Cannabinoids at a glance: properties, mechanisms of action and current state of research
Introduction
The cannabis plant produces over 100 different cannabinoids – chemical compounds that interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The best known are THC and CBD, but recent research is increasingly looking at rare cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC, THCV or CBN as well. This article offers a fact-based, structured overview of all cannabinoids scientifically identified so far – including possible therapeutic effects.
Note: The information given here is based exclusively on current scientific findings. It does not constitute health claims or medical recommendations.
Table: overview of all known cannabinoids
| Cannabinoid | Abbreviation | Possible properties | Psychoactive? | Research status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol | THC | Analgesic, appetite-stimulating, muscle-relaxing | Yes | Well studied |
| Cannabidiol | CBD | Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic | No | Very well studied |
| Cannabigerol | CBG | Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial | No | In vivo/in vitro data available |
| Cannabinol | CBN | Sedating, appetite-promoting | Slightly | Limited clinical study |
| Cannabichromene | CBC | Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, pain-modulating | No | Documented preclinically |
| Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol | Δ8-THC | Mildly psychoactive, anxiety-relieving | Yes (milder) | Limited data |
| Cannabidivarin | CBDV | Antiepileptic (Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut), neuroprotective | No | Clinical (phase II/III) |
| Tetrahydrocannabivarin | THCV | Appetite-suppressing, antidiabetic (type 2) | Slightly | Clinically evaluated |
| Cannabicyclol | CBL | Presumably anti-inflammatory (oxidised CBC) | No | Early stage |
| Cannabitriol | CBT | Possibly neuroactive, hardly studied | No | Very limited |
| Cannabielsoin | CBE | CBD breakdown product, hardly any data | No | Experimental |
| Cannabifuran | CBF | Structure known, effect unclear | No | Structure described at an early stage |
| Cannabichromanone | CBCN | CBC derivative, hardly researched | No | Not clinically validated |
| Cannabidiphorol | CBDP | Structure analogous to CBD, potentially similar in effect | No | Discovered 2019, hardly any data |
| Tetrahydrocannabiphorol | THCP | Highly potent (CB1 binding), pain reduction suspected | Yes | Discovered 2019, tested in vitro |
| Cannabigerovarin | CBGV | Precursor to THCV/CBDV, hardly researched | No | Early stage |
| Cannabidivarinic acid | CBDVA | Precursor of CBDV, antioxidant activity | No | Animal model available |
| Tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid | THCVA | Inactive, decarboxylates to THCV | No | Component of THCV-rich strains |
📚 Sources include: Morales et al., 2017, Citti et al., 2019
Acid forms: the inactive raw form of cannabinoids
In the fresh cannabis plant, cannabinoids are mostly present in their acid form. Only through decarboxylation (exposure to heat) do they become pharmacologically active.
| Acid form | Activated form | Note |
|---|---|---|
| THCA | THC | Not psychoactive in raw form |
| CBDA | CBD | Inactive, anti-inflammatory action possible |
| CBGA | CBG | “Mother cannabinoid” for many others |
| CBCA | CBC | Little researched |
| THCVA | THCV | Activated by heating |
Medical potential – without health claims
Research on cannabinoids points to promising fields of application in numerous areas of medicine. Below is a more detailed overview of possible areas of effect of selected cannabinoids – based on current studies:
Pain therapy
- THC: reduction of chronic pain, neuropathic pain, spastic complaints (e.g. in MS)
- CBD: reduces inflammatory pain, can lower the need for opioids
- CBC, CBG: antinociceptive in preclinical studies
Neurological disorders
- CBD: approved for forms of epilepsy such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- CBDV: in studies on autism, Rett syndrome and epilepsy
- CBG: neuroprotective in preclinical Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s models
Mental disorders
- CBD: anxiolytic (e.g. social anxiety), antipsychotic (e.g. in schizophrenia)
- THC (low dose): mood-lifting, partly anxiolytic
- CBC: antidepressant in animal studies
Sleep disorders
- CBN: sedating in combination with THC
- THC: shortens the time to fall asleep, improves deep sleep phases
Metabolism & appetite
- THC: appetite-stimulating (e.g. in HIV, cancer)
- THCV: appetite-suppressing, antidiabetic potential (type 2)
- CBD: modulates metabolism in animal models
Inflammatory diseases & immunomodulation
- CBD, CBG: inhibition of inflammatory signalling pathways (e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β)
- CBC: reduction of inflammatory processes in gut and skin models
- THC: immunomodulatory (dose-dependently suppressive)
Oncology (preclinical research)
- THC & CBD: cytotoxic in vitro against certain tumour cells
- CBG, CBC: promote apoptosis in cell lines – clinical relevance unclear
Note: These effects are based on current studies, predominantly in vitro or in animal models. Clinical validation is still largely outstanding.
📚 Sources:
Conclusion
The cannabis plant contains a remarkable variety of cannabinoids. Many of them are pharmacologically active or are a focus of modern research. While THC and CBD are already well studied, less common cannabinoids such as THCV, CBG, CBDV and THCP are gaining in importance.
Their therapeutic potential is currently being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. What emerges is this: not individual compounds but their interplay – the so-called entourage effect – could in future be decisive for personalised cannabis therapies.
This article is based exclusively on current scientific findings and contains no health-related promises.