If you're familiar with CBD, you may have noticed other popular acronyms making their way into wellness discussions and onto store shelves. CBD and its cannabinoid derivatives, CBG, CBC, and CBN have captured the attention of experts from various fields. If all these letters have you a bit confused, don't worry! We will break down what these compounds are, and by the end of this article, you should be an expert on the CBD family.
Source: Found in both hemp and marijuana plants, but only CBD extracted from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC is legal in most states due to the Hemp Farming Act of 2018.
Psychoactivity: Non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn't produce a "high".
Uses: Can be consumed in various forms, including tinctures, oils, vapes, patches, capsules, and topicals.
Benefits: Often used for anxiety, pain, inflammation, sleep disorders, epilepsy, among other conditions. It can also modulate the psychoactive effects of THC.
Recommendation: Because it's not FDA regulated, it's advisable to buy from reputable sources.
Source: Found in young hemp plants in its acidic form, CBGA. CBGA is the precursor to many cannabinoids, including CBD and THC.
Psychoactivity: Non-psychoactive.
Properties: Directly binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, which might offer a more efficient delivery of benefits.
Benefits: While still under research, CBG is believed to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-tumor properties.
Extraction: Because most hemp plants contain only about 1% CBG, farmers are exploring ways to breed plants with higher CBG content.
Source: Found in cannabis plants.
Psychoactivity: Non-psychoactive.
Properties: Does not bind directly to the primary cannabinoid receptors in the brain but enhances the effects of other cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Interactions: CBC interacts with anandamide, a naturally occurring endocannabinoid. This interaction can result in mood enhancement and fear reduction.
Benefits: Has anti-inflammatory effects and may also have anti-depressant, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.
Source: Formed when THC ages and breaks down, which is why it's often found in older cannabis.
Psychoactivity: Can be mildly psychoactive in larger doses.
Properties: As THC degrades, it turns into CBN. While not as potent as THC, it still has some effect on the brain.
Benefits: Believed to be a potent sedative and is often associated with inducing sleep. Other potential benefits include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticonvulsant properties.
Source: Delta-8 THC is a less potent analogue of the well-known Delta-9 THC. While both are psychoactive, Delta-8 offers a milder high. Potential benefits and features include:
Reduced Psychoactivity: Delta-8 THC tends to produce a clearer-headed high compared to Delta-9 THC.
Benefits:
Anti-nausea There's evidence suggesting that Delta-8 THC can help reduce nausea, especially in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Appetite Stimulant: Like Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 can also stimulate appetite.
Anxiety Reduction: Some users report that Delta-8 THC provides a calming effect without inducing anxiety or paranoia, which can sometimes occur with high doses of Delta-9 THC.
Pain and Inflammation: Delta-8 may also have potential as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Source: Delta-10 THC is another analogue of Delta-9 THC but is found in much smaller quantities in the cannabis plant. Research on this cannabinoid is still in its infancy, but some potential benefits and features include:
Benefits:
Stimulation: Some users report feeling more energized and alert after consuming Delta-10 THC.
Reduced Anxiety: Similar to Delta-8, some users find Delta-10 offers a reduced anxiety profile compared to Delta-9 THC.
Creativity Boost: Anecdotal reports suggest that Delta-10 might boost creativity.
Source: CBDV is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and is similar in structure to CBD (cannabidiol). Potential benefits include:
Benefits:
Anticonvulsant Properties: Preliminary research indicates that CBDV may be beneficial for individuals with epilepsy. Some studies suggest that CBDV may have anticonvulsant effects, which could potentially help in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.
Neuroprotective Properties: Early research hints at the potential of CBDV in providing neuroprotection.
Anti-inflammatory: Like many other cannabinoids, CBDV may possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Potential Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Treatment: Preliminary studies are examining the potential therapeutic benefits of CBDV for autism.
Now that you know the difference between the cannabinoid compounds above, you'll be better informed to make a decision on which you prefer.
Sources: 16 Dawidowicz AJ, Olszowy-Tomczyk M, Typek R. CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia. 2021;152:104915. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104915
