What Are Cannabinoids? A Beginners Guide to Cannabis Compound

Cannabinoids are a diverse group of compounds connected to cannabis and the body’s own signaling system. Some occur naturally in cannabis, while others are produced by the human body or made in laboratories. THC and CBD are the best known, yet they are only part of a much larger group. Other cannabinoids include CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV, each with different properties and areas of research.

So, what do these compounds do, and how are they different? Below, we’ll look at the main cannabinoid types, common compounds, their effects, and how they interact with the body.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that can interact with cannabinoid receptors and related signaling pathways in the body. They occur in different forms, depending on where they come from. Cannabis produces phytocannabinoids, your body produces endocannabinoids, and laboratories can produce synthetic cannabinoids.

The term therefore covers more than compounds found in cannabis. Each group has a different origin and biological role. However, these groups can overlap in how they interact with the body's cannabinoid system.

What Are the Different Types of Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are generally grouped into three types based on their source:

1. Phytocannabinoids
2. Endocannabinoids
3. Synthetic Cannabinoids

What Are Phytocannabinoids?

Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced naturally by plants. Cannabis is their best known source. THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV are examples.

Among these compounds, THC and CBD have received the most attention. Researchers are also studying many less common phytocannabinoids. However, evidence varies widely between individual compounds.

What Are Endocannabinoids?

Endocannabinoids are cannabinoid compounds produced naturally by the body. They help regulate signaling within the endocannabinoid system. Anandamide and 2 arachidonoylglycerol, or 2 AG, are two well studied examples.

Unlike phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids are not produced by cannabis. Instead, your cells make them as part of normal biological signaling.

What Are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids are compounds produced or modified in a laboratory. Some were developed as research tools or pharmaceutical compounds. For example, dronabinol and nabilone are synthetic cannabinoid related medicines approved for specific medical uses.

However, the term can also describe illicit compounds designed to produce cannabis like effects. These products can act differently from natural cannabinoids and may cause serious harm.

Cannabinoids differ mainly by where they originate. The table below provides a quick comparison before we look at specific compounds.

These categories describe origin, not simply how a cannabinoid affects you. For example, synthetic cannabinoids can be designed to interact with the same receptors as natural cannabinoids. However, their effects and safety profiles can differ considerably.

Common Phytocannabinoids Found in Cannabis

Cannabis contains more than 100 identified cannabinoids, although they do not all occur in the same amounts. THC and CBD receive the most research and attention. However, CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV also occur naturally in cannabis.

Their effects can differ because each cannabinoid interacts with the body in its own way. Still, research on some compounds remains limited, especially in humans. Therefore, the experiences below describe reported effects rather than guaranteed outcomes.

What Is THC?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta 9 THC is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. It activates cannabinoid receptors, including CB1 receptors, which contributes to its effects on the brain and body.

THC can produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception. Some people may also experience increased anxiety, confusion, paranoia, or reduced alertness. These effects can become stronger as THC exposure increases.

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the typical cannabis high. It also interacts with several biological targets beyond the main cannabinoid receptors.

People generally do not experience the same intoxicating effects from CBD as they do from THC. However, CBD can still affect the body, and individual responses can vary. Research into its potential effects and uses is ongoing.

What Is CBG?

CBG stands for cannabigerol. It is generally considered non intoxicating and usually occurs in smaller amounts than THC and CBD. Its acidic form, CBGA, also serves as a precursor for several other cannabinoids.

People typically do not report a cannabis high from CBG. Some early human research has examined feelings such as anxiety and stress after CBG use. However, evidence remains limited, so CBG should not be associated with one predictable experience.

What Is CBN?

CBN stands for cannabinol. It can form as THC breaks down through exposure to factors such as heat, light, and oxygen. As a result, CBN can become more prominent as cannabis ages.

CBN is often associated with relaxing or sedating effects. However, human evidence does not yet establish CBN as a reliable sleep aid. Researchers are still investigating how CBN affects people and how those effects vary by dose and product.

What Is CBC?

CBC stands for cannabichromene. It is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBC is not known to produce the typical cannabis high.

