Welcome to the ABCs of CBD!
Understanding hemp-derived products shouldn't be complicated. In this section, we break it down in simple terms, starting with your body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) and how it helps regulate sleep, stress, pain, focus, and more. You'll find straightforward info on the most researched cannabinoids, what they do, and links to trusted studies. No hype, no confusion, just real knowledge to help you choose the right solution for your needs.
Your Body is Built for Balance!
Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a vital regulatory system found in all humans and animals that helps maintain internal balance, or homeostasis. It plays a central role in managing functions like mood, pain, sleep, stress, appetite, inflammation, and immune response. The ECS is made up of endocannabinoids (natural compounds your body produces), cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes that break them down after use. When the ECS is out of sync, plant-derived cannabinoids, which are hemp-derived, can mimic these natural compounds. By interacting with ECS receptors, they help restore balance and support everyday wellness from the inside out.
When your body is low in its own endocannabinoids, a condition referred to as Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency, your system can become imbalanced. This may contribute to issues like anxiety, inflammation, poor sleep, or chronic pain. That’s where phyto-cannabinoids come in. These plant-derived compounds, like CBD, CBG, CBN, and others, interact with the ECS by mimicking or enhancing your body’s natural endocannabinoids. In doing so, they help support the ECS’s ability to restore balance and promote overall wellness.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most widely studied and recognized non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from hemp. Unlike THC, it doesn’t cause a “high,” but it interacts with multiple systems in the body, most notably the endocannabinoid system to promote balance and wellness. CBD has shown potential in easing stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, and is also being explored for its neuroprotective and anti-seizure properties. In fact, the FDA-approved drug Epidiolex, which treats certain forms of childhood epilepsy, is derived from CBD. Studies such as those published by the National Institutes of Health have documented CBD's anti-anxiety and antipsychotic properties. Additionally, CBD may reduce inflammation, support pain relief, and enhance recovery, making it one of the most versatile cannabinoids available today. It’s commonly used in isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum forms depending on individual needs and product design.
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid structurally similar to CBD but with unique therapeutic properties. It is most notably being studied for its anti-epileptic and neurobehavioral benefits, especially in conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), epilepsy, and Rett syndrome. CBDV works by interacting with non-cannabinoid receptors involved in neurological signaling, including TRP channels and GABA pathways. A groundbreaking study published in The British Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated that CBDV significantly reduced seizure activity and improved neurological function in animal models. Ongoing human trials are evaluating its safety and efficacy in treating pediatric epilepsy and behavioral symptoms related to autism. While still emerging in the marketplace, CBDV holds great promise as a cannabinoid focused on brain health, seizure management, and neurodevelopmental support, without the intoxicating effects associated with THC.
Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) is the raw, unheated precursor to CBD, found naturally in hemp and cannabis plants. While CBDA converts into CBD when exposed to heat (a process called decarboxylation), research now shows that CBDA itself has distinct benefits. It’s being studied for its anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, mood-regulating, and anti-anxiety properties. CBDA appears to act on the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which plays a central role in regulating mood, nausea, and stress response. A study in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research showed CBDA was significantly more potent than CBD at reducing nausea and anxiety-related behavior in animal models. It has also shown promise for inflammation and may be useful in managing conditions like arthritis or menstrual discomfort. Because CBDA is sensitive to heat, it’s typically found in raw tinctures, capsules, or topicals where the cannabinoid remains in its natural acidic form, offering targeted therapeutic effects without psychoactivity.
Cannabichromene (CBC) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid gaining attention for its mood-enhancing potential. Research suggests that CBC may act as a natural antidepressant by increasing levels of anandamide, a feel-good endocannabinoid often referred to as the "bliss molecule." A 2010 study published in Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior found that CBC exhibited significant antidepressant-like activity in animal models. By inhibiting anandamide reuptake, CBC may help elevate mood and reduce anxiety, especially when used alongside other cannabinoids as part of a full- or broad-spectrum extract. It also plays a synergistic role in the entourage effect, contributing to overall wellness and balance. While CBC may also reduce inflammation and support brain health, its promising impact on mood makes it a standout cannabinoid worth exploring further.
