Get to Know Other Cannabinoids Found in Cannabis Varieties

An Educational Overview

Cannabis contains a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds known as cannabinoids. While CBD and THC are the most widely recognized, researchers have identified more than 100 unique cannabinoids, each formed through the plant’s internal biosynthetic pathways. These compounds vary in concentration depending on the plant variety, environmental factors, and genetics.

Understanding the broader cannabinoid spectrum offers insight into why different cultivars display distinctive characteristics and why certain compounds have become the focus of scientific interest.

Primary and Emerging Cannabinoids

Below is a compliant, research-based overview of several notable cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis varieties. All descriptions focus on scientific study areas, biosynthesis, and general characteristics—not medical outcomes.

Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

CBDV is commonly found in higher concentrations in Cannabis indica varieties. Research has examined CBDV in areas such as:

  • Neurological signaling

  • Bone biology

  • Metabolic pathways
    CBDV also serves as a biosynthetic precursor that can convert into other varin-type cannabinoids under specific conditions.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

THCV is a varin-type cannabinoid of growing interest due to its unique interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Scientific studies have explored THCV in:

  • Appetite and metabolic research

  • Cognitive and mood-related pathways

  • Neurological signaling
    THCV has a distinct chemical structure compared to THC, resulting in different receptor dynamics.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBG is often called the “precursor cannabinoid” because its acidic form, CBGA, is the starting point from which many major cannabinoids originate. Research areas include:

  • Microbial interactions

  • Inflammatory response pathways

  • Sensory perception and hypersensitivity studies
    CBG is non-intoxicating and typically present in lower concentrations unless selectively bred.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD was structurally identified in 1963 by Raphael Mechoulam. It is non-intoxicating and interacts with multiple receptor systems. Scientific research explores CBD in relation to:

  • Neurological balance

  • Mood and stress response

  • Oxidative stress pathways

  • Immune signaling
    CBD is one of the most abundant cannabinoids found in hemp and has a low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN naturally forms when THC oxidizes over time or through heat exposure. Scientific interest in CBN includes areas such as:

  • Sleep cycle research

  • Immune signaling

  • Oxidative pathways
    CBN is mildly intoxicating and typically appears in aged or oxidized plant material.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

CBC is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid derived from CBGA. Research themes involving CBC include:

  • Inflammatory response pathways

  • Mood and stress studies

  • Cellular biology

  • Bone tissue research
    CBC can convert into CBL when exposed to prolonged light.

Cannabicyclol (CBL)

CBL is formed when CBC is exposed to light or heat. Its concentration is typically low, and scientific literature currently classifies it as a compound with emerging research interest, particularly related to plant biology and chemical conversion pathways.

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)

Δ9-THC is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in Cannabis sativa and was isolated in 1964 by Mechoulam. Research continues to explore Δ9-THC in:

  • Neurological signaling

  • Appetite and metabolic pathways

  • Nausea-related studies

  • Immune and inflammatory responses
    Δ9-THC interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors and has been examined in clinical and preclinical settings.

Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC)

Δ8-THC is structurally similar to Δ9-THC but is generally considered less intoxicating. Research explores Δ8-THC in:

  • Appetite and digestive studies

  • Neurological signaling

  • Sensory perception
    Δ9-THC can convert into Δ8-THC through various chemical processes.

Cannabinoid Acids (Non-Decarboxylated Forms)

Cannabinoids exist in acidic forms before heat or time converts them into their neutral structures.

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)

CBDA converts to CBD when heated. Research has explored CBDA in relation to:

  • Nausea-related pathways

  • Mood and stress studies

  • Metabolic signaling
    CBDA is non-intoxicating and typically more abundant in raw plant material.

Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA)

CBGA is the foundational “mother cannabinoid” from which THCA, CBDA, and CBCA are synthesized. Research includes:

  • Metabolic and appetite research

  • Plant genetics and breeding

  • Biochemical pathway studies
    Selective breeding can influence CBGA expression to increase CBG content in the final plant.

