If you've spent any time looking at hemp or cannabis products, you've probably seen names like CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and CBC. These compounds all belong to a larger group known as cannabinoids.
So, what are cannabinoids? They're compounds that can interact with receptors and other signaling systems in the body. Cannabis produces more than 100 identified cannabinoids, including familiar compounds like CBD and THC and lesser-known ones such as CBG, CBN, and CBC.
While these compounds come from the same plant, they don't all work the same way. Here's what you should know about the different types of cannabinoids, how they interact with the body, and what makes each one unique.
What Are Cannabinoids?
The term cannabinoid is commonly used to describe compounds associated with cannabis, but they can come from several sources.
They generally fall into three categories:
- Phytocannabinoids: Naturally produced by plants, including cannabis and hemp.
- Endocannabinoids: Compounds naturally produced by the human body.
- Synthetic cannabinoids: Laboratory-created compounds designed to interact with parts of the same signaling system.
Most hemp products contain phytocannabinoids. CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and CBC are some of the most familiar examples.
Each one has a different chemical structure and can interact with the body in different ways. That's why one compound shouldn't automatically be expected to produce the same experience as another.
What Are the Different Types of Cannabinoids?
Cannabis contains many different compounds, but a handful receive most of the attention. CBD and THC are often considered major cannabinoids because they can occur at relatively high concentrations in certain cannabis varieties.
Other compounds, including CBG, CBN, and CBC, are commonly called minor cannabinoids because they're generally present in smaller amounts.
Five of the most familiar are:
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
As research continues, these lesser-known hemp compounds are receiving more attention from researchers and consumers.
Phytocannabinoids vs. Endocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids come from different sources. Phytocannabinoids come from plants. CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and CBC are examples associated with cannabis.
Endocannabinoids, on the other hand, are naturally produced inside the human body. Two commonly studied examples are anandamide and 2-AG. These compounds are part of the body's endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
Plant-derived compounds can interact with components of this same system, although each one may behave differently.
How Do Cannabinoids Work in the Body?
To understand how cannabinoids work, it helps to understand the endocannabinoid system.
The ECS is a signaling system that includes:
- Endocannabinoids made by the body
- CB1 and CB2 receptors
- Enzymes that create and break down endocannabinoids
Two of the best-known cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors are especially common throughout the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors are found throughout the body and are often associated with immune cells and peripheral tissues.
However, not every plant compound interacts with these receptors in the same way. THC can activate CB1 receptors, which helps explain why it can produce intoxicating effects. CBD works differently and doesn't strongly activate CB1 receptors.
Other compounds can interact with these receptors as well as additional signaling pathways. These differences help explain why substances from the same plant can have very different properties.
5 Common Cannabinoids and How They Differ
Let's take a closer look at five of the most commonly discussed compounds found in cannabis.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Delta-9 THC is the compound most strongly associated with the intoxicating effects of cannabis.
THC can activate CB1 receptors in the brain. This interaction can affect perception, mood, memory, coordination, appetite, and other functions.
Because THC can affect reaction time, judgment, and coordination, its effects are considerably different from non-intoxicating compounds such as CBD.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is non-intoxicating and one of the most widely studied compounds found in cannabis.
Unlike THC, CBD isn't generally associated with producing a marijuana-like high. CBD also interacts with the body differently from THC and doesn't strongly activate CB1 receptors.
Researchers continue to investigate CBD and its interactions with several signaling systems.
Most consumer CBD products aren't FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent medical conditions, although a purified form of CBD is used in an FDA-approved prescription medication for specific seizure disorders.
CBD is now available in many product formats, including oils, gummies, capsules, softgels, and topicals.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG, or cannabigerol, is a non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid.
You may hear CBG called the "mother of cannabinoids." More accurately, this nickname refers to its acidic precursor, CBGA.
During the plant's development, CBGA can be used to produce acids that later become familiar compounds such as THC, CBD, and CBC.
Researchers continue to investigate CBG and how it interacts with different receptor systems. You'll often find CBG combined with CBD in multi-cannabinoid products.
CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN, or cannabinol, is a minor cannabinoid that can form as THC ages and breaks down over time.
CBN has become especially popular in products designed for nighttime routines. These formulas frequently combine CBN with CBD, melatonin, or other ingredients.
