Cannabinoids are some of the most widely studied compounds in the world. These molecules are found naturally in cannabis and have been found to have a variety of medicinal, therapeutic, and psychoactive effects.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at cannabinoids: what they are, their different types, and how they interact with the human body.
We’ll also examine the potential benefits and side effects of cannabinoids, as well as how they can be used for medical purposes. Ready to learn more? Read on!
What are cannabinoids and how do they work?
Cannabinoids are a type of chemical compound that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. There are more than 100 different cannabinoids, each with its own unique effects.
Cannabinoids work by binding to specific receptors in the body, which in turn leads to various physiological effects. For example, THC, the most well-known cannabinoid, binds to receptors in the brain and produces the “high” associated with cannabis use.
CBD, on the other hand, does not bind to these receptors and instead works to counteract some of the negative effects of THC.
Different cannabinoids can produce different effects depending on which receptors they bind to. That’s why cannabis strains high in THC can cause different effects than those high in CBD.
And it’s also why some people find certain cannabinoids helpful for medical conditions like pain or anxiety while others find them ineffective.

Types of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the active compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are over 100 different cannabinoids, but the two most well-known are THC and CBD.
THC is the cannabinoid that gets you high, while CBD is the cannabinoid that has medical benefits without the psychoactive effects. Other popular cannabinoids include CBG, CBC, and CBN.
CBG: the mother of all cannabinoids
CBG is a cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant. It is known as the mother of all cannabinoids because it is the precursor to both THC and CBD.
CBG is not psychoactive, which means it will not get you high. However, it does have some therapeutic properties. Studies have shown that CBG can help to treat anxiety, depression, and pain.
CBDA: the precursor acid to CBD
CBDA is the precursor to CBD, meaning it is the compound that CBD is derived from. CBDA is found in hemp plants, and when CBD is produced, it is typically done so by extracting CBDA from the plant and converting it into CBD.
CBDA has a few potential effects on the body, including being an anti-inflammatory and helping to reduce anxiety.
It is also being studied for its potential to treat certain types of cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
CBD: arguably the most well-known cannabinoid (behind THC)
CBD is one of the most well-known cannabinoids, second only to THC. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with THC.
CBD has a wide range of potential therapeutic effects, including reducing inflammation, pain, anxiety, and seizures.
THCA: THC’s precursor acid
THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, and it is the precursor to THC. When cannabis is dried and cured, THCA begins to convert into THC.
This process is called decarboxylation, and it can be accelerated by heating the cannabis. That’s why smoking or vaporizing cannabis will get you more high than eating it raw.
THCA has its own set of effects on the human body, even though it does not bind as strongly to our cannabinoid receptors as THC does. Some people find that THCA has anti-inflammatory effects, which can be helpful for conditions like arthritis or Crohn’s disease. THCA can also act as an antioxidant, and it may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
THC: arguably the most well-known cannabinoid (behind CBD)
THC is the cannabinoid that is most well-known, behind CBD. It is what gives cannabis its psychoactive properties.
THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which causes the “high” that people feel when they use marijuana. THC also has medicinal properties and can be used to treat pain, nausea, and other conditions.
Delta-8 THC: the less potent cousin of delta-9-THC
Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that is similar to delta-9 THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Unlike delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is only about half as potent.
Delta-8 THC can be found in small amounts in some strains of cannabis. It is also produced synthetically. Some people believe that delta-8 THC has less psychoactive effects than delta-9 THC.
THCP: potentially the most potent THC variant
Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most well-known cannabinoid and the one responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. However, there are many other cannabinoids with their own unique effects.
THCP is a relatively new discovery and is thought to be the most potent THC variant. THCP has been shown to be up to 30% more potent than THC, making it the strongest cannabinoid in terms of its psychoactive effects.
However, THCP has only been studied in animals so far and its effects in humans are not yet known.
Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes such as appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors that are located throughout the body, including in the brain. When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they can produce a range of different effects.
