5 Common Types of Cannabinoids

It may only seem like humans have been smoking weed for at most a few hundred years. But the history of THC goes much further back than that. Best estimates suggest that humans were using cannabis as long as 12,000 years ago.

Cannabinoids have a powerful effect on the body, and a plethora of benefits for human health. People take them to treat mental illness, disease, and even pain. But did you know that there are many different types of cannabinoids beyond THC?

There are far too many to discuss in one article, so we will focus on just a few. Keep reading for the five most common types of cannabinoids, and the benefits of cannabinoids.

1. The Most Common Types of Cannabinoids: THC

No cannabinoid guide would be complete without the world-renowned THC. THC is synonymous with marijuana, although by technicality it is only a component of cannabis. THC is what causes the high that people are familiar with after smoking a blunt.

THC works by activating your endocrine system, resulting in the buzz that can relieve pain and give you hunger cravings. The most common type of THC is Delta-9, which is what you might find in a typical blunt or brownie. But Delta-8 is a lesser known variation of THC that produces slightly different effects.

Delta-9 is the most common, with the highest concentrations in THC. Scientists have figured out how to extract it specifically, as well as Delta-8. By law, Delta-8 is often legal in states where Delta-9 THC is not.

Benefits of Cannabinoids with Delta-9 and 8

This is the compound that your doctor most likely will prescribe you for medical marijuana. Here are some of the proven benefits when you ingest THC:

• Chronic pain relief: THC works wonders to reduce pain of all kinds, and is often more effective than opioids--and less addictive
• Stimulation of the appetite: people with anorexia or other conditions may use THC to boost their desire to eat
• Anti-inflammatory effects: inflammation from conditions such as sclerosis or arthritis benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of THC
• Reduction in tumor growth: although studies are just preliminary, there is some evidence that THC reduces tumor size
• Alleviation of depression and anxiety: THC has a known effect on mood, particularly with mental illness like depression or anxiety

2. CBD (Cannabinol)

After THC, CBD is the most popular cannabinoid on the market. This is because, by legal loophole, it is technically legal. You can often find CBD and over-the-counter as well as online-purchased medical products.

It's important to know what LOQ means on a CBD package in the event you ever purchase CBD products. CBD, like Delta-8 THC, appears in cannabis in trace amounts. It appears in such small amounts that it may not even register in your bloodstream during a standard drug test.

CBD, unlike THC, does not produce the sort of high you are expecting. Rather, it has a more mellow effect. The most common use for CBD is sedatives in humans and some animals.

Benefits of CBD Cannabinoids

While you may not get that pleasurable recreational high, CBD still has benefits. Even though it is technically legal, it does have a powerful effect in certain situations.

• Sedative properties: those with insomnia or other sleeping difficulties will sleep easier with CBD
• Anti-inflammatory: same as above, those with inflammatory issues may benefit from CBD

3. THCa

Scientists refer to THCa as a precursor to the THC that you know and love. It metabolizes differently in your gut, and requires the heat (such as from smoking) to achieve activation.

However, THCa lacks the high that you experience with THC. Similar to CBD, it has more notable therapeutic effects despite not producing the high a recreational smoker is looking for.

In addition to the benefits of normal THC, THCa can also help with neuroprotective situations. For example, people with dementia such as Alzheimer's may benefit from THCa. Also, there is some evidence that it may help with seizures and other neuronal conditions.

4. CBG (Cannabigerol)

CBG is a close sister to THCa. It is also a precursor that seems to eventually form the THC that is most common in cannabis. Like CBD, it appears only in trace amounts and requires chemical extraction to get a useful quantity.

The benefits of CBG are virtually the same as CBD, albeit the addition of antibacterial properties. Like CBD, it will not show up in your bloodstream and it is legal simply because it is not THC.

If you are having trouble obtaining CBD, then you may be able to use CBG as an alternative. It is also an excellent alternative if you experience nausea or other negative side effects while using CBD.

5. CBN (Cannabinol)

This is the last one on our list of cannabinoids. Unfortunately, there is not much to say about CBN that differentiates it from the previous two cannabinoids. It is also a precursor that has similar effects on the body.

One notable difference is that CBN has been growing in popularity in recent years. As we've said before, it may be an alternative to CBD or CBN if you are experiencing negative side effects. And like the other two cannabinoids, you can purchase it legally online or over the counter.

Find Your Preferred Cannabinoid Today

The great thing about cannabis is you have many types of cannabinoids to choose from. If you tried THC and got sick, then consider CBD, CBG, or CBN. All of them are legal in most states, with the exception of THC and THCa.

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