Did you know the cannabis plant produces over 100 other compounds called cannabinoids? Each one interacts with your body in its own way, giving you certain feelings, relief, and different experiences.
By learning about the different types of cannabinoids you can make more informed decisions about which cannabis products are best for you.
In this guide, we’ll cover the 8 most popular ones.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are the active chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. They’re what cause the effects you feel after consuming cannabis.
These compounds interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 receptors in the brain and CB2 receptors throughout the body) that regulate mood, appetite, pain, sleep, and other essential functions.
Scientists have found over 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis sativa, each with its own molecular structure that affects how it impacts your body.
Some cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are psychoactive, others like cannabidiol (CBD) are not.
Interestingly, small amounts of cannabinoids can be found in other plants like black pepper and cocoa, but cannabis has the most variety and highest concentration, so it’s the primary source for most products used for medical, wellness, or recreational purposes.
The Top 8 Cannabinoids You Should Know
CBG: The Mother of All Cannabinoids
- Improves focus and mental clarity
- Reduces anxiety
- Relieves inflammation and chronic pain
- Supports gut health
CBG, or cannabigerol, is often called the mother cannabinoid because its acidic form, CBGA, is the precursor to all other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. As the plant grows, enzymes convert CBGA into THC, CBD, and other compounds, which is why traces of CBG are seen in the COAs of most cannabis strains.
CBG interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, but users have reported experiencing enhanced focus and mental energy without the high associated with THC.
Preliminary studies suggest CBG may also benefit gut health, making it a potential ally for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and helping to alleviate pressure in the eyes for those with glaucoma.
THC: The Psychoactive Powerhouse
- Pain relief
- Heightened senses (music sounds better, food tastes amazing)
- Spark creativity or deep thoughts
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most well-known cannabinoid. It’s the one that gives you the euphoric and psychoactive effects of cannabis. It binds to the CB1 receptors in your brain and central nervous system, and that’s when you get the classic “high” we associate with marijuana—altered perception, increased appetite etc. Some strains can even spark deep thoughts or unleash your creative side.
Beyond recreational use, THC is being studied for medical use for chronic pain, nausea from chemo, and seizure disorders like epilepsy. The FDA has even approved dronabinol, a synthetic version of THC, for certain medical uses like helping ease chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Keep in mind that the effects of THC can vary based on dosage and individual tolerance, and some users may experience side effects like impairment or anxiety.
CBD: The Calm Without The High
- Reduces anxiety and stress
- Relieves pain and inflammation
- Manages epilepsy, especially Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Improves sleep
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the most studied phytocannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant. It doesn’t produce psychoactive effects like THC, but instead, it interacts indirectly with cannabinoid receptors and other systems like serotonin, which affects mood and sleep.
Because of its therapeutic effects, CBD is the most used in medical cannabis and infact Epidiolex, a purified CBD product became the first FDA approved cannabis medication for clinical trials in treating rare seizure disorders like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Also many use CBD for therapeutic uses like stress relief, chronic pain, and better sleep. It is widely available in various forms, including oils, edibles, and topicals in pharmacies, dispensaries, gas stations, and any smoke shop you can think of.
THCA: A Legal High Once You Heat It
- Anti-inflammatory
- Nausea control
- Psychoactive when heated
THCA, or Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, is the raw form of THC. It is non-psychoactive and found in fresh, unheated cannabis plants. Early research has linked THCA to many therapeutic benefits like reducing inflammation, nausea, and potentially protecting nerve cells all without the high of THC.
When you heat it through smoking, vaping or cooking a process called decarboxylation occurs and THCA turns into the psychoactive THC that gives you that high.
Since THCA has less than 0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol when sourced from hemp, it’s in a legal gray area under federal hemp laws, making it one of the most popular hemp products today, as people are using it as a legal alternative to THC to get high.
Delta-8 THC: A Mellow Alternative to THC
- Clearer headspace
- Relaxation
- Mild euphoria
- Anxiety and stress relief
- Fewer side effects
Delta-8 THC is a minor version of THC that is found in the cannabis plant in very small amounts of less than 1%. It binds to CB1 receptors like THC but with a lighter touch and results in a more gentle and clear-headed experience.
Many users find the effects to be more lucid and less anxiety-provoking than traditional THC, often calling it the middle ground between THC and CBD, which is why it’s been nicknamed “diet weed” or “cannabis light.”
But since delta 8 is naturally found in such small amounts, most of the delta 8 products in the market today are actually synthetic cannabinoids created through extraction and conversion processes from hemp-derived CBD.
CBN: Best Known for Sleep Support
- Deep sleep
- Relaxation
- Pain relief
- Appetite
CBN, or cannabinol, forms when THC ages and oxidizes over time through exposure to light and air.
It has mild psychoactive effects, but its mostly known for improving sleep quality which is why its sometimes combined with CBD or THC for a stronger nighttime effect in some products.
It also interacts with CB2 receptors, which may help relieve pain and inflammation. Because CBN comes from aged cannabis, CBN is often present in small amounts unless intentionally concentrated in cannabinoid products like oils, tinctures, and edibles.
