Cannabinoids 101

Medicinal cannabinoids can be kind of confusing. When you go to the dispensary, the strains will usually have the percentages of the subclasses of several cannabinoids listed. But do you really know what CBC, THC and CBN mean? And how are they relative to pain relief and therapeutic benefits? Here’s a 101 crash course.

As you probably already know, cannabinoids are responsible for many of the effects of cannabis consumption. Basically, they are chemicals that are unique to the marijuana plant. There are over 80 of these cannabinoids found within marijuana, each with different medical properties and boiling points. Cannabinoids interact with terpenes compounds to give each strain its own unique smell and help create each strain’s particular high and experience.

Cannabinoids are separated into subclasses. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the substance primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, and it also the most researched and well-known. Without it, you don’t get high. The higher the THC content, the more psychoactively potent the strain.

Effects of THC:

• anti-depressant
• insomnia cure
• moderate pain relief
• relaxation

CBD (Cannabidiol) is present in many strains in low levels. It produces a strong head high when combined with high levels of THC.

Effects of CBD:

• relief for MS, epilepsy and fibromyalgia
• anti-inflammatory
• anxiety relief
• inhibits cancer cell growth

CBN (Cannabinol) is an oxidative degradation product of THC, and is formed when THC is exposed to light and oxygen over time.

Effects of CBN:

• heart rate reduction
• disorientation
• helps with insomnia
• dizziness

CBC (Cannabichromene) is rare and non-psychoactive in its pure form. It is found at very low levels, if at all. However, it interacts with THC to enhance the high.

Effects of CBC:

• sedative
• anti-depressant
• relaxation
• mild pain relief

CBG (Cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis at low levels. It is effective in the treatment of IBS and glaucoma.

Effects of CBG:

• pain relief
• anti-inflammatory
• intraocular pressure reduction
• antibiotic

When you know the cannabinoid percentages in certain strains, you can customize your medication according to your specific needs!