Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and immune response.
Types of Cannabinoids
There are three main types:
1. Phytocannabinoids – Found in cannabis and hemp
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Causes the “high.”
CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-psychoactive. Known for anti-inflammatory, anxiety-reducing, and seizure-reducing properties.
CBN (Cannabinol): Mildly psychoactive; often associated with sleep aid.
CBG (Cannabigerol): A “parent” cannabinoid; may support mood, inflammation, and neuroprotection.
CBC (Cannabichromene): Non-intoxicating; studied for pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Endocannabinoids – Produced naturally by the body
Anandamide (AEA): Known as the “bliss molecule,” associated with mood and happiness.
2-AG (2-Arachidonoylglycerol): Plays a role in regulating immune function and inflammation.
3. Synthetic Cannabinoids – Man-made for research or pharmaceutical use
Marinol (dronabinol): FDA-approved synthetic THC used to treat nausea and appetite loss.
Spice/K2: Dangerous, unregulated synthetic cannabinoids sold as “legal highs.”
How Cannabinoids Work
Cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS:
CB1 receptors are mostly in the brain and nervous system.
CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system and peripheral tissues.
Different cannabinoids have different effects depending on which receptors they interact with and how strongly.
Common Uses of Cannabinoids
Chronic pain
Anxiety and depression
Epilepsy (especially CBD for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes)
Cancer treatment side effects (e.g., nausea, appetite loss)
Sleep disorders
Inflammation and autoimmune issues
1. CBD (Cannabidiol)
Non-psychoactive; calming, anti-inflammatory, and widely legal.
Benefits:
Anxiety relief
Pain reduction
Anti-seizure (especially in children)
Sleep support
Popular Products:
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil – Full-spectrum tincture, popular for general wellness
CBDfx Gummies – Vegan, broad-spectrum gummies for stress and sleep
Lazarus Naturals CBD Balm – Topical pain relief
Epidiolex – FDA-approved prescription CBD for epilepsy
2. THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Psychoactive; causes a “high” and provides strong pain and nausea relief.
Benefits:
Euphoria, mood enhancement
Appetite stimulation
Chronic pain and nausea relief
Popular Products:
Kiva Confections THC Chocolates – Microdosed edibles
Stiiizy THC Vape Pens – Disposable or rechargeable vape pods
WYLD THC Gummies – Flavored edibles with consistent dosing
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) – High-potency oil often used in cancer support
Note: THC is still federally illegal in the U.S., though allowed in many states.
3. CBN (Cannabinol)
Mildly psychoactive; often used as a natural sleep aid.
Benefits:
Sedation/sleep support
Anti-inflammatory
Neuroprotection
Popular Products:
CBDistillery CBN + CBD Sleep Tincture
Slumber CBN Gummies – Designed specifically for sleep
Mary’s Medicinals CBN Capsules
4. CBG (Cannabigerol)
Known as the “mother cannabinoid”; non-psychoactive with uplifting effects.
Benefits:
Mood elevation
Focus and mental clarity
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
Popular Products:
Medterra CBG + CBD Tincture – For daytime focus
Cannabigerol Isolate Powder – Can be added to your own formulas
Extract Labs CBG Softgels
5. CBC (Cannabichromene)
Non-intoxicating; supports pain relief, inflammation, and neurogenesis.
Benefits:
May support brain health
Anti-depressant effects
Works synergistically with other cannabinoids
Popular Products:
3Chi CBC Oil – Pure CBC or blended with CBD
Rare Cannabinoid Company CBC Drops
6. Delta-8 THC
Mildly psychoactive; a “lighter” version of Delta-9 THC.
Benefits:
Milder euphoria
Anxiety reduction
Less paranoia than regular THC
Popular Products:
3Chi Delta-8 Vape Cartridges
Moonwlkr Delta-8 Gummies
Area 52 Delta-8 Tinctures
Delta-8 legality varies by state. Often sold online where Delta-9 is restricted.
Where to Buy
Most CBD, CBG, CBN, and Delta-8 products are available from:
Direct websites (e.g., CBDfx, 3Chi, Charlotte’s Web)
Dispensaries (for THC-containing products in legal states)
Retail stores like CVS, Walgreens (only select non-THC products)
Online marketplaces (ensure third-party lab-tested)
Here’s a comparison chart of major cannabinoids — including their effects, uses, legality, and popular product types — to help you choose the right one based on your wellness goals:
Cannabinoid Comparison Chart
| Cannabinoid | Psychoactive? | Primary Benefits | Common Uses | Popular Forms | Legality (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBD (Cannabidiol) | No | Anti-inflammatory, calming, seizure reduction | Anxiety, pain, sleep, epilepsy | Oils, gummies, capsules, creams | Federally legal (from hemp) |
| THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) | Yes | Euphoria, pain relief, appetite stimulation | Chronic pain, nausea, insomnia | Vapes, edibles, tinctures, flower | Legal in some states only |
| CBN (Cannabinol) | Mild | Sedative, anti-inflammatory | Sleep, relaxation, nerve pain | Tinctures, gummies, capsules | Federally legal (from hemp) |
| CBG (Cannabigerol) | No | Focus, mood boost, gut support | Inflammation, mental clarity, IBD | Oils, tinctures, softgels | Federally legal (from hemp) |
| CBC(Cannabichromene) | No | Neuroprotective, antidepressant | Mood, inflammation, brain health | Drops, blends with CBD | Federally legal (from hemp) |
| Delta-8 THC | Mild | Mellow high, anti-anxiety, less paranoia | Mild euphoria, stress relief | Vapes, gummies, tinctures | Legality varies by state |
| THCV(Tetrahydrocannabivarin) | Slightly (high dose) | Appetite suppressant, alertness | Weight management, energy | Tinctures, specialty blends | Limited legality |
How to Choose:
| Wellness Goal | Best Cannabinoids |
|---|---|
| Sleep | CBN, CBD, THC (low dose) |
| Anxiety/Stress | CBD, CBG, Delta-8 |
| Pain/Inflammation | CBD, CBG, THC, CBC |
| Mood/Energy | CBG, THCV, CBC |
| Focus/Clarity | CBG, low-dose THC, THCV |
| Appetite Increase | THC, Delta-8 |
| Appetite Suppression | THCV |
| Seizure Management | CBD (esp. Epidiolex) |