Research into CBN and sleep is still developing, so CBN shouldn't be considered a proven sleep aid. However, its popularity has made it one of the better-known minor compounds available today.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBC, or cannabichromene, is another non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp.
Scientists are studying how CBC interacts with different signaling pathways in the body. Research involving CBC is still limited, particularly when compared with CBD.
CBC is sometimes included alongside CBD and other compounds in multi-cannabinoid oils. As interest in minor cannabinoids grows, CBC is becoming more familiar to consumers who want to explore formulas beyond CBD alone.
Common Cannabinoids at a Glance
Here's a quick look at how these five compounds compare:
| Cannabinoid | Full Name | Intoxicating? | Classification | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THC | Tetrahydrocannabinol | Yes | Major cannabinoid | Main intoxicating cannabinoid |
| CBD | Cannabidiol | No | Major cannabinoid | Widely used and extensively researched |
| CBG | Cannabigerol | No | Minor cannabinoid | Related to cannabinoid precursor CBGA |
| CBN | Cannabinol | Limited intoxicating potential | Minor cannabinoid | Can form as THC ages |
| CBC | Cannabichromene | Not generally intoxicating | Minor cannabinoid | Emerging area of research |
What Factors Affect Cannabinoid Effects?
There's no guarantee that two people will respond to the same hemp product in exactly the same way. Several factors can influence the experience.
Amount and Product Strength
Products can vary considerably in strength. Check how many milligrams of each active compound you're getting per serving, rather than looking only at the total milligrams on the package. More also isn't automatically better. Follow the directions provided with the specific product you're using.
Method of Use
These compounds are available in oils, gummies, capsules, softgels, topicals, and other product formats. How a product is used can affect how its ingredients are absorbed. Because these formats work differently, don't assume that the same number of milligrams will provide an identical experience across every product type.
Individual Differences
People can respond differently based on factors such as metabolism, previous use, medications, product formulation, and individual sensitivity.
Take time to learn how a particular product affects you instead of basing your expectations entirely on someone else's experience.
How to Choose a Cannabinoid Product
With so many types of cannabinoids available, reading the product label is important.
Before choosing a product, look for:
- Amount of each compound per serving
- CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, or CBC content
- Suggested serving size
- Full ingredient list
- Product directions
- Third-party laboratory testing
- An up-to-date Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A COA can help you verify the product's chemical profile and see what was detected during laboratory testing.
This is particularly helpful with multi-cannabinoid formulas because the total number on the front of the package doesn't always tell you how much CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, or THC you're getting individually.
Cannabinoid FAQs
What Are Cannabinoids in Simple Terms?
Cannabinoids are compounds that can interact with signaling systems in the body. Some come from plants such as cannabis, while others are naturally produced by the human body.
How Many Cannabinoids Are There?
Researchers have identified more than 100 cannabinoids in cannabis. CBD and THC are the best known, but CBG, CBC, CBN, and many other minor compounds have also been identified.
What Are the Main Cannabinoids?
CBD and delta-9 THC are two of the best-known major cannabinoids in cannabis. CBG, CBN, and CBC are commonly discussed as minor cannabinoids.
Do All Cannabinoids Get You High?
No. Delta-9 THC is strongly associated with cannabis intoxication, while compounds such as CBD aren't considered intoxicating in the same way.
What Is the Difference Between CBD and THC?
CBD and THC are separate compounds that interact differently with the body. THC can produce intoxicating side effects, while CBD generally doesn't produce a marijuana-like high.
Are Cannabinoids the Same as CBD?
No. CBD is one type of cannabinoid, but it isn't the only one. THC, CBG, CBN, and CBC are other compounds found in cannabis sativa.
Sum It Up
Cannabinoids are a diverse group of compounds that can interact with the body in different ways. CBD and THC are the best known, but minor compounds such as CBG, CBN, and CBC are receiving more attention as research continues.
Understanding these differences can make it easier to read product labels and compare hemp products. THC is known for its psychoactive effects, while CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN each have their own chemical properties and research profiles.
Research into many minor cannabinoids is still developing, so early findings shouldn't be treated as established health benefits.
If you're exploring hemp products, look beyond the number on the front of the bottle. Check the individual compounds, serving information, ingredients, THC content, and third-party lab results so you know exactly what you're getting.
GreenIVe Cannabis Products
The statements made regarding these products and the potential benefits of CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
