Our intention with this blog post is to give you a simple to understand guide to the various drugs commonly refereed to as cannabinoids. We’ve included the major or minor cannabinoids that many consumers are familiar with these days, CBD, CBN, THC etc. As well as the little talked about Varin cannabinoids that are making an appearance in the hemp industry. We have included the acid forms of each cannabinoid, with a very basic overview of current research, use in traditional medicine, and potential benefits. Please note that none of these statements have been reviewed by the FDA. The research on cannabinoid medicine is on-going. For university research resources please look into the University of Mississippi who has a 55 year cannabis research program. Or look into the University of New Mexico for a alternate university research resource. We do not cover semi-sythetics or THC isomers in this post. For a look at semi-synthetic THC Isomers please visit our “from lab to label” blog post.
Per usual, it's important to note that while cannabinoids have been traditionally used in various cultures for their health-promoting properties, more research is needed to fully understand their pathology, mechanisms of action, and potential benefits. Before incorporating these drugs into your routine, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing health conditions (specifically a heart condition) or are taking medications that could interact adversely with cannabis.
The Major & Minor Cannabinoids
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
-Use in Traditional Medicine: THC has been used in traditional medicine for its psychoactive effects, which can lead to altered states of consciousness that some cultures have used for spiritual or medicinal purposes.
- Potential Benefits: THC is known for its potential analgesic (pain-relieving), antiemetic (anti-nausea), and appetite-stimulating effects. It also has potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Current Research: Research on THC focuses on its use in pain management, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, appetite stimulation in conditions like HIV/AIDS and cancer, and its effects on various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THC-A):
- Potential Uses: THC-A is the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and is found in raw, unheated cannabis plants. It is non-psychoactive and is believed to have potential anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, and neuroprotective properties.
- Potential Benefits: THC-A is being studied for its potential in conditions such as inflammation, nausea, and neurological disorders. It may also have potential in cancer therapy.
- **Current Research:** Research on THC-A is ongoing, with studies exploring its effects on various conditions, including inflammation, nausea, and neurological disorders. It is also being investigated for its potential mechanisms of action and its role in the entourage effect of cannabis.
Cannabidiol (CBD):
- Use in Traditional Medicine: CBD has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in cultures where cannabis has been used for its medicinal properties. It has been used for its potential calming and anti-anxiety effects.
- Potential Benefits: CBD is being studied for its potential therapeutic effects in a wide range of conditions, including epilepsy, anxiety, pain management, and inflammation. It is also being investigated for its neuroprotective properties.
- Current Research: Current research on CBD spans a wide range of areas, including its effects on epilepsy (particularly in the form of Epidiolex, an FDA-approved CBD medication for certain types of seizures), anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Cannabidiolic Acid (CBD-A):
- Potential Uses: CBD-A is the precursor to CBD (cannabidiol) and is found in raw, unheated cannabis plants. It is believed to have potential anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and anti-proliferative properties.
- Potential Benefits: CBD-A is being studied for its potential in conditions such as inflammation, nausea, and cancer. It may also have neuroprotective properties.
- Current Research: Research on CBD-A is ongoing, with studies exploring its effects on various conditions, including inflammation, nausea, and cancer. It is also being investigated for its potential mechanisms of action.
Cannabinol (CBN):
- Use in Traditional Medicine: CBN has been less studied in traditional medicine compared to THC and CBD. It is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis, and its effects have been less well-documented historically.
- Potential Benefits: Some research suggests that CBN may have potential sedative effects and could be beneficial for sleep disorders. It may also have potential antibacterial properties.
- Current Research: Current research on CBN is limited compared to THC and CBD. Studies are exploring its potential use as a sleep aid and its interactions with other cannabinoids.
Cannabigerol (CBG):
- Use in Traditional Medicine: CBG is another minor cannabinoid found in cannabis. Its use in traditional medicine is less well-documented compared to THC and CBD.
- Potential Benefits: CBG is being studied for its potential as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective agent. It may also have potential applications in conditions like glaucoma.
- Current Research: Research on CBG is still in its early stages, but studies are exploring its potential in various areas, including inflammation, bacterial infections, and neurological disorders.