Often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” Cannabigerol (CBG) is the non-psychoactive precursor from which other major cannabinoids like CBD and THC are synthesized. While found in lower concentrations in most hemp strains, CBG is rapidly gaining recognition for its powerful therapeutic potential. It’s particularly promising for pain relief and inflammation, with studies suggesting that CBG interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors as well as TRP channels and inflammatory enzymes like COX-2. A review in Future Medicinal Chemistry highlighted CBG’s anti-inflammatory properties and potential as a novel pain management compound. CBG also supports focus, mental clarity, and mood by influencing dopamine and serotonin activity. A 2018 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology demonstrated CBG’s neuroprotective effects in models of Huntington’s disease. Additional benefits include antibacterial action and support for digestive and urinary tract health. CBG is commonly used in isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum formulas to promote cognitive performance, comfort, and whole-body wellness
Cannabinol (CBN) is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms as THC ages and oxidizes, making it one of the most abundant cannabinoids found in older cannabis material. CBN is best known for its potential sedative effects, especially when combined with other cannabinoids like CBD or CBG. Many users report improved sleep quality and longer rest cycles when using CBN, which has led to its growing popularity in nighttime formulas. Beyond sleep, CBN is being studied for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective, and appetite-stimulating effects. A study published in Archives of Oral Biology found that CBN may reduce inflammation in oral tissues, while other early research points to its potential use in managing glaucoma, chronic pain, and muscle spasms. Though more clinical trials are needed, CBN is emerging as a valuable cannabinoid for supporting sleep, recovery, and overall relaxation without intoxication.
Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) is often called the “stem cell cannabinoid” because it’s the foundational compound from which other major cannabinoids—including CBD, THC, and CBC—are synthesized as the hemp plant matures. While it’s typically converted into other cannabinoids through heat or time, CBGA is now being studied for its own distinct health benefits. It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and metabolic-regulating properties, and is increasingly recognized for its potential role in muscle recovery after physical activity. By reducing exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, CBGA may help support faster recovery and tissue resilience. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Natural Products by Oregon State University found that CBGA (alongside CBDA) blocked the SARS-CoV-2 virus from entering human cells in vitro by binding to its spike protein. While more clinical research is needed, CBGA is emerging as a promising cannabinoid for immune defense, metabolic support, and post-exercise recovery—particularly in raw or unheated formulations where it retains its original acidic form.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a rare cannabinoid with distinct properties that set it apart from THC and CBD. In small doses, it is non-psychoactive, and in higher doses, it may offer only brief and mild psychoactivity. THCV has gained attention for its ability to suppress appetite, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote mental clarity, focus, and energy—making it an appealing option for weight management and cognitive support. A 2013 study in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that THCV reduced food intake and improved metabolic function in obese mice. It’s also being explored for its potential in managing ADHD, due to its ability to promote clarity, modulate dopamine activity, and support attention regulation without sedation. THCV shows promise in supporting mental health conditions like PTSD, reducing anxiety and panic-like responses, and a study in Behavioural Pharmacology demonstrated its neuroprotective benefits in Parkinson’s disease models. Whether for metabolism, mood regulation, or neurological support, THCV is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting and versatile cannabinoids on the market.
Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is structurally similar to Delta-9 THC but offers a milder, clearer psychoactive experience—often described as more relaxing and less anxiety-inducing. It binds to the CB1 receptor like Delta-9 THC but with less potency, making it appealing to those seeking gentle euphoria, mood elevation, and stress relief without intense intoxication. Delta-8 THC has also been studied for its anti-nausea, appetite-stimulating, and anxiolytic effects. A landmark 1995 study in Life Sciences showed that Delta-8 THC was highly effective at reducing nausea in pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy—with minimal side effects. Users often report improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and enhanced sensory perception. Although federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill when derived from hemp, state-level regulations vary, so consumers should verify local legality. Delta-8 is emerging as a functional alternative to Delta-9, offering many of the same benefits with a smoother, more approachable feel.
Delta-9 THC is the most well-known and studied cannabinoid, primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. It binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, influencing perception, mood, coordination, and appetite. While it produces a “high,” Delta-9 THC also delivers a wide range of therapeutic benefits—pain relief, appetite stimulation, anti-nausea, sleep support, and muscle relaxation among them. A comprehensive review published in the British Journal of Pharmacology outlines Delta-9’s broad pharmacological effects, including its potential to manage chronic pain, multiple sclerosis symptoms, glaucoma, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. It has also shown promise for PTSD, insomnia, and neuropathic conditions. However, its psychoactivity can trigger anxiety or paranoia in some individuals, especially at higher doses. When precisely dosed and used responsibly, Delta-9 THC can be a powerful natural tool for both medical and wellness applications.