Curious which cannabinoids do what—and which ones might fit your goals? This clear, science-informed cannabinoids list breaks down the most common compounds, how they may work, and what to consider before you try them. You’ll also find a simple cannabinoid chart, safety steps, and real-world tips to help you choose confidently.

Important: This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t medical or legal advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis products, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a health condition.

Quick Cannabinoids List (At-a-Glance)

Use this concise cannabinoid chart to compare key compounds. “Potential effects” reflect early or mixed evidence; individual responses vary.

Cannabinoid Psychoactive? Common Sources Potential Effects (early research) Notes
Delta-9-THC Yes Marijuana-dominant strains Euphoria, altered perception; may aid appetite and certain types of discomfort Main driver of “high”; start low—can cause anxiety at high doses
THCA No (raw), becomes THC when heated Raw flower, unheated extracts Being studied for anti-inflammatory and neuro-related pathways Non-intoxicating unless decarboxylated (heated)
CBD No Hemp, CBD-dominant strains Calm, relaxation; may reduce certain seizure types (FDA-approved for rare forms) May affect how drugs are metabolized; check interactions
CBG No Young plants, specialty cultivars Investigated for focus, gut comfort, and inflammation pathways Often paired with CBD
CBN Minimally Oxidized/aged THC products Commonly marketed for sleep; research is limited Effects may depend on terpenes/THC traces
CBC No Minor in many strains Explored for mood and inflammation pathways Often part of full-spectrum blends
THCV Low to moderate Some African sativas, specialized cultivars Interest in appetite and energy modulation Effects can feel “clear” at low doses
CBDV No Some hemp cultivars Studied for seizure and neurodevelopmental pathways Typically in trace amounts
CBGA, CBDA, CBCA No Raw plant acids Early-stage anti-inflammatory and enzyme-related research Convert to neutral forms when heated
Delta-8-THC Yes (milder) Hemp-derived conversions Smoother intoxication for some; safety/quality vary widely Regulated/restricted in some US states

How Cannabinoids Work: The Endocannabinoid System

Your body makes its own signaling molecules (endocannabinoids) that help regulate mood, sleep, appetite, memory, pain, and immune responses. Plant cannabinoids interact with this system to varying degrees.

CB1 vs. CB2 Receptors

  • CB1: Dense in the brain and nervous system. THC strongly binds here, producing euphoria and altered perception.
  • CB2: Common in immune tissues. Many non-intoxicating cannabinoids influence CB2 or related pathways.

The Entourage Effect

Full-spectrum products include multiple cannabinoids and terpenes. Some users report better results from a blend than a single compound. Evidence is emerging, not settled.

Deep Dive: Key Compounds From the Cannabinoids List

CBD (Cannabidiol)

  • Psychoactivity: None; may feel calming.
  • Evidence: Robust for certain rare seizure disorders (prescription-only forms). Early or mixed evidence for anxiety, inflammation, and sleep quality.
  • Use notes: Among cbd cannabinoids, CBD is widely available as oils, capsules, gummies, and topicals. Start low and go slow.
  • Cautions: Can interact with medications (CYP450). Consult your clinician.

THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)

  • Psychoactivity: Yes; dose-dependent.
  • Evidence: May help with nausea, appetite, and certain pain types. Can impair memory and coordination.
  • Use notes: Consider 1–2.5 mg for beginners. Pairing with CBD may soften intensity for some users.
  • Cautions: Avoid driving. Higher doses can trigger anxiety or paranoia.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

  • Psychoactivity: None.
  • Evidence: Preclinical studies suggest roles in inflammation, gut, and ocular pathways; early human data is limited.
  • Use notes: Often used daytime for composure and focus. Commonly blended with CBD.
  • Cautions: Quality varies; check lab results.

CBN (Cannabinol)

  • Psychoactivity: Minimal to none in typical doses.
  • Evidence: Popular for sleep, but current human evidence is small and mixed;
  • Use notes: Many “sleep” formulas combine CBN with terpenes like linalool or myrcene, and sometimes small amounts of THC.
  • Cautions: Don’t expect guaranteed sedation; test on a low-stakes night first.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

  • Psychoactivity: None.
  • Evidence: Being explored for mood and inflammation-related pathways.
  • Use notes: Often present in full-spectrum oils; standalone CBC products are less common.

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

  • Psychoactivity: Low to moderate, sometimes “clear” or energizing at low doses.
  • Evidence: Under study for metabolic and glycemic pathways; human evidence is early.
  • Use notes: Generally found in specialty products; effects may differ significantly by dose.

CBDV (Cannabidivarin)

  • Psychoactivity: None.
  • Evidence: Investigated for seizure and neurodevelopmental pathways; clinical work is ongoing.
  • Use notes: Typically available in advanced or research-focused products.

