As cannabis becomes more mainstream, the conversation has moved beyond just THC and CBD. While these two are the most well-known cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains over 100 different compounds, each with unique effects and potential health benefits.
1. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
What it is: Delta-9-THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and the one most people associate with the plant. It’s responsible for the “high” that comes from smoking or consuming marijuana.
Benefits:
- Pain relief
- Anxiety and depression reduction
- Appetite stimulation
- Anti-nausea effects
- Seizure control
- Muscle spasm reduction
2. Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC)
What it is: Delta-8 is a close relative of Delta-9 but produces a milder high. It’s naturally present in small amounts in cannabis and is often synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.
Benefits:
- Pain relief
- Appetite stimulation
- Mild euphoria
- Reduced anxiety
- Possible anti-nausea effects
3. Delta-10-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-10 THC)
What it is: Delta-10 is another lesser-known variant of THC, offering a more energizing, clear-headed high than Delta-9 or Delta-8. It’s often found in small quantities in hemp and cannabis.
Benefits:
- Energy boost
- Focus enhancement
- Mild euphoria
- Stress relief
4. Cannabidiol (CBD)
What it is: CBD is the second most well-known cannabinoid, primarily valued for its therapeutic properties without the high. It’s commonly used in oils, capsules, and topicals.
Benefits:
- Anxiety and stress relief
- Pain reduction
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Seizure management
- Sleep aid
- Potential addiction treatment
5. Cannabinol (CBN)
What it is: CBN forms when THC is exposed to heat and oxygen over time, making it more common in aged cannabis. It’s mildly psychoactive but generally considered non-intoxicating.
Benefits:
- Sleep aid
- Appetite stimulation
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Potential neuroprotective effects
6. Cannabigerol (CBG)
What it is: Often called the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG is the precursor to many other cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. It’s typically present in small amounts in mature cannabis plants.
Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential glaucoma treatment
- Appetite stimulation
- Antibacterial properties
- Potential neuroprotective effects
7. Cannabichromene (CBC)
What it is: CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that works well in combination with other cannabinoids due to the entourage effect. It’s less studied but shows promise in several therapeutic areas.
Benefits:
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential antidepressant properties
- Acne treatment
- Potential cancer-inhibiting effects
8. Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)
What it is: HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC, making it more stable and less prone to oxidation. It’s considered semi-synthetic since it’s usually produced from hemp-derived cannabinoids.
Benefits:
- Possible pain relief
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
- Appetite stimulation
9. Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP)
What it is: THCP is a newly discovered cannabinoid believed to be significantly more potent than Delta-9 THC. It binds to the same receptors but with a much stronger effect.
Benefits:
- Intense euphoria
- Pain relief
- Stronger psychoactive effects than THC (needs more research)
10. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
What it is: THCV is a minor cannabinoid structurally similar to THC but with a few key differences. It’s known for its appetite-suppressant qualities, earning it the nickname “diet weed.”
Benefits:
- Appetite suppression
- Energy boost
- Anxiety reduction
- Potential weight management
- Possible anti-inflammatory effects
Which Cannabinoid is the Strongest?
When it comes to potency, THCP currently stands out as the strongest cannabinoid discovered, with an affinity for cannabinoid receptors reportedly 33 times higher than Delta-9 THC. However, the effects of each cannabinoid can vary widely based on dosage, individual tolerance, and the method of consumption.