Comprehensive guide to cannabis cannabinoids including THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, and more. Learn how each cannabinoid works, their medical applications, and how to choose the right profile.
1What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate mood, pain, appetite, immune function, and many other processes.
Cannabis produces over 100 different cannabinoids, but a handful are responsible for most therapeutic effects. These phytocannabinoids (plant-derived cannabinoids) mimic our body's own endocannabinoids (like anandamide and 2-AG), which is why cannabis has such wide-ranging effects.
The primary cannabinoids you'll encounter include THC (the main psychoactive compound), CBD (non-intoxicating with broad therapeutic potential), CBN (mildly sedating), CBG (anti-inflammatory, "the mother cannabinoid"), THCV (energizing, appetite-suppressing), and the acidic precursors THCA and CBDA.
Understanding cannabinoids helps you predict effects, choose appropriate products, and communicate clearly with healthcare providers about your treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system
- Cannabis produces 100+ cannabinoids
- Phytocannabinoids mimic the body's own endocannabinoids
- THC, CBD, CBN, CBG are the most therapeutically significant
2THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and the most extensively studied cannabinoid. It binds directly to CB1 receptors (primarily in the brain and central nervous system) and CB2 receptors (primarily in the immune system and peripheral tissues).
Effects
Euphoria and altered perception, relaxation or stimulation (depending on terpene profile and individual response), appetite stimulation ("munchies"), pain relief via central mechanisms, anti-nausea properties, and temporary effects on short-term memory.
Medical Applications with Strong Evidence
- Chronic pain (first-line for many conditions) - Chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting (FDA-approved as Marinol) - Appetite loss in HIV/cancer (FDA-approved indication) - Muscle spasticity in MS (approved in many countries as Sativex) - PTSD symptoms including nightmares and hyperarousal
Side Effects
Anxiety or paranoia (especially at high doses or in susceptible individuals), dry mouth and red eyes, impaired coordination and reaction time, increased heart rate, and cognitive impairment while intoxicated.
Key Understanding
THC effects are heavily modulated by terpenes and CBD. Higher THC doesn't necessarily mean better medicine—the entourage effect means the whole profile matters. Tolerance develops with regular use.
Key Takeaways
- Primary psychoactive cannabinoid
- Binds directly to CB1 (brain) and CB2 (immune) receptors
- FDA-approved for nausea and appetite stimulation
- Side effects include potential anxiety, especially at high doses
- Effects modulated significantly by terpenes and CBD
3CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid and has garnered enormous attention for its therapeutic potential without psychoactivity. Unlike THC, CBD doesn't produce a "high"—you won't feel intoxicated from pure CBD.
Mechanism
CBD works through multiple pathways: indirect modulation of CB1/CB2 receptors, activation of serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), interaction with TRPV1 vanilloid receptors, GPR55 signaling, and inhibition of anandamide breakdown. This diverse mechanism explains its wide-ranging effects.
Medical Applications
- Epilepsy: FDA-approved (Epidiolex) for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes - Anxiety: Growing clinical evidence, particularly for social anxiety - Inflammation: Robust anti-inflammatory effects through multiple pathways - Pain: Often combined with THC; may be less effective alone for acute pain - Psychosis: May have antipsychotic properties - Sleep: Dose-dependent effects (lower doses may be alerting, higher doses calming)
Drug Interactions
CBD inhibits certain liver enzymes (CYP450 family), which can affect how other medications are metabolized. Always consult with a pharmacist if taking other medications.
Dosing Considerations
CBD effective doses vary widely by condition—from 15mg for mild anxiety to 300mg+ for seizures. Start low (10-25mg) and increase gradually. Full-spectrum CBD often works at lower doses than isolate due to the entourage effect.
Key Takeaways
- Non-psychoactive—no "high"
- FDA-approved for certain epilepsies (Epidiolex)
- Works through multiple receptor pathways
- Potential drug interactions via CYP450 inhibition
- Full-spectrum often more effective than isolate
4CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms primarily from THC degradation. Aged cannabis or products exposed to heat and light naturally develop higher CBN levels.
The "Sleepy Cannabinoid" Reputation
CBN is widely marketed for sleep, but this reputation may exceed the current evidence. The sedating effects of aged cannabis may actually result from degraded terpene profiles and other changes, not CBN alone. That said, combined with THC and sleep-promoting terpenes, CBN does appear to enhance sedation.
Medical Applications
- Insomnia: Evidence is mostly traditional/anecdotal; works best with THC - Pain: Synergistic with THC for analgesic effects - Appetite stimulation: May increase hunger - Antibacterial: Some evidence for antibacterial properties
Where to Find CBN
- Aged cannabis flower (THC converts to CBN over time) - Specifically formulated CBN products (increasingly available) - Full-spectrum extracts from older source material
Key Understanding
CBN works best as part of the entourage. If seeking sleep support, CBN combined with THC, myrcene, and linalool is likely more effective than CBN isolate. Look for "sleep formulas" that combine these elements.
