Overview of major and minor cannabinoids and their purported effects
CBD (cannabidiol): One of the most widely known cannabinoids, CBD is non-psychoactive and is thought to provide relief from chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and certain skin conditions, among a multitude of other reported uses. CBD is the active ingredient in the only FDA-approved cannabis-derived medication and is prescribed to treat seizures associated with certain epilepsy disorders.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): Also known as delta-9 THC, this compound is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and is commonly used both recreationally for its intoxicating effects and medicinally. Some common qualifying conditions for medical, THC-heavy cannabis include chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nausea, appetite loss, cancer, Crohn’s Disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and muscle spasms.
Delta-8-THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol): Delta-8 is a psychoactive cannabis compound that consumers say provides similar, milder intoxicating effects as compared to traditional THC. This cannabinoid is traditionally synthesized from hemp-extracted CBD due to it naturally occurring in low quantities and is actively being studied for utility and safety.
CBC (cannabichromene): A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is also the third-most plentiful in cannabis plants, CBC is thought to help boost the effectiveness of other cannabinoids (known as the entourage effect) is thought to reduce pain and inflammation, help treat acne, and provide relief from depression, among additional potential uses.
CBG (cannabigerol): like CBD, CBG is non-intoxicating and is commonly used for its purported efficacy in combating pain and inflammation and is also said to have antibacterial properties. CBG is most common in young plants and many strains are intentionally bred for high CBG contents.
CBN (cannabinol): A slightly intoxicating cannabinoid, CBN is most thought to be helpful as a sleep aid, chronic pain reliever, and a neuroprotective agent. Most products containing CBN lean into its sedative effect and often combine the cannabinoid with natural products such as melatonin to boost efficacy and help make claims regarding its effects on sleep.
CBT (cannabicitran): One of the less studied cannabinoids, CBT naturally occurs in very limited quantities. The compound is sometimes used to help prevent crystallization in extract-based products, most notably vapes, and reportedly has similar benefits to CBD. Some studies have also pointed to CBT as having antiestrogen properties and potential usage in breast cancer treatment.
Delta-10 THC (delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol): This cannabinoid is most similar to delta-8 and brands that sell delta-8 say it largely mimics traditional-9 THC but with less potent psychoactive effects. Though it is found in trace components in the cannabis plant itself, delta-10 is most commonly synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.
THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid): THCa is a form of THC that has not been decarboxylated (commonly done through heat/combustion) and, as a result, is not psychoactive. Purported effects of THCa include reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and neuroprotection (making the compound beneficial for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis).
THCv (tetrahydrocannabivarin): This cannabinoid is similar in molecular structure to THC but has a different set of effects. Reportedly mildly psychoactive, the effects of THCv are said to be more clear-headed and stimulating than intoxicating. This compound is commonly used for its energizing and appetite suppressing effects and may also help with the treatment of panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and neurodegenerative diseases.
THC-O (tetrahydrocannabinol-o-acetate): THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid that is created by by extracting CBD from hemp, extracting delta-8 THC, and then modifying its chemical structure. According to brands that sell THC-O, the psychoactive effects of it are similar to THC but stronger.
HHC (hexahydrocannabinol): Another compound created by modifying the chemical structure of CBD, brands that sell HHC say it produces energetic psychoactive effects that are not as strong as delta-9 THC and more in line with delta-8.
HHC-O (hexahydrocannabinol-acetate): Created altering HHC, brands who sell HHC-O report it produces psychoactive and intoxicating effects. However, consumers say the compound is significantly stronger than HHC (1.5 to 3x according to some manufacturers) but is still generally considered to have weaker effects than traditional THC.
CBDa (cannabidiolic acid): CBDa is a non-psychoactive compound that converts to CBD over time or when exposed to heat. However, when used before such a transformation occurs, CBDa is said to help relieve inflammation, help with controlling pain, and could reduce nausea and anxiety.
CBGa (cannabigerolic acid): CBGa is the chemical precursor to both THCa and CBDa (as well as THC and CBD). Hemp typically contains low quantities because this cannabinoid converts into others as the plant matures. However, when consumed on its own, CBGa is said to support cardiovascular health, regulate metabolism, help with anxiety and depression, and contains anti-inflammatory properties.