How Many Cannabinoids Have Been Studied And Which Ones Are The Most Popular?

Close to 100 cannabinoids have been identified in the Cannabis Sativa plant, the two most notorious being cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). No other cannabinoid has garnered as much attention as these two.

Nonetheless, there are dozens of other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that work together to provide various effects – some abundant and others more elusive. In recent years, some of these cannabinoids, like cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG), have become increasingly popular for their potential therapeutic effects.

Below, we explore the most popular cannabinoids.

What Are Cannabinoids?

The cannabis plant comprises 500 different chemicals, responsible for the plant’s diverse uses. Some, like terpenes and flavonoids, are common in many different types of plants. These compounds are responsible for the taste and smell of cannabis and other plants. But approximately one hundred of these chemicals are cannabinoids – compounds that are rarer in nature but abundant in cannabis.

Since plants produce cannabinoids, they’re also known as phytocannabinoids. Currently, there isn’t a definitive answer on how many phytocannabinoids exist. Research suggests that the cannabis plant produces between 80 and 100 cannabinoids, but some publications report well over one hundred. Nonetheless, only a few have been well-studied.

Most people are familiar with cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The primary difference between the two is that the latter has strong psychoactive effects, meaning it makes users high. On the contrary, CBD does not induce a high and is instead touted for its therapeutic potential. 

While CBD and THC are certainly important cannabinoids, several others can be found in a CBD shop and are worth exploring.

How Do Cannabinoids Work in the Body?

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS), a unique communications system found throughout the body that regulates important bodily functions like sleep, appetite, and mood.

One of the most important parts of the ECS is its receptors. The CB1 and CB2 receptors are the primary receptors in the system; the former is expressed mainly in the central nervous system, while the latter is most prominent in the peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells.

The ECS is activated by cannabinoids, including those produced by the body – known as endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids are produced by cells in response to external factors, like temperature and pain. 

Basically, the interaction between endocannabinoids and receptors plays a vital role in maintaining internal balance or homeostasis within the body. If the body is “out of whack,” endocannabinoids work to fix the problem and restore balance.

Phytocannabinoids (derived from cannabis) mimic the body’s endocannabinoids and bind to cannabinoid receptors. Like how endocannabinoids work, phytocannabinoids bind to receptors to alter several signals within the body’s internal systems to produce various positive effects.

Depending on the structure of each cannabinoid and which receptors it interacts with, they exert different effects. Some cannabinoids may improve mood and help reduce stress, while others may aid in pain management and provide anti-inflammatory properties. 

The Most Popular Cannabinoids in the Cannabis Plant

As already discussed, the cannabis plant contains approximately one hundred cannabinoids. However, most have simply been identified but not intensely studied. 

Below, we discuss the most popular cannabinoids backed by research.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It’s the most abundant cannabinoid and is famed for giving users a high and is, therefore, often used recreationally. THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and makes its way into parts of the brain responsible for thinking, pleasure, memory, and coordination, when ingested.

However, THC also has some therapeutic properties that shouldn’t be overlooked. It may help stimulate appetite, reduce nausea, aid in sleep, and mitigate pain.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is the most widely recognized cannabinoid after THC. Despite much talk about CBD being non-psychoactive, this is not strictly true. CBD can alter mood by easing anxiety and depression, meaning it does affect the brain. However, it doesn’t cause users to become high. Therefore, CBD is psychoactive, just not in the same way as THC.

CBD is also commonly touted for providing anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in pain management, reducing nausea, and more. 

Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN is derived from THC. It’s created when THC ages – rendering it a natural byproduct of THC degradation. Basically, CBN is formed when THC has been broken down after long-term exposure to oxygen. This is why “old” marijuana may lose potency as the THC content decreases and CBN increases.

CBN is mildly psychoactive but generally doesn’t produce a high like THC. Most of the research on CBN relates to its sleep aid properties. It’s often incorporated into CBD products designed to support a good night’s rest. 

Cannabigerol (CBG)

Cannabigerol is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG. 

CBG is found in tiny quantities in cannabis plants since CBGA is converted to other cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Only about 1% of the total concentration of most cannabis strains accounts for CBG, compared to 20 – 30% of CBD and THC. 

CBG is often compared to CBD since they share many similarities in terms of effects. CBG is perhaps most well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but it may also have calming properties, antibacterial effects, and support a healthy appetite. 

Cannabichromene (CBC)

CBC is the second most abundant cannabinoid (after THC) in cannabis, though it has not gained as much attention as the other cannabinoid discussed above. Nonetheless, it boasts some noteworthy therapeutic properties.

Most notably, CBC acts as a potent antibiotic and may help with infections that are resistant to other treatments. It may also have anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects.

It’s also worth mentioning that CBD doesn’t produce psychoactive effects by itself, though some research suggests it can intensify THC’s effects on the body. 

Final Thoughts 

Approximately one hundred cannabinoids have been discovered in the cannabis plant. Many have not been well-studied enough to know what effects and health benefits they produce. However, several have been studied and found to boast some impressive therapeutic properties. 

This article has discussed five of the most popular cannabinoids and their associated effects. Most people have likely heard of CBD and THC, and now you should understand more about CBN, CBG, and CBC, too. 

Scientists continue to research the cannabis plant and its derivatives, so in time we will likely learn more about these and other powerful cannabinoids. 

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