The production of cannabinoids in cannabis

We often publish articles explaining what cannabinoids are, their benefits for humans, and sometimes how to use them. That being said, have you ever wondered how they are produced in the cannabis plant? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, let’s discover together how cannabinoids are produced in cannabis. Table of Contents Cannabinoids: A Simple Introduction How are these cannabinoids produced in the cannabis plant? Cannabinoids: A Simple IntroductionIt would be inappropriate to discuss cannabinoids without first introducing them. This will ensure we’re all on the same page. So, what exactly are these cannabinoids?

This Wikipedia article defines cannabinoids as follows:

• Cannabinoids are a group of chemical substances that activate cannabinoid receptors present in the human body and in mammals.

Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabino%C3%AFde

The receptor, on the other hand, is defined as: (…) a protein in the cell membrane, cytoplasm, or cell nucleus that binds specifically to a specific factor (a ligand, such as a neurotransmitter, hormone, drug molecule, toxin, calcium ion, or a specific protein in the membrane of a virus, etc.), inducing a cellular response to that ligand.

Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9cepteur_(biochimie) That said, there are three main types of cannabinoids. Namely:

Plant cannabinoids

(also called phytocannabinoids): these are found in cannabis.

Endocannabinoids (also called endogenous cannabinoids): these are secreted by animal organisms.

1. Synthetic cannabinoids: produced in the laboratory. Of course, the category of cannabinoids that interests us is the first one (plant-derived). From this perspective, it’s important to specify that the cannabis plant alone produces more than 100 cannabinoids of this type.
3. How are these cannabinoids produced in the cannabis plant?

Indeed, the

production of cannabinoids takes place in what might be called: the tiny chemical factories . What exactly are these? We are referring to thetrichomes .

This Wikipedia article describes them as follows:

Trichomes (from the Greek τρίχωμα – trikhoma, meaning “hair growth”) are fine outgrowths or appendages found in plants (on the roots, stems, and/or leaves) and in some unicellular eukaryotes. Examples include hairs, glandular hairs, and especially stinging hairs¹ or hairs that have evolved into protective scales. Their functions often seem primarily defensive, but they can also protect certain plants from excessive cold or heat.

Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trichome_(botanique)

This definition uses botanical terminology. Consequently, it might be incomprehensible to some. So, let’s take this simplified version from Futura Sciences:

Trichomes are hairs that cover the surface of a plant organ (in varying densities depending on the species and organs considered). In other words, they are the hairs of a plant.

Source: https://www.futura-sciences.com/planete/definitions/botanique-trichome-13330/It is within these small glands that the

cannabis plant produces cannabinoids From this perspective, it’s worth noting that these small glands are found in greater density on cannabis flowers and in smaller numbers on leaves, stems, and other aerial parts. It should also be noted that a female cannabis plant produces significantly more cannabinoids than a male one.

Let’s now turn our attention to the biosynthesis of cannabinoids (their production process). The process begins in the cuticle (the outer layer that covers and protects the aerial parts of plants). Then, the cannabinoids are formed in specialized discoid cells (shaped like a disc). Finally, they are released from the secretory cavity onto the plant’s surface as a viscous resin.

2. To be more explicit, let’s describe the process step by step.
3. Initially, we have hexanoic acid, a fatty acid.
4. Enzymes then come into play to facilitate a chemical reaction, which leads to the formation of phenolic precursors. These phenolic precursors are then transformed into oleic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate.
6. These two molecules (oleic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate) are fused by another enzymatic reaction to produce CBGA, also known as the “mother cannabinoid.”
7. The mother molecule, in conjunction with three other enzymes, creates all other cannabinoids. The enzymes THCA synthase, CBDA synthase, and CBCA synthase convert CBGA into THCA, CBDA, and CDCA, respectively.After decarboxylation, THCA becomes THC, CBDA becomes CBD, and CDCA becomes CDC. The same applies to other molecules not mentioned here.

The image below perfectly summarizes the process described above.