Exploring the Shadows: Lesser-Known Cannabinoids Unveiled
While THC and CBD often steal the spotlight in cannabis research, a myriad of lesser-known cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, CBDA, CBC, CBDV, THCV, and CBL are quietly proving their worth....
Over 100 distinct cannabinoids—the naturally-occurring chemical compounds in the cannabis sativa plant—have been identified and isolated by scientists. While they don’t all boast the same media buzz and notoriety as CBD or THC, they each contain their own unique set of scientific insights and potential health benefits.
A handful of these known cannabinoids—and some suggest there may be as many as 120 in total—are listed and described below:
CANNABINOL (CBN)
Cannabinol (CBN): CBN was the first compound to be isolated in the Cannabis plant. It is mildly psychoactive, and before the discovery of THC, was thought to be responsible for the mind-altering effects of the plant. Particular interest has been taken in CBN’s sedative properties. Research suggests that it could treat symptoms of anxiety and insomnia as effectively as pharmaceutical alternatives. Additionally, it has been shown to have potential immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and appetite-increasing properties.
CANNABIDIOLIC ACID (CBDA)
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa): CBDa is the acidic version of CBD, and is typically found in strains of cannabis that contain higher CBD levels. CBDa is non-psychoactive—like most cannabinoids—and can be consumed through juices, capsules, tinctures, topicals, and more. It can be used to combat pain, inflammation, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and bacterial issues. A 2012 laboratory study found that CBDa halted the spread of breast cancer cells.
CANNABIGEROL (CBG)
Cannabigerol (CBG): CBG is non psychoactive, and has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, as well as potentially provide relief from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, and glaucoma.
CANNABICHROMENE (CBC)
Cannabichromene (CBC): CBC is found in many full spectrum CBD products and is understood to be most effective when combined with other cannabinoids. It is non-psychoactive, and has been shown to ease inflammation and pain—particularly in those suffering from arthritis. While research concerning its potential benefits has been promising, much is still unknown about CBC.
CANNABIDIVARIN (CBDV)
Cannabidivarin (CBDv): Cannabis plants with high levels of CBDv tend to be found in northwest India and Nepal. CBDv—also non-psychoactive—has been found to have both anticonvulsant and antiepileptic properties, which indicates potential in aiding individuals with neurological disorders and diseases such as Parkinson’s and epilepsy. Additionally, it is currently being tested for its ability to provide benefits to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Rett Syndrome.
TETRAHYDROCANNABIVARIN (THCV)
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv): While THCv contains many of the same properties as THC—including the psychoactive ones—it differs in other ways. As opposed to THC’s appetite-inducing effects, THCv has been shown to reduce appetite. It has also been shown to be an anticonvulsant, and may help those suffering from diseases that affect motor control such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Some preliminary research suggests THCV may help with osteoporosis and diabetes—demonstrating a potential to improve the production of insulin in mice—but more research is needed.
CANNABICYCLOL (CBL)
Cannabicyclol (CBL): CBL, sometimes referred to as cannabipinol (CBP), is one of the lesser-studied non psychoactive cannabinoids in cannabis. There is not much known about its effects or potential benefits yet. In terms of its origins, we do know that it is typically found in older cannabis plants—ones that are degraded in some way or were harvested a long time ago.
There are many more known cannabinoids being isolated, researched, and tested today—most of which have already been found to have various potential health benefits. EirHealth’s CBD products are 100% full spectrum, which means that they include all of these naturally occurring cannabinoids that work together to create a synergistic effect—maximizing each product’s therapeutic effects.
When it comes to understanding the potential health benefits of the lesser known cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant, one thing is certain: there is still much to be discovered.
