Cannabigerol (CBG)

Discovered and isolated by an Isreali scientist in 1964. Found in the cannabis plant and is formed when the plant is maturing in the form of CBGA. Nicknamed the mother cannabinoid due to CBGA transforming within the plant into other acidic cannabinoids. CBG reacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. It has shown a tendency to buffer the psychoactivity (“high”) of THC. It binds directly to both the CB1and CB2 receptors.

 

Potential benefits of CBG: anti-inflammatory, pain management, sleep aid, anti-nausea, reduction of intraocular eye pressure (clinical research backed), and skin benefits. It is currently being studied for its ability to inhibit tumor and cancer cell growth.

 

Cannabinol (CBN)

First appeared in scientific literature in the 1940s and was one of the first isolated cannabinoids to be studied. CBN occurs when THC breaks down as a result of air, heat, or light exposure. More potent in older and more mature hemp or cannabis strains. When isolated CBN has insignificant psychoactive effects. According to the Journal of Pharmacology, when combined with THC, CBN may increase the effects related to perception, emotion, cognition, and sociability. It interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

 

Potential benefits of CBN: anti-bacterial (2008 study by the Journal of Natural Products), anti-inflammatory, sleep aid (ongoing studies), analgesic (pain reliever), neuroprotective (Journal of Molecular Biology studied Alzheimers), and appetite stimulation (study by the Psychopharmacology Journal). There have been many studies conducted showing promising results, but more research is necessary to solidify findings.

 

Cannabichromene (CBC)

First discovered in 1966 as a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid. A 1975 study by Holly, Haldey, and Turner showed that it is the second most prominent cannabinoid found in marijuana, though it is non-psychoactive. It is not seen much because plants with high THC content are often selected for products. CBC interacts more with other endocannabinoid receptors  than directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors and increases the level of endocannabinoids in the body. It achieves this by interfering with the processes that tend to degrade the endocannabinoid receptors, while enhancing the receptors activity of cannabinoids that occur natural in cannabis.

 

Potential benefits of CBC: anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, analgesic (2011 study by Maione), acne inhibitor (2016 study),  and anti-depressant.  Due to its interaction with other endocannabinoid receptors, resulting in an increase in anandamide (bliss receptor), CBC can lead to users feeling happy and relaxed. 2013 study by Shinjyo and Di Marzo concluded CBC may encourage neurogenesis. The study was done on mice and they analyzed the effects of neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs), observing brain growth and recovery. The cells studied are crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the brain.