Cannabinoids Explained - THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, THCa, and the Endocannabinoid System
Cannabinoids are the family of chemical compounds produced in cannabis trichomes (and made endogenously in the human body and other animals) that interact with the endocannabinoid system. Most people know THC and CBD; modern flower, edibles, and concentrates also contain CBN, CBG, CBC, THCa, THCV, and others - each with distinct binding behavior and effect profile. This guide covers what each cannabinoid does, how they interact with the body's CB1 / CB2 / non-cannabinoid receptors, and how to read a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for cannabinoid content.
Cannabinoids are the family of chemical compounds produced in cannabis trichomes (and made endogenously in the human body and other animals) that interact with the endocannabinoid system. Most people know THC and CBD; modern flower, edibles, and concentrates also contain CBN,…
TL;DR
Cannabis produces 100+ cannabinoids; the dispensary-relevant set is THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, THCa, CBDa, and THCV. THC binds CB1 (intoxicating). CBD binds weakly and modulates many non-cannabinoid pathways (non-intoxicating, anxiolytic). CBN is THC's oxidation product (sedating). CBG is the "stem cell" precursor (energizing). THCa is the raw acid that becomes THC after heat. The endocannabinoid system has CB1 (brain, body) and CB2 (immune, peripheral) receptors plus indirect targets (5-HT1A, TRPV1, GPR55).
The endocannabinoid system in one paragraph
The endocannabinoid system is a regulatory network in the human body involving CB1 and CB2 receptors, two endogenous ligands (anandamide / AEA and 2-AG), and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade them (FAAH, MAGL). It modulates pain, appetite, mood, immune response, sleep, and motor coordination. Phytocannabinoids from cannabis bind to or modulate this system from the outside. CB1 is concentrated in the central nervous system; CB2 is concentrated in immune and peripheral tissue. THC binds CB1 directly (which produces intoxication). CBD does not bind CB1 strongly but modulates several other pathways including 5-HT1A (anxiety), TRPV1 (inflammation), and GPR55 (orphan receptor with cardiovascular and bone roles).
The dispensary-relevant cannabinoid set
### THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol)
### CBD (cannabidiol)
### CBN (cannabinol)
### CBG (cannabigerol)
### CBC (cannabichromene)
### THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
### CBDa (cannabidiolic acid)
### THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)
- Binding. Direct CB1 agonist, partial CB2 agonist.
- Effects. Intoxication, euphoria, appetite stimulation, pain modulation, time perception change.
- Range in flower. 15–30% typical, with most modern hybrids 20–28%.
- Notes. Acute tolerance develops; dose-response is non-linear. See THC vs CBD.
- Binding. Weak CB1, weak CB2, but modulates 5-HT1A, TRPV1, GPR55, PPARγ, and several others.
- Effects. Anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, possibly anti-seizure (Epidiolex is FDA-approved for two pediatric epilepsies). Non-intoxicating.
- Range. CBD-dominant flower (e.g., ACDC, Charlotte's Web) reads 8–18% CBD with THC < 1%. Most adult-use flower has < 0.5% CBD.
- Notes. Pairs with THC in 1:1 or 2:1 ratios to reduce THC's anxiety component; useful for new users.
- Binding. Weak CB1, mild CB2.
- Effects. Sedating, sleep-supportive, mild appetite.
- Source. THC oxidation. Older flower and degraded extracts contain higher CBN. Some products are intentionally aged or processed to improve CBN.
- Range. 0.1–2% in CBN-targeted products; trace in fresh flower.
- Binding. Weak CB1, weak CB2, modulates alpha-2 adrenergic.
- Effects. Energizing, focus, appetite-balancing. Non-intoxicating at typical levels.
- Source. "Stem cell" cannabinoid - CBGa is the precursor that enzymatically converts to THCa, CBDa, and CBCa during plant growth. Most cultivars retain trace CBG; CBG-targeted cultivars yield 5–10% CBG.
- Notes. Often paired with THC in microdose products for daytime focus.
- Binding. Negligible CB1, modulates TRPV1 / TRPA1 (anti-inflammatory pathways).
- Effects. Anti-inflammatory, possible mood elevation, minor analgesic.
- Range. Trace to 1% in most flower; some breeders pursuing CBC-dominant lines.
- Binding. Does NOT bind CB1 (the carboxyl group blocks the binding pocket).
- Effects. Non-intoxicating raw form. Anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic at non-decarbed dose.
- Source. All raw flower is mostly THCa, not THC. Heat (smoking, vaping, oven) decarboxylates THCa to THC at ~95% efficiency.
- Notes. Diamond concentrates are crystallized THCa. Eaten raw, THCa does not produce intoxication.
- Binding. Same logic as THCa: raw acid, non-intoxicating, with reported anti-nausea activity in animal models.
- Source. Raw CBD-dominant flower.
- Binding. CB1 antagonist at low dose, CB1 partial agonist at high dose.
- Effects. Appetite suppression at low dose, mild stimulation, possible glucose modulation.
- Range. Trace in most cultivars; 1–4% in THCV-targeted lines (Pineapple Purps, Doug's Varin).
- Notes. Marketed as the "diet weed" cannabinoid; the science is preliminary.
How to read a COA for cannabinoids
A Certificate of Analysis lists each cannabinoid by percentage of dry mass. Total cannabinoids = THC + THCa decarbed + CBD + CBDa decarbed + minor cannabinoids. The number on the jar label usually shows "Total THC" calculated as (THCa × 0.877) + Δ9-THC. This is the post-heating THC available to the user. CBD numbers follow the same logic.
Ratio products
Many edibles and tinctures are sold in cannabinoid ratios:
- 1:1 (CBD:THC). Reduces THC peak intensity, useful for anxiety-prone or new users.
- 2:1. More CBD than THC; mild psychoactivity, strong anxiolytic.
- 5:1, 10:1, 20:1. CBD-dominant; often barely psychoactive.
- THC + CBN. Sleep formulations; CBN amplifies sedation.
- THC + CBG. Daytime / focus formulations.
Compliance
Adults 21+ only · Keep out of reach of children and pets · Cannabis cannot be transported across state lines · Do not drive or operate machinery under the influence · CBD products derived from hemp (< 0.3% THC) are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, but products sold in licensed dispensaries are regulated by Nevada CCB.
For terpene context, see Terpenes Guide. For chemovar context, see Indica vs Sativa. For dose-by-format context, see Edibles Dosing Chart.
Greenleaf Wellness is licensed by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. 1730 Glendale Avenue, Sparks NV 89431. Adults 21+ only. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
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Questions worth asking, answers from real budtenders.
1730 Glendale Avenue · Sparks NV · 8 AM–10 PM daily.
You must be 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID to purchase cannabis products at Greenleaf Wellness.
Cannabis may impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of cannabis.
Greenleaf Wellness is a licensed Nevada cannabis dispensary operating under retail license D056 and cultivation license RC050, regulated by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. Cannabis cannot be transported across state lines.