People should not expect a specific feeling from CBC based on current evidence. Most research has examined CBC in laboratory or animal models. Human research remains limited, so its effects in people are still unclear.

What Is THCV?

THCV stands for tetrahydrocannabivarin. It is structurally related to THC but has a different molecular side chain. That difference can change how it interacts with cannabinoid receptors.

THCV does not simply produce the same effects as THC. Early research suggests its effects can vary with dose and context. Reviews have discussed appetite, metabolism, and how THCV may influence THC-related effects. However, human evidence remains limited.

What Are Minor Cannabinoids?

Minor cannabinoids are phytocannabinoids found in smaller amounts than THC and CBD. However, the term does not mean these compounds are less important. It mainly describes their lower abundance or limited research compared with major cannabinoids.

Examples include CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV, CBDV, THCA, CBDA, and CBGA. Their amounts can vary across cannabis plants and products. Genetics, cultivation, and processing can also influence a product's cannabinoid profile.

Research on these compounds is growing, but the evidence remains uneven. Some cannabinoids have only been studied in laboratory or animal research. Others have reached early human studies, yet many questions remain.

For example, CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV can produce different biological effects. However, you should not expect one fixed experience from any minor cannabinoid. Dose, product composition, and individual factors can also affect the experience.

Minor cannabinoids can also make product labels more informative. A product may contain THC alongside smaller amounts of CBG, CBN, or other cannabinoids. Therefore, looking beyond THC can give you a clearer picture of the product's cannabinoid profile.

How Do Cannabinoids Work?

Cannabinoids work by interacting with signaling systems throughout the body. The best known pathway involves the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate several biological processes.

The process is more complex than simply “binding to a receptor.” Different cannabinoids can interact with different targets. As a result, they can produce different effects in the body.

Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a signaling network found throughout the body. It includes endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes involved in making and breaking down these compounds.

Your body produces endocannabinoids when they are needed. Two well studied examples are anandamide (AEA) and 2 AG. These molecules then interact with cannabinoid receptors and influence cellular signaling.

Phytocannabinoids can also interact with this system. THC, for example, can activate cannabinoid receptors. Other cannabinoids can interact with those receptors differently or affect other biological targets.

Cannabinoids and CB1 and CB2 Receptors

CB1 and CB2 are the two main cannabinoid receptors identified in humans. Both belong to a large group of cell signaling proteins called G protein coupled receptors.

CB1 receptors are especially common in the central nervous system. They also occur in several tissues outside the brain. CB2 receptors are found mainly in immune and peripheral tissues, although researchers have also identified them in parts of the nervous system.

These receptors help explain why cannabinoids can affect different parts of the body. For example, CB1 activation can influence brain functions such as memory, movement, and perception. CB2 signaling is more closely associated with immune and inflammatory processes.

Still, CB1 and CB2 are not the whole story. Cannabinoids can also interact with other receptors, ion channels, and biological targets. Therefore, a cannabinoid's effects cannot always be predicted from CB1 or CB2 activity alone.

What Is the Difference Between THC, CBD and Other Cannabinoids?

THC and CBD are the two best known cannabinoids. However, they are not interchangeable. THC can produce intoxication, but CBD does not produce the typical cannabis high.

Other cannabinoids also have different properties. CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV can interact with the body in different ways. Their effects also depend on the compound, dose, product, and person.

As we have mentioned a few times already, research on these cannabinoids is still developing. In particular, much less human research exists for minor cannabinoids than for THC. That's why, claims about their effects need more caution.

Why Do Cannabinoids Matter in Cannabis Products?

Cannabinoids help describe what a cannabis product contains. A product may contain THC, CBD, or smaller amounts of other cannabinoids. As a result, two products can have different cannabinoid profiles.

The amount and type of cannabinoids can also affect the experience. THC content, for example, can help indicate a product's potential intoxicating effects. However, potency alone does not tell you exactly how you will feel.

Product labels can also show cannabinoid amounts separately or together. Terms such as THC, CBD, and total cannabinoids can therefore provide useful information before you choose a product.

Still, labels are not always perfect. Research has found differences between labeled and measured cannabinoid amounts in some commercial products.

So, checking the cannabinoid profile gives you more context than looking at THC alone. It can help you see which compounds are present and how much each contributes to the product.

