Ever wonder what all those jumbled letters mean? CBD, CBC, CBG … how can you keep them all straight, and which one is best for you? Here’s a quick rundown of some of the more well known cannabinoids*.
CBD: CBD (Cannabidiol) is a natural compound from cannabis, known for potential calming effects, used in oils, edibles, and topical products for issues like anxiety, pain, or sleep, with strong evidence for rare childhood epilepsy (Epidiolex) but needing more research for other uses, sold unregulated as supplements, requiring careful label checking for purity and THC content. It generally has few serious side effects beyond fatigue or digestive upset but can interact with medications, so consulting a doctor is crucial.
CBC: CBC (Cannabichromene) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it doesn’t cause a “high,” found in cannabis, known for potential anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and mood-boosting effects by supporting the body’s “bliss molecule,” anandamide, and working synergistically with other cannabinoids like THC. It’s one of the “Big Six” cannabinoids, derived from CBGA, and offers therapeutic potential for conditions like arthritis, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases, with commercial products available from hemp sources.
CBG: CBG (Cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, known as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because it’s the precursor to THC and CBD; it’s harvested from young plants, offers potential benefits for anxiety, inflammation, and gut health, interacts with endocannabinoid system receptors, and comes in oils, capsules, and flowers, though research is ongoing.
CBN: CBN is most often associated with promoting relaxation and sleepiness, a reputation that stems from the observation that aged cannabis tends to be more sedating. However, some researchers suggest that these sedative effects might be due to other compounds (like specific terpenes) in aged cannabis, or that a primary metabolite of CBN, 11-OH-CBN, might be the active sleep-promoting agent. Unlike THC, it is only mildly psychoactive, if at all, but is gaining attention for various potential therapeutic properties.
CBDA: Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is an non-intoxicating, acidic cannabinoid found abundantly in raw cannabis and hemp plants; it is the natural precursor to cannabidiol (CBD). CBDA converts to CBD through a process called decarboxylation, which involves exposure to heat, light, or prolonged storage.
THCA: THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the non-intoxicating precursor to Delta-9 THC, abundant in raw cannabis, that becomes psychoactive (intoxicating) when heated (decarboxylated) into THC through smoking, vaping, or cooking, and shows potential therapeutic benefits like anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, though research is early and unregulated products carry risks.
*Please keep in mind that none of this information is intended to be taken as medical advice! While budtenders are always happy to share personal experiences, all medical concerns should be discussed with your doctor!