The potential therapeutic applications of cannabinoids are vast and varied. Cannabinoids have been shown to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions including pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizure disorders, and nausea.
In addition, cannabinoids show promise as anticancer agents. More research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids but they offer promising new treatments for a variety of conditions.
CBN: was once totally misunderstood
Cannabinoids are a type of chemical compound that can be found in the cannabis plant. These compounds are responsible for the plant’s various effects on the human body, which has led to their use in medicine and recreation.
However, cannabinoids were once misunderstood and feared by many people due to their association with marijuana.
Marijuana is a type of cannabis plant that contains high levels of THC, the cannabinoid that is responsible for its psychoactive effects.
While THC can cause some negative side effects, such as anxiety and paranoia, it also has a number of positive potential uses, including pain relief and relaxation.
CBD, another cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, does not have any psychoactive effects but is known to have numerous therapeutic benefits.
Cannabinoids interact with the human body through the endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors located throughout the body.
THC binds to these receptors and produces its various effects, while CBD works to modulate these effects. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis within the body, and cannabinoids are thought to help regulate this system.
While cannabinoids were once feared and misunderstood, they are now being researched for their potential medicinal uses. In particular, CBD is being studied for its ability to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, pain, inflammation, and seizures.
With more research, we may discover even more potential uses for cannabinoids in medicine and other areas.
CBC: abundant in younger varieties of cannabis
Cannabichromene (CBC) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis. It has shown promise in early studies for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and anti-anxiety properties.
CBC is most abundant in young cannabis plants. It typically makes up 0.3-1% of the cannabinoid content in a sample of dried cannabis flowers.
CBDV: commonly found in “wild” cannabis
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a cannabinoid that is found in the “wild” cannabis plant. CBDV is similar to CBD in its structure and effects, but it is less well-known.
CBDV has been shown to have anti-epileptic and anti-nausea properties in animal studies. It is not clear if CBDV has these same effects in humans.
CBGV: helps your cell receptors “accept” THC
CBGV is a cannabinoid that helps your cell receptors “accept” THC. By binding to these receptors, CBGV modulates the effects of THC and can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Additionally, CBGV has been shown to protect neurons and reduce inflammation.
THCV: helps with stimulation and energization
Cannabinoids are chemicals found in cannabis plants. They’re also produced by our bodies. There are over 100 types of cannabinoids, and each has a different effect on the body.
THCV is a cannabinoid that’s known for its stimulant and energizing effects. It’s thought to be helpful in treating conditions like fatigue, pain, and appetite loss.
Some studies have shown that THCV can also help improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation.
The lesser-known and under-studied phytocannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a class of compounds found in the Cannabis plant. While there are over 100 different cannabinoids, only a handful have been well studied.
The most well-known cannabinoid is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of Cannabis.
CBD (cannabidiol) is another popular cannabinoid that has shown promise in several therapeutic applications.
The lesser-known and under-studied phytocannabinoids include CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), CBN (cannabinol), and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin).
These cannabinoids have each shown potential therapeutic benefits, but more research is needed to determine their efficacy and safety.
For example, CBG has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while CBC has demonstrated neuroprotective effects. THCV has also been shown to be effective in treating anxiety and epilepsy.
CBL: quite an unknown minor phytocannabinoid
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most widely known cannabinoid, but there are actually over 100 different cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is another cannabinoid that is gaining popularity due to its potential therapeutic benefits. However, there is one cannabinoid that remains relatively unknown: cannabicyclol (CBL).
CBL is a minor cannabinoid that is found in trace amounts in cannabis. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBL does not seem to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Instead, it appears to bind to CB2 receptors, which are predominantly found in the immune system. This interaction may explain why CBL has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in animal studies.
Although CBL has shown promise as a therapeutic agent, there is still much unknown about this cannabinoid. More research is needed to determine its exact mechanisms of action and whether it can be safely used in humans.
