CBD 101 – What Are Cannabinoids and What Do They Do?

You are probably very familiar with the two most famous cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). As a matter of fact, there are over about 114 cannabinoids naturally occurred in cannabis plants (hemp and marijuana).

Two of the more notable minor cannabinoids include cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN). And today, we are going to learn about some other cannabinoids even if they aren’t as famous as CBD and THC. They play very important roles for the holistic, entourage effect.

Today we’ll dive into the differences between CBG, CBN, and CBD, and how consumers are using them as part of their wellness routines. 

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a class of therapeutic phyto-chemical compounds that contribute to the unique health properties of cannabis. Cannabinoids are believed to elicit physiological effects by interacting with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) of our body.

While the researchers were investigating the pharmacological pathway of cannabis’ intoxicating effects, they discovered that mammals (humans, cats, dogs, and more) actually produce their own cannabinoid-like compounds called endocannabinoids (endo = within).

Endocannabinoids are the neurotransmitters that relay messages throughout the entire central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

The ECS is consisted of endocannabinoids, CB1 and CB2 receptors, and enzymes. By working together, they maintain the homeostasis (balance) for optimal bodily function.

Often time, we aren’t producing enough of our own endocannabinoids due to aging, injury, trauma, or stress issues. Supplementing phytocannabinoids (phyto=plant-derived) can support healthy levels of our endocannabinoids to facilitate these message pathways to support a balanced mind & body.

The most abundant cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are CBD and THC. Minor cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, and CBC make up the remaining majority bulk of the plant’s cannabinoid profile.

According to Farm Bill passed by the federal government, THC content by weight in hemp CBD oil must stay under 0.3% in order to be compliant.

If this sounds straightforward so far, let’s dive into the differences between CBD, CBG, and CBN. 

What Is CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a primary cannabinoid abundant in the hemp plant, and it’s the most researched cannabinoid.

We can thank this humble cannabinoid for bringing the cannabis plant, with a troubled history, into the mainstream after finding evidence to support its many natural therapeutic qualities.

Unlike its notorious cousin – THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and is considered a safe compound even at high doses. CBD has become a staple trend for many natural health seekers for promoting their physical and mental health.

One of the ways through which CBD works is by inhibiting the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids. Incorporating CBD into our system helps to keep our body’s endocannabinoid levels raised to support homeostasis — but there are other ways through which CBD interacts with the body too.

This includes interactions with our immune system to support normal inflammatory function, mediating receptors involved with the perception of soreness, and elevating neurotransmitter levels in the brain that regulate mood.

CBD on its own (CBD isolate) may support these health benefits. However, experts agree that CBD is much more effective alongside other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, CBC, and THC in a full spectrum or broad spectrum extract form.

What Is CBN?

CBN stands for cannabinol.

CBN is considered a minor cannabinoid found in more mature cannabis plants as THC starts to degrade from oxygen exposure. It has potential to be mildly psychoactive in extremely high doses, but overall experts deem it as a non-intoxicating compound as it’s not used in high doses for its psychoactive properties.

On its own, CBN isn’t as versatile in the endocannabinoid system as other cannabinoids.

CBN has been studied for its benefits towards healthy post-workout recovery and maintaining healthy brain function.

Because CBN is a metabolite of THC, research suggests that it increases the effects of THC, producing more pronounced intoxicating effects and drowsiness when taken together nick-naming it the “sleepy cannabinoid”.

There’s an emerging trend in the cannabis industry of marketing minor cannabinoids as specialized isolate products. However, there’s no supporting evidence to suggest that CBN or any cannabinoid as an isolate could produce increased benefits over full spectrum or broad spectrum hemp extracts.

Overall, CBN has a promising role as a supporting cannabinoid. Rather than seeking out CBN isolate products, you may want to opt for full spectrum extracts that contain higher levels of CBN to leverage its effects for brain function, relaxation, and exercise recovery.

What Is CBG?

CBG (cannabigerol) is the parent molecule to all cannabnoids including THC and CBD. It’s most abundant in young hemp plants, but as the cannabinoid matures, it transforms into the more biologically active cannabinoids. It’s only gained more popularity in recent years, but the studies have shared insights into CBG’s potential as a starring cannabinoid.

Like CBD, CBG is non-intoxicating. In fact, it may have properties that counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, which may reduce some of the adverse effects of the compound.

CBG and CBN show potential for supporting brain health, possibly leading to a greater capacity for focus and attention.

Similar to CBD, CBG helps slow down the breakdown of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. Higher levels of GABA may have potent calming effects that help to regulate stress and mood.

CBG as an isolate is difficult to source, as it requires harvesting hemp plants before maturity to yield higher concentrations of it, but it results in excluding many beneficial compounds. Like the other cannabinoids, CBG is better in a group than a solo act. 

What Is The Entourage Effect?

The term “entourage effect” comes from a phenomenon in herbal medicine called “synergy”, where naturally occurring botanical compounds work together to achieve stronger therapeutical effects and balance out potential side effects.

When one active compound is isolated, it becomes weaker.

The entourage effect refers to the synergy of cannabinoids from the hemp plant in compounding its effects in the endocannabinoid system. This is why you may have noticed that you may require higher doses of your CBD isolate to achieve the same level of effects as a full spectrum or broad spectrum extract.

CBD is the leader of the synergistic effect as it’s the most abundant cannabinoid harvested from hemp. CBN, CBG, and THC may help to increase the absorption of CBD and heighten its effects for supporting a sense of calm, post-workout recovery, and mental alertness.

The effect profile of a given extract will depend on the potency and the cannabinoid and terpene profile. 

Full Spectrum Vs Broad Spectrum

While all our full spectrum products contain up to the legal threshold of 0.3% THC and are non-intoxicating, there are certain scenarios where our customers may want to avoid THC altogether. For example, if their employment requires frequent drug testing.

Full spectrum and THC-free broad spectrum products should deliver the benefits of CBD, CBG, and CBN for the entourage effect, but check the brand’s Certificate of Analysis on the product to verify its cannabinoid and terpene contents. 

The Takeaway: Getting To Know Cannabinoids

If you’re looking to enjoy the benefits that the hemp plant has to offer, look for full spectrum or THC- or broad spectrum extracts that take advantage of the natural plant synergy of CBD, CBG, and CBN.

With more research emerging about the benefits of minor cannabinoids, you may encounter CBD brands offering CBN or CBG isolates as the “best new cannabinoid.” However, there’s no evidence to support that any cannabinoid, CBD included, is best consumed on its own.

As a best consumer practice, always refer to a company’s third-party lab testing report to read the hemp extract profile. This should provide information on the cannabinoids and terpenes present and their respective quantities, along with a contaminant report (pesticides, mycotoxins, solvent, and mold).