Lettuce Talk A Cannabis Dictionary Volume 3: Cannabinoids

The basics

Cannabinoids - Naturally occurring chemical compounds in the cannabis plant that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. They can cause temporary changes in a user's nervous system and mood. THC and CBD are the best-known cannabinoids.

Endocannabinoid system - The body's neuromodulatory system, which promotes balance through communication between cells. Cannabinoids from the plant act like the body's own molecules and bind to its CB1 and CB2 receptors. This is how cannabinoids shape a user's high.

CB1 receptor - One type of cannabinoid receptor. CB1 receptors are heavily concentrated in the brain and nervous system. THC binds readily to them, which is why cannabis with THC produces a high.

CB2 receptor - A cannabinoid receptor found mainly in cells of the immune system. It is part of the

network of endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes that cannabis interacts with.

Individual cannabinoids

CBC (Cannabichromene) - A non-intoxicating cannabinoid that binds to the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors. Some consumers report feeling relaxed after using topicals high in CBC.

CBCA (Cannabichromenic acid) - The raw form of CBC. It is most common in tropical and subtropical cannabis strains and appears in lower concentrations in many common strains.

CBCV (Cannabichromevarin) - A minor cannabinoid found only in trace amounts compared with the major cannabinoids.

CBD (Cannabidiol) - The second most prevalent cannabinoid. It is produced mainly by hemp plants and in lower amounts in cannabis. CBD is non-intoxicating, which has driven its popularity. Many consumers describe CBD-rich products as relaxing.

CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid) - A derivative of CBGA and the precursor to CBD. Many consumers describe it as calming.

CBDV (Cannabidivarin) - A minor, non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is the subject of ongoing research.

CBG (Cannabigerol) - The decarboxylated form of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). It appears at low levels in most cannabis plants and is non-intoxicating.

CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid) - Often called the "mother of all cannabinoids." CBGA sits at the top of the reaction chain that creates THCA, CBDA and CBCA. Decarboxylation turns those into THC,

CBD and CBC. CBGA is non-intoxicating because it binds poorly to CB1 receptors.

CBGV (Cannabigerivarin) - A derivative of CBG. Like many other cannabinoids, it is non-intoxicating.

CBN (Cannabinol) - Created when THC breaks down through exposure to UV light and oxygen. The

breakdown usually begins during drying and curing. CBN is mildly psychoactive. Many consumers describe CBN products as sedating.

CBNA (Cannabinolic acid) - The acidic precursor of CBN. Decarboxylation converts CBNA into CBN.

Delta-8 THC (Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) - An isomer of delta-9 THC with a similar structure. Its effects are similar to delta-9 THC but much less potent. More research is needed to understand its effects.

Delta-9 THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) - The primary compound in the plant's resinous glands and the main intoxicating cannabinoid. It mirrors the body's own cannabinoids and binds to the same receptors, altering sensory perception. THC can create a feeling of euphoria. The high is often shaped by the entourage effect.

THCA (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) - The non-intoxicating precursor to THC. It is found at its highest levels in living or freshly harvested cannabis. Heat converts THCA into THC, so smoked or vaped THCA products are intoxicating.

THCV(Tetrahydrocannabivarin) - A cannabinoid closely related to THC and found in small amounts in some strains.