Key Takeaways
- Mildly psychoactive (about 10% of THC)
- Forms from THC degradation in aged cannabis
- Sleep reputation may be partially due to other factors
- Works best combined with THC and sedating terpenes
- Increasingly available in targeted sleep products
5CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG is sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" because its acidic form (CBGA) is the precursor from which THC, CBD, and CBC develop. In mature plants, CBG is typically present only in small amounts because most has converted to other cannabinoids.
Effects
Non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory (particularly for gut inflammation), antibacterial (including against MRSA), neuroprotective potential, may stimulate appetite, and may reduce intraocular pressure.
**Medical Applications** (mostly emerging evidence): - Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's, colitis): Particularly promising - Glaucoma: Reduces eye pressure - Huntington's Disease: Neuroprotective potential - Cancer: Some in vitro evidence for tumor inhibition - Bacterial infections: Active against resistant bacteria
Where to Find CBG
- CBG-specific strains (White CBG, Jack Frost CBG, etc.) - Young cannabis plants harvested before CBG converts - CBG isolate products and tinctures
Key Understanding
CBG is an exciting cannabinoid for those who want therapeutic benefits without any psychoactivity. It's particularly promising for gut inflammatory conditions. While research is still emerging, CBG products are becoming more available and may be valuable for patients who can't tolerate THC.
Key Takeaways
- Non-psychoactive, "mother cannabinoid"
- Precursor to THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids
- Particularly promising for IBD/gut inflammation
- Antibacterial activity including against MRSA
- Available in CBG-specific strains and products
6THCV and Minor Cannabinoids
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
A unique cannabinoid with surprising properties. At low doses, THCV blocks CB1 receptors (opposite of THC). At high doses, it activates them. This creates distinctive effects: - Appetite suppression (opposite of THC's "munchies") - Energetic, clear-headed psychoactivity (at higher doses) - Shorter duration than THC - May reduce panic attacks and PTSD symptoms - Potential for diabetes management (glycemic control)
THCV is found in African sativa landraces (Durban Poison), specialty strains (Doug's Varin), and some Cookies crosses.
Other Notable Minor Cannabinoids
CBC (Cannabichromene)
Third most common cannabinoid. Non-psychoactive with potential antidepressant effects and neurogenesis promotion. May help with pain and inflammation.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
Raw, unheated THC precursor. Non-psychoactive with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Accessed through raw cannabis (juicing) or THCA tinctures.
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
Raw CBD precursor. Potentially more effective than CBD for nausea (via 5-HT1A). More bioavailable than CBD in some studies.
Delta-8 THC
A milder form of THC (about 50-75% as potent). Often synthesized from CBD. Legal gray area. May suit patients who find Delta-9 too intense, but quality concerns exist due to synthesis process.
Key Takeaways
- THCV: appetite suppressant, energizing, shorter-acting
- CBC: antidepressant potential, neurogenesis
- THCA/CBDA: raw cannabinoids with unique benefits
- Delta-8: milder THC variant, quality concerns
- Minor cannabinoids contribute to entourage effect
7Understanding Cannabinoid Ratios
Cannabinoid ratios—particularly THC:CBD—significantly affect the experience and therapeutic outcome. Here's how to interpret common ratios:
THC-Dominant (20:1+ THC:CBD)
- Full psychoactive effects - Strong for pain, nausea, appetite, sleep - Best for experienced users or severe symptoms - Higher side effect potential (anxiety, impairment)
THC-Dominant with CBD (5:1)
- Psychoactive but moderated by CBD - Good for pain, stress, recreational use - Moderate experience level
Mild THC Dominance (2:1)
- Noticeable but manageable high - Good for first-timers, daytime pain, anxiety + pain - CBD provides significant buffer
Balanced (1:1)
- Mild psychoactivity - Excellent for new patients, anxiety, functional relief - Mimics Sativex (approved medication) - Strong entourage potential
CBD-Dominant (1:2 to 1:5)
- Minimal to no high - Good for THC-sensitive patients - Daytime functionality
High CBD (1:20+)
- No perceptible high - For those who can't tolerate any THC - Pediatric use, drug-testing concerns - May need higher doses for efficacy
Choosing Your Ratio
Start CBD-dominant if you're new, THC-sensitive, or concerned about impairment. Gradually introduce more THC if needed. Balanced ratios often provide the best therapeutic window with manageable side effects.
Key Takeaways
- 1:1 balanced ratios excellent for new patients
- CBD modulates THC side effects
- THC-dominant for severe symptoms, experienced users
- CBD-dominant for THC-sensitive or drug-testing concerns
- Experiment with ratios to find your therapeutic window
Frequently Asked Questions
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