What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate things like mood, pain, appetite, and sleep.

Here are some of the most well-known cannabinoids:

THC / Delta-9 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most common type of cannabinoid in cannabis. It is responsible for the psychoactive or “high” effect. It’s similar to the cannabinoid chemicals made naturally from the body. It can offer pain relief from both regular and neuropathic pain, treat PTSD and anxiety, reduce vomiting and nausea, suppress muscle spasms, and stimulate the appetite.

• Main effect: Psychoactive (creates the "high" sensation)

• Potential benefits: Pain relief, stress reduction, increased appetite, relaxation

CBD (Cannabidiol)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It’s known for regulating physiological responses such as chronic pain, memory, appetite, and mood. It can treat a variety of issues including pain, bacteria growth, blood sugar levels, vomiting and nausea, seizures, insomnia, and more. 

• Main effect: Non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t cause a high

• Potential benefits: Anxiety relief, anti-inflammatory properties, pain management, potential help with seizures (FDA-approved for certain types of epilepsy)

CBN (Cannabinol)

Cannabinol (CBN) is a lesser known cannabinoid and is formed when THC ages. It can be artificially created when heated and exposed to oxygen and UV light or it can be sourced when the plants dry naturally. It can help with pain relief, insomnia, and suppress muscle spasms. 

• Main effect: Mildly psychoactive

• Potential benefits: Sleep aid, anti-inflammatory, potential pain relief

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of the more minor cannabinoids but has risen in popularity as a powerful and non-intoxicating option. Preliminary research indicates that one of the health benefits of this cannabinoid is its anti-inflammatory properties that might rival those of CBD. It can fight bacteria, treat glaucoma, reduce inflammation, promote bone growth and provide relief for neurodegenerative diseases. 

• Main effect: Non-psychoactive

• Potential benefits: Antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory, potential in fighting cancer cells, may aid in treating glaucoma

CBC (Cannabichromene)

Cannabichromene (CBC) can intensify the effects that THC has on the body. It doesn’t bind with CB1 or CB2 receptors, but with TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors which are the signals for pain in the body. Some effects of this cannabinoid are anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antibacterial, and antifungal.

• Main effect: Non-psychoactive

• Potential benefits: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, potential to reduce acne and skin conditions

CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)

Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid like CBD. There is little medical research on the health benefits of this cannabinoid but early studies suggest that it can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and Huntington’s Disease.  

• Main effect: Non-psychoactive

• Potential benefits: Early research suggests it may help treat inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and Huntington’s disease.

CGCA (Cannabigerolic Acid)

CGCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known to reduce inflammation. It’s found in cannabis plants with low THC and high CBD levels. It reacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and counteracts the effects of paranoia sometimes caused by high levels of THC. 

• Main effect: Non-psychoactive

• Potential benefits: Reduces inflammation, counteracts paranoia sometimes caused by high THC levels. Found in cannabis plants with low THC and high CBD.

CBCA (Cannabichromenic Acid)

CBCA is produced by CBGA in cannabis plants. It then produces other cannabinoids like CBC, CBL, and CBLA when heated or aged. Two of the health benefits of this cannabinoid are its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. 

• Main effect: Non-psychoactive

• Potential benefits: Anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. CBCA is a precursor to other cannabinoids like CBC, CBL, and CBLA when heated or aged.

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the inactive compound found in the raw cannabis plant. When heated or aged, THCA is converted into THC. THCA inhibits growth in tumor cells, suppresses muscle spasms, and can be effective in reducing inflammation and managing pain. 

• Main effect: Non-psychoactive (in raw form)

• Potential benefits: Inhibits tumor growth, suppresses muscle spasms, reduces inflammation, and helps manage pain. Converts to THC when heated.

CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)

Cannabidiolic (CBDA) acid is a derivative of CBD and has the same anti-inflammatory benefits. When heated, CBD becomes CBDA. Research into this cannabinoid is still early but suggests that it could be effective for treating nausea, depression, and anxiety. 

• Main effect: Non-psychoactive

• Potential benefits: Anti-inflammatory, early research suggests it may help with nausea, depression, and anxiety. CBDA is a precursor to CBD when heated.

