Cannabinoids for Dummies: What They Actually Do Besides Get You Baked
Hey you lil heathens,
Thought this chart might be useful for those newer to the Cannabis Scene still trying to figure out which cannabinoids do what beyond the usual "this one gets you high, this one doesn't" oversimplification. This is in no way comprehensive and just a basic reference that I will explain.
Let's break this down for those newer to the scene:
THC - The OG that we all know. Beyond the psychoactive effects, it's pretty impressive for pain management and inflammation reduction. Most interesting to me is how it handles neuropathic pain when other treatments fail. The appetite stimulation is a double-edged sword depending on your situation. Obviously I can access this through my medical program, but I recognize most here are looking at alternatives. High-THC strains: GSC, GG4, Bruce Banner, Kosher Kush, and pretty much anything labeled "Wedding" these days. Medical program stuff routinely hits 25-30% while most Farm Bill products aim for that D8/D9 workaround.
CBD - The darling of the mainstream market. It's decent for anxiety without the high, but the dosing needs to be much higher than what most commercial products provide to be truly effective. The anti-seizure properties are legitimately proven, though. The "controls certain cancers" claim needs more research, but there are promising studies. High-CBD strains: ACDC, Charlotte's Web, Harlequin, Cannatonic, Remedy. These typically test below 1% THC while delivering 12-20% CBD, making them fully Farm Bill compliant.
CBN - The sleep cannabinoid that's gaining popularity. It forms naturally as THC degrades, which is why those old stashes make you sleepy instead of energetic. The free radical fighting properties are less discussed but potentially significant for long-term health. High-CBN sources: Aged cannabis, particularly old Kush strains. Few strains naturally produce high CBN, but Bubble Gum and Purple Punch tend to convert to CBN faster when aged. Most CBN products are made through controlled degradation of THC.
CBG - The "mother cannabinoid" that eventually converts to other compounds. The bone stimulation properties make it interesting for osteoporosis patients. Still relatively expensive to isolate in large quantities, which is why you don't see it as often. High-CBG strains: White CBG, Jack Frost, Stem Cell, John Snow, and Lemon Cream Diesel - all hybridized specifically for CBG production through genetic selection to prevent the conversion to other cannabinoids.
THCA - The unheated precursor to THC that's technically Farm Bill compliant until decarboxylated (heated). Cancer cell growth inhibition studies are preliminary but interesting. Many users report anti-inflammatory effects without significant psychoactivity when consumed raw. High-THCA sources: There is an entire market we all frequent for this. Particularly Ghost OG, Pineapple Express, and Bubba Kush when harvested at peak ripeness but consumed without heating/smoking.
THCV - The appetite suppressant cannabinoid (opposite of THC). The diabetes research is particularly interesting and could lead to pharmaceutical applications. Rarely found in high concentrations in most strains, which is why it's not discussed as much. High-THCV strains: Doug's Varin, Pineapple Purps, Power Plant, Red Congolese, and certain African sativas. These are hard to find but becoming more available as interest grows.
CBC - Often overlooked but potentially powerful for pain management without psychoactivity. Works best in combination with other cannabinoids due to the entourage effect. High-CBC strains: Maui Dream, Purple Cadillac, and Black Beauty contain moderate amounts. True high-CBC varieties are still being developed since most breeding has focused on THC/CBD ratios.
The Entourage Effect - More Than Just Marketing BS
Let's address the elephant in the room. Some people (usually those selling isolates) claim the entourage effect is just marketing hype without scientific backing. Here's the reality:
Is it "proven" in the double-blind, placebo-controlled, peer-reviewed way pharmaceutical companies demand? Not comprehensively. But absence of evidence isn't evidence of absence.
What we do have: Numerous preclinical studies showing cannabinoids and terpenes modulate each other's effects. GW Pharmaceuticals' own research (for Sativex) demonstrated that whole-plant extracts were more effective than isolated THC. And ask literally any experienced user if a 20% THC full-spectrum product hits the same as a 20% THC distillate.
Let's get real for a second - the fact that different combinations of psychoactive compounds produce different effects is just basic pharmacology. We don't demand rigorous clinical trials to prove that mixing alcohol with caffeine feels different than alcohol alone. It's self-evident. Anyone who's tried D8 vs D9 vs HHC can tell you they hit differently despite all being THC analogs.
