Scientists have been able to synthesise thousands of natural molecules and cannabinoids are no exception. While molecularly similar, synthetic cannabinoids are far inferior to consuming the real plant and its natural extracts. Synthetic cannabinoids were originally created for cannabinoid research focusing on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Researches had to go down this synthetic route due to the legal restrictions placed on natural cannabinoids, making them difficult to obtain and research. Due to poor management and an attempt to stunt cannabis research by regulators, we now have toxic synthetic cannabinoids on the market
Synthetic cannabinoids are generally sprayed on dried, shredded plant material so they can be smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices. They bind to the same receptors that cannabinoids from the cannabis plant bind to but often get labeled as not safe for human consumption for liability defense. Unlike regular cannabis, the synthetic stuff has addictive properties.
Toxicity
There are no fatal overdose cases linked to cannabis but deaths associated with synthetic cannabinoids are increasing. With a wide range of negative side effects including anxiety, palpitations, paranoia, vomiting, nausea, confusion, and seizures, this stuff is definitely worth staying away from. To date, there have been a few scientific studies on the effects of synthetic cannabinoids on the human brain, showing some of them bind more strongly than natural cannabinoids to the cell receptors, and can produce much stronger effects. The resulting health effects can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Isolated Cannabinoids
When individual molecules are extracted and consumed as an isolate, they are far less potent that less refined whole plant extracts. Cannabinoids have an amazing synergistic effect and work together to produce incredible health benefits through the entire body. Single cannabinoids alone are not only less potent but they can also create unwanted side effects that nature did not intend. CBD for example reduces the high and anxiety effect high THC can cause while THC helps the absorption of CBD.
