THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
- THCVA (Tetrahydrocannabivarin – Acid)
- D9-THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol)
- D8-THC (Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Of the cannabinoids listed above, only two cannabinoids have to date been well characterized – THC and CBD. Both THC and CBD have important pharmacology: THC has analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-tremor, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant and anti-emetic properties, whilst CBD has anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, anti-psychotic, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects. CBD is not intoxicating and indeed it has been postulated that the presence of CBD in cannabis may alleviate some of the potentially unwanted side-effects of THC. There is currently limited scientific information on the pharmacology and toxicology of the other cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are believed to be effective in suppressing muscle spasticity, spasms, bladder dysfunction and pain symptoms of MS.