Cannabis is a plant of the Cannabaceae family and contains more than eighty biologically active chemical compounds. The most commonly known compounds are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the component that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use. Much interest has been seen around CBD and its potential related to health benefits.
Here are five key cannabinoids to know about and their uses.
CBD “Cannabidiol”
CBD is a single compound in the cannabis plant, and marijuana is a type of cannabis plant or plant material that contains many naturally occurring compounds, including CBD and THC. CBD, is one of over 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis plants. Since 2014, seed companies, commercial growers, and scientists have worked to develop strains of industrial hemp that contain high concentrations of CBD (10% to 20%+) with only small amounts of THC (below 0.3% by weight). CBD, in various concentrations can be found in many retail products including topical, sublingual, ingestible, and smokable forms. Although CBD, when legally derived from industrial hemp, is legal in all 50 states in the USA, some local, state, and federal authorities still place restrictions on the type of products and delivery methods that are legal. The FDA’s current stance on CBD is that it is a drug, and therefore not legal to add to any type of human or animal food. Still, these products are widely available online and in many retail locations throughout the nation. We were actually the first licensed industrial hemp processor in the State of Tennessee, read more about our story here.
CBG “Cannabigerol”
Cannabigerol is the decarboxylated form of cannabigerolic acid, the parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. Cannabigerol is a minor constituent of cannabis. During plant growth, most of the cannabigerol is converted into other cannabinoids, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), leaving about 1% cannabigerol in the plant.
CBG works by binding to both receptors where it's thought to strengthen the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain.
In various studies, researchers examined the potential neuroprotective properties of CBG and other cannabinoids in mice who had an experimental model - Inflammatory bowel disease, Glaucoma, Huntington's Disease, Fighting Cancer Cells, Antibacterial Properties.
However, CBG has also been found to be a cognitive enhancer, making it particularly popular for those with ADHD, a condition that often negatively impacts focus and memory. A study found that users noticed an improvement in symptoms when given CBG, and some respondents were even able to replace their traditional ADHD medications entirely. [1] You can test out our gummies made with CBG here.
CBN - “Cannabinol”
CBN is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in trace amounts from Hemp. CBN is mostly found in cannabis that is aged and stored, and is derived from the plant's main psychoactive chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBN is primarily formed in the Cannabis plant through the oxidative degradation of THC and is often found in older flowers that have had time to oxidize.
While this sounds like it would be undesirable, this aging process produces some very interesting effects. For starters, researchers have found it to be antibacterial. This could make it an invaluable tool in the fight against aggressive antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections such as MRSA. [2]
A 2019 study also found CBN to be effective for pain management, and even more so when it was combined with CBD. [3] This is good news for chronic pain sufferers who may not be able to indulge in THC products since both compounds are non-psychoactive. CBN can be found in all of our full spectrum products.
CBC “Cannabichromene”
CBC is one of the major phytocannabinoids along with cannabidiol (CBD). Just like any other phytocannabinoid — such as cannabidiol (CBD) — CBC naturally develops from the same substance present inside the hemp plant. The “source” compound is known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the mother of all cannabinoids. CBC is non-psychoactive and does not affect the psychoactivity of THC. CBC acts on the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, interfering with their ability to break down endocannabinoids (chemicals such as anandamide and 2-AG that the body creates naturally). CBC has shown anti-tumor effects in breast cancer xenoplants in mice. It also has anticonvulsant activity. If you're looking to incorporate CBC, check out our line of full spectrum products.
THCV “ Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabivarin”
As one of the newest cannabinoids on the market, THCV has gathered much interest within the cannabis community. While this cannabinoid is also non-intoxicating, it does have some interesting effects. The most well known is its tendency to reduce appetite, which makes it a popular choice for those looking to lose weight. Researchers believe that THCV blocks Cb1 receptors, [4] which are known to stimulate the appetite.
Some studies also have indicated that THCV could be useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. [5] While clinical trials for this cannabinoid are still relatively small since it's so new, results are promising. You can try some of our own Delta 9 gummies here.
Sources:
[1] ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7000160/
[2] pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18681481/
[3] pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31158702/