What are minor cannabinoids?

Minor cannabinoids are a group of naturally occurring compounds that interact with the body through the endocannabinoid system. Found in smaller concentrations than other cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), they have a pivotal role to play. Over 100 minor cannabinoids have been identified so far.

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How do minor cannabinoids work?

Minor cannabinoids interact with the body by binding to receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Although research is still in its infancy, minor cannabinoids are believed to influence  various physiological effects, just as the major cannabinoids do. 

How the minor cannabinoid works depends on which type of minor cannabinoid it is, but there is also evidence that suggests that minor cannabinoids can work together with major cannabinoids to enhance the impact they have on the body through the ‘entourage effect’.

The entourage effect describes how the effect that minor cannabinoids and cannabinoids have on the body’s endocannabinoid system is enhanced by them working in conjunction with each other. Some research has shown that the collaboration between minor cannabinoids and major cannabinoids can lead to a more potent effect than THC or CBD alone, although studies are ongoing. 

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What are the different types of minor cannabinoids?

Over 100 minor cannabinoids have been discovered, and research into many of them is still in its infancy. While minor cannabinoids are thought to have a lesser impact on the endocannabinoid system than major cannabinoids, they may still  have an important role to play. 

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CBG

CBG or Cannabigerol is the third most commonly found cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.

What is CBG?

Often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids, CBG is a minor cannabinoid from which other types of cannabinoid, including CBD and THC, are derived. As a starter compound for a number of other cannabinoids, CBG is found more abundantly in young cannabis plants. As the plant matures, the amount of CBG contained reduces. 

How does CBG work?

CBG is often combined with CBD and is available in many forms, including tinctures, gummies, capsules and creams. It works by binding weakly with both the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, the CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

What is the difference between CBG and CBD?

While neither CBD or CBG have psychoactive properties, which makes them similar, their molecular makeups are slightly different. They also interact with the endocannabinoid system in different ways. The main impact of CBG is as part of the entourage effect. 

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CBN

CBN or Cannabinol is a compound that is the result of the degradation of THC, and is found in aged cannabis plants. 

What is CBN?

CBN occurs when THC degrades. Due to the structure it shares with THC, it can be seen as mildly psychoactive, but it is less potent. 

How does CBN work?

As a degraded version of THC, CBN binds to CB1 receptors and stimulates them slightly. It has shown promise in aiding sleepiness, but research is in its early stages. 

What is the difference between CBN and CBD?

CBD and CBN differ in both structure and origin. Further, CBD does not interact directly with CB1 receptors, whereas CBN does. 

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CBC

CBC or Cannabichromene is becoming more prominent in medical research. CBC has the same origins as both THC and CBD, as they all stem from the cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). 

What is CBC?

CBC is a minor cannabinoid present in most cannabis plants. While it does interact with our endocannabinoid system, it binds weakly to CB1 receptors. 

How does CBC work?

Due to the weakness of CBC’s interaction with CB1 receptors, it shows most promise in functioning as part of the entourage effect, although it does bind with the body’s other natural endocannabinoids, which distinguishes it from other minor cannabinoids. 

What’s the difference between CBC and CBD?

CBD is more prevalent in cannabis strains than CBC and more present in medicinal cannabis. They also have a different structure and make up, and CBC is able to interact outside the ECS. 

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THCV

THCV or Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a naturally occurring compound found within the cannabis plant. 

What is THCV?

THC is a minor cannabinoid that shows the potential to behave in different ways, depending on the doses that it’s administered at. 

How does THCV work?

THCV is a complicated molecule. While it does bind to the CB1 receptor, as does THC, it might also act as a blocker to the impacts of THC, if taken together. There is evidence to suggest that it has a biphasic effect, where the impact it has varies depending on the dosage. 

What’s the difference between THCV and THC?

While THCV and THC have an almost identical chemical structure, THCV is missing two atoms that THC contains. This means that it is less likely to produce psychoactive effects, although research suggests this depends on the dose. 

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THCB

THCB is a phytocannabinoid closely related to THC, which was discovered in 2019.

What is THCB?

THCB is a trace cannabinoid that is believed to interact with the ECS in the same way as THC, binding with CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

How does THCB work?

Like THC, THCB binds predominantly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. Due to the strength of its binding affinity with CB1 receptors, there is a suggestion that it could be more potent than THC. 

What’s the difference between THCB and THC?

THC is more abundant than THC, and more research has been conducted into its potential effects. As THCB is only found in trace amounts in cannabis, its immediate impact is less than that of THC. There are also slight differences in their chemical makeup. 

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Want to learn more?

Healthcare professionals can learn more about the intricacies of medicinal cannabis and the nuances of medicinal cannabis administration methods by accessing the healthcare professionals portal.