CBV: non-psychotropic (and very much unknown)
There are over 100 known cannabinoids, many of which are non-psychotropic. The most well-known cannabinoid is THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. However, there are many other cannabinoids that do not produce these psychoactive effects.
CBV is one of these non-psychotropic cannabinoids. Very little is known about CBV, as it has only been studied in a handful of animal studies.
What we do know is that CBV is similar to other cannabinoids in its ability to bind to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors.
Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body and play an important role in maintaining homeostasis.
When cannabinoids like CBV bind to these receptors, they can help to regulate various physiological functions like pain perception, appetite, memory, and mood.
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic benefits of CBV, it shows promise as a potentially useful cannabinoid for treating a variety of conditions.
CBT: found in “Type III” cannabis strains
CBT, or cannabicyclol, is a cannabinoid found in some “Type III” cannabis strains. CBT is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with THC.
However, CBT does have some medical benefits, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. CBT is also being studied for its potential to help treat seizures and other neurological disorders.
CBGM: one of two “ether” cannabinoids
CBGM is a cannabinoid that is structurally similar to THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis. However, CBGM has very little affinity for cannabinoid receptors and does not produce any psychoactive effects. Instead, CBGM seems to act as an “antagonist” at certain receptors in the brain, which may help to reduce inflammation and pain.
CBE: hasn’t shown any health benefits
Cannabis-based products (CBEs) have been advertised as having various health benefits, but there is no evidence to support these claims. In fact, some studies have shown that CBEs can actually be harmful to health.
For example, one study found that people who used CBD oil had an increased risk of liver toxicity. Additionally, CBD has also been shown to interact with other medications in a way that could potentially be harmful. Therefore, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before using any CBE product.
CBCV: has anticonvulsant effects
Cannabinoids are a class of active compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. These compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system in humans and other animals, producing a variety of effects.
The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Other cannabinoids include cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).
Cannabinoids have been shown to have anticonvulsant effects in animal studies. This means that they may be useful in treating seizures and other neurological disorders. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
THCH: the newest cannabinoid found in cannabis (and very much an anomaly)
In recent years, scientists have discovered a new cannabinoid in cannabis: THCH. This substance is very different from other cannabinoids in both structure and function, and its discovery has led to a greater understanding of the plant’s complex chemistry.
THCH is an abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabiphorol. It was first isolated in 1996 by a team of Japanese researchers, but its strange structure didn’t become fully understood until 2005.
THCH is classified as a “diterpene,” which means it has a unique chemical structure that sets it apart from other cannabinoids.

This cannabinoid is found in highest concentration in a particular strain of cannabis known as “THC- dominant.” You might think that THCH would produce similar effects to THC, but this isn’t the case.
In fact, THCH doesn’t seem to bind to the same receptors in the brain as THC does. This means that its effects are not yet fully understood.
So far, studies on animals have shown that THCH has some interesting potential therapeutic applications.
For example, it appears to be effective at reducing inflammation and pain without causing any psychoactive effects. This makes it a promising candidate for medical use, especially for conditions like arthritis or chronic pain.
Further research is needed to understand the full effects of THCH, but this newly discovered cannabinoid is definitely one to watch out for!
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Cannabinoids are legal depending on the source
Cannabinoids are a type of chemical compound that can be found in the cannabis plant. These compounds can also be produced synthetically in a laboratory.
There are over 100 different cannabinoids, and each one has a unique effect on the human body.
THC is the most well-known cannabinoid, and it is what gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. CBD is another popular cannabinoid, and it is known for its medicinal benefits.
Cannabinoids can interact with the human body in a variety of ways, and they are being studied for their potential therapeutic applications.
While THC is still illegal in many parts of the world, CBD is legal in many countries. This is because CBD does not produce the same psychoactive effects as THC.
As more research is conducted on cannabinoids, we may see even more countries changing their laws to allow for their use.
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