Cannabinoids vs Terpenes: What's the Difference?

Cannabinoids and terpenes are both natural compounds found in cannabis. However, they serve different roles.

   • Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors and other biological targets. THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN are common examples.
   • Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive smells and flavors. They may also interact with the body's biological systems, but they work differently from cannabinoids.

So, cannabinoids mainly describe the compounds linked to cannabis's biological effects. Terpenes mainly contribute to its aroma and flavor, along with other potential biological activity.

Are Cannabinoids Safe?

Cannabinoids are not automatically safe because they occur naturally. Safety depends on the cannabinoid, product, dose, and how you use it.

For adults using cannabis products, THC is the main safety concern. According to the CDC, it can impair memory, coordination, judgment, reaction time, and perception. Therefore, never drive or operate machinery after using intoxicating cannabis.

Cannabis use can also lead to cannabis use disorder, especially with frequent use or high THC exposure. Edibles, vapes, concentrates, flower, pre rolls, tinctures, and other products can carry different risks.

Product quality matters too. For example, some cannabinoid products have contained different amounts than their labels stated. Contamination with pesticides, microorganisms, or other substances has also been reported.

To err on the side of caution, if you're shopping for adult use cannabis, try to find a reliable licensed cannabis store and check the cannabinoid profile before purchasing. You may also come across well-known cannabis brands such as STIIIZY and Jeeter in legal cannabis markets. However, a brand name alone does not guarantee that every product is safe or suitable for you. Always check the product label, cannabinoid content, and applicable testing information before purchasing.

Most importantly, follow the product label and your state's cannabis laws. Keep cannabis products away from children and pets. Also, avoid combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances, which can increase impairment.

The Takeaway

Cannabinoids are a broad group of compounds with different origins, properties, and effects. THC and CBD are the best known, yet compounds like CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV also contribute to cannabis’s cannabinoid profile. Their effects can vary based on the compound, dose, product, and individual.

As you explore cannabis products, look beyond THC alone. Checking the cannabinoid profile can give you more context about what a product contains. At JARS Cannabis, you can also ask trained staff about cannabinoid profiles and product options when you need help comparing products.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabinoids

How Many Cannabinoids Are There?

More than 100 cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis. THC and CBD are the best known, but many other cannabinoids exist. However, researchers have not studied all of them equally. Some remain poorly understood, especially in humans.

What Are the Three Types of Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are generally grouped into three types based on where they come from. Phytocannabinoids occur naturally in plants, especially cannabis. Endocannabinoids are produced naturally by your body. Synthetic cannabinoids are made or modified in laboratories.

Which Cannabinoids Are Intoxicating?

Delta 9 THC is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis. It can affect perception, memory, coordination, and other brain functions. Some synthetic cannabinoids can also cause strong intoxicating effects. In contrast, CBD does not produce the typical cannabis high.

Are Cannabinoids Found Naturally in the Human Body?

Yes. Your body naturally produces cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. Anandamide and 2 AG are two well studied examples. These compounds help regulate signaling through the endocannabinoid system. So, cannabinoids are not limited to cannabis or cannabis products.

What Is the Difference Between Cannabinoids and Terpenes?

Cannabinoids and terpenes are different groups of compounds found in cannabis. Cannabinoids include THC and CBD, which interact with cannabinoid receptors and other biological targets. Terpenes mainly contribute to cannabis aroma and flavor. They also occur naturally in many other plants.

References

1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. “Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed 24 Sept. 2026.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Cannabis.” Cannabis and Public Health, 15 Feb. 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/about/index.html. Accessed 24 Sept. 2026.

3. Abioye, Amos, et al. “Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): A Commentary on Potential Therapeutic Benefit for the Management of Obesity and Diabetes.” Journal of Cannabis Research, vol. 2, 2020, article 6, https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-020-0016-7.

4. Bonn-Miller, M. O., et al. “Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online.” JAMA, vol. 318, no. 17, 2017, pp. 1708–1709, https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.11909.

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Cannabis and Driving.” Cannabis and Public Health, 22 Feb. 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/driving.html. Accessed 24 Sept. 2026.