CANNABIS EXPLAINER
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabis produces over 100 unique cannabinoids, each with distinct properties.
CANNABIS EXPLAINER
Cannabis produces over 100 unique cannabinoids, each with distinct properties.
| Cannabinoid | Abbreviation | Primary Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Tetrahydrocannabinol | THC | Psychoactive, euphoria, pain relief |
| Cannabidiol | CBD | Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure |
| Cannabinol | CBN | Mild sedation, sleep aid |
| Cannabigerol | CBG | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory |
| Tetrahydrocannabivarin | THCV | Appetite suppressant, clear-headed high |
| Cannabichromene | CBC | Anti-inflammatory, antidepressant potential |
Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabis plants produce phytocannabinoids — plant-derived cannabinoids. Your body produces endocannabinoids — naturally occurring compounds with similar structures. Over 100 phytocannabinoids have been identified in cannabis, though most exist in trace amounts. The two dominant cannabinoids in most commercial cannabis are THC and CBD.
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It binds CB1 receptors in the brain, producing euphoria, appetite stimulation, pain relief, and altered perception. In the plant, THC exists mostly as THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), a non-psychoactive precursor that converts to THC through decarboxylation (heat). CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating, works through multiple receptor systems, and has demonstrated therapeutic effects for anxiety, inflammation, and epilepsy.
CBN forms as THC degrades over time — aged cannabis develops higher CBN content. It has mild sedative properties and is used in some sleep products. CBG (cannabigerol) is called the "mother cannabinoid" because most cannabinoids derive from CBGA, the acidic form of CBG. It shows antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in early research. THCV is found in significant amounts in some African sativa strains and may reduce appetite and produce a shorter, clearer psychoactive effect than THC.