Cannabinoids in cannabis: effects, differences and medical potential
Introduction
Cannabinoids are the primary active compounds in the cannabis plant. They interact with the body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS) and influence processes such as pain perception, appetite, sleep, mood and immune functions. The best-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but there are over 100 others – many of them with therapeutic potential.
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur almost exclusively in cannabis. They act either directly or indirectly on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS.
A distinction is made between:
- Phytocannabinoids – from the cannabis plant
- Endocannabinoids – the body’s own messenger substances
- Synthetic cannabinoids – produced artificially
This article is about the natural cannabinoids from cannabis.
The most important cannabinoids at a glance
| Cannabinoid | Abbreviation | Effect | Psychoactive? |
|---|---|---|---|
| THC | Δ9-THC | Euphoric, pain-relieving, appetite-stimulating | Yes |
| CBD | Cannabidiol | Anti-inflammatory, anxiety-relieving, antipsychotic | No |
| CBG | Cannabigerol | Antibacterial, neuroprotective, lowers eye pressure | No |
| CBN | Cannabinol | Sedating, mildly psychoactive, from oxidised THC | Slightly |
| CBC | Cannabichromene | Anti-inflammatory, presumed antidepressant | No |
| THCV | Tetrahydrocannabivarin | Appetite-suppressing, possibly antidiabetic | Slightly |
| CBDV | Cannabidivarin | Antiepileptic, research in autism | No |
| Δ8-THC | Delta-8-THC | Less psychoactive than Δ9-THC | Yes (mildly) |
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system
The ECS consists of, among other things, two main receptors:
- CB1 receptors: in the central nervous system
- CB2 receptors: in the immune system and peripheral organs
Examples of effects:
- THC → binds directly to CB1 → intoxicating effect & pain relief
- CBD → influences CB1/CB2 indirectly, inhibits FAAH → more anandamide
- CBG → mildly agonistic at CB1/CB2 → anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective
📚 Source: Zou & Kumar, 2018 – PMC
The entourage effect
Several cannabinoids together often work better than isolated single compounds – this synergy effect is called the entourage effect.
Example:
- CBD softens THC-induced side effects (e.g. anxiety, restlessness)
- CBG enhances the effect of CBD in inflammation
- Terpenes (e.g. myrcene, limonene) additionally contribute to the overall effect
📚 Source: Russo, 2011 – PubMed
Acid forms & decarboxylation
In the fresh plant, cannabinoids are present in an inactive acid form:
| Acid form | Active form |
|---|---|
| THCA | THC |
| CBDA | CBD |
| CBGA | THCA, CBDA, CBCA (depending on the enzyme pathway) |
Heating (decarboxylation) – e.g. when smoking or baking – activates the psychoactive or therapeutically effective form.
Medical potential
Some documented or researched therapeutic applications:
- THC – pain, nausea, loss of appetite
- CBD – epilepsy, anxiety disorders, inflammation
- CBG – intestinal diseases, bacterial infections
- CBN – sleep disorders
- CBDV – epileptic seizures, autism (in clinical trials)
📚 Source: Pertwee, 2015 – PubMed
Conclusion
Cannabinoids are the main active compounds of the cannabis plant. Their effect depends on their interplay, their quantity, their activation form and their receptor binding. They are of interest for many medical applications – from pain and inflammation to neurological disorders.
The genetics of the cannabis strain (e.g. via hemp seeds) determine the cannabinoid profile – and with it the effect and suitability.