THCV (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a compound found in minute amounts in the cannabis plant. THCV bonds with multiple transient receptors and contributes to the cannabis plant with its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. It suppresses appetite and helps with weight loss, reduces seizures and convulsions, and promotes bone growth. 

• Main effect: Psychoactive in high doses, non-psychoactive in low doses

• Potential benefits: Suppresses appetite, aids in weight loss, reduces seizures and convulsions, promotes bone growth, and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

THC-P (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol)

• Main effect: Psychoactive, much stronger than THC (about 30 times more binding affinity to CB1 receptors)

• Potential benefits: May help with pain relief, anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, and sleep disorders, but research is still limited. THC-P is known for its potency and long-lasting effects.

HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)

• Main effect: Mildly psychoactive (less potent than THC, but similar effects)

• Potential benefits: Early research indicates it may help with pain relief, inflammation, and anxiety. HHC is also more stable than THC, making it less susceptible to degradation by heat or UV light.

Delta-8 THC

• Main effect: Psychoactive, but milder than Delta-9 THC

• Potential benefits: Provides a more clear-headed high with less anxiety and paranoia. Delta-8 THC is used for pain management, anti-nausea, appetite stimulation, and anxiety relief.

Delta-10 THC

• Main effect: Psychoactive, but less potent than Delta-9 THC

• Potential benefits: Known for providing a more energizing and uplifting experience. Delta-10 is reported to help with focus and creativity, making it useful during daytime use.

CBL (Cannabicyclol)

• Main effect: Non-psychoactive

• Potential benefits: Not well-studied, but early research suggests potential anti-inflammatory properties. CBL forms as other cannabinoids break down over time and is often found in aged cannabis.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in the essential oils of plants, including cannabis. Terpenes contribute to the smell and flavor of cannabis, but they also have therapeutic properties that can influence your overall experience.

Common Terpenes in Cannabis:

Myrcene

• Aroma: Earthy, musky, clove-like

• Potential benefits: Relaxation, sedative effects, muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory

• Found in: Mangoes, thyme, lemongrass

Limonene

• Aroma: Citrus, lemon

• Potential benefits: Mood enhancement, stress relief, antifungal, anti-anxiety

• Found in: Citrus fruits, rosemary, juniper

Linalool

• Aroma: Floral, lavender

• Potential benefits: Anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, potential sedative effects

• Found in: Lavender, coriander

Pinene

• Aroma: Pine, fresh

• Potential benefits: Bronchodilator (helps open airways), anti-inflammatory, memory retention

• Found in: Pine needles, basil, parsley

Caryophyllene

• Aroma: Spicy, peppery

• Potential benefits: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, may help with anxiety and depression

• Found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon

Potential Medical Benefits of Cannabinoids & Terpenes

Research is ongoing, but cannabinoids and terpenes are being studied for a wide range of potential medical uses. Here are some of the most promising areas:

• Pain Management: Cannabinoids like THC and CBD have shown potential in reducing chronic pain and inflammation, which can be beneficial for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines.

• Anxiety & Depression Relief: Terpenes such as limonene and cannabinoids like CBD may have calming effects that help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression without the intoxicating effects of THC.

• Sleep Improvement: Both cannabinoids like CBN and terpenes like myrcene and linalool are known for their relaxing and sedative properties, potentially helping with insomnia.

• Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties: Many cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBC) and terpenes (myrcene, pinene) exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which may aid in treating conditions like Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and autoimmune disorders.

How Cannabinoids Work with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a network of receptors (CB1 and CB2) found throughout the body. Cannabinoids interact with these receptors to help regulate a wide range of physiological processes:

• CB1 Receptors: Primarily located in the brain and central nervous system, responsible for mood, appetite, and pain perception.

• CB2 Receptors: Primarily found in the immune system, involved in reducing inflammation and immune response.

At Mav Co. we care

At Mav Co., we are passionate about helping you understand how cannabinoids and terpenes work to enhance your overall wellness. Whether you’re seeking relief or simply looking to elevate your experience, our products are crafted with care and knowledge.