Phytocannabinoids, or cannabinoids for short, are the chemical compounds found in marijuana and hemp plants, both cultivars of the Cannabis sativa family. Cannabinoids were first discovered in the 1940s, but humans have been consuming cannabinoids for thousands of years for medicinal, spiritual and recreational purposes. Today, over two dozen states have medical or recreational cannabis laws in place.

The increased availability of cannabis and cannabis-infused products has prompted scientific research into cannabinoids and their short and long-term effects on the body. While research is still in its infancy due to the federal prohibition of marijuana, we do know a few key things about cannabis’ major cannabinoids.

What are cannabinoids?

cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are naturally-occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. These chemical compounds each produce unique effects on cannabinoid cell receptors in our body. Researchers have identified 113 cannabinoids. Cannabis flower buds have the highest concentration of cannabinoids located in the trichomes, or hair-like appendages that can have a white or amber-like hue. Cannabis stalks and leaves don’t have as many trichomes on them.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

When consumed (inhaled or ingested), cannabinoids enter the bloodstream and target a network of cannabinoid cell receptors known as the endocannabinoid system. Our body produces similar chemical compounds to cannabinoids called endogenous cannabinoids, also known as endocannabinoids. The body produces six different endocannabinoids, but the two major ones are anandamide and 2-AG. Endocannabinoid receptors can be found in the brain, organs, immune cells, and connective tissue.

The endocannabinoid system is composed of two cannabinoid receptor types: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain, spine, female and male reproductive systems, and the retina of the eye. CB2 receptors are primarily present in the immune system, especially in the spleen, as well as some areas of the brain.

The body’s endocannabinoid system’s purpose is to achieve homeostasis, or balance of metabolic processes. Naturally-occurring endocannabinoids can regulate mood, appetite, memory, inflammation, pain sensitivity, movement, memory, bone health, stress, and so much more. Cannabinoids can activate or deactivate cannabinoid receptors to finetune biological processes in the body, albeit, there’s still more research to be done on the exact effects of cannabinoids.

Major cannabinoids

Below we detail the major cannabinoids found in cannabis. Boiling points provided are the result of lab testing from Praxis Laboratory.

Cannabinoid Full Name Boiling Point Effects
THC  Tetrahydrocannabinol 311 to 315 °F Euphoriant
Analgesic
Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Antiemetic
CBD  Cannabidiol 320 to 356 °F Anxiolytic
Analgesic Antipsychotic
Antiinflammatory
Antioxidant
Antispasmodic
CBN  Cannabinol 365 °F Antibacterial
Neuroprotectant
Appetite Stimulation
CBG  Cannabigerol 428 °F Antiinflammatory
Antibiotic
Antifungal
CBC Cannabichromene 428 °F Antiinflammatory
Antibiotic
Antifungal

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)


THC (∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the most sought after cannabinoids due to the euphoric effects that it produces. The majority of cannabis strains are specifically bred to contain the highest THC amount possible, although hemp plants contain only trace amounts of THC. THC works by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and causes a variety of effects on the following:

  • Mood
  • Movement
  • Memory
  • Perception
  • Cognition

Boiling Point: 155 to 157 °C (311 to 315 °F)

CBD (Cannabidiol)


CBD (Cannabidiol) is favored by many for its non-psychotropic nature. That means that CBD does not cause any mind-altering effects like the high you get when you consume THC. Instead, CBD works by counteracting many of the side effects of THC such as paranoia and anxiety. CBD-rich cannabis strains do exist, but the majority of strains have very little CBD. Most CBD products are produced from industrial hemp due to its low concentration of THC. Many people turn to CBD to relieve their pain, reduce anxiety and depression, improve cancer prognosis, among many more therapeutic benefits.

Boiling Point: 160 to 180 °C (320 to 356 °F)

CBN (Cannabinol)


CBN (Cannabinol) is one of the rarer cannabinoids due to its origin. CBN naturally forms from THC as it degrades over time due to light, air and moisture exposure. THC can be preserved in an airtight container placed in a cool, dry and dark place, but THC will eventually turn into CBN. CBN has been shown to have more sedative properties than THC and has pain-relieving and antibiotic characteristics.

Boiling Point: 185 °C (365 °F)

CBG (Cannabigerol)


CBG (Cannabigerol) won’t get you high and you won’t find much of it in your strain. Mature plants contain no more than 1 percent CBG. Throughout the cannabis plant’s life, it produces a lot of CBGA, CBG’s acidic parent, which is a precursor to other major cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Among many medical uses, CBG has been known to work as a neuroprotectant, improve appetite, reduce inflammation, improve gastrointestinal issues, and act as an antibacterial agent.

Boiling Point: 428º F

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)


THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) is mainly present in raw cannabis. It’s non-psychotropic so you won’t get high if you consume raw cannabis, although it does possess some medically-applicable effects on inflammation, nausea, and neurodegenerative diseases. THCA turns into THC when cannabis is heated, through a process known as decarboxylation.

Boiling Point: 220º F

CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)


CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid) is the acidic precursor of CBD. Like THCA, CBDA is found in raw cannabis and hemp plants. CBDA can be consumed raw or in tincture, topical or capsule form. Inside the body, it doesn’t bind to cannabinoid receptors. CBDA works by inhibiting certain enzymes and prompting the production of serotonin. CBDA has also been known to help with the following:

  • Inflammation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Psychosis

Boiling Point: 248º F

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)


THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) isn’t normally found in large amounts, although you can find slightly higher-than-normal amounts in African landrace strain, Durban Poison. THCV research is scarce, but some studies have shown that THCV can elicit a stronger psychoactive effect than THC, although for shorter durations. Other studies show that THCV mitigates many of the intoxicating effects of THC.

Boiling Point: 428º F

CBDV (Cannabidivarin)


CBDV (Cannabidivarin) has a similar structure to CBD and is also non-intoxicating. CBDV isn’t normally found in cannabis strains, but has had promising results treating seizures for adults and children. Research is currently underway to develop CBDV-based medications.

Boiling Point: 356º F

∆8-THC (∆8 Tetrahydrocannabinol)


∆8-THC (∆8 Tetrahydrocannabinol) grows in small amounts in the cannabis plant, but breeders and extractors have made it possible to produce ∆8 THC concentrates. ∆8 THC isn’t as potent as THC, but research shows that it does have anti-cancer, antiemetic and appetite-stimulating characteristics.

Boiling Point: 175 to 178 °C (347 to 352 °F)

CBC (Cannabichromene)


CBC (Cannabichromene) is non-intoxicating and seems to work in conjunction with THC. CBC binds with vanilloid receptor 1 and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1, both receptors associated with pain sensitivity. Essentially, CBC can amplify the therapeutic effects of many other cannabinoids.

Boiling Point: 220 °C (428 °F)

Cannabinoids are only one class of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids are less present, but contribute to the aroma and taste of the strain, respectively. All compounds work together, although manufacturers can isolate certain compounds depending on the user’s preferences. More research still needs to be done on cannabinoids, but the initial results show that cannabinoids have enormous medical and recreational potential for many people.

Quick links

  1. What are cannabinoids?
  2. What is the endocannabinoid system?
  3. Major cannabinoids

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