Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. The two most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been found to have potential therapeutic benefits for various conditions.
However, there are many other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that are less well-known but may have important therapeutic properties. Such cannabinoids include cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8).
Cannabichromene (CBC)
CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in low concentrations in most cannabis strains. It is structurally similar to both THC and CBD but has different effects on the body. CBC has been found to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it potentially useful in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and neuropathic pain. It also appears to have anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects, although more research is needed to confirm.
One study found that CBC had greater anti-inflammatory effects when combined with other cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. This suggests that CBC may have synergistic effects with other cannabinoids and could potentially be used in combination with other treatments.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in low concentrations in most cannabis strains. It is the precursor to both THC and CBD — meaning that it is converted into these cannabinoids as the plant grows. CBG has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and may also have neuroprotective effects. It appears to have the potential to treat conditions such as glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer, although more research is needed in these areas.
A study found that CBG had greater neuroprotective effects than CBD, suggesting that it may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is formed when THC is exposed to oxygen and light. It is found in higher concentrations in older cannabis plants that have been exposed to air for a longer period of time. CBN has been found to have sedative effects, making it potentially useful in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders. It also appears to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, although more research is needed in these areas.
One study found that CBN had greater anti-inflammatory effects than both THC and CBD, suggesting that it may have potential as an anti-inflammatory treatment.
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8)
Delta-8 is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is similar to THC but with a slightly different chemical structure. It is found in low concentrations in most cannabis strains but can also be produced by converting CBD into Delta-8 through a chemical process. Delta-8 has been found to have anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving effects. It also appears to have neuroprotective properties and may be useful in the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
A study found that Delta-8 had greater pain-relieving effects than THC, suggesting that it may be a better option for people who need pain relief but want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC.
Learn More with CannaLeaf Health
While THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, there are many other compounds in the cannabis plant that may have important therapeutic properties. CBC, CBG, CBN, and Delta-8 are just a few examples of these lesser-known cannabinoids, and research on these cannabinoids is ongoing. But if you want to learn more about medical cannabis and its effects, contact CannaLeaf Health now.
