Cannabinoids 101: What Are Cannabinoids and How Do They Work?
Learn about the substances that make cannabis what it is.
Cannabis has a variety of well-known psychoactive and therapeutic effects. All of these effects stem from a set of unique substances that the cannabis plant naturally produces.
These compounds are called cannabinoids. Researchers have identified between 60 and 100 different compounds as cannabinoids and publish new discoveries into their biological effects every year.
Many cannabis consumers are familiar with its most famous cannabinoids. Nevertheless, having a broad knowledge of what each substance does (and doesn’t do) can help consumers pick the cannabis products best-suited for their needs.
9 Well-Known Cannabinoids: Just the Facts
Since research is ongoing, we can’t publish a complete description of what every single cannabinoid does – yet. But we can offer the latest insight available into some of the most popular ones:
- THC. The most famous – and best-studied – cannabinoid is THC. This is the compound responsible for making cannabis consumers feel high. It also relieves pain and increases appetite.
- THC-D8. THC-D8 only differs from THC by a few atomic bonds. It offers a reduced sedative high, with potentially greater anti-nausea effects.
- THCA. This cannabinoid does not produce a high. However, THCA gradually transforms into THC when cannabis plants are dried and processed. Research into the effects of THCA is ongoing.
- CBD. CBD is the second most popular cannabinoid discovered so far. It does not produce a high, but it does reduce anxiety and treat certain epileptic seizures.
- CBDA. This is a non-psychoactive compound rarely found in commercial cannabis products. Over time, it converts into CBD. Research into its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects is ongoing.
- CBG. CBG is a non-intoxicating compound that has shown potential for relieving the effects of glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, and Huntington’s Disease. However, these studies have only been performed on mice and rats. CBG studies on humans are still in the planning stages.
- CBGA. The “mother of all cannabinoids” is a precursor compound formed in cannabis plants. All cannabinoids start as CBGA and are then converted into different forms through biological processes.
- CBC. CBC is another non-intoxicating compound that may have medical potential fighting cancer. It has shown success inhibiting inflammation and tumor growth in mice. Studies on humans have not yet begun.
- CBCA. CBCA is a precursor to CBC. However, it has a unique set of biological effects that are separate from CBC. It may have antimicrobial and analgesic characteristics, which would distinguish it from many of the other compounds found in cannabis.
The “Entourage Effect” Explained
The Entourage Effect is one of the most interesting cannabinoid discoveries made so far. Studies suggest that the combination of cannabinoids alongside aromatic terpenes produces a more pronounced effect than isolated cannabinoids taken alone. This means that full-spectrum cannabis products that retain their terpene profile may produce better therapeutic results than synthetically pure isolates.
Sources:
Related What are cannabis terpenes and what do they do?
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/318/3/1375.long
https://www.healthline.com/health/cbg-oil#interactions
https://www.analyticalcannabis.com/articles/cbda-vs-cbd-what-are-the-differences-312019
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
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