What is a Cannabinoid?

A cannabinoid is a molecule that can bind to a cannabinoid receptor. A cannabinoid receptor is a special type of chemical structure that exists in your body and brain.

The shape and the chemical structure of the molecule is what determines whether or not the molecule will bind to the receptor. A simple way to think of this is to use the “lock and key” model. The receptor is like the lock on the door, and the cannabinoids are all slightly different keys that fit into the lock.

These cannabinoid receptors are part of an essential system called the endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate things like mood and hunger.

As it turns out, there are actually lots of different molecules that can bind to these receptors. All of them are, by definition, considered cannabinoids.

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What are Phytocannabinoids?

Usually, when we think of cannabinoids, we think of molecules like THC and CBD, which are found in cannabis and hemp. There are dozens of cannabinoids that have so far been identified in cannabis. All of these can bind to the cannabinoid receptors with varying strength and effects.

Those molecules, like THC and CBD, are technically considered phytocannabinoids. Phyto- means plant, and these molecules all come from a plant.

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What are Endocannabinoids?

The chemical receptors in your brain aren’t just sitting there waiting for you to consume cannabis (as appealing as that idea may be to cannabis lovers).

Your body evolved to contain cannabis receptors because you also produce your own cannabinoids, without consuming any psychoactive plants at all. These natural, internal cannabinoids are called endocannabinoids. Together, endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors make up the endocannabinoid system – a very nuanced system that is essential to your well-being.

Endocannabinoids actually bind quite differently compared to phytocannabinoids, and have a dramatically different effect. Consuming phytocannabinoids can disrupt the natural functioning of your endocannabinoid system – which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your goals and how much you consume.

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What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

There’s yet another class of cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids are synthetically manufactured in a lab. These are pharmaceuticals that are specifically designed to interact with your endocannabinoid system, in order to modulate things like pain. Some examples of synthetic cannabinoids include nabilone and dronabinol.

What are Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Finally, there’s a group of cannabinoids called semi-synthetic cannabinoids that fall somewhere in the middle. These cannabinoids can be derived from compounds that are found naturally in cannabis or hemp. Many of these are powerfully psychotropic, similar to THC. This lands them in ambiguous legal territory. As a result, these cannabinoids are popular in commercial products.

Some examples of semi-synthetic cannabinoids include molecules like HHC and delta-8-THC. These molecules can bind to the CB1 receptor and make you high. Yet because they are chemically different from THC, your overall experience may differ. For example, they may bind with less affinity, or they may interact differently with other receptors like CB2, which can also impact your overall experience.

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Examples of Cannabinoids

THC Cannabinoid: The most famous phytocannabinoid is THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. Sometimes you’ll see it called delta-9-THC, for disambiguation.

THC is the best studied cannabinoid because it was the first psychotropic component of cannabis to be identified by chemists. It is also the most abundant psychotropic cannabinoid that is naturally occurring in cannabis. That means that it is the primary compound responsible for getting you high when you consume cannabis. THC makes you high by binding to a cannabinoid receptor called CB1.

CBD Cannabinoid: CBD, or cannabidiol, is perhaps the second most famous phytocannabinoid. This molecule is similar in structure to THC. Even though it binds to the cannabinoid receptors, it doesn’t make you high. Instead, it is famous for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. That’s because it binds strongly to the CB2 receptor, which is thought to be responsible for those anti-inflammatory effects.

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CBG Cannabinoid: This molecule interacts only weakly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors that make THC and CBD so powerful. It won’t make you high in naturally occurring doses. However, CBC can interact with other receptors, which play a role in pain and heat sensation and even serotonin stimulation. It is found naturally in cannabis.

CBC Cannabinoid: Certain strains of cannabis are heavily cross-bred to be high in a cannabinoid called CBC, or cannabichromene. This molecule does not bind to CB1, so it won’t make you high. On the other hand, like CBD, it can interact with CB2 receptors to have an anti-inflammatory effect. It may also interact with other receptors to play a role in pain modulation and intestinal motility. CBC may be sought for its antinociceptive, or pain-relieving, effects.

CBN Cannabinoid: CBN is yet another naturally-occurring phytocannabinoid – the most