A Beginner’s Guide to Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a diverse group of chemical compounds found in cannabis plants, each with its own unique effects on the human body. As interest in cannabis and its potential health benefits continues to grow, understanding cannabinoids is essential for anyone curious about this fascinating plant. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the basics of cannabinoids, their effects, and their potential therapeutic uses.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of neurotransmitters and receptors involved in regulating various physiological processes.

The number of identified cannabinoids in cannabis varies widely depending on the source. While some experts cite around 60 known cannabinoids, others suggest there could be well over 100.

This variance is primarily due to the challenge of accurately detecting cannabinoids present in extremely low levels. Moreover, ongoing research continually uncovers new cannabinoids such as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) and Cannabidiphorol (CBDP), discovered as recently as December 2019 by an Italian research team. Notably, these newly discovered cannabinoids are purportedly up to 30 times more potent than THC and CBD.

Despite ongoing debate, many reputable sources tend to agree on approximately 113 cannabinoids in cannabis, although some reports suggest this number could be as high as 150.

While there’s a plethora of cannabinoids, here’s a focused list of those extensively studied and validated.

Cannabicyclols

• Cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA)
• Cannabicyclol (CBL)
• Cannabicyclovarin (CBLV)

Cannabichromenes

• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Cannabichromevarinic acid (CBCVA)
• Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA)
• Cannabichromevarin (CBCV)

Cannabielsoins

• Cannabielsoin (CBE)
• Cannabielsoin acid A (CBEA-A)
• Cannabielsoic acid B (CBEA-B)

Cannabitriols

• 10-Ethoxy-9-hydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol
• 8,9-Dihydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol
• Cannabitriol (CBT)
• Cannabitriolvarin (CBTV)

Cannabidiols

• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabidiol monomethylether (CBDM)
• Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
• Cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA)
• Cannabidiorcol (CBD-C1)
• Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
• Cannabidiphorol (CBDP)

Cannabigerols

• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabigerovarin (CBGV)
• Cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA)
• Cannabigerol monomethylether (CBGM)
• Cannabigerolic acid monomethylether (CBGAM)
• Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)

Cannabinols And Cannabinodiols

• Cannabinolic acid (CBNA)
• Cannabinodiol (CBND)
• Cannabinodivarin (CBVD)
• Cannabinol (CBN)
• Cannabiorcool (CBN-C1)
• Cannabivarin (CBV)
• Cannabinol methylether (CBNM)
• Cannabinol-C2 (CBN-C2)
• Cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4)

Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinols

• Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC)
• Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ8-THCA)

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinols

• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4)
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THC-C1)
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid (THCA-C1)
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-C4 (THCA-C4)
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA)
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A)
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid B (THCA-B)
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP)

Other Cannabinoids

• 10-Oxo-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol (OTHC)
• Cannabichromanon (CBCF)
• Cannabifuran (CBF)
• Cannabiglendol
• Delta-9-cis-tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-THC)
• Cannbicitran (CBT)
• Dehydrocannabifuran (DCBF)
• Tryhydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (triOH-THC)
• Cannabiripsol (CBR)

Among the myriad of cannabinoids, THC and CBD stand out as the most widely recognized and popular among consumers.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the euphoric “high” associated with marijuana use. When consumed, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, producing feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and altered perception of time and space. In addition to its psychoactive effects, THC may also have analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and appetite-stimulating properties.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is another prominent cannabinoid found in cannabis, known for its non-intoxicating effects and potential therapeutic benefits. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a “high” and may even counteract some of THC’s psychoactive effects. Research suggests that CBD may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), and neuroprotective properties. CBD is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of various conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and inflammation.

Other Cannabinoids

In addition to THC and CBD, cannabis contains a wide range of other cannabinoids, each with its own unique effects and potential therapeutic benefits. Some of the most notable cannabinoids include:

• Cannabigerol (CBG): Known as the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG is a precursor to other cannabinoids and may have potential antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.
• Cannabinol (CBN): CBN is a byproduct of THC degradation and may have mild sedative and analgesic properties.
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): THCV bears resemblance to THC but with fewer carbon atoms, resulting in decreased intoxicating effects. Individuals who have tried THCV-rich strains often report a brief burst of energy accompanied by a subtle, short-lived high.

The Entourage Effect

Cannabinoids work synergistically with other compounds found in cannabis, such as terpenes and flavonoids, in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. This suggests that the combined effects of multiple cannabinoids and terpenes may be more significant than the effects of individual compounds alone, leading to enhanced therapeutic benefits and a more balanced experience.

Conclusion

Cannabinoids play a crucial role in the pharmacological effects of cannabis, influencing everything from mood and cognition to pain perception and inflammation. While THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, research into lesser-known cannabinoids is ongoing, with promising results for various medical conditions. As our understanding of cannabinoids continues to evolve, so too will our ability to harness the therapeutic potential of cannabis for improved health and wellness.