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Types of Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in cannabis. These compounds act on cannabinoid receptors, either directly or indirectly, to help the body maintain health and stability. When marijuana is ingested, cannabinoids bind to receptors most commonly found in the immune system and brain. Here are some of the most common types cannabinoids found in cannabis.

Types of Cannabinoids

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA)

This cannabinoid is the main constituent in raw cannabis. It is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that slowly converts to THC as the plant dries. THCA found in cannabis doesn’t make you high, which explains why eating or drinking the raw plant does not result in intoxicating effects.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

This is the most abundant and well-known cannabinoid present in marijuana. It Is known for its psychoactive effects.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

CBC is most frequently found in tropical cannabis varieties.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

This is one of the major cannabinoids synthesized or derived from cannabis. It lacks euphoric effects because it has very low affinity for cannabinoid receptors CB1. It has tremendous medical potential and has been shown to have anticonvulsant properties as well as a potential help for schizophrenia and other conditions.

Cannabinol (CBN)

This cannabinoid is produced from degrading THC and is mildly psychoactive. There is usually little to no CBN in a fresh plant, but as harvested cannabis ages, it’s gradually converted to CBN.

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)

Like THCA, this compound is non-psychoactive. It converts to CBD when exposed to heat, sunlight or time.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s useful as a muscle relaxant, antidepressant, blood pressure reducer and antifungal and antibiotic agent. It is also thought to inhibit cell growth in cancer/tumor cells and promote bone growth.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

This has been found to have antiseizure effects, suppress appetite, stimulate bone growth and aid in weight loss. It has psychoactive properties, but much less than THC.

What Do Cannabinoids Do?

Cannabinoids affect users by interacting with specific receptors found in different parts of the central nervous system. The two types of cannabinoid receptors that have been found are referred to as CB1 and CB2.

How cannabinoids affect the body indicate the areas of the human brain they affect. Interactions tend to occur in the brain regions associated with feelings of reward and the parts of the brain that affects cognition, memory and psychomotor performance.

Bottom Line
It’s hard to say how many types of cannabinoids are out there, but people often report that cannabis produces dozens of plant cannabinoids. Most cannabinoids are present at very low levels, which makes it hard for scientists to detect them. Nonetheless, they are many.

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