Patient Education

Cannabinoid Basics

Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis that interact with your body’s ECS. Each one has a unique role — some might calm, some might energize, some could potentially help relieve pain or support sleep.

Psychoactive

Capable of passing the blood-brain barrier and affecting the brain. All cannabinoids listed here are psychoactive.

Intoxicating

Disturbs consciousness, cognition, perception, or judgment.

Non-Intoxicating

Still psychoactive, but does not disturb consciousness.

Intoxicating Cannabinoids

Delta-9 THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol

Occurrence

A byproduct of THCA being activated, typically via heat, such as smoking.

Concentration

Volume is sourced through the extraction of a large quantity of cannabis input material.

Effects

The main intoxicating compound experienced in cannabis.

Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol

Occurrence

Generally exists in trace amounts in cannabis.

Concentration

Typically through the chemical conversion of either CBD or Delta-9 THC.

Effects

A lighter, more subdued intoxication than Delta-9 THC.

THCA

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

Occurrence

High prominence in dried flower, which converts to Delta-9 THC when activated.

Concentration

Cold extraction or similar methods that do not activate THCA.

Effects

On its own, THCA is not known to cause intoxication.

11-Hydroxy-THC

11-Hydroxy Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol

Occurrence

A byproduct of THC consumption, rarely found in cannabis itself.

Concentration

Edible consumption; the liver converts a portion of the ingested Delta-9 THC.

Effects

Effects can be up to 3 to 4 times more potent than Delta-9 THC.

THCV

Tetrahydrocannabivarin

Occurrence

Smaller concentrations in cannabis, with select cultivars featuring more significant concentrations.

Concentration

Through the extraction of unique cultivars high in THCV, or via chemical conversion.

Effects

Low toxicity levels, currently being researched for potential appetite-suppressing characteristics.

CBN

Cannabinol

Occurrence

Generally exists in trace amounts in cannabis.

Concentration

Produced in large concentrations through methods like commercial THC degradation, using heat, pressure, and time.

Effects

Intoxicating, although very mildly, and currently being researched for its usefulness in regulating sleep, per Health Canada.

Non-Intoxicating Cannabinoids

CBD

Cannabidiol

Occurrence

Lower concentrations in recreational cannabis, but large concentrations in hemp cannabis.

Concentration

Generally via hemp cannabis extraction.

Effects

Non-intoxicating and being researched for a wide range of therapeutic benefits.

CBG

Cannabigerol

Occurrence

Small concentrations in cannabis, with select hemp cultivars featuring more prominent concentrations. The acidic form, CBGa, is known as the mother of all cannabinoids, as it is the precursor to all other cannabinoids.

Concentration

Usually sourced through the extraction of select hemp cannabis strains.

Effects

Non-intoxicating and being researched for potential anti-inflammatory and mood stabilization properties.

CBC

Cannabichromene

Occurrence

Small concentrations in cannabis, with select hemp cultivars featuring more prominent concentrations.

Concentration

Usually sourced through the extraction of select hemp cannabis strains.

Effects

Non-intoxicating and being researched for its potentially strong anti-inflammatory properties, with preliminary evidence showing it interacts with our TRP channels.