Short answer: three of the 100+ compounds within the cannabis plant. 

By: Nicanor Gordon

But what do they mean, and more importantly, what do they do?

Cannabigerol (CBG)

This is the “mother of cannabinoids.” Cannabinoid is a fancy name for the more than 120 unique compounds present in the cannabis plant. CBG (cannabigerol) is found mainly in young plants. As the plant grows, it converts CBG into other cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol), THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), and CBC (more on this one later). 

CBG has another name, the “Rolls-Royce of cannabinoids.” It’s really damn expensive. CBG sells for nearly $50,000 per kilogram. To compare, CBD sells for only $2000 per kilogram. That’s not all, CBG is not concentrated in most strains of cannabis.

So why even bother with CBG? Cannabigerol has a myriad of health benefits and use cases. Studies have found that CBG can be an effective treatment for cancer cells, can alleviate nausea and vomiting, and boosts anandamide production.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

Cannabichromene (CBC) is another cannabinoid you haven’t heard of, and hopefully, you won’t ever have to try to pronounce in public. CBC is non-intoxicating (just like CBG) but still binds to CB1 receptors in the brain. CB1 receptors are most famous for binding with THC. It’s this interaction that’s responsible for feeling high. CBC binds to those same receptors with only one-tenth of the efficiency of THC, so it won’t get you high. 

Unlike THC, Cannabichromene also binds with other receptors throughout the body. Most notable of these are our pain receptors. Research has shown CBC to be an effective solution for pain reduction. It gets better, CBC also has anti-inflammatory properties. Not only does it reduce swelling, but preliminary research is optimistic about its future as a natural treatment for acne. 

Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN is really just old and musty THC. I’m not joking, CBN is mainly found in ‘old weed’ – or in more scientific lingo, THC that has been exposed to heat and allowed to oxidize.

Despite being the oldest known cannabinoid (CBN was discovered in 1896) it might be the least studied. With the recent cannabis boom, researchers are now combing through every cannabinoid, desperately searching for the next edge in medicine and healthcare.

Note that the following alleged benefits of Cannabinol are a result of independent studies with little corroboration or replication. Also, most of these tests were done on mice. 

One study found CBN to be a potent antibacterial, theorizing that one day it might be used to fight infections. Another study found success in using CBN to treat ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases in mice. Other studies reveal appetite stimulation and antiseizure (anticonvulsant) properties.

In Conclusion….

 All these cannabinoids are incredible on their own, but what if we combined them? This is called “the entourage effect.” Each compound’s strength acts on the other to create a chain reaction. One example, CBC combines with THC and CBD to create a natural antidepressant effect.

Cannabis predates most of civilization, yet we know so little about it. If these three cannabinoids can already do so much, can you imagine what secrets the other 100+ might have?