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA)

THCA converts into Δ9-THC when exposed to heat. Scientific research examines THCA in:

  • Nausea-related pathways

  • Inflammatory response studies

  • Cellular biology
    THCA is non-intoxicating until decarboxylated.

Conclusion

The cannabis plant contains an intricate spectrum of cannabinoids, each with unique chemical origins and areas of scientific interest. Learning about these compounds provides deeper insight into plant chemistry, cultivar diversity, and ongoing research across multiple scientific fields.

FDA Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare professional regarding possible interactions or concerns before using any cannabinoid-based product.

Expanded Works Cited (Cannabinoid Science & Plant Chemistry)

1. Mechoulam, R., & Gaoni, Y. (1965).
“A Total Synthesis of Δ1-Tetrahydrocannabinol.” Journal of the American Chemical Society, 87(14), 3273–3275.
Foundational cannabinoid chemistry and THC identification.

2. Mechoulam, R., Shvo, Y. (1963).
“The Structure of Cannabidiol.” Tetrahedron, 19(12), 2073–2078.
Structural identification of CBD.

3. Pertwee, R.G. (2008).
“The Diverse CB1 and CB2 Receptor Pharmacology of Three Plant Cannabinoids.” British Journal of Pharmacology, 153(2), 199–215.
Receptor interactions & cannabinoid pharmacodynamics.

4. ElSohly, M.A., & Gul, W. (2014).
“Constituents of Cannabis Sativa.” In Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products, 103, 1–36.
Chemical profiles & cannabinoid diversity.

5. Howlett, A.C. et al. (2002).
“International Union of Pharmacology. XXVII. Classification of Cannabinoid Receptors.” Pharmacological Reviews, 54(2), 161–202.
CB1/CB2 receptor classification.

6. Russo, E.B. (2011).
“Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid–Terpenoid Interactions.” British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364.
Cannabinoid and terpene interactions (education only).

7. Morales, P., Reggio, P.H., & Jagerovic, N. (2017).
“An Overview on Medicinal Chemistry of Synthetic and Natural Cannabinoids.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 422.
Chemical diversity and biosynthesis.

8. Navarrete, R., & Fogaça, M.V. (2020).
“Cannabis Sativa: Progression from Plant to Human.” Phytochemistry Reviews, 19, 1119–1149.
Plant chemistry & cannabinoid pathways.

9. Hanuš, L.O., Meyer, S.M., Muñoz, E. et al. (2016).
“Phytocannabinoids: A Unified Critical Inventory.” Natural Product Reports, 33(12), 1357–1392.
Comprehensive cannabinoid catalog.

10. McPartland, J.M., Duncan, M., Di Marzo, V., Pertwee, R.G. (2015).
“Are Cannabinoid Receptors Part of the Phytocannabinoid System?” Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(1), 103–112.
Cannabinoid receptor biology.

11. DeLong, G.T., Wolf, C.E., Poklis, A., Lichtman, A.H. (2010).
“Pharmacological Evaluation of the Natural Constituent of Cannabis, Delta-8-THC.” Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, 332(1), 138–145.
Delta-8 pharmacology.

12. Takeda, S. et al. (2012).
“Cannabidiolic Acid as a Selective COX-2 Inhibitory Compound.” Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, 28(4), 332–338.
CBDA biochemical behavior.

13. Thomas, A. et al. (2007).
“Cannabidiol Displays Unexpected CB2 Receptor Activity.” Biochemical Pharmacology, 74(10), 1303–1314.
CBD receptor signaling research.

14. Deiana, S., Watanabe, A., Yamasaki, Y. et al. (2012).
Psychopharmacology, 219: 859.
Your original cited study — neurological pathways examined.

15. World Health Organization (2018).
“Cannabidiol (CBD): Critical Review Report.”
Neutral global safety assessment.


Get to Know Other Various Cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Varieties Ranchera Familia
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