An educational guide to the major cannabinoids in cannabis — THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV, and their acidic precursors — including how they work, their therapeutic potential, and how they interact.
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a biological network of receptors found throughout the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. The ECS helps regulate mood, pain, appetite, sleep, immune response, and more.Cannabis produces over 100 different cannabinoids, but a handful dominate the plant’s chemistry and drive most of its effects. High IQ tracks 8 cannabinoids across its strain database, using data from 2025 peer-reviewed research and clinical trials.
Before diving into individual cannabinoids, it helps to understand the two primary receptors they interact with:
CB1 Receptors
Location: Primarily in the brain and central nervous system. CB1 is the most abundant G-protein-coupled receptor in the mammalian brain, concentrated in cortical, amygdala, and basal ganglia regions.When activated: Produces psychoactive effects (euphoria, altered perception, pain relief, appetite stimulation).
CB2 Receptors
Location: Primarily on immune cells, peripheral nervous system, spleen, and GI tract. Found in lower density in the brain.When activated: Produces anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and pain-relieving effects without psychoactive side effects.
Not all cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 directly. Some work through entirely different receptor systems (serotonin, vanilloid, PPAR), which is why their effects vary so widely.
Dronabinol (synthetic THC) for nausea and appetite
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid. THC binds strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing euphoria, altered perception, pain relief, and appetite stimulation. When consumed as an edible, THC is metabolized to 11-OH-THC via first-pass liver metabolism — a more potent metabolite that produces stronger body effects and longer duration.Bioavailability: Smoking 10-35% | Vaping 30-40% | Edibles 4-20%Medical uses: Chronic pain, nausea/vomiting (chemotherapy), appetite stimulation (HIV/AIDS), PTSD, insomnia
The most well-known non-psychoactive cannabinoid. CBD does not produce intoxication and may counteract some THC side effects through allosteric modulation of CB1 receptors. It enhances anandamide levels by inhibiting the FAAH enzyme that breaks down this natural endocannabinoid.Bioavailability: Smoking 11-45% | Vaping 40-50% | Edibles 6-15%Medical uses: Epilepsy (FDA-approved), anxiety disorders, inflammation, chronic pain, neuroprotection
CBD’s anti-anxiety effects work through the serotonin system (5-HT1A receptors), the same pathway targeted by some prescription anti-anxiety medications. This is why CBD can calm nerves without producing a “high.”
Known as the “mother cannabinoid” because it is the chemical precursor from which THC, CBD, and CBC are all synthesized. CBG is usually present in low amounts because the plant converts most of it to other cannabinoids during growth.2024 breakthrough: A human clinical trial found that 20mg CBG enhanced memory recall and reduced anxiety without impairment. Preclinical studies also show CBG has antibacterial activity superior to vancomycin against MRSA.Medical uses: Glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, Huntington’s disease, bacterial infections, bladder dysfunction
CB1 (weak, ~10x less potent than THC), CB2 (moderate)
Created when THC ages or is exposed to heat and light — CBN is essentially oxidized THC. It is about 10 times less potent at CB1 receptors than THC, producing minimal intoxication but notable sedative properties.Important nuance: While CBN is widely marketed as a sleep aid, a 2023 trial protocol acknowledged that robust clinical evidence for CBN as a sleep aid is still lacking. The sedative effect may come from its metabolite 11-hydroxy-CBN rather than CBN itself.Medical uses: Insomnia (emerging), pain, bacterial infections, appetite stimulation
CB2 (selective, higher efficacy than THC), TRPV1, TRPA1
CBC selectively activates CB2 receptors with higher efficacy than THC, leading to strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects without psychotropic side effects. Because CB2 receptors are primarily on immune cells, CBC may provide targeted immune-mediated relief.Research highlights: In vitro and in vivo studies show CBC reduces nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines by approximately 50%. It inhibits NF-kB and MAPK inflammatory pathways.Medical uses: Depression (antidepressant-like effects), pain, inflammation, acne, cancer (preclinical)
Less than 1% (higher in some African sativa landrace strains)
Key receptors
CB1 (antagonist), CB2 (partial agonist)
A unique cannabinoid that blocks CB1 receptors rather than activating them. This gives THCV the opposite effect of THC in several ways — most notably appetite suppression instead of the “munchies.” THCV also improves insulin sensitivity and enhances energy metabolism.Medical potential: Preliminary human trials found THCV lowers fasting plasma glucose and improves glycemic control, making it a promising candidate for obesity and type-2 diabetes management.Medical uses: Diabetes, obesity, Parkinson’s disease, metabolic syndrome, bone disorders
Raw, unheated cannabis does not contain THC or CBD. Instead, it contains their acidic precursor forms, which have their own distinct therapeutic properties.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
Found in: Raw cannabis flower (15-30%)Converts to: THC when heated (decarboxylation)Properties: Non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory (COX-1/COX-2 inhibition), neuroprotective. Does not effectively bind CB1/CB2 receptors in its acid form.Why it matters: Juicing raw cannabis or using THCA tinctures provides anti-inflammatory benefits without intoxication.
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
Found in: Raw cannabis flower (5-20%)Converts to: CBD when heated (decarboxylation)Properties: Non-psychoactive, anti-nausea (potentially more potent than CBD), anti-inflammatory (COX-2 inhibition), anti-anxiety via serotonin receptor activation.Why it matters: CBDA may have higher bioavailability than CBD, meaning lower doses could be effective.
Cannabinoids do not work in isolation. Their interactions with each other and with terpenes create the entourage effect — synergistic benefits that exceed what any single compound achieves alone.
Combination
What happens
THC + CBD
CBD modulates THC via allosteric modulation of CB1, reducing anxiety and paranoia while maintaining pain relief and other therapeutic benefits
THC + CBG
CBG may enhance focus and memory recall, complementing THC’s euphoria with cognitive clarity
CBD + CBC
Dual anti-inflammatory action through different receptor systems (indirect CB modulation + direct CB2 activation)
THCV + THC
THCV blocks CB1 receptors, potentially reducing appetite stimulation and modulating the intensity of THC’s psychoactive effects
CBN + Myrcene
Both promote sedation — CBN through weak CB1 agonism and myrcene through GABA modulation — creating enhanced sleep-inducing effects
When browsing strains on thisiswhyimhigh.com or in the High IQ app, you will see cannabinoid data presented in several ways:
THC/CBD percentages — The primary potency indicators. Higher THC means stronger psychoactive effects; higher CBD means more therapeutic modulation.
THC:CBD ratio — A ratio like 1:1 means equal parts THC and CBD (balanced effects), while 20:1 means THC-dominant (stronger psychoactive effects).
Minor cannabinoids — When available, CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV percentages are listed to give a complete picture.
Total cannabinoids — The sum of all detectable cannabinoids, giving an overall potency indicator.
Do not judge a strain by THC percentage alone. A 15% THC strain with a rich terpene profile and balanced cannabinoids can produce a more nuanced, enjoyable experience than a 30% THC strain with a flat chemical profile.
