Continuing our exploration of some of the lesser well-known cannabinoids, in this article, we take a look at yet another new strain Cannabimovone (CBM) to give you the skinny on the essential need-to-knows.
Until very recently (a study by a group of Italian researchers published in the March 2020 issue of Molecules) very little was known about this ‘minor cannabinoid’ most commonly found in a variety of hemp known as “Carmagnola”.
While it shares similarities to the chemical makeups of CBD and THC – it is generally found in much lower quantities, in a variety of the hemp plant found primarily near Turin in Northern Italy.
Because of its relative scarceness, actual research into the properties and potential effects of CBM are still pretty fresh, which means that it’s still ripe for investigation and experimentation.
What does CBM do?
The research carried out by the Italian science team, actually set out to discover exactly this question. Their immediate goal was to understand if CBM reacted with receptors in the human body as other cannabinoids do – and if so, to what effect.
Without getting too deep into the science, the researchers, through a process of 3-D modeling, essentially learned that YES – CBM does bind to and activate with certain receptors in the human body.
Our Italian friends discovered that CBM primarily interacts with two key receptors that control the genes responsible for cell growth in the major organs (the heart, liver, and kidneys to name a few) as well as certain fatty tissues that have an impact on hormone regulation.
The receptors CBM interacts with are also known for their role in the metabolism process – which led to speculation about the potential health benefits such a substance could provide.
What are the benefits of CBM?
In a quote pulled from the original research paper, the good folks at Merryjane cite the researchers as saying, “Overall, these findings support CBM as a new bioactive compound potentially useful for the treatment of insulin resistance disorders”.
Essentially – the Italian doctors opened the doors to examine the potential benefits of a range of cannabinoids as potential anti-diabetic aids – especially as an alternative or supplementary treatment for patients who either do not have access to insulin or have not been provided with effective long-term treatment methods despite access to insulin.
While these are positive results, it’s perhaps best to think of Cannabimovone – as yet another cannabinoid with growing potential – the focus of study for this substance has primarily been through a medical lens, and while initial results are exciting – we’re very much in the ‘needs more time and investigation’ stage.
CBM Me Later
CBM presents yet another exciting and potentially beneficial variety of cannabinoid ripe for further exploration. It just goes to show that the hemp plant is one that keeps on giving – and that there’s a world of exciting potential out there for those who are looking to learn more…