THCV: Energizing and Appetite-Suppressing
- Boosts energy and focus
- Reduces appetite
- Supports metabolic health
- May help with neurological conditions
THCV, tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a fascinating cannabinoid because its effects are almost the opposite of THC. In small amounts, it reduces appetite, whereas THC gives you the munchies - it’s like the yin-yang dynamic.
This unique property has caught the attention of researchers, leading to clinical studies exploring THCV's potential in managing blood sugar levels, particularly for conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Unlike THC, low doses of THCV are non-intoxicating. At higher doses, it may produce mild psychoactive effects but in a shorter duration.
CBC: A Quiet but Powerful Anti-Inflammatory
- Reduces inflammation
- May help with pain relief
- Supports brain health
- Works with other cannabinoids for stronger effects
CBC(or cannabichromene), like CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. It doesn’t bind to the CB1 or CB2 receptors like some of the others do, but it does bind to other receptors related to pain and inflammation.
There’s also some early research that suggests CBC can help grow new brain cells while protecting the ones we have. It’s at its best when it’s working with THC, CBD and CBG, that’s the entourage effect. You’ll find CBC in smaller quantities in most strains but for medical use it’s often concentrated into tinctures or capsules.
Where Are Cannabinoids Found?
Cannabinoids are primarily found in the flower buds of the cannabis sativa plant, inside tiny little things called trichomes. These crystal-like structures protect the plant and house the highest concentration of active compounds. Leaves also have some cannabinoids, stems and seeds have a trace to no amount.
To reiterate what we said earlier, other plants also produce cannabinoid-like compounds. Cocoa is a great example which is why indulging in dark chocolate can lift your mood. Black pepper and lemons are on that list.
But cannabis produces cannabinoids in much greater quantities than any other plant we know of, which is why cannabis is the go-to source for both therapeutic and recreational cannabinoid use. The plant develops this rich chemical profile as a defense mechanism against insects, UV rays, and other environmental challenges.
The Entourage Effect: How Cannabinoids Work in the Body
The entourage effect is the theory that all the components of cannabis—cannabinoids, terpenes (those fragrant compounds), and flavonoids—work together in harmony when we indulge.
Together they are more powerful than any one compound alone. Take CBD, for example, it can change how THC interacts with CB1 receptors, which may help reduce the anxiety and paranoia that THC can cause. CBG and CBC can also enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD.
Terpenes help by affecting how cannabinoids cross the blood brain barrier and bind to receptors. That’s why different cannabis strains with the same cannabinoid profile can have different effects, and why you see some cannabis products labelled as full-spectrum, meaning they have all these compounds in them.
How to Choose the Right Cannabinoid for Your Needs
By now, you’ve seen there are a lot of cannabinoids to choose from, and we just scratched the surface. What you’re looking for really matters.
Here’s a simple guide to get you started.
- If you're after relaxation and better sleep, look for products high in CBD and CBN. They’re great for unwinding and sleeping without the psychoactive effects.
- For pain and inflammation, a mix of CBD, THCA, and CBC can work wonders. These cannabinoids work together to address discomfort from all angles.
- If you need a boost of energy and focus throughout the day CBG and THCV are your go to’s. They provide mental clarity without the drowsiness other cannabinoids might bring.
- For a classic psychoactive experience, THC and THCA are the traditional choices. If you prefer something a bit milder, Delta-8 is a good alternative.
Check out Bay Smokes for THCA products!
If you want a legal option for recreational use, THCA is the way to go.
You can find top quality THCA flower, disposables and vapes to fit your style here at Bay Smokes.
Curious how THCA can benefit you? Dive into our collection of lab-tested THCA products to find your perfect fit.
FAQs:
What Are the Four Main Types of Cannabinoids?
The four main types are THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN.
Which Cannabinoid Gets You High?
THC is the primary cannabinoid that gets you high.
Is THC the Same as THC-A?
No. THCA is the non-psychoactive form found in raw cannabis. It turns into THC (which is psychoactive) when heated.
How Do Cannabinoids Work In the Brain?
They interact with CB1 receptors in the brain, affecting neurotransmitters and how neurons communicate. This impacts mood, appetite, and more.
Can You Mix Different Cannabinoids Together?
Yes! Many people use products with multiple cannabinoids for the “entourage effect,” where compounds work together for stronger results.
Are Cannabinoids Legal in the U.S.?
It depends on the cannabinoid and your state. THCA and CBD from hemp are legal federally, but THC and some others have restrictions. Always check local laws.
What’s the Difference Between Cannabinoids and Terpenes?
Cannabinoids are the active compounds that affect your body. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its scent and may also influence effects.
Which Cannabinoid Is Best for Sleep and Relaxation?
CBN is considered the best cannabinoid for sleep. CBD is also great for relaxation and anxiety, which can help with sleep.
Can CBD Reduce the Effects of THC?
Yes, CBD may help counteract some of THC’s side effects, like anxiety or paranoia.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. Cannabinoid effects can vary, and none of these statements are approved by the FDA. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have medical conditions or take other medications.