Cannabigerolic Acid (CBG-A):
- Potential Uses: CBG-A is the precursor to CBG (cannabigerol) and is found in raw, unheated cannabis plants. It is believed to have potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties.
- Potential Benefits: CBG-A is being studied for its potential in conditions such as inflammation, bacterial infections, and neurological disorders. It may also have potential in modulating the endocannabinoid system.
- Current Research: Research on CBG-A is ongoing, with studies exploring its effects on various conditions, including inflammation, bacterial infections, and neurological disorders. It is also being investigated for its potential interactions with other cannabinoids.
Cannabichromene (CBC):
- Use in Traditional Medicine: CBC is another minor cannabinoid found in cannabis. Its traditional use in medicine is not as well-documented as THC and CBD.
- Potential Benefits: CBC is being studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects. It may also have potential as an antidepressant.
- Current Research: Research on CBC is ongoing, with studies looking at its effects on pain, inflammation, neurological conditions, and mental health disorders.
“The Varin Cannabinoids”
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV):
- Use in Traditional Medicine: THCV is a minor cannabinoid found in some strains of cannabis. Its traditional use in medicine is not as well-documented as other cannabinoids.
- Potential Benefits: THCV is being studied for its potential appetite-suppressing effects, as well as its potential in managing conditions like diabetes and obesity. It may also have neuroprotective properties.
- Current Research: Research on THCV is ongoing, with studies exploring its effects on appetite regulation, metabolic disorders, and neurological conditions.
Tetrahydrocannabivarinic Acid (THCV-A):
- Potential Uses: THCV-A is the precursor to THCV and is found in raw, unheated cannabis plants. Its potential uses and effects are less well-documented compared to other cannabinoids.
- Potential Benefits: THCV-A is not as well-studied as other cannabinoids, and its potential benefits are not well-established. More research is needed to understand its effects.
- Current Research: Research on THCV-A is limited, and current studies are focused on understanding its properties and potential therapeutic applications.
Cannabidivarin (CBDV):
- Use in Traditional Medicine: CBDV is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. Its traditional use in medicine is not as well-documented as other cannabinoids.
- Potential Benefits: CBDV is being studied for its potential anticonvulsant effects, particularly in the treatment of epilepsy. It may also have potential in managing symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.
- Current Research: Research on CBDV is ongoing, with studies looking at its effects on epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological conditions.
Certainly! Here's a list of some acidic cannabinoids, covering their potential uses, benefits, and current research:
Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDV-A):
- Potential Uses: CBDV-A is the precursor to CBDV (cannabidivarin) and is found in raw, unheated cannabis plants. It is believed to have potential anticonvulsant, anti-nausea, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Potential Benefits: CBDV-A is being studied for its potential in conditions such as epilepsy, nausea, and inflammation. It may also have potential in modulating the endocannabinoid system.
- Current Research: Research on CBDV-A is ongoing, with studies exploring its effects on various conditions, including epilepsy, nausea, and inflammation. It is also being investigated for its potential mechanisms of action and its role in the entourage effect of cannabis.
Cannabigerovarin (CBGV):
- Potential Uses: CBGV is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis. Its potential uses and effects are less well-documented compared to other cannabinoids.
- Potential Benefits: CBGV is not as well-studied as other cannabinoids, and its potential benefits are not well-established. More research is needed to understand its effects.
- Current Research: Research on CBGV is limited, and current studies are focused on understanding its properties and potential therapeutic applications.
Cannabigerovarinic Acid (CBGV-A):
- Potential Uses: CBGV-A is the precursor to CBGV and is found in raw, unheated cannabis plants. Its potential uses and effects are less well-documented compared to other cannabinoids.
- Potential Benefits: CBGV-A is not as well-studied as other cannabinoids, and its potential benefits are not well-established. More research is needed to understand its effects.
- Current Research: Research on CBGV-A is limited, and current studies are focused on understanding its properties and potential therapeutic applications.
We hope this guide can be your easy to understand go to reference for what cannabinoids can potentially do for you. While additionally, showing that there is promising new research with 50+ years of university research, but more studies are needed to fully understand the extent of these drugs potential benefits and mechanisms of action. It truly is an exciting time to be apart of the world of natural medicine research.
