What Are Minor Cannabinoids?

What are minor cannabinoids, and why are they important?

You’ve probably already heard of the cannabis components THC and CBD, but did you know that there are more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant? While major cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, exist in large quantities, minor cannabinoids only form a small percentage of the plant’s profile.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. While there is still a lot of research to be done, we know that humans have cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 (mostly in the brain) and CB2 (mostly found in the immune system), which influences one’s appetite, mood and pain responses.

The entourage effect

The entourage effect refers to the idea that these minor cannabinoids work together with major cannabinoids like THC and CBD, as well as terpenes, to produce a more enhanced effect than if each compound was used separately.

In this analogy, THC and CBD are the star players, but there are also minor cannabinoids, like CBG and CBN, acting as supporting players. These minor cannabinoids might not get as much attention, but they play essential roles in how the team (or cannabis) performs. They can influence things like mood, pain relief, and relaxation, working alongside THC and CBD to enhance the overall experience.

CBG – Cannabigerol

CBGA, often referred to as the “mother cannabinoid” is produced in the plant’s trichomes and precursor of all other cannabinoids, including CBG, THC and CBD. CBG is a non-acidic form of CBGA, and is transformed into CBG when exposed to light and heat.

CBG, is the starting compound in the cannabis plant, young cannabis plants are typically used to source the cannabinoid because when the plant is fully grown, there isn’t much CBG left.

Like other cannabinoids, CBG interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body, primarily CB1 and CB2 receptors. While research is still in the preliminary stages, studies have shown that CBG can have a variety of positive effects on the body. Unlike THC, CBG isn’t psychoactive and when used alone, won’t leave you feeling “high”.

Potential Health Benefits of CBG

Anti-inflammatory: CBG may help reduce inflammation in the body. This could be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory disorders.

Pain relief: CBG may have analgesic properties, meaning it could help alleviate pain. This could make it useful for managing chronic pain conditions.

Neuroprotective: There is some evidence to suggest that CBG has neuroprotective properties, meaning it may help protect the brain from damage and degeneration. This could have implications for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Antibacterial and antimicrobial: CBG has shown promise in fighting bacterial infections. It may have antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, which could be useful in the development of new antibiotics or treatments for bacterial infections.

Appetite stimulation: Some studies suggest that CBG may stimulate appetite, which could be beneficial for individuals with conditions that cause appetite loss, such as cancer.

Glaucoma treatment: There is some research indicating that CBG may help reduce intraocular pressure, which could be beneficial for individuals with glaucoma.

Mood regulation: While more research is needed, some studies suggest that CBG may have potential effects on mood regulation and anxiety relief.

CBN – Cannabinol

CBN is a natural compound that develops as THC breaks down over time due to exposure to light and oxygen. As THC oxidizes, it converts into CBN. This is why higher amounts of CBN can be found in aged, dry cannabis. Have you ever smoked some old leftover bud, and found it makes you sleepier than usual? That’s the CBN at work! CBN can be known as the “weaker version of THC” because it can still produce mildly psychoactive effects.

Potential Health Benefits of CBN:

Sedative Properties: CBN is often associated with sedative effects, which may help promote relaxation and aid in sleep. Some research suggests that consuming cannabis products with higher levels of CBN could potentially improve sleep quality, making it a potential option for individuals with insomnia or other sleep disorders

Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is a common cause of muscle and joint pain, such as in conditions like arthritis. CBN, like other cannabinoids, has shown anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies. By reducing inflammation in affected tissues, CBN may help alleviate pain and improve mobility

Muscle Relaxation: CBN may have muscle-relaxing properties, which could help alleviate tension and stiffness in muscles surrounding joints. By promoting muscle relaxation, CBN may reduce the strain and discomfort associated with muscle spasms and tightness

Antibacterial Properties: CBN has demonstrated antibacterial properties in some studies. It may be effective against certain types of bacteria, potentially helping to fight infections.

CBC – Cannabichromene

CBC is another minor cannabinoid and while non-psychoactive, it still has several effects on the human body. First, it won’t give you a high because of its inability to bind to the CB1 receptors. However, it has shown the potential to help alleviate pain perception and increase the release of the body’s natural endocannabinoids. Research on CBC is still in its early stages, but studies suggest that it may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, and antidepressant properties, among other potential benefits.

Potential Health Benefits of CBC:

Pain Reliever: Like other cannabinoids, CBC may have analgesic properties, meaning it could help alleviate pain. It may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to modulate pain perception and reduce discomfort.

Anti-anxiety & Anti-depression: CBC has shown to work as an antidepressant in animal studies. It may interact with neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation, potentially offering relief for depression and other mood disorders.

Anti-Inflammation: CBC has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies. It may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and neuroinflammatory disorders.

THC-V – Tetrahydrocannabivarin

THC-V is a lesser known cannabinoid, considered to have mildly psychoactive effects. However they may be different from THC, THC-V is believed to have a more uplifting and stimulating effect, and some users have reported increased focus and creativity.

THC-V has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties and has been studied for various health benefits, including appetite suppression, blood sugar regulation, neuroprotection, and potentially managing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, epilepsy.

Potential Health Benefits of THC-V:

Appetite Suppression & Weight Loss: Unlike THC, which is largely responsible for “the munchies,” and is used to stimulate appetite, THC-V may actually dull your appetite and help with weight loss by blocking the receptor that triggers the “hunger hormone”. This is why THC-V can sometimes be known as the “Diet Weed”

Blood Sugar Regulation: Some research suggests that THC-V may have antidiabetic properties. It may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance. This could be beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Neuroprotective Effects: THC-V has shown potential neuroprotective effects in animal studies. It may help protect brain cells from damage and degeneration, offering potential therapeutic benefits for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Bone Health: There is emerging evidence to suggest that THC-V may play a role in promoting bone health and stimulating bone growth. This could have implications for conditions like osteoporosis and bone fractures.

CBG for giggles – uplifted, euphoric, and focused
CBN for night time – relaxed, sedative, muscle relaxation
CBC for calm – anxiety relief, anti inflammatory, pain relief
THC-V – appetite suppression, alert, focused

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“Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. We are not medical professionals, and the content shared here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. It is essential to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or physician before making any decisions regarding your health or starting any new treatment or regimen. Any questions or concerns regarding medical issues should be directed to a licensed healthcare provider or medical professional.”