CBG, CBN, CBD, THC, Terpenes, and Flavonoids

Cannabis is home to hundreds of compounds and scientists have yet to fully discover all of its unique compounds. With each passing day, we learn about newly discovered compounds and the distinctive properties that make them one of a kind.

Our round-up today discusses many of the famous cannabinoids of Cannabis, which are available to the public for a variety of different uses, everything from cosmetic to medical uses.

THC & CBD

THC:

Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC, is a natural cannabinoid of Cannabis that is available in an abundant amount in the plant. THC is an intoxicating compound, meaning that it can make you high upon consumption. The euphoria that one feels after consuming Cannabis comes from THC. Due to the fact that THC in its pure form is quite potent and it makes you dizzy due to its high, THC has been classified as a controlled substance, and in the United States, all Cannabis products are allowed to contain less than 0.3% THC content.

When a person consumes THC, it binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system that controls various functions throughout the body. Upon binding with the CB1 receptors, THC makes you high. Similarly, upon binding with CB2 receptors, THC boosts the immune system of the body which helps it against inflammation, pain, protects brain cells, reduces cancer cell growth, maintains appetite, and also works as a muscle relaxant.

CBD:

CBD is short for Cannabidiol and it is one of the most commonly used cannabinoids in Cannabis. It can be derived from hemp plants and it is a non-psychoactive compound which means that it cannot get you high. Much like THC, CBD is available in an abundant amount and can be derived easily. CBD has many medically-proven medical benefits, especially for people who often have to deal with illnesses like epilepsy, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, CBD isn’t for humans alone, your pet dogs and cats could also get the same benefits from CBD.

Over the years, CBD has been the subject of numerous studies and scientists have found that CBD could be an excellent remedy to treat psychotic illness as well as treat chronic pain and even epilepsy syndromes. Currently, CBD is being used by millions for its natural and refreshing health benefits. From CBD-infused candies to essential oils, the CBD market is estimated to be worth 1.8 billion by the end of the year 2022.

CBN & CBG

CBN:

CBN is short for Cannabinol and it is a cannabinoid of Cannabis that is a bit complicated to derive. Generally, CBN is formed when THC decomposes over time but it could take years for CBN to form. But with modern technology, THC is decomposed under heat and oxygen using modern methods to derive CBN. But because it is derived from a highly intoxicating cannabinoid, CBN itself cannot make you high because it works as a sedative agent and makes you feel extremely sleepy. Since CBN is generally found in older Cannabis plants, deriving CBN is a demanding task considering it is only available in limited amounts and can only be derived from older plants.

CBN is non-intoxicating in nature, meaning that it cannot make you high, no matter how high the dose is. But since it is a heavy sedative agent, it can make you feel sleepy and tired if you have consumed a large dose. Moreover, CBN can bind with the receptors of your endocannabinoid system. But because it is very less potent than THC, consuming CBN cannot make you high. Furthermore, CBN is generally used by people who suffer from bad quality of sleep or insomnia, as well as people who regularly suffer from chronic pain or inflammation.

CBG:

Cannabigerol or CBG is one of the first cannabinoids that is derived from the Cannabis plant. It is also known as the ‘mother of all cannabinoids’ because all the cannabinoids including THC, CBD, CBN, and others are derived from Cannabigerol Acid (CBGA). CBG is one of the lesser-known cannabinoids of Cannabis because it is available in very minor amounts and the deriving process of CBG is quite expensive, making it an extremely rare cannabinoid.

And since CBG isn’t available to consumers, it is often overlooked and it is the same reason why there’s not much modern research done on the cannabinoid. But, early research shows that CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Upon interaction with receptors, CBG regulates appetite, sleep and helps with mood swings.

Terpenes & Flavonoids

Terpenes:

Terpenes are the natural compounds found inside the Cannabis plant and they’re mainly responsible for the aromatic properties as well as warding off any predators that might harm the plant. Aside from Cannabis, terpenes are found in herbs, flowers, and fruits. In Cannabis, the terpene profile for each strain slightly differs from each other, and because of that, not only the taste and smell of the strain would be different but also, their therapeutic benefits may also differ.

In a way, terpenes may not induce the mind high but upon consumption of THC, terpenes could boost their effectiveness and make them more potent. And since the terpene profile is important in recognizing the effects, people have started to look closely to obtain their desired benefits from the strains, based on their terpene profile. Moreover, studies have shown that certain terpenes could prove to be quite beneficial in treating psychological diseases such as depression and anxiety.

Flavonoids:

Flavonoids are much like terpenes. These are also chemical compounds that can affect the taste, smell, and color of the Cannabis plant. Another similarity between Terpenes and Flavonoids is that both of these compounds help with the growth of the plant and shield the plant from predators. Moreover, to date, there have been more than 19 flavonoids have been detected inside the Cannabis plant. Each one provides unique aromatic properties while also contributing to the appearance of the plant.

Most commonly detected flavonoids like Cannflavin A are excellent anti-inflammatory agents and they can reduce inflammation across the body, making them the ideal flavonoids for people suffering from chronic pain. Similarly, Quercetin, one of the most common flavonoids detected in the Cannabis plant, is considered an antidepressant agent that can contribute to the wellness of the mind by offering its therapeutic benefits.

Conclusion

Understanding the cannabinoids in Cannabis helps you decide what works best for you. For instance, if you’re suffering from sleeplessness, you can find certain strains with unique terpene profiles which would work best for you. Caryophyllene, for example, is a terpene with spicy and earthy notes that is especially useful in treating insomnia and other sleep-related issues.

Or if you’d just like to have a little dose of CBD once in a while, why not choose some delicious edibles and call it a day. Knowing about cannabinoids will come in handy when it comes to purchasing Cannabis on the market and the right knowledge about each cannabinoid will aid you in making the right decision. Also, knowing the basics of cannabinoids also helps you a lot when you’re buying seeds to grow strains in your own backyard.

Trusting the originality is often a concern, especially when you’re purchasing the likes of CBN or CBG that are hard to come but if you’re growing them in your backyard, you’ll not only have a lot of fun but will have access to all cannabinoids of Cannabis in their most natural form.