Cannabinoids found in cannabis are called phytocannabinoids. Phyto means from a plant, and cannabinoids reference a particular plant compound such as THC, CBD, or one of many others. The cannabis industry refers to them as cannabinoids. If you like how cannabis makes you feel, you will want to pay attention to the cannabinoid profile of the strain you enjoy. This information can help you find the strains of cannabis that are right for you.
Cannabinoids work with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Every mammal on the planet and even a few insects have an ECS. Cannabinoids help influence the effects that a person experiences when they consume cannabis. Cannabinoids like THC and others bind to ECS receptors called CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout the body, while others work with THRV receptors. The science of cannabis is continually evolving, as is our knowledge surrounding cannabinoid therapies and how they interact with this vital system.
Cannabinoid Breakdown
Delta-9 THC
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short is the most common cannabinoid associated with cannabis. THC is said to play an essential role in the intoxicating factor of cannabis. It is also reported to help control the symptoms of chronic pain, muscle spasms, nausea, arthritis, migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, stress, depression, anxiety, loss of appetite, seizure disorders, insomnia, and more.
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is a cousin of Delta-9. Like Delta-9, Delta-8 is reported to help relieve pain. This cannabinoid also offers intoxicating effects similar to the beloved Delta-9 THC, but the effects are commonly thought to be less potent.
There are more than 100 different cannabinoids present in cannabis. Let’s explore some of the most common cannabinoids starting with Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and work our way towards some of the lesser-known cannabinoids like Cannabitriol (CBT). Cannabis can treat everyone differently. Your results may not be the same as others and vice versa. It is essential for this reason that you take note of the effects produced from various strains and products and their cannabinoid contents so that you know how various cannabinoids affect you.
THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV for short, is reported to help promote bone growth and help reduce seizure activity and convulsions. THCV is also known for being an appetite suppressant and is recommended for those looking to avoid “the munchies” often produced from other strains.
Cannabinoids: CBD
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is said to help control the symptoms of insomnia, nausea, pain, anxiety, and depression while also helping promote healthy bone growth, among other things. CBD also comes without the intoxicating effects or buzz found with THC. CBD has also been shown to counteract the intoxicating/psychoactive effects of THC.
- CBG: Cannabigerol, or CBG for short, is said to help promote bone growth, help with insomnia symptoms, slow bacterial growth, and inhibit cancer cell growth.
- CBC: Cannabichromene, or CBC for short, is reported to help reduce pain and inflammation, promote healthy bone growth, and inhibit cancer cell growth.
- CBL: Cannabicyclol, or CBL for short, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is believed to help reduce pain and inflammation while also helping to control the symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, nausea, loss of appetite, and more.
- CBE: Cannabielsoin, or CBE for short, is a relatively new cannabinoid that not much is known about. It is believed to play a contributing factor to the entourage effect of cannabis, where multiple cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes work together, producing better results than isolated cannabinoids.
- CBN: Cannabinol, or CBN for short, is mildly psychoactive and only present in trace amounts in aged cannabis. CBN occurs after THC-A oxidizes. CBN is reported to help aid sleep, work as a sedative, and help reduce pain and inflammation. Research suggests that CBN also helps regulate the immune system.
- CBV: Cannabivarin, or CBV for short, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid also sometimes called cannabivarol. It is reported to help reduce pain and inflammation while also helping to control the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety.
- CBT: Cannabitriol, or CBT for short, is an extremely rare minor cannabinoid that not much is known about. The research that has been conducted suggests that CBT could work to counter the effects of THC, similar to the sobering effects offered by CBD.
