The 6 Cannabinoids You Should Actually Know About

As using marijuana becomes more and more acceptable due to cannabis legalization sweeping across the United States, larger demographics are now becoming interested in the cannabis plant and how it can be used to feel better. From adults over 21 all the way to senior citizens, people suddenly want to do more than just smoke weed and get high — they want to understand more in depth what cannabis really is and how exactly it can benefit the human body. What are cannabinoids? Check out our top cannabinoids list and effects to expand your Green Knowledge.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are any chemical substance that works within the endocannabinoid system (also known as the ECS) by binding to the cannabinoid receptors within our bodies and thus creating a reaction.

More simply put, within our bodies are multiple transmitter systems that react automatically. You’ve heard of a fight-or-flight response? Well, that comes from our sympathetic nervous system. Our ECS is similar in that it controls and regulates many functions from moment to moment within our body — critical functions such as sleep, memory, inflammatory responses, pain control, appetite, emotional processing and much more.

It was discovered by scientists doing in vitro studies in the 1980s that we have cannabinoid receptors all throughout our body. These cannabinoid receptors are activated by the presence of cannabinoids. Basically, cannabinoids control our cell communication by regulating how our cells send, receive and process information.

Do all cannabinoids come from the cannabis plant?

No. While most people use the word cannabinoid interchangeably with the compounds found within the cannabis sativa plant, there are actually three different types of cannabinoids. 

Endocannabinoids are a kind of cannabinoid that is produced naturally within the human body, and the bodies of any other mammal.

Synthetic cannabinoids are ones that are scientifically manufactured within a lab, originally created for use in neuroscientific testing, and then later for those who wanted cheaper and more accessible alternatives to cannabis that are less easily detected by routine urine drug screening.

Phytocannabinoids are the plant version of the cannabinoids found within our bodies. While phytocannabinoids do naturally occur within the cannabis plant, useful phytocannabinoids are also produced within other plants such as cacao, black pepper, echinacea, electric daisy and Japanese liverwort. That said, it is indeed the cannabis plant that offers more benefits than all the others combined. Our list of cannabinoids is specifically referring to the phytocannabinoids found within cannabis.

How many cannabinoids exist?

That is a very good question. There are at least 60 of them, although many are found in only trace quantities within a cannabis plant. Some more recent studies say there are 113, and even higher numbers have been thrown around. Regardless of the true number, very few have been well researched. For this list, we’re focusing on the cannabinoids considered to be major players when it comes to cannabis and its effects.

The Top Six Cannabinoids You Should Know

THC

No list of cannabinoids and their effects would be complete without talking about the one that is synonymous with weed — Tetrahydrocannabinol. Abbreviated THC, this is the psychoactive cannabinoid that creates the feeling that we know as “getting high”. In addition to promoting relaxation and bringing on a general sense of euphoria when used for recreational enjoyment, THC has been reported to and often prescribed in legal states to relieve chronic pain and inflammation, increase appetite and help with digestive issues, combat depression and anxiety, and even be useful in treating the symptoms of withdrawal.

CBD

Short for cannabidiol, this is the second in command to THC. While marijuana generally contains more THC than it does CBD, it is the reverse in the hemp plant, which contains more CBD and is legally limited to less than 0.3% THC. CBD is the choice for those who want to experience the therapeutic benefits that cannabis can offer without any of the psychoactive effects. CBD is great for reducing anxiety and stress, can help manage pain, can positively impact mood and well-being, and may even offer neuroprotective benefits by protecting brain cells from damage.

CBG

While cannabigerol is actually found in smaller quantities in cannabis plants than many other cannabinoids, it’s on our list of cannabinoids you should know as it is often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids.” This is because other cannabinoids are derived from CBGA, which is just an acidic form of CBG.

While it provides no psychoactive effects and consumer products derived from CBG are pretty rare and often expensive, many cannabis breeders are currently experimenting with new strains to maximize CBG quantity because of the medical benefits it has shown. CBG has garnered a lot of attention as, among other things, it has been shown to decrease the inflammation that comes with IBS, slow the growth of colorectal cancer, inhibit brain cancer cells, and act as an antimicrobial against the MRSA bug responsible for so many hospital-acquired infections.

THCV

Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a super important one to put on our cannabinoids list not only because it can actually get you high, but because it also has such potentially exciting benefits in battling the obesity and diabetes epidemics. THCV studies have shown it may facilitate weight loss, improve glycemic control and lower fasting insulin levels. THCV has been found to produce a very energizing effect without any of the fatigue that can come along with smoking cannabis — and can actually suppress appetite instead of giving one the “munchies” — sometimes anecdotally being referred to as “Diet THC”.

CBN

Interestingly enough, next on our list of cannabinoids and their effects is the natural by-product of what happens when you ignore your stash. The cannabinoid CBN, or cannabinol, is the result of what happens when THC oxidizes over time. Ever heard of grass that has been sitting around for too long being referred to as “sleepy old marijuana”? Well, there’s some truth to that.

CBN causes a less-potent high accompanied with some pretty significant sedative properties. This makes it great for not only pain relief but for those who want a good night’s rest or are suffering from insomnia — it not only can induce sleep but keep you from waking up repeatedly in the middle of the night.

CBC

While Cannabichromene doesn’t always make it on to every cannabinoids list and effects, it is one that should be mentioned because it’s one of the most abundant minor cannabinoids in cannabis, and it’s a crucial player when it comes to the Entourage Effect. While it will not get you high, some say that it may actually provide more soothing properties for inflammatory conditions than CBD can, and may be even better at treating anxiety, making CBC emerge as a promising newcomer in the holistic health arena.

Incorporating cannabinoids into health and wellness

Natural cannabinoids when used responsibly can have many different positive effects on the brain, influencing everything from mood to pain perception to appetite to sleep. As the stigma of smoking weed diminishes, more and more people are turning to cannabis as a positive addition to their health and wellness routines. If you’re interested in the very best cannabis products around at the best possible prices, the best decision you can make is to partner up with Down Under Industries, serving Sonoma or Marin counties.

No one offers the high level of customer service like Down Under. Visit us in Petaluma and discuss cannabinoids or any other reefer-related subject with one of Down Under’s friendly and well-educated budtenders.

Or place an order online for quick and easy cannabis delivery without having to leave your place. Whatever your preference, whatever your need, Down Under has got you covered. See what all the buzz is about and place an online order today!