Understanding Cannabis Cannabinoids: Benefits and Effects
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Definition: THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” sensation.
Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception, increased appetite.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Pain relief
- Nausea and vomiting reduction (especially in chemotherapy patients)
- Appetite stimulation
- Muscle spasm relief
- Sleep aid
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Definition: CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its wide range of medicinal benefits.
Effects: Relaxation, stress relief, non-intoxicating.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Anxiety and depression reduction
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Seizure reduction (especially in epilepsy)
- Neuroprotective
CBN (Cannabinol)
Definition: CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is formed as THC ages and oxidizes.
Effects: Mild sedation, relaxation.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Sleep aid
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Appetite stimulation
CBC (Cannabichromene)
Definition: CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with several medicinal properties.
Effects: Mood elevation, relaxation.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain relief
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-tumor
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Definition: CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known as the “mother cannabinoid” because it is the precursor to THC, CBD, and CBC.
Effects: Relaxation, mood enhancement.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-bacterial
- Neuroprotective
- Pain relief
- Glaucoma treatment
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Definition: THCV is a psychoactive cannabinoid similar to THC but with some distinct effects and benefits.
Effects: Clear-headed, stimulating, suppresses appetite.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Appetite suppression
- Anxiety reduction
- Diabetes management
- Bone growth stimulation
CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
Definition: CBDV is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid similar to CBD with unique therapeutic benefits.
Effects: Relaxation, anti-nausea.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Anti-epileptic
- Nausea reduction
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotective
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
Definition: THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, found in raw cannabis.
Effects: Non-intoxicating, anti-inflammatory.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotective
- Anti-emetic (prevents nausea)
- Anti-proliferative (inhibits cancer cell growth)
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
Definition: CBDA is the non-psychoactive precursor to CBD, found in raw cannabis.
Effects: Non-intoxicating, anti-inflammatory.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-nausea
- Anti-tumor
- Anti-bacterial
CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)
Definition: CBGA is the precursor to CBG, THC, and CBD, and is found in raw cannabis.
Effects: Non-intoxicating, potential anti-inflammatory.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-tumor
- Heart health promotion
Delta-8-THC
Definition: Delta-8-THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid similar to Delta-9-THC but with milder effects.
Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, appetite stimulation.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Anti-nausea
- Anxiety reduction
- Appetite stimulation
- Neuroprotective
Delta-9-THC
Definition: Delta-9-THC is the most common and well-known form of THC, responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Pain relief
- Anti-nausea
- Appetite stimulation
- Muscle spasm relief