About Minor Cannabinoids

All About Minor Cannabinoids

There are over 100 cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. Two of the most common cannabinoids include delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Although most consumers are familiar with these two cannabinoids, they are less familiar with the other cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant.

Researchers have widely studied THC and CBD, but the lesser-known cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) are unknown to most consumers. Much like THC and CBD, these cannabinoids have their benefits, and researchers are just starting to identify medical applications for CBG, CBN, and THCV.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBG is considered a minor cannabinoid as it is generally present in lower amounts compared to THC and CBD. However, cannabis breeders have started to cross different strains to achieve plants with higher CBG content for very specific medical applications.

A 2014 study concluded that CBG was effective at blocking the proliferation of cancer cells in an animal population, although the data is likely transferrable to human applications. This could lead to exciting possibilities for the use of CBG to treat certain types of cancers.

Finally, CBG is a known antibacterial agent, specifically against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) microbial strains resistant to several classes of drugs. Topical cannabis applications were frequently used in the early 1900s to treat skin irritations and heal minor cuts but were banned with cannabis prohibition.

Cannabinol (CBN)

Much like CBG, CBN is a powerful antibacterial agent that can fight bacterial infections that are resistant to traditional antibiotic treatments. CBN also acts as a neuroprotectant in the same way CBG does, slowing or stopping neuronal degeneration in disease processes such as Huntington’s Disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The CBN cannabinoid shows good promise for helping to slow down or stop neurodegenerative diseases.

CBN also functions as an appetite stimulant and aids in sleep. Although researchers are not sure why CBN induces sleep, subjective reports claim that strains high in CBN make consumers feel tired. This is most likely due to the entourage effect between THC and CBN, acting synergistically to enhance eachother’s sedating effects.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

THCV is a psychoactive cannabinoid which has many similarities to THC. THCV acts as an appetite suppressant and is excellent for individuals looking to lose weight. It may also help decrease insulin resistance in diabetic patients.

THCV may help curb unwanted symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, such as tremors and decreased motor control, and it has been shown to stimulate bone growth in cases of osteoarthritis.

Exploring Cannabinoid Profiles

Exploring cannabis cannabinoid profiles can be exciting and lead to new ways of using the plant. We have only touched on three of the minor cannabinoids, however there are dozens more to explore!

Visit Green Releaf Dispensary to speak with one of our knowledgeable dispensary agents about minor cannabinoids and how they may benefit you.