CBD: 20 Popular Cannabinoids Explained

Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and immune function. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. However, there are many other cannabinoids that have been identified and studied, including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC). Each cannabinoid can have unique effects on the body and may have potential therapeutic applications. Research on cannabinoids and their effects is ongoing, and there is still much to learn about how they interact with the body and how they may be used in medicine.

Here is a list of 20 of the most well-known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant:

1. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is the primary compound responsible for the euphoric and intoxicating effects commonly associated with using cannabis. THC works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system, which can affect various physiological and cognitive processes, including mood, appetite, pain perception, and memory. The potency of THC can vary depending on the strain of cannabis, growing conditions, and method of consumption. THC is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. However, there is growing interest in the potential therapeutic applications of THC and other cannabinoids, and research is ongoing to explore their potential uses.
2. CBD (cannabidiol): CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of over a hundred cannabinoids identified in the plant and accounts for a significant portion of its extract. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the euphoric and intoxicating effects commonly associated with using cannabis. CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and immune function. It is believed that CBD may have potential therapeutic applications, such as reducing anxiety, inflammation, and pain, among other potential benefits. CBD is generally considered to be safe, and it is legal in many parts of the world, including in the United States, where the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production and sale of hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC. However, regulations around CBD can vary depending on the jurisdiction, and consumers should do their research to ensure they are using 3rd party lab tested, legal, compliant and safe chemical free products.
3. CBG (cannabigerol): CBG stands for cannabigerol, which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBG is considered a minor cannabinoid because it is typically present in lower concentrations than THC or CBD. However, it is a precursor to other cannabinoids, meaning that it can be converted into other compounds, such as THC and CBD, as the cannabis plant grows and matures. CBG works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and immune function. Research on CBG is ongoing, and there is interest in its potential therapeutic applications, such as reducing inflammation, pain, and anxiety. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBG and its potential uses.
4. CBN (cannabinol): CBN stands for cannabinol, which is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is formed when THC is exposed to oxygen and begins to degrade. As a result, aged or oxidized cannabis typically contains higher levels of CBN than fresh cannabis. CBN is non-psychoactive and does not produce the euphoric effects of THC. However, it may have potential therapeutic applications, such as reducing pain, inflammation, and seizures, among other potential benefits. Research on CBN is ongoing.
5. THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin): THCV stands for tetrahydrocannabivarin, which is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Like THC, THCV is psychoactive and can produce euphoric effects, but it is typically present in much lower concentrations. THCV has a similar chemical structure to THC, but it produces different effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system. Research suggests that THCV may have potential therapeutic applications, such as reducing appetite, improving insulin sensitivity, and potentially even reducing anxiety and tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease. Research on THCV is ongoing.
6. CBC (cannabichromene): CBC stands for cannabichromene, which is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBC is non-psychoactive and does not produce the euphoric effects of THC. It works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and immune function. Research suggests that CBC may have potential therapeutic applications, such as reducing pain and inflammation, fighting bacteria and fungi, and potentially even inhibiting tumor growth. Research on CBC is ongoing.
7. CBDV (cannabidivarin): CBDV stands for cannabidivarin, which is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Like CBD, CBDV is non-psychoactive and does not produce the euphoric effects of THC. CBDV works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and immune function. Research suggests that CBDV may have potential therapeutic applications, such as reducing seizures, anxiety, and nausea, among other potential benefits. Research on CBDV is ongoing.
8. CBGV (cannabigerovarin): CBGV stands for cannabigerivarin, which is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Like CBG, CBGV is considered a minor cannabinoid because it is typically present in lower concentrations than THC or CBD. CBGV works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and immune function. Research on CBGV is ongoing, and there is interest in its potential therapeutic applications, such as reducing inflammation, pain, and nausea, among other potential benefits.
9. Delta-8-THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol): Delta-8-THC (Δ8-THC) is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, similar to the more well-known Delta-9-THC (Δ9-THC). Delta-8-THC is chemically different from Delta-9-THC by only a few atomic bonds, but this difference is enough to give it unique effects and properties. Delta-8-THC is psychoactive and produces similar but milder euphoric effects than Delta-9-THC. It is typically present in lower concentrations than Delta-9-THC, but can be extracted and concentrated to make Delta-8-THC products such as tinctures, edibles, and vape cartridges. Delta-8-THC is still a relatively new area of research, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects and potential uses.
10. Delta-9-THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol): Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC or simply Δ9-THC) is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. When consumed, it binds to specific receptors in the brain and central nervous system, producing the well-known euphoric effects or “high” associated with marijuana use. Delta-9-THC also has various therapeutic properties and has been used to treat pain, nausea, appetite loss, and other medical conditions. However, it is still considered a controlled substance in many countries due to its psychoactive effects and potential for abuse.
