Understanding Cannabinoids: From THC to CBG

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. Cannabinoids work best together with terpenes through the entourage effect.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

Balanced (1:1): - Mild psychoactivity - Excellent for new patients, anxiety, functional relief - Mimics Sativex (approved medication) - Strong entourage effect potential

CBD-Dominant (1:4 to 1:20+): - Minimal to no high - Good for THC-sensitive patients - Daytime functionality - Pediatric use, drug-testing concerns

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. Check any product's ratio on its COA or use our COA Analyzer.