Cannabinoids: The Complete Overview of All Cannabis Compounds

Interest in cannabinoids is steadily increasing. And yet, humanity has been using these active compounds from the hemp plant for millennia – and not just for smoking.

In modern times, the most well-known cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was long the focus. Meanwhile, we know: cannabis can do so much more! With over one hundred different cannabinoids, which have very different properties and effects.

We will examine which cannabinoids are currently known and being investigated, and what effects they have on our nervous system, immune system, inflammation, pain perception, and mood. We will also explain the difference between natural and synthetic cannabinoids and clarify what full-spectrum oils are all about.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the body's own endocannabinoid system. This system regulates numerous processes such as pain perception, mood, appetite, sleep, and even our immune system's responses. It consists of receptors in the brain and body and is actually designed to interact with endogenous signaling molecules, known as endocannabinoids ("endogenous cannabinoids").

Plant-based cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), such as those found in the cannabis plant Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, partly mimic these endogenous active substances or influence/supplement their effect on the (endo)cannabinoid receptors. This explains why substances like THC and CBD bring about the multitude of effects they have on the body.

The effects of THC are generally well-known. Those who smoke or vaporize flowers or extracts of the cannabis plant get "high" - with effects ranging from relaxation and drowsiness to euphoria, exhilaration, or increased appetite. The particularly strong efficacy of THC is attributed to its binding to the body's CB1 receptor. This makes it psychoactive and allows it to relieve pain particularly well.

CBD, on the other hand, acts more indirectly by influencing the receptors and their interaction with the body's own cannabinoids. This is referred to as "modulation" of the receptors. You can find an overview of the effect of CBD on the endocannabinoid system in our article The Endocannabinoid System: How CBD works in your body.

But that's not all. While almost everyone is now familiar with THC and CBD, the list of cannabinoids is actually much longer. Substances such as CBN (Cannabinol), CBG (Cannabigerol), or CBC (Cannabichromene) occur in smaller quantities but can have very interesting effects. In addition to cannabinoids, researchers now distinguish several subclasses: acidic precursors like THCA or CBDA, cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and oxidized degradation products like CBN.

The following overview shows the ten most important cannabinoids, their main effects, and the status of research.

As you can see, with some cannabinoids, we're already quite far along, while with others, research is still in its infancy. Furthermore, not all cannabinoids have been fully identified yet.

Although about 120-150 cannabinoids have already been isolated and described from the hemp plant, the cannabis plant is chemically extremely complex, and the exact number is probably even higher. Many of these molecules occur only in tiny amounts (and are therefore sometimes referred to as "minor cannabinoids") and are technically difficult to isolate and study.

Furthermore, cannabinoids can change during the growth of the hemp plant and during processing, for example, when THC converts to CBN under the influence of heat. This creates further substances. In addition to plant-based phytocannabinoids, there is also a growing number of synthetic cannabinoids that are produced entirely in the laboratory and generally do not occur in the plant, or only in negligible amounts.

Even when it comes to pharmacological and medical use, research still has a lot to do: While THC and CBD are already medically approved for certain indications - such as chronic pain, epilepsy, or nausea during chemotherapy - scientists are continuously discovering new potential for other cannabinoids. CBG could play a role in inflammatory bowel diseases in the future (2), CBDV is being investigated in connection with rare epilepsies (3), and THCV is the focus of research when it comes to diabetes and obesity. (4)

When talking about cannabinoids and their effects, it's hard to avoid mentioning the entourage effect. This refers to the interplay of different cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds in the hemp plant, which together create a stronger or more balanced effect than individual isolated substances could.

A well-known example is the interaction of THC and CBD: while THC causes psychoactive effects, CBD can mitigate these and simultaneously contribute its own positive properties, such as a calming or anxiety-relieving effect. (1) The same applies to cannabinoids like CBG or CBC, which, while less researched individually, show a significant effect when combined with other ingredients.

The entourage effect also explains why full-spectrum extracts are often perceived as particularly effective and well-tolerated. They provide the natural interplay of the plant in an almost unaltered form, allowing the body to benefit from a wide range of effects.

A key difference in cannabinoids lies in their origin and production. Phytocannabinoids are derived directly from the hemp plant. They are formed during growth in the flowers and resin glands and can be extracted. Typical examples include THC, CBD, or CBG.

Synthetic cannabinoids, on the other hand, are artificially produced in a laboratory. Some replicas are very similar to THC and bind strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain. Others have entirely new structures and mechanisms of action.

While phytocannabinoids have been used in traditional applications for millennia, synthetic cannabinoids can be problematic. They are often significantly more potent or can have unpredictable effects, ranging from hallucinations to severe poisoning.

Since many of these substances do not fall under the German Narcotics Act, there has been a real hype in recent years surrounding so-called "Legal Highs" – substances with which one could get high without having to fear problems with the authorities. The consequences were sometimes dramatic, as reported by the Caritas Bayern Mindzone information portal. (5) Also, the idea that these substances were actually legal was often simply wrong.

Research uses synthetic cannabinoids to understand certain mechanisms or to specifically develop medications. They are not suitable for use by private consumers!

Compared to synthetic and isolated cannabinoids, natural extracts and oils are generally the better choice. The crucial point, in addition to the more natural production methods, is the aforementioned entourage effect: in a full-spectrum extract, cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant substances work together and reinforce each other. This not only leads to a more comprehensive effect but also to better tolerability.

Furthermore, natural extracts are better researched than novel synthetic compounds. Especially for known phytocannabinoids, there is a whole range of publications that confirm their efficacy and provide guidance on safe dosage and application.

If you want to try CBD products, pay close attention to high quality. Reputable manufacturers provide all the necessary information about the origin of the raw materials and the production process. Laboratory analyses confirm which cannabinoids are present and in what proportions, allowing you to accurately understand what you are consuming. The THC content is also reduced to a minimum, so you don't have to fear any unwanted psychoactive effects.

Cannabinoids are much more than just THC and CBD. Hemp offers a whole rainbow of active ingredients, and our understanding of cannabis is expanding almost daily. With each new cannabinoid discovered and researched, the realization grows that the plant holds enormous potential for health, well-being, and medicine. Research into the entourage effect also makes it clear: nature has given us a small miracle with the hemp plant, whose individual substances work less well on their own than when we consume it in its natural form - e.g., as a natural oil.

While synthetic cannabinoids provide valuable services in research, for everyday life it is clear: natural phytocannabinoids in the form of full-spectrum oils and extracts are and remain the best choice for a conscious and mindful life. Our journey into the world of cannabinoids has only just begun - and will certainly remain exciting.

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