Cannabinoids
The chemical compounds unique to the cannabis plant. Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified, each with distinct effects on the human endocannabinoid system.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
CB1 Receptors
Found primarily in the brain and central nervous system. Responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC. Involved in pain, mood, appetite, and memory.
CB2 Receptors
Located mainly in the immune system and peripheral organs. Play a role in inflammation and immune response. CBD primarily interacts with these.
Endocannabinoids
Your body produces its own cannabinoids: Anandamide ('bliss molecule') and 2-AG. These regulate mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and immune function.
THC
TetrahydrocannabinolPsychoactiveThe primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing euphoria, altered perception, and pain relief. Discovered by Raphael Mechoulam in 1964.
Research Highlights
Extensively studied for pain management, nausea reduction in chemotherapy patients, appetite stimulation in HIV/AIDS, and PTSD symptom management.
CBD
CannabidiolThe second most abundant cannabinoid, CBD is non-psychoactive and has gained massive popularity for therapeutic applications. FDA-approved as Epidiolex for epilepsy treatment.
Research Highlights
FDA-approved for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. Studied for anxiety disorders, chronic pain, neurodegeneration, and inflammation.
CBG
CannabigerolKnown as 'the mother cannabinoid' because it's the precursor from which all other cannabinoids are synthesized. Found in small quantities in most strains.
Research Highlights
Showing promise in treating inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma, Huntington's disease, and as an antibacterial agent against MRSA.
CBN
CannabinolPsychoactiveCreated when THC ages and oxidizes. CBN is mildly psychoactive and is being researched primarily for its sedative properties. Often found in aged cannabis.
Research Highlights
Studied for insomnia and sleep disorders. May enhance sedative effects when combined with THC. Potential antibacterial properties.
THCV
TetrahydrocannabivarinPsychoactiveA homolog of THC with a propyl group instead of a pentyl group. At low doses it blocks CB1 receptors, at higher doses it activates them. Known as 'diet weed'.
Research Highlights
Being investigated for obesity, diabetes type 2, anxiety disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. May regulate blood sugar levels.
CBC
CannabichromeneThe third most abundant cannabinoid. Non-psychoactive, CBC doesn't bind well to CB1 receptors but interacts with TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors involved in pain perception.
Research Highlights
May promote brain growth (neurogenesis). Studied for depression, inflammation, pain, and potential anti-cancer properties.
Δ8-THC
Delta-8-THCPsychoactiveAn analog of THC with the double bond on the 8th carbon instead of the 9th. Produces a milder, clearer high with less anxiety than Delta-9-THC.
Research Highlights
Shown to reduce nausea in pediatric cancer patients with a nearly 100% success rate. Legal status varies by jurisdiction.
THCP
TetrahydrocannabiphorolPsychoactiveDiscovered in 2019 by Italian researchers. THCP has an alkyl side chain of seven carbon atoms, compared to THC's five. This gives it up to 33x stronger binding affinity to CB1 receptors than THC.
Research Highlights
Initial studies suggest it may be responsible for the unusually strong effects of some cannabis strains. Research is in very early stages.
CBDA
Cannabidiolic AcidThe raw, unheated form of CBD found in living cannabis plants. CBDA is converted to CBD through decarboxylation (heat). Increasingly studied for its own therapeutic properties.
Research Highlights
Shows 100x greater affinity for serotonin receptors compared to CBD. Being studied for nausea (superior to ondansetron in preclinical models), anxiety, and inflammation.
HHC
HexahydrocannabinolPsychoactiveA hydrogenated form of THC first created in 1944. HHC is made by adding hydrogen molecules to THC. More stable than THC with a longer shelf life. Legal gray area in many jurisdictions.
Research Highlights
Limited research available. Anecdotal reports suggest effects between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. Legal status varies widely and is actively being regulated.