What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. They’re part of what makes cannabis unique—and understanding them is one of the best ways to understand what you’re actually consuming.

You’ve probably heard of THC and CBD, but those are only two members of a much larger family of cannabinoids. Cannabis can contain many different cannabinoids, including THCA, CBDA, CBG, CBN, CBC, and others.

How Do Cannabinoids Work?

Cannabinoids interact with a network in the human body known as the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.

The ECS is involved in regulating a variety of normal physiological processes. Cannabinoids can interact with this system directly or indirectly, which is one reason different cannabis products can produce noticeably different experiences.

Not every cannabinoid works the same way—and not every cannabinoid is intoxicating.

THC vs. THCA

This distinction is especially important when understanding cannabis flower.

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the naturally occurring acidic precursor to THC found abundantly in raw cannabis flower. THCA itself is not intoxicating in the same way as delta-9 THC.

When THCA is exposed to sufficient heat, it can undergo a process called decarboxylation, converting much of it into delta-9 THC.

That’s why looking only at one number on a product label rarely tells the entire story.

Some Cannabinoids You May See

THCA
A major cannabinoid found in raw cannabis flower and the chemical precursor to delta-9 THC.

Delta-9 THC
The primary intoxicating cannabinoid associated with the classic cannabis “high.”

CBD
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has become one of the most widely studied compounds in cannabis.

CBG
Sometimes called a “minor cannabinoid,” CBG is another naturally occurring compound that researchers continue to investigate.

CBN
A cannabinoid that can form as THC ages and degrades over time. It is commonly marketed in nighttime products, although research into its effects is still developing.

CBC
Another naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is less well known than THC or CBD and remains an active area of research.

Cannabinoids Are Only Part of the Picture

One of the biggest mistakes in shopping for cannabis is assuming that the highest THC percentage automatically means the best product.

Cannabinoid content matters, but so do terpenes, genetics, cultivation, harvest timing, curing, freshness, and overall flower quality.

Two products with similar cannabinoid percentages can still smell, taste, and feel very different.

That’s why we believe cannabis should be understood as more than a percentage on a package.

Learn What You're Consuming

The more you understand cannabinoids, terpenes, genetics, and cultivation, the easier it becomes to evaluate cannabis based on quality rather than hype.

Our goal is simple: help you understand the plant, understand the product, and make more informed decisions about what you consume.

Educational information only. This content is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.