Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis plant. Of over 480 different compounds present in the plant, only around 66 are termed cannabinoids. Cannabinoids bind to the receptors of the Endocannabinoid system within the human body to produce the effect we feel when consuming cannabis.
Below is a chart with some of the most commonly known cannabinoids and their effects.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - The most active compound in cannabis. It is known for its psychoactive effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD) - the second most prevalent active compound in cannabis. It is commonly used to help relieve inflammation, pain, and anxiety.
Cannabigerol (CBG) - CBG is known as the "building block" cannabinoid because it is the precursor to most other cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) found in cannabis. Research suggests that CBG may have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Studies on CBG have also suggested that it may help treat symptoms of glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure.
Cannabinol (CBN) - CBN is not normally found in a live cannabis plant. It is known to be an oxidative by-product of other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This means that the older that a dried flower or cannabis oil is there will be more CBN in it. Through research, CBN shows that it does not necessarily have intoxicating effects but has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and sedative properties.
Cannabichromene (CBC) - CBC is less commonly found in products, but is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) - this cannabinoid potentially offers a unique array of effects and medical benefits, such as stimulating bone growth, reducing anxiety, neuroprotective (potentially help with Alzheimer's), regulate blood sugar... these are just some of the possible therapeutic benefits of this compound.
THCa and CBDa - THCa and CBDa are both the acidic forms of the cannabinoid's THC and CBD. Anytime you see a cannabinoid with an "a" at the end of it means that the cannabinoid is the acidic version. Acidic means that they are not activated yet, activation happens when cannabinoids go through decarboxylation. Decarboxylation is when the heat is applied to activate the compounds within the plant. Examples of decarboxylation are smoking flower or baking with cannabis to make edibles.