Have you ever wondered why cannabis works the way it does? That’s all thanks to phytocannabinoids, or cannabinoids that appear in plants like cannabis. There are more than 100 that we know of so far, and each one offers its own set of properties and benefits. Knowing what each brings to your cannabis experience is key to a beneficial — and unforgettable — session.
Know the difference between cannabinoids with this cannabinoids chart
This chart outlines the most found cannabinoids and their various benefits. While this is far from an exhaustive list of all the known cannabinoids, they’re among the most studied and most well-known. Here’s what the anecdotal evidence and scientific research tells us about these cannabinoids.
What are cannabinoids and how do they work?
Phytocannabinoids are compounds found in the resin glands, or trichomes, of mature cannabis and hemp flower. There are also endocannabinoids produced by your body — more on that a bit later.
Two of the most recognizable phytocannabinoids are delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). There are plenty of “minor” cannabinoids as well, some of which have been extensively studied by researchers and some have simply been identified. Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabichromene (CBC) are among some of the more well-known minor cannabinoids.
Then, there are cannabinoids produced by your body, called endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids for short. They’re part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a series of receptors scattered throughout your brain and body. These endocannabinoids are released when needed, cycled through your body, and “recycled.” Two of the most notable endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Phytocannabinoids from cannabis are often thought to mimic the behavior of endocannabinoids, binding or otherwise influencing receptors throughout the endocannabinoid system. This is what gives phytocannabinoids the therapeutic potential researchers continue to unpack.
9 cannabinoids you’ll find in cannabis flower
1. THC
THC is the most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and it’s the one famous for making you feel, well, how you feel when you smoke a joint or try an edible. In cannabis flower, THC can be found in ranges from 10% to 30%, but even higher levels of THC are becoming relatively commonplace. (Keep in mind, though: you don’t need super-high THC products to “feel higher.”)
The most common type of THC — and the one dispensaries talk about, except when specified — is delta-9 THC. You’ll also find other varieties in some cannabis products, like delta-8 THC, delta-O THC, and delta-10 THC, but these are far less common in the dispensary.
2. THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCA for short, is how THC exists in the plant before it converts into THC. While THC and THCA offer similar benefits, THCA is non-intoxicating. That means if you take THCA products orally, you won’t feel high, but if you vape them or otherwise heat flower before consuming it, it’ll turn into THC and give you that famous heady effect. THCA is generally known to relieve inflammation, as well as offer relief from symptoms like arthritis.
3. CBD
CBD is another major cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and likely the second-most famous cannabinoid after THC. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it will not cause any “high” or impairing effects, but it does have an impact on your mind, often in the realm of anxiety.
CBD is typically found in lower ranges than THC, usually around 1% in most cultivars (AKA strains). In CBD dominant strains like ACDC and Harle-Tsu, you can find up to 10% to 20% CBD content. There are a lot of purported benefits for CBD, including alleviation of symptoms related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain.
4. CBDA
Similar to THCA, Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) can be thought of as the precursor to CBD. It won’t turn into CBD unless activated through heat. CBDA is said to be beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain and can be consumed via tinctures, topical creams, and more.
5. CBG
The research into CBG is quite impressive. Early insight suggests that CBG can work to fight inflammation and pain. Certain studies have also demonstrated that CBG can slow the proliferation of cancer cells. CBG is not potent in most strains, but choices like White Widow and Superglue often have higher percentages.
6. CBGA
Cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, is a unique compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. It’s the chemical precursor to three major cannabinoids: THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. It’s often thought of as the “grandfather” of cannabinoids. CBGA can also convert to CBG but primarily becomes THCA, CBDA, and CBCA as the plant grows. CBGA has shown antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties in its original form.
7. CBN
Cannabinol (CBN) is what forms when THC degrades due to light, heat, and exposure to oxygen. Most cannabis contains less than 1% CBN initially. However, there are some cultivars with more potential to produce CBN than others. There’s still a lot of research needed to be done on CBN, but some studies suggest that it can be therapeutic in reducing pain and inflammation signals from the body to the brain.
8. CBC
CBC is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. There is still much more research needed to be done on CBC. However, it has shown potential as a beneficiary in treating pain, improving brain function and fighting depression. CBC is known to be high in cultivars like 3 Kings and Jorge’s Diamonds #1.
9. THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a unique cannabinoid found in cannabis. Like THC, THCV does offer psychoactive effects, but there are some apparent differences. For example, while THC is a known appetite stimulant, THCV, on the other hand, has been found to be an appetite suppressant.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect refers to a theory that cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis work with each other to enhance one another’s effects. This means different combinations of cannabinoids may affect the ECS differently, so one combination of cannabinoids and terpenes may have a different effect on your body and mind than another.
One example of the entourage effect lies in the relationship between THC and CBD. While high THC cultivars can be overly intoxicating or anxiety-inducing for some, a cultivar that’s equal parts THC and CBD may allow you to get relief without triggering anxiety. One study found that when CBD and THC were administered together, the anxiety-inducing effect of THC was halved. This indicates the effects of THC could be influenced by the presence of CBD.
While there is still debate among researchers regarding the entourage effect, evidence like this supports the idea that varied compound profiles can change the overall experience. So, consider the full complement of cannabinoids present in a product to more accurately gauge how it might affect you.
Applying your knowledge of cannabinoids
With this basic knowledge about some of the most common cannabinoids you’ll encounter in most cultivars and cannabis product types, you’re well-equipped to make more informed choices about what you want to try, and most importantly, why you want to try it. And, while we certainly hope this blog has provided you with all the information you need, there is always room for questions. Visit one of the Iconic Wellness locations in Lowell, Sturgis, or Gaylord to speak with one of our budtenders or try out new cannabis products today. We’d be happy to help you bring home the perfect cultivar or product for your needs.
