At Santa Cruz Naturals, we’re on a mission to bring cannabis education to the Aptos and Watsonville communities. Curious about the different cannabinoids and chemical compounds that make up the cannabis plant?

Cannabinoids are natural chemical compounds found in cannabis that help protect the plant. They closely resemble the natural compounds produced in the human body, called endocannabinoids, which help regulate body function. 

Over 200 cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis plants. However, only a few have closely researched, studied and produced in significant quantities. Studies have shown that each cannabinoid influences receptors in our body differently to provide relief from a variety of symptoms. 

It’s important to understand what ailment you are seeking to target, to determine the best quantity, method, ratio, and product for your needs. 

Major Cannabinoids  

Here are some important differences between the top researched cannabinoids:  

CBD (Cannabidiol) 

Cannabidiol is not a psychoactive compound, yet it modifies the effects of THC. CBD has great medical potential and is widely seen in CA cannabis dispensaries for its alleviating and therapeutic effects. Many studies have shown CBD to provide effects including: 

• Anti-depressant

• Anti-cancer

• Anti-nausea

• Anxiolytic

• pain relief

• Anti-inflammatory

• Blood circulation 

• Bone stimulant 

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) 

Tetrahydrocannabinol is well known for its psychoactive effects and is abundant in most cannabis plants. Effects of THC include: 

• Euphoria

• Sensory enhancement

• Anti-nausea

• Pain relief

• Improved appetite

• Muscle relaxant

• Anti-inflammation 

• Glaucoma 

Minor Cannabinoids  

THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) 

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the acidic precursor to THC, which actually exists in only minute quantities in the living plant. In the live plant, THCA is the most abundant cannabinoid. After harvest, THCA begins to naturally convert to THC. 

This minor cannabinoid is often used for: 

• Improving appetite 

• Anti-nausea

• Anti-inflammation

CBN (Cannabinol) 

Cannabinol is primarily a decomposition product of THC from exposure to heat or light, very little is found in fresh plants. CBN has only mild psychoactivity, with soothing, sedating effects that make it a common solution for sleep at our local cannabis dispensary. 

Effects of CBN often include: 

• Pain relief 

• Drowsiness 

• Mitigates spasms 

• Eases glaucoma 

• Anti-inflammation

CBG (Cannabigerol) 

Cannabigerol is not psychoactive. It is commonly found in larger quantities of hemp fiber. Certain medical strains have considerable CBG content, which some studies have shown to have promising antitumor qualities. 

CBG’s therapeutic effects include: 

• Lower blood pressure 

• Depression

• IBS & Crohn’s disease

• Anti-inflammation 

• Promising anti-cancer agent 

CBDa (Cannabidiolic Acid) 

Cannabidiolic acid is not psychoactive. CBDA is the acidic precursor to CBD. Initial research has suggested that CBDA offers anti-proliferative and anti-emetic effects that fight cancer cells. 

Other CBDa cannabinoid effects include: 

• Anti-inflammation 

• Anti-bacterial 

• Anxiety 

• Nausea

An Abundance of Cannabinoids 

With all of the cannabinoids that are composed of cannabis, many of them have low potencies and are still in the process of thoroughly being researched in scientific studies. 

The similarities among these various cannabinoids result in unique effects and beneficial properties to medical patients and dispensary consumers. 

Most of these cannabinoids found in plants need to be heated and activated in order to present the compounds most users are looking for. Although THC and CBD are the cannabinoids commonly identified and highly potent and produced in cannabis, the breakdown of both of these compounds can create multiple other cannabinoids such as THCA, CBDA, THCV, and CBDV. 

As the study of cannabinoids continues to deepen, scientists are further understanding the healing components that the most abundant cannabinoids offer in plants. 

Discover Different Cannabinoids at Santa Cruz Naturals 

Our cannabis dispensary in Santa Cruz offers a wide variety of cannabis products to enhance your well-being in everyday life! Visit our excellent team of Santa Cruz cannabis budtenders to find the right method of consumption and cannabinoid for your specific ailment or needs.