11. Delta-10-THC (delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol): Delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-10-THC or simply Δ10-THC) is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, similar to Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC. However, Delta-10-THC is only present in trace amounts in cannabis, and its effects are not yet fully understood. It is chemically similar to Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC, but its effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system are still being studied. Delta-10-THC has gained some attention in recent years as a potential alternative to Delta-9-THC, which is still illegal in many parts of the world due to its psychoactive effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Delta-10-THC and its potential uses.
12. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid): THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, which is a non-psychoactive compound found in the raw cannabis plant. THCA is the acidic precursor to THC, and it is only converted to THC through a process called decarboxylation, which occurs when cannabis is heated or exposed to light. THCA does not produce the euphoric effects of THC, but it has potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiemetic effects. Some people consume raw cannabis or cannabis juice in order to benefit from the THCA content without experiencing the psychoactive effects of THC. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of THCA and its potential uses.
13. CBDA (cannabidiolic acid): CBDA stands for cannabidiolic acid, which is a non-psychoactive compound found in the raw cannabis plant. CBDA is the acidic precursor to CBD, and it is only converted to CBD through a process called decarboxylation, which occurs when cannabis is heated or exposed to light. CBDA does not produce the same effects as CBD, but it has potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiemetic effects. Some people consume raw cannabis or cannabis juice in order to benefit from the CBDA content without experiencing the effects of CBD. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBDA and its potential uses.
14. CBGA (cannabigerolic acid): CBGA stands for cannabigerolic acid, which is a non-psychoactive precursor compound found in the cannabis plant. CBGA is the precursor to the three main branches of cannabinoids: THC, CBD, and CBC. When CBGA is exposed to specific enzymes, it is transformed into THCA, CBDA, or CBCA, which are the acidic precursors to THC, CBD, and CBC, respectively. These acidic precursors are then decarboxylated into their active forms through heat or exposure to light. CBGA also has potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBGA and its potential uses.
15. CBCA (cannabichromenic acid): CBCA stands for cannabichromenic acid, which is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. CBCA is the acidic precursor to CBC, which is a minor cannabinoid with potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic effects. Like other acidic cannabinoids, CBCA must be decarboxylated into its active form through heat or exposure to light. CBCA is converted to CBC when it is exposed to specific enzymes in the cannabis plant. However, the effects of CBCA itself are not fully understood and require further research.
16. CBNV (cannabinovarin): Cannabivarin (CBV or Cannabinovarin) is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, which is structurally similar to THC and CBD. CBV has been shown to have potential therapeutic properties, such as anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. It may also have potential as an appetite suppressant and in the treatment of drug-resistant forms of epilepsy. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBV and its potential uses. It is important to note that CBV is only present in trace amounts in most strains of cannabis, which makes it more difficult to study and use in research and medical applications.
17. CBTC (cannabicitran): Cannabicitran is a relatively new and rare cannabinoid that has been discovered in the cannabis plant. It is structurally similar to other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, and is believed to be a minor cannabinoid. However, there is currently very little information available on cannabicitran, as it has not been studied extensively. More research is needed to fully understand the effects and potential therapeutic uses of cannabicitran. As of now, it is not clear whether cannabicitran has any psychoactive effects or how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
18. CBL (cannabicyclol): Cannabicyclol (CBL) is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, which is structurally similar to CBD. CBL is a non-intoxicating compound, which means it does not produce the psychoactive effects commonly associated with THC. It is formed when cannabichromene (CBC) is exposed to light or heat, which causes it to lose a molecule of carbon dioxide (CO2). CBL has been shown to have potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBL and its potential medical applications. CBL is present in very small amounts in most strains of cannabis, which makes it more difficult to study and use in research and medical applications.
19. CBE (cannabielsoin): Cannabielsoin (CBE) is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, which is structurally similar to THC and CBD. CBE is formed when cannabichromene (CBC) is exposed to light or heat, which causes it to lose a molecule of hydrogen (H). CBE is a non-intoxicating compound, which means it does not produce the psychoactive effects commonly associated with THC. Like other cannabinoids, CBE is believed to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and may have potential therapeutic properties. However, very little is currently known about the effects and medical applications of CBE, as it has not been studied extensively. CBE is present in very small amounts in most strains of cannabis, which makes it more difficult to study and use in research and medical applications.
20. CBT (cannabicitol): Cannabicitol (CBT) is a relatively new and rare cannabinoid that has been discovered in the cannabis plant. It is structurally similar to other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, and is believed to be a minor cannabinoid. However, there is currently very little information available on CBT, as it has not been studied extensively. More research is needed to fully understand the effects and potential therapeutic uses of CBT. As of now, it is not clear whether CBT has any psychoactive effects or how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.