Adding terpenes and flavonoids to the mix just further complicates the chemical cocktail. We already know limonene affects mood, myrcene affects sedation, and pinene affects alertness - all established in non-cannabis research. The idea that these compounds somehow become inert when combined with cannabinoids is what would require extraordinary evidence, not the other way around.
This skepticism about the entourage effect is particularly ridiculous given how polypharmacy (using multiple drugs together) is a fundamental concept in medicine. We routinely combine drugs to create synergistic effects. Why would plant compounds behave differently? The demand for "proof" seems suspiciously motivated by companies trying to sell isolated compounds at premium prices.
The pharmaceutical model is built on single-molecule medicine because you can't patent a plant. There's limited financial incentive to fund the massive studies needed to "prove" what millions of users already know through direct experience.
My personal take after years in the medical program: Isolated cannabinoids have their place for specific purposes, but if you're looking for the full therapeutic potential, you want the whole spectrum working together. It's like comparing a symphony to a solo instrument - both have value, but they're fundamentally different experiences.
Worth noting that this chart simplifies a lot of complex interactions. The entourage effect (how cannabinoids work together) is probably more important than any individual compound. Also, individual body chemistry means your mileage may vary significantly.
What's been your experience with the lesser-known cannabinoids? Any noticeable effects from CBG or CBC products?
Sources:
- Journal of Cannabis Research - "Chemical composition of cannabis varieties" (2023)
- Project CBD - Cannabinoid Research Database
- NCBI - "The Endocannabinoid System: An Overview"
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative
- International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines
- Leafly's Cannabinoid Reference Guide
- Analytical Cannabis - "The Complete Guide to Cannabinoids"
- LabCanna Strain Profiles Database
- PubMed - Various studies on cannabinoid effects on inflammation
- Phylos Bioscience - Cannabis Genome Research
- Terpene & Testing Magazine - "Minor Cannabinoids: Major Effects"
- Ethan Russo, MD - "Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects"
- My own anecdotal experience as a PA MMP card holder (take with appropriate skepticism)
Hey you lil heathens,
Thought this chart might be useful for those newer to the Cannabis Scene still trying to figure out which cannabinoids do what beyond the usual "this one gets you high, this one doesn't" oversimplification. This is in no way comprehensive and just a basic reference that I will explain.
Let's break this down for those newer to the scene:
THC - The OG that we all know. Beyond the psychoactive effects, it's pretty impressive for pain management and inflammation reduction. Most interesting to me is how it handles neuropathic pain when other treatments fail. The appetite stimulation is a double-edged sword depending on your situation. Obviously I can access this through my medical program, but I recognize most here are looking at alternatives. High-THC strains: GSC, GG4, Bruce Banner, Kosher Kush, and pretty much anything labeled "Wedding" these days. Medical program stuff routinely hits 25-30% while most Farm Bill products aim for that D8/D9 workaround.
CBD - The darling of the mainstream market. It's decent for anxiety without the high, but the dosing needs to be much higher than what most commercial products provide to be truly effective. The anti-seizure properties are legitimately proven, though. The "controls certain cancers" claim needs more research, but there are promising studies. High-CBD strains: ACDC, Charlotte's Web, Harlequin, Cannatonic, Remedy. These typically test below 1% THC while delivering 12-20% CBD, making them fully Farm Bill compliant.
CBN - The sleep cannabinoid that's gaining popularity. It forms naturally as THC degrades, which is why those old stashes make you sleepy instead of energetic. The free radical fighting properties are less discussed but potentially significant for long-term health. High-CBN sources: Aged cannabis, particularly old Kush strains. Few strains naturally produce high CBN, but Bubble Gum and Purple Punch tend to convert to CBN faster when aged. Most CBN products are made through controlled degradation of THC.
CBG - The "mother cannabinoid" that eventually converts to other compounds. The bone stimulation properties make it interesting for osteoporosis patients. Still relatively expensive to isolate in large quantities, which is why you don't see it as often. High-CBG strains: White CBG, Jack Frost, Stem Cell, John Snow, and Lemon Cream Diesel - all hybridized specifically for CBG production through genetic selection to prevent the conversion to other cannabinoids.
