What are cannabinoids? If you know about CBD, you most likely know that CBD is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. But what about the other, lesser-known cannabinoids? There are over 100 different cannabinoids in the hemp plant, so it’s helpful to understand what each one brings to the table when you’re shopping for products to add to your regime.

CBD has some pretty impressive friends, like CBN and CBG, but they don’t get as much attention as CBD or the somewhat infamous THC. Since cannabinoid research is relatively young, in many respects, we’re still learning about all the benefits these compounds have to offer.

Still, what we’ve discovered so far is very exciting.

SO, WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?

Most of us start with limited knowledge when it comes to cannabinoids — canna what?!

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds (a class of lipophilic molecules) found in the cannabis Sativa plant.

Since there are many cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, the main distinction between them is the level of psychoactivity and the benefit they provide to consumers. But perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects is how the human body produces its own cannabinoids, also known as endocannabinoids.

Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant mimic endocannabinoid function in the body, producing various effects (depending on the cannabinoid). The endocannabinoid system can best be described as a complex, cell-signaling system that heavily influences some of the body’s most essential functions, like sleep, mood, and pain. This happens when the cannabinoids attach to receptors on certain cell surfaces, but most notably, the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Now that we’ve covered what cannabinoids are, let’s look at the most popular ones.

THC: DELTA-9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL

THC entered our public consciousness first, with a combination of controversy and glory. Some people associate THC with a slew of negative effects, because it contains psychoactive properties. For some people, the good news is this is one of the only cannabinoids that produces any type of “high.” This happens when the THC molecule attaches to the CB1 receptor in the brain.

The good news for CBD consumers is that CBD products contain little (less that 0.3%, by law) or no THC. So, when you’re shopping for CBD, you needn’t worry about its naughty cousin getting you in trouble.

CBD: CANNABIDIOL

CBD is the second-most-known cannabinoid, although it differs quite a bit from THC. The psychoactive properties of marijuana are a result of THC levels that can go upward of 30%, but CBD only contains trace amounts, less than 0.3%.

THC compounds bind to the CB1 receptor in the brain, but CBD compounds bind to the CB2 receptors in the central nervous system. This distinction provides your body with a different range of therapeutic properties, including beneficial effects on sleep, pain management, and overall wellness.

As you can see, it’s an intricate and complex process following cannabinoids through the body to see how they function, but pretty cool nonetheless. This brings us to our topic of discussion: minor cannabinoids. Here’s a good way to think about minor cannabinoids: the more you have, the better your product works.

Why?

This occurs because all of those compounds — major cannabinoids, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes — have unique effects on the body, so when they’re all together, they work in harmony to enhance your experience. This is known as the “Entourage Effect.”

Let’s say “hi” to a few of CBD’s good friends, a.k.a. minor cannabinoids.

CBG: CANNABIGEROL

CBG stands for cannabigerol, and it’s another non-psychoactive compound found in the early stages of the hemp plant. It works within our physiological systems to produce astounding effects. When CBD and CBG are consumed together, they have the opportunity to work synergistically — providing a deeper level of therapeutic effects, thanks to the aforementioned “Entourage Effect.”

CBG is known as the “mother cannabinoid” of the cannabis plant. Interesting name, right? Well, CBG is actually the first of the cannabinoids to take form before converting into other compounds. It starts out as CBGA or “cannabigerol acid,” and as the plant matures, it transforms into either THCA, CBDA, or CBCA. Once these compounds are exposed to the decarboxylation process, they drop their carboxyl acid and become THC, CBD, and CBC.

For this reason, those working with CBG have to extract it from the plant in the early stages of growth — and that extraction window is tiny. If it’s not harvested at the perfect moment, it will convert into a different compound.

All in all, CBG is the “mother cannabinoid” because it gives life to the other cannabinoids. Most of us know about CBD and have positive experiences related to it. So, with CBG responsible for its development, it’s hard to imagine not liking the benefits CBG is capable of providing.

