Top 10 Cannabinoids
Posted by TONYA ONEILL on
1. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the most commonly referred to cannabinoid group. It is the compound in weed that produces psychoactive, euphoric effects. The high that is associated with cannabis comes from this cannabinoid. THC is not a single compound but a family of compounds that consist of different THC analogs. These analogs include Delta 8, Delta 9, and THCa (not to be confused with THCA). When THC is ingested or smoked, it goes into the bloodstream and directly binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the nervous system, which activates the “high”. Studies show that THC is associated with reducing nausea, pain, inflammation relief, and digestive issues. It has also been shown to stimulate appetite, especially in people who are taking medications that affect appetite. THC has also been used in helping patients who are going through withdrawals from other substances.
2.CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is another cannabinoid that most people are familiar with or have at least heard referenced in their lifetime. The most common compound in hemp and it represents up to 40% of the plant. It became legal in all 50 states in 2018 when the 2018 Farm Bill Act was approved. It is another cannabinoid that is used to treat chronic pain however it does not produce the same psychoactive effects that THC does. In studies on patients with epilepsy and other seizure disorders, CBD was associated with relief and treatment. Due to its relaxing, calming nature, this cannabinoid is also often used to treat mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. CBD can be broken down into two categories: broad spectrum and full spectrum. CBD products are widely available in stores all over the country, and you can find products in the following forms, oils, topicals, capsules, vapes, patches, and extracts.
3.THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Scientists discovered THCV in 1973, only nine years after Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol was discovered and isolated. This cannabinoid is similar to THC but THCV has fewer carbon atoms. Studies have proven that this cannabinoid can be helpful in weight loss as well as in preventing diabetes. THCV is sometimes called the “diet weed” because of its appetite-suppressant qualities. Its ability to curb appetite has made it very popular among those looking for a natural remedy to weight gain. People who could benefit from this cannabinoid are those diagnosed with anxiety conditions or PTSD. It is also an antioxidant that improves insulin response.
4.CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
CBDV has many similar properties to CBD in the way that it can be used to treat seizures. In mice, this cannabinoid has been known to decrease convulsions and other seizure-like symptoms. This is another compound in cannabis that is non-psychoactive. CBDV has been the subject of studies in autism, epilepsy, acne, alopecia, inflammatory bowel disease, nausea, and pain. Although CBDV was discovered 50 years ago, research is just now beginning to commence in an appreciable way.
5. CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG is a cannabinoid that was discovered in 1964. It is also known as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” because without it, the others would not exist. All cannabinoids lead back to CBG. THC and CBD both begin as CBG and are broken down into their final form. Extracting CBG is both extremely expensive and intensive, so isolated products are rare. It is known for its anti-fungal properties and has the potential to help with psoriasis and other skin disorders. Positive links have also been found between CBG and the treatment of neurological disorders.
6. CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBC is another cannabinoid that was found and studied in the 1960s. It is found naturally in the leave and flowers of hemp plants. Research has shown that this compound blocks pain and stops inflammation. It also promotes anandamide in the body. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. This neurotransmitter stimulates a sense of happiness and mental well-being. It is also known as the “bliss molecule” for its role in producing feelings of happiness. It also has the potential to treat acne and also function as a cancer inhibitor.
7.CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN was discovered in the 1930s and then the first cannabinoid to be isolated in the 1940s. CBN is not produced naturally but forms through the deterioration of THC. The aging of THC occurs through the plant’s exposure to light or oxygen. The oxidization of THC creates CBN. It can help treat issues such as pain and is also an appetite stimulant. The effect that it is most known for is its ability to help promote sleep. It has a sedative effect on consumers and can be used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. Many products also combine this neurotransmitter with melatonin for the ultimate sleep boost. The cannabinol compound forms when you expose cannabis to heat and oxygen; the THC in cannabis then undergoes a process known as decarboxylation. CBN is commonly found in dried and aged marijuana. CBD and CBN may sound alike, but they are not the same. CBD exists independently in the cannabis plant, but CBN is derived from THC. Research suggests that CBN may also be a neuroprotectant that can also help with glaucoma.
8. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
THCA is another cannabinoid that is considered to be non-psychoactive because it does not bind to the CB1 receptors in the brain. It is considered to be an anti-emetic which means that it has been known to reduce vomiting in patients. This cannabinoid also has anti-inflammatory properties. THCA becomes THC through decarboxylation (heat), and you will not get the effects of THC without this process. Cannabis strains that are high in THC will also be high in THCA. From raw cannabis, THCA is found in the resin concentrate of the plant and makes up 50% to 90% of the weight.
9. HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)
HHC was first created in 1944 by the American chemist Roger Adams when he added hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC. This process, known as hydrogenation, converts THC to hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). HHC is chemically similar to THC, but HHC has more hydrogen. Because HHC is synthesized from THC, it is a bonafide member of the THC cannabinoid list. This is the latest hemp-derived compound and it has a lot of potential uses and benefits that are still in the process of being researched. Some refer to it as offering a “thc-lite” experience. It has also been rumored to be less likely to show up on drug tests. HHC can have THC-like effects on the body and mind, but HHC is less potent, milligram-per-milligram, than delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is generally regarded as about half as potent as the standard delta-9 THC.
10.THCP (D9 Tetrahydrocannabiphoral)
Italian scientists discovered the cannabinoid in 2019, so there's still much we don't know about it. THCP occurs in very low concentrations in the cannabis plant; a typical cannabis plant contains only 0.1% THCP compared to 30% THC. Does THCP get you high? It appears so. When THCP enters the body, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which contains the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Research has found that THCP binds to CB1 33 times more often than THC.