THCA - The unheated precursor to THC that's technically Farm Bill compliant until decarboxylated (heated). Cancer cell growth inhibition studies are preliminary but interesting. Many users report anti-inflammatory effects without significant psychoactivity when consumed raw. High-THCA sources: There is an entire market we all frequent for this. Particularly Ghost OG, Pineapple Express, and Bubba Kush when harvested at peak ripeness but consumed without heating/smoking.
THCV - The appetite suppressant cannabinoid (opposite of THC). The diabetes research is particularly interesting and could lead to pharmaceutical applications. Rarely found in high concentrations in most strains, which is why it's not discussed as much. High-THCV strains: Doug's Varin, Pineapple Purps, Power Plant, Red Congolese, and certain African sativas. These are hard to find but becoming more available as interest grows.
CBC - Often overlooked but potentially powerful for pain management without psychoactivity. Works best in combination with other cannabinoids due to the entourage effect. High-CBC strains: Maui Dream, Purple Cadillac, and Black Beauty contain moderate amounts. True high-CBC varieties are still being developed since most breeding has focused on THC/CBD ratios.
The Entourage Effect - More Than Just Marketing BS
Let's address the elephant in the room. Some people (usually those selling isolates) claim the entourage effect is just marketing hype without scientific backing. Here's the reality:
Is it "proven" in the double-blind, placebo-controlled, peer-reviewed way pharmaceutical companies demand? Not comprehensively. But absence of evidence isn't evidence of absence.
What we do have: Numerous preclinical studies showing cannabinoids and terpenes modulate each other's effects. GW Pharmaceuticals' own research (for Sativex) demonstrated that whole-plant extracts were more effective than isolated THC. And ask literally any experienced user if a 20% THC full-spectrum product hits the same as a 20% THC distillate.
Let's get real for a second - the fact that different combinations of psychoactive compounds produce different effects is just basic pharmacology. We don't demand rigorous clinical trials to prove that mixing alcohol with caffeine feels different than alcohol alone. It's self-evident. Anyone who's tried D8 vs D9 vs HHC can tell you they hit differently despite all being THC analogs.
Adding terpenes and flavonoids to the mix just further complicates the chemical cocktail. We already know limonene affects mood, myrcene affects sedation, and pinene affects alertness - all established in non-cannabis research. The idea that these compounds somehow become inert when combined with cannabinoids is what would require extraordinary evidence, not the other way around.
This skepticism about the entourage effect is particularly ridiculous given how polypharmacy (using multiple drugs together) is a fundamental concept in medicine. We routinely combine drugs to create synergistic effects. Why would plant compounds behave differently? The demand for "proof" seems suspiciously motivated by companies trying to sell isolated compounds at premium prices.
The pharmaceutical model is built on single-molecule medicine because you can't patent a plant. There's limited financial incentive to fund the massive studies needed to "prove" what millions of users already know through direct experience.
My personal take after years in the medical program: Isolated cannabinoids have their place for specific purposes, but if you're looking for the full therapeutic potential, you want the whole spectrum working together. It's like comparing a symphony to a solo instrument - both have value, but they're fundamentally different experiences.
Worth noting that this chart simplifies a lot of complex interactions. The entourage effect (how cannabinoids work together) is probably more important than any individual compound. Also, individual body chemistry means your mileage may vary significantly.
What's been your experience with the lesser-known cannabinoids? Any noticeable effects from CBG or CBC products?
Sources:
- Journal of Cannabis Research - "Chemical composition of cannabis varieties" (2023)
- Project CBD - Cannabinoid Research Database
- NCBI - "The Endocannabinoid System: An Overview"
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative
- International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines
- Leafly's Cannabinoid Reference Guide
- Analytical Cannabis - "The Complete Guide to Cannabinoids"
- LabCanna Strain Profiles Database
- PubMed - Various studies on cannabinoid effects on inflammation
- Phylos Bioscience - Cannabis Genome Research
- Terpene & Testing Magazine - "Minor Cannabinoids: Major Effects"
- Ethan Russo, MD - "Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects"
- My own anecdotal experience as a PA MMP card holder (take with appropriate skepticism)