Of the 100+ discovered cannabinoids, only a few have been studied to a relatively in-depth degree. Here, we’ll take a look at the characteristics of each, and see what the research says about their therapeutic potential. We’ll start with the most familiar, and then delve into some of the lesser-known molecules.

THC (tetraydrocannabinol)

THC is perhaps the most famous of all cannabinoids, as well as the most controversial. This chemical is primarily responsible for the mind-altering high induced when smoking or ingesting cannabis, and also has a variety of therapeutic uses. THC is the most abundant cannabinoid in chemotypes (a descriptive term used to signify the chemical makeup of a cultivar in regards to its secondary metabolites) selectively bred for inducing a psychoactive effect. It is THC's interaction with the CB1 receptor within the central nervous system that gives rise to its psychotropic action.One of the most staggering discoveries regarding THC is its ability to induce apoptosis (controlled cell death) in tumour cells, whilst protecting healthy cells from cell death. This research[3] has been performed in animal models, but more research is desperately needed in order to explore the therapeutic value of THC in this domain. THC interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Through this mechanism, the molecule has also been shown[4] to modulate pain, spasticity, sedation, appetite, and mood. For example, research[5] published in the journal _Clinical Therapeutics_ found a significant reduction in pain in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis immediately following the administration of an oral preparation of THC.

Additionally, THC also displays neuroprotective effects, and has even been shown[6] to lower amyloid beta levels in vitro (outside of a living organism), suggesting it could play a role as a potential therapeutic in Alzheimer’s disease.

Finally, and quite astonishingly, THC is a potent anti-inflammatory that has shown[7] 20 times the anti-inflammatory effects of aspirin.








CBD (cannabidiol)

CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in many selectively bred cannabis chemotypes, and the main cannabinoid constituent in cultivars bred for medical purposes. CBD has gained massive traction in recent years because of its non-intoxicating nature, good safety profile, and impressive medicinal value. Many regions that prohibit cannabis have designed legislation to allow the sale of CBD products—as long as THC levels are below a certain threshold dictated by local law.

One of the most striking discoveries thus far regarding the cannabinoid also involves tumour reduction. A study[8] published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics administered CBD to a breast cancer cell line. The results showed that the cannabinoid triggered a chain of chemical events that led to apoptosis, the programmed cell death of cancer cells. CBD does interact with the endocannabinoid system, yet has a low affinity for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The cannabinoid largely exerts its effects by binding to a range of other receptors, including serotonin and vallinoid receptors. However, the molecule is a CB1 antagonist[9], meaning it blocks other molecules, like THC and 2-AG, from binding to these receptor sites. As a negative allosteric modulator[10] of CB1, CBD has been shown to reduce some of the adverse psychological effects of THC.

Moreover, CBD is indirectly able to boost levels of endocannabinoids in the body, potentially accounting for its analgesic and antipsychotic[11] effects. Endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG are metabolised (broken down) by the enzyme FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase). Intriguingly, CBD inhibits FAAH, temporarily boosting anandamide levels within the periaqueductal grey.

CBD is also associated with anticonvulsant effects and an ability to reduce certain types of seizures. Research[12] published within the journal _Neuropharmacology_ investigated the clinical benefits of both CBD-rich cannabis extracts and purified CBD in treatment-resistant epilepsy. Data from 670 patients was analysed, and it was found that approximately 60% of patients reported improvement in seizure frequency. Interestingly, it was found that CBD-rich extracts were associated with more improvements than isolated CBD. The researchers state this difference could have been due to the entourage effect, the ability of terpenes and cannabinoids to synergise.

CBD has also displayed[13] anxiolytic, immunosuppressive, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties in research settings.



CBG (cannabigerol)

CBG is found is large quantities in many cannabis cultivars in full bloom, and has been found to possess numerous therapeutic applications. The cannabinoid is a vanilloid and CB1 receptor antagonist and works[14] in a similar way to CBD, namely by inhibiting the reuptake of anandamide. As an antagonist, it works to block other molecules from binding to receptors and doesn’t activate them. In regards to the CB1 receptor, this makes CBG non-mind-altering.

Like its aforementioned counterparts, CBG displays potential in the realm of tumours. A paper[15] published in the journal _Carcinogenesis_ investigated the antineoplastic effects of CBG in colon cancer in mice. The results showed the cannabinoid to promote apoptosis and reduce cellular growth. The researchers concluded that CBG should be considered as a future treatment. In other research, CBG, along with other cannabinoids, displayed[16] inhibition of cell growth in a breast cancer model.

CBG has also been proven[17] to exert painkilling, antidepressant, and antibacterial effects. It’s also been found to have a positive effect on psoriasis by stopping the excessive growth of certain skin cells.








CBN (cannabinol)

CBN isn't biosynthesised within the trichomes of cannabis plants. Instead, it's the result of the degration of THC by way of oxidation. After exposure to prolonged storage or exposure to heat, light and oxygen, THC is broken down into CBN.

The full effects profile of CBN is yet unclear, but it is reported to induce sedation. Ever smoked a strain that made you feel extra sleepy? This might be due to high levels of specific terpenes, or maybe because the buds in question were stored for a while and exposed to some level of degradation.