As noted, CBG has a short window that makes it harder to come by. There’s another issue, as well. The hemp plant’s genetics only show it containing around 1% of CBG, compared to the 20% of CBD that’s present. So, cultivators, who have the primary focus of extracting CBG, have to work harder to get a fraction of the amount they’re generally able to extract. But this precious cannabinoid is worth the effort.

CBN: CANNABINOL

CBN stands for cannabinol. It’s another non-psychoactive cannabinoid, but instead of being there at the beginning of the process like CBG, CBN forms after THC ages for some time.

Interestingly, back in 1986, people thought CBN was responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis, but after thorough research, they discovered THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) was responsible for the psychoactive effects. Since CBN technically comes about from aged THC, it was hard for people in certain states to take advantage of its tranquil effects. Still, these days, we can isolate cannabinoids — CBN included.

CBN embodies therapeutic effects very similar to CBD, but with an emphasis on tranquility. Plus, CBN is known to bind to the CB1 receptor, strengthening the “Entourage Effect.”

CBN is known as “The Ultimate Relaxation” cannabinoid, because it produces a calming effect that results in healthy sleeping habits and better wellness habits in general.

CBC: CANNABICHROMENE

Here we have another non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid, known for its beneficial therapeutic properties. CBC may positively impact brain health and development — increasing the vitality of brain cells through neurogenesis. So, it makes sense that this minor cannabinoid works its magic through the CB1 receptor.

As you can see, each cannabinoid provides its own unique benefits. Let’s take a peek at some of our favorite minor cannabinoid-infused products.

CBV: Cannabivarin

We’ve covered quite a few cannabinoids already, but we still need to touch on the therapeutic benefits of CBV, also known as Cannabivarin.

This minor cannabinoid is also a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, with the effects resembling the tranquil properties of CBN. However, CBV is often praised for its ability to connect with the endocannabinoid system, along with the neurological benefits it provides.

PRODUCTS WE LOVE WITH MINOR CANNABINOIDS

All this talk about minor cannabinoids has likely piqued your interest, especially if you already love CBD. Since it can be somewhat challenging to navigate new products, we’ve taken the time to spotlight some of our favorites, which contain some of these minor cannabinoids.

Wellness is pretty broad in a general sense, but most of us know we want to enhance this aspect of our lives. If this sentiment resonates with you, our CBD + CBG Wellness Tincture may be just what you’re looking for. It contains the ideal 2:1 ratio of CBD to CBG, plus curcumin and coenzyme Q10, both of which possess natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It’s a powerful compound that provides a wide range of benefits, shielding your body from certain diseases and illnesses. Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, has a wide range of health benefits, as well. CoQ10 is a nutrient that is naturally produced within our bodies and plays a vital role in energy production and much more, but as we get older, the natural production of this nutrient slows.

This Wellness Tincture contains a few other cannabinoids, as well. With CBG, CBC, and CBD-V, you’re able to boost the “Entourage Effect” and gain a deeper level of benefits.

We’ve already touched on the sedative effects of CBN, so it probably comes as no surprise we decided to create a capsule to enhance the quality of your sleep routine. Our CBD + CBN Night Capsules contain CBD, CBN, magnesium, valerian root, and GABA to ensure you get the same quality of sleep every time your precious head lands on your pillow.

These caps contain everything your mind and body needs to wind down for bedtime and sleep peacefully through the night without interruption.

SO YEAH, MINOR CANNABINOIDS ARE A BIG DEAL

Minor cannabinoids are the best friends CBD can have. The more cannabinoids your product has, the better experience you’ll have, since those compounds can work synergistically to activate the “Entourage Effect.”

The hemp industry is growing by the minute (pun intended), which means we’re constantly learning more about these incredible compounds every day. So, who knows what great benefit we’ll uncover next!

Source Article: Author: Paaez Coleman - CBDfx