Acidic Cannabinoids: CBGA, CBDA, THCA

  • Basics: These are raw forms that convert to neutral cannabinoids when heated (decarboxylation).
  • Evidence: Early research explores anti-inflammatory and enzyme interactions; human data is limited.
  • Use notes: Found in raw juices, unheated tinctures, or “cold-processed” formulas.

Putting It Together: A quick cbg cbn overview

  • CBG: Daytime, focus-friendly for some; preclinical evidence for inflammation and gut pathways.
  • CBN: Nighttime blends; sleep claims are popular but not conclusive—formulation matters.

How to Choose and Use Cannabinoids (Step-by-Step)

  1. Clarify your goal: relaxation, sleep, focus, discomfort, appetite, or general wellness.
  2. Pick a starting type:
    • CBD-first for calm or daytime balance.
    • CBG for focus or gut curiosity; see our cbg cbn overview above for context.
    • CBN at night if you want a gentle nudge (ideally with supportive terpenes).
    • THC for appetite or certain comfort goals—start with microdoses.
  3. Choose a spectrum:
    • Full-spectrum: trace THC plus minors; potential “entourage” synergy.
    • Broad-spectrum: THC-free, includes minors.
    • Isolate: single compound; consistent but less synergy.
  4. Check a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA):
    • Match label to lab results (potency within ±10%).
    • Verify contaminants: heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, microbes.
    • Look for an easy, readable cannabinoid chart in the COA.
  5. Start low, go slow:
    • CBD/CBG: 5–10 mg; reassess after 3–7 days.
    • CBN: 2.5–5 mg at night with a terpene-rich formula.
    • THC: 1–2.5 mg; wait at least 2 hours before redosing.
  6. Track your response:
    • Note dose, timing, product type, and outcomes in a simple diary.
    • Adjust one variable at a time.
  7. Review safety and interactions with your clinician, especially for prescription meds.

Real-Life Example (Experience)

In my work with wellness clients, one professional, “A,” wanted better sleep and clearer mornings without grogginess. For one week, A tracked responses using a simple log.

  • Nights 1–2: 10 mg CBD one hour before bed. Sleep latency improved slightly; no morning fog.
  • Nights 3–4: 10 mg CBD + 3 mg CBN with linalool-rich terpenes. A fell asleep faster but woke once at 3 a.m. and returned to sleep easily.
  • Nights 5–7: 10 mg CBD + 3 mg CBN earlier in the evening (90 minutes pre-bed). Sleep felt deeper; morning clarity improved.

Takeaway: A combination beat single-compound CBD for this person. Not everyone gets the same results, but a structured journal made the pattern obvious.

Formats, Onset, and Duration

  • Inhaled (flower, vape): Onset minutes; duration 2–4 hours. Easier to titrate, but not ideal for lungs.
  • Tinctures/oils: Onset 30–90 minutes; duration 4–6+ hours. Can hold under the tongue 60–90 seconds.
  • Edibles/capsules: Onset 1–2 hours (sometimes longer); duration 6–8+ hours. Start with low doses.
  • Topicals: Local effects; minimal systemic absorption (except transdermals).

Safety, Legality, and Quality

  • Drug interactions: CBD and others can alter how your body processes medications (CYP450). Always check with your healthcare provider.
  • Side effects: Dose-dependent; may include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety (THC), or GI upset.
  • Impairment: Any THC can impair driving or operating machinery.
  • Testing: Only buy products with a recent COA from an ISO-accredited lab.
  • Legal status: US state laws vary for THC and certain hemp-derived analogs; verify local regulations.

FAQs

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are compounds that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system. Cannabis plants make over 100 different cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and others.

Which cannabinoids don’t get you high?

CBD, CBG, CBC, CBDV, and acidic forms like CBDA/THCA (when not heated) are non-intoxicating. CBN is typically minimally intoxicating at common doses.

Is CBN really good for sleep?

It’s popular for sleep, but high-quality human research is limited. Some people report benefits, especially when CBN is combined with calming terpenes or small amounts of THC. Test cautiously and track results.

What’s the difference between CBD and CBG?

CBD is the most studied among cbd cannabinoids and is widely used for calm and balance. CBG is less studied but often described as focusing or steadying for daytime. Responses vary.

Can I mix cannabinoids?

Yes, many people use full-spectrum or blends for potential synergy. Start low, introduce one change at a time, and watch for interactions or side effects.

How do I read a COA or cannabinoid chart?

Confirm the product’s batch number matches the COA. Check the list of cannabinoids with their milligrams per serving. Verify safety panels (pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, solvents) and ensure results are within safe limits.

Conclusion: Use This Cannabinoids List to Choose Confidently

The right blend depends on your goals, tolerance, and context. Use this cannabinoids list, the quick cannabinoid chart, and the step-by-step method to experiment safely and systematically. For personalized guidance, consult a clinician who understands cannabis.