Even this cannabinoid, created through oxidation, has demonstrated some rather impressive medicinal qualities. Much like CBG, CBN has displayed some promise for psoriasis. This is because both appear[18] to reduce the overproduction of skin cells called keratinocytes, which contribute towards inflammation. CBN also features anticonvulsant and antibacterial properties[19].











CBC (cannabichromene)

CBC  levels vary dramatically within cannabis plants. Some samples show minimal levels, while cultivars derived from selective breeding programs produce much higher quantities, leading to the cannabinoid becoming one of the most abundant within cannabis. Interestingly, derivatives of the cannabinoid can be found elsewhere in nature, including Rhododendron species and some fungi.

CBC has been shown to possess antinociceptive properties, meaning it works to block the detection of painful stimulus, a desirable trait in some pain-killing drugs. The cannabinoid also has anti-inflammatory effects and has even been shown to increase the effects of THC in vivo (in living organisms). This effect could be of considerable interest to breeders seeking to produce cultivars with potent psychoactive effects.

CBC may exert these effects[20] because of its ability to bind to the CB2 receptor. CBC is a selective CB2 receptor agonist and may contribute to the therapeutic potential of some cannabis formulas by addressing inflammation via this receptor site.










THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)

 THCV As the name suggests, THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a molecule similar to THC. The difference is that the molecule is a propyl analogue of THC. THCV interacts[21] with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The cannabinoid is a partial agonist of the CB2 receptor, meaning that it has some affinity for the receptor. THCV displays varying behaviour in terms of its relationship to the CB1 receptor. At low doses, it works as an antagonist, blocking some receptor activity. However, at higher doses, the cannabinoid becomes a CB1 receptor agonist and starts to activate it.

This relationship with the CB1 receptor is why THCV's psychoactive properties have come into question. THC achieves its effects at the CB1 receptor even at low doses. THCV is indeed psychoactive, but high doses are required to turn the table from it blocking the receptor to activating it. In contrast, low doses are capable of suppressing appetite and reducing the psychoactive effects of THC.

As far as its therapeutic qualities[22] go, THCV has been found to induce weight loss in obese mice, and to possess anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory effects.










CBDV (cannabidivarin)

CBDV is a propyl analogue of CBD. Like CBD, CBDV has a low affinity for cannabinoid receptors and also inhibits the breakdown of the endocannabinoid anandamide. CBDV also interacts with vanilloid receptors and the debated third endocannabinoid receptor GRP55. Early research[23] has found CBDV to delay neurological defects in mice, but only in a short-term manner after administration. CBDV has also shown anticonvulsant properties[24], and may even outperform CBD is this domain, a cannabinoid famed for this application. CBDV also displays promise for easing nausea and vomiting.
















THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic)

THCA is a cannabinoid acid synthesised within the trichomes of cannabis plants. The molecule is converted to THC via heat or long-term degradation. THCA is non-intoxicating and is a weak agonist of both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Research indicates that it has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antineoplastic, and immunomodulatory effects. A study[25] conducted on obese mice found that the cannabinoid acid is also capable of decreasing fat tissue and preventing metabolic disease.
















CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)

CBDA is the cannabinoid acid precursor of CBD prior to decarboxylation. This molecule interacts with serotonin, vanilloid, and GPR55 receptors. CBDA may be effective against nausea and vomiting. Much like CBD, the molecule has also shown early signs of anti-tumour activity. Research[26] published within the journal _Toxicology Letters_ found CBDA to be capable of inhibiting the migration of certain types of breast cancer cells.















External Resources:

1.        [The role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of endocrine function and in the control of energy balance in humans]. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

2.        The Biosynthesis of Cannabinoids - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com

3.        Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version - National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov

4.        https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/

5.        Effects on Spasticity and Neuropathic Pain of an Oral Formulation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in Patients With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com

6.        The potential therapeutic effects of THC on Alzheimer's disease. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

7.        Thieme E-Journals - Planta Medica / Abstract https://www.thieme-connect.de

8.        Peter OBryan http://mct.aacrjournals.org

9.        Cannabidiol displays unexpectedly high potency as an antagonist of CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists in vitro. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

10.      Cannabidiol is a negative allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

11.      Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia | Translational Psychiatry https://www.nature.com

12.      Frontiers | Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis | Neurology https://www.frontiersin.org

13.      Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com

14.      Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

15.      Colon carcinogenesis is inhibited by the TRPM8 antagonist cannabigerol, a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic cannabinoid | Carcinogenesis | Oxford Academic https://academic.oup.com

16.      Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

17.      Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com

18.      Cannabinoids inhibit human keratinocyte proliferation through a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism and have a potential therapeutic value in the treatment of psoriasis - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com

19.      Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

20.      Cannabichromene is a cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist | bioRxiv https://www.biorxiv.org

21.      Error - Cookies Turned Off https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

22.      Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

23.      SAGE Journals: Your gateway to world-class journal research https://journals.sagepub.com

24.      Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. - PubMed - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

25.      Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid a (THCA-A) Reduces Adiposity and Prevents Metabolic Disease Caused by Diet-Induced Obesity | bioRxiv https://www.biorxiv.org

26.      Cannabidiolic acid, a major cannabinoid in fiber-type cannabis, is an inhibitor of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

27.      https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/content/198-what-are-cannabinoids-and-why-are-they-important