The active chemical compounds in medical marijuana are known as cannabinoids.
Cannabis experts claim that cannabinoids have many positive effects. Both THC and CBD number among the most popular and studied cannabinoids. Explore several key cannabinoids below.
DELTA-9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is most widely known for its psychoactive effects, which gives users a feeling of being “high.”
CANNABIDIOL
Cannabidiol, most widely known as CBD, has helped to popularize medical marijuana with the public. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects on its users. In addition to being non-intoxicating, CBD offers a wide range of potential uses.
CANNABINOL
Cannabinol is a cannabinoid known as CBN. THC is converted to CBN when it oxidizes. Medical marijuana contains a much smaller amount of CBN than both CBD and THC. CBN has a sedative effect which could assist with sleep. Researchers are also studying the possible benefits of CBN.
CANNABICHROMENE
The cannabinoid cannabichromene is commonly referred to as CBC. A higher quantity of CBC is found in cannabis than CBD. CBC is non-psychoactive, so it won’t give you the feeling of being “high.”
CANNABIGEROL
Cannabigerol is a cannabinoid referred to as CBG. Like CBD, CBG is non-psychoactive. It is prominently present in hemp, but much less so in medical marijuana.
TETRAHYDROCANNABIVARIN
The cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin, known as THCV, is similar to THC. The structures of both chemicals closely resemble one another. THC and THCV are both psychoactive. However, they attach differently to the cannabinoid receptors in the human body, and THCV has different effects.
CANNABIDIOLIC ACID
The cannabinoid cannabidiolic acid known as CBDA is the precursor to CBD. This cannabinoid is present in the cannabis plant as the plant is growing. However, once the plant is harvested, dried, and heated; it converts to CBD.
TETRAHYDROCANNABINOLIC ACID
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid is known as THCA. Though THC may be in the name, THCA’s properties differ from it. One of the biggest differences is that while THC is psychoactive, THCA is not. However, THCA can convert to THC through the drying of the cannabis plant.