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You have probably heard about THC and CBD, but perhaps you haven’t heard that much about many other cannabinoids that aren’t well-known. THC is by far the most famous cannabinoids because of its psychoactive properties. However, there are many different types of cannabinoids that are not that common and, thus, not well-known by most people.

The most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD, and their acidic forms THCa and CBDa. However, there are many other cannabinoids (at least 113 identified cannabinoids) that have fascinating health properties like CBG or CBC, which is not as popular as CBD or THC.

In this post, I’m going to name a few of the most common cannabinoids and their effects and potential health benefits.

1. THC: The Most Famous Cannabinoid

If you know a bit about marijuana and cannabinoids, then you probably have enough information about THC. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive cannabinoid that, in high doses, can even cause visual and auditive hallucinations. However, experts in psychotropic drugs prefer to call them “entheogenic substances,” in other words, and as Wikipedia states, “psychoactive substances that induce any type of spiritual experience aimed at development or sacred use.”

There are many types of cannabinoids, and not all of them have psychoactive properties. Therefore, what makes THC interesting is its potent psychoactive effects. Nonetheless, THC is also useful for its pain relief and antiemetic properties.

2. CBD: A Cannabinoid with Amazing Health Properties

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been one of the most talked-about topics. It has become a multibillion business expecting to generate more than 20 billion USD by 2025.

CBD is a cannabinoid that doesn’t have psychoactive properties. However, it has been used to treat two aggressive forms of epilepsy and as a treatment for anxiety.

There are many other potential benefits of CBD. For example, CBD has been researched as a treatment for pain relief and for its potential benefits in the treatment of fibromyalgia, ADHD, and arthritis.

CBD has also been used for people with insomnia, and one of its side effects is sleepiness.

3. CBC: A Non-psychoactive Cannabinoid

CBC or cannabichromene is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It’s a cannabinoid that is useful to battle inflammation, and it might also have potential anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties.

It has been researched to treat inflammatory diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or neuropathies. Like other cannabinoids, CBC has pain relief properties, and some sources claim that it also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, CBC commonly found in small quantities is a descendant of CBG.

4. CBG: The Precursor of Three Major Cannabinoids

CBG or cannabigerol is challenging to obtain as it represents less than 1% in most cannabis strains. Besides, cannabigerol acid (CBGA) is the precursor of three major cannabinoids: THCA, CBDA, and CBCA.

CBG has anti-inflammatory properties and it’s been researched for its potential capabilities in blocking cancer receptors. For example, in colorectal cancer.

However, CBG is not easy to isolate and obtain in high concentrations. Therefore, it’s generally considered a minor cannabinoid. It has been tried to crossbreed cannabis plants to develop strains with higher CBG content.

Moreover, CBG has been researched for its potential effects in the treatment of depression and its analgesic properties.

5. CBN: Cannabinol and Neuro-protective properties

CBN or Cannabinol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that forms when THC ages. Therefore, CBN is commonly found in old cannabis. Like other cannabinoids, CBN has been researched for its potential positive effects as a neuroprotectant, antibacterial, and as other cannabinoids, as an appetite stimulant.

There are studies on mice to study the effect of CBN for the treatment of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). It was found that CBN delays the onset of ALS in mice. Nonetheless, there are no studies about its effects on humans. Therefore, more researches are needed to determine to what extent its neuroprotective properties are useful for humans.

CBN and THC stimulate appetite. However, THC has psychoactive properties, while CBN is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Therefore, CBN could be used as an alternative for THC as an appetite stimulant.

Like many cannabinoids, CBN also has anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it has been researched for the treatment of glaucoma and even arthritis.

6. THCV: Similar Molecular Structure as THC

THCV or tetrahydrocannabivarin is a cannabinoid that is similar in its molecular structure to THC.

Unlike other cannabinoids, THCV is an appetite suppressant. In other words, it could be useful for people who are looking to lose weight. In addition, THCV is useful in the treatment of anxiety.

There are also some studies claiming that THCV may help with diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, THCV might stimulate bone growth and, thus, useful in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Nonetheless, most cannabis strains contain a neglectable amount of THCV, which means it’s difficult to find in high concentrations.

7. CBDV: Similar to CBD

CBDV or cannabidivarin is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. There are many types of cannabinoids and not all have psychoactive properties. CBDV is another example of a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. CBDV as CBD has been researched for its properties for the treatment of epilepsy.

It’s structurally very similar to CBD, and that’s why both are used in the treatment of epilepsy. Moreover, studies have shown that CBDV treatment improved the general health in a mouse model for Rett syndrome.

In addition, CBDV is also a powerful antiemetic.

CBDV is also studied for its potential as a treatment for skeletal and muscle damage and degeneration and for reducing inflammation.

Types of Cannabinoids: Conclusion

There are both psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Many cannabinoids are useful for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Cannabinoids are also useful as appetite stimulants and even as appetite suppressants such as THCV.

However, many of these researches are still in a preliminary phase.