Cannabinoids are the 100+ active compounds in cannabis responsible for its therapeutic effects. THC and CBD are the most researched, but minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and THCV offer unique benefits. This guide covers 10 cannabinoids with peer-reviewed citations, dosing guidance, and evidence-based medical applications.
Cannabinoid FAQs
[+]What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are the active chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified, with THC and CBD being the most well-known and researched for therapeutic applications.
Cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body, influencing pain, mood, appetite, immune function, and more. Each cannabinoid has unique properties and potential benefits.
Cannabinoid information based on published pharmacological research.
[+]What is the difference between THC and CBD?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid causing the "high," while CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and widely used for anxiety, pain, and inflammation without impairing function. Both have therapeutic potential but work differently.
THC binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, while CBD modulates the endocannabinoid system indirectly. Many patients benefit from products combining both cannabinoids in specific ratios.
Receptor binding mechanisms based on peer-reviewed cannabis research.
[+]What are the main cannabinoids in cannabis?
The major cannabinoids are THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCA. THC produces psychoactive effects, CBD offers non-intoxicating therapeutic benefits, CBG shows anti-inflammatory potential, CBN may aid sleep, and CBC demonstrates antidepressant properties.
Minor cannabinoids like THCV, Delta-8 THC, and CBDV are gaining research interest. The full cannabinoid profile contributes to each strain's unique effects through the entourage effect.
Cannabinoid classifications based on cannabis plant chemistry research.
[+]Is CBD psychoactive?
CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce the "high" associated with THC. CBD can be taken during work or daily activities without impairment. However, CBD may produce subtle calming effects that some describe as psychoactive in a non-impairing sense.
CBD actually modulates THC's effects and may reduce THC-induced anxiety. Full-spectrum CBD products contain trace THC (under 0.3%) that won't cause intoxication.
CBD psychoactivity based on clinical studies and FDA guidance.
[+]What is CBG and what does it do?
CBG (cannabigerol) is an emerging cannabinoid showing promise for inflammation, pain, and neuroprotection. CBG is non-psychoactive and is often called the "stem cell" cannabinoid because other cannabinoids are synthesized from its acidic precursor CBGA.
CBG occurs in low concentrations (usually under 1%) in most strains. New high-CBG cultivars and products are becoming available as research expands.
CBG research based on preclinical studies and emerging clinical data.
[+]What is CBN and does it help with sleep?
CBN (cannabinol) is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid often marketed for sleep, though clinical evidence is limited. CBN forms when THC oxidizes over time, which is why aged cannabis may produce more sedating effects than fresh flower.
Early research suggests CBN may enhance THC's sedating properties. Products combining CBN with THC and myrcene-rich terpenes show the most sleep-promoting potential.
CBN sleep claims based on available preclinical research and patient reports.
[+]What is THCA and how is it different from THC?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw cannabis. THCA converts to psychoactive THC through decarboxylation when heated. Raw cannabis juice and THCA products don't produce intoxication.
THCA shows anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in research. Some patients use raw cannabis or THCA products for therapeutic benefits without the high.
THCA conversion chemistry based on cannabis decarboxylation research.
[+]How do cannabinoids interact with the body?
Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), binding to CB1 receptors (concentrated in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 receptors (found in immune tissues). This system regulates pain, mood, appetite, memory, and immune response.
The body produces its own endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG) that function similarly to plant cannabinoids. This explains why cannabis affects so many physiological processes.
Endocannabinoid system mechanisms based on published neuroscience research.
[+]What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system discovered in the 1990s that maintains homeostasis throughout the body. The ECS includes cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous cannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes.
The ECS regulates sleep, mood, pain, immune function, appetite, and memory. Understanding the ECS helps explain why cannabinoids have such wide-ranging therapeutic potential.
ECS discovery and function based on peer-reviewed research from the 1990s-present.
[+]Which cannabinoid is best for pain?
THC is the most effective cannabinoid for pain based on current research, particularly for neuropathic and cancer-related pain. CBD may help with inflammatory pain, and combinations of THC and CBD often provide better relief than either alone.
Pain relief mechanisms vary: THC modulates pain perception, CBD reduces inflammation, and CBG shows promise for inflammatory conditions. Individual response varies significantly.
Pain efficacy based on clinical trials and systematic reviews.
[+]Can you take too much CBD?
CBD has a favorable safety profile with no known fatal overdose level. High doses (above 300mg daily) may cause drowsiness, diarrhea, or appetite changes. CBD can interact with certain medications by affecting liver enzyme metabolism.
The WHO reports CBD is generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile. Always start with low doses and consult a healthcare provider, especially if taking other medications.
CBD safety profile per World Health Organization 2018 report and clinical studies.
[+]What is full-spectrum vs isolate?
Full-spectrum products contain all cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds from the cannabis plant, while isolates contain only pure CBD or THC. Full-spectrum products may be more effective due to the entourage effect where compounds work synergistically.
Broad-spectrum products contain multiple cannabinoids but no THC, offering a middle ground. Full-spectrum CBD products contain trace THC (under 0.3%) that won't cause intoxication.
Entourage effect research based on studies on whole-plant cannabis extracts.
Showing 10 of 10 cannabinoids
THC
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, responsible for the "high" assoc...
CBD
Cannabidiol
CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis and the dominant cannabinoid in hemp. Unlike THC, ...
CBG
Cannabigerol
CBG (cannabigerol) is often called the "mother of all cannabinoids" because it's the precursor from which all other cann...
CBN
Cannabinol
CBN (cannabinol) forms as THC ages and oxidizes, which is why older cannabis tends to have higher CBN levels. It's often...
THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid
THCA is the raw, acidic form of THC found in living cannabis plants. It's non-psychoactive in its natural state because ...
CBDA
Cannabidiolic Acid
CBDA is the raw, acidic precursor to CBD found in fresh hemp and cannabis plants. Like THCA, it's converted to CBD throu...
CBC
Cannabichromene
CBC (cannabichromene) is one of the "big six" cannabinoids, discovered in 1966. It's typically the third most abundant c...
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Delta-8 THC is an isomer of delta-9 THC with the double bond at carbon 8 instead of carbon 9. It occurs naturally in tra...
CBDV
Cannabidivarin
CBDV (cannabidivarin) is a non-psychoactive propyl analog of CBD, isolated in 1969. While structurally similar to CBD, i...
THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a propyl analog of THC with unique pharmacological properties. Unlike THC, THCV acts as...
Cannabinoid Categories
Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, categorized by their abundance and psychoactive properties.
Major Cannabinoids
THC, CBD, THCA, CBDA — The most abundant and well-researched cannabinoids with strong clinical evidence.
THC for pain, CBD for seizures
Minor Cannabinoids
CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV, CBDV, Delta-8 — Found in lower concentrations with emerging therapeutic research.
CBN for sleep, THCV for appetite
Psychoactive
Cannabinoids that produce intoxicating effects by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain.
THC, Delta-8, CBN (mild), THCV
Non-Psychoactive
No intoxication — safe for daily activities, work, and driving. Focus on therapeutic benefits.
CBD, CBG, CBC, THCA, CBDA, CBDV
Cannabinoid Comparison Chart
Compare all 10 cannabinoids by psychoactivity, primary effects, evidence level, and legal status.
| Cannabinoid | Psychoactive | Primary Effect | Evidence | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THC | Yes | Pain Relief | Strong | Medical in 38+ states |
| CBD | No | Seizure Reduction | Strong (FDA) | Federally legal (hemp) |
| CBG | No | Anti-inflammatory | Emerging | Federally legal |
| CBN | Mild | Sedation | Emerging | Federally legal |
| THCA | No* | Anti-inflammatory | Emerging | Legal gray area |
| CBDA | No | Anti-nausea | Moderate | Federally legal |
| CBC | No | Antidepressant | Emerging | Federally legal |
| Delta-8 | Yes | Mild Euphoria | Limited | Banned in some states |
| CBDV | No | Anticonvulsant | Moderate | Federally legal |
| THCV | Yes** | Appetite Suppression | Emerging | Schedule I |
* THCA converts to psychoactive THC when heated. ** THCV is psychoactive at higher doses only.
How Do Cannabinoids Work in the Body?
Cannabinoids interact with your body's endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a biological network discovered in the 1990s that regulates pain, mood, appetite, immune function, and homeostasis. When you consume cannabis, cannabinoids bind to CB1 receptors (concentrated in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 receptors (found primarily in immune tissues), producing their therapeutic and psychoactive effects.
CB1 Receptors
Located in the brain and central nervous system. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors, producing psychoactive effects, pain relief, and appetite stimulation.
CB2 Receptors
Found primarily in immune cells and peripheral tissues. CBD and CBG interact with CB2 receptors, influencing inflammation, immune response, and pain.
The Entourage Effect
Research suggests cannabinoids work synergistically—the "entourage effect." Full-spectrum products containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes may be more effective than isolated compounds. For example, CBD may reduce THC-induced anxiety, while terpenes like myrcene can enhance cannabinoid absorption.
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis, each with unique properties
- THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid; CBD is non-intoxicating
- CBD (Epidiolex) is the only FDA-approved cannabinoid medication
- Full-spectrum products may offer enhanced benefits through the entourage effect
Learn More
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Last Updated: January 2026
Reviewed by MMJ.com Medical Advisory Team
All cannabinoid information is sourced from peer-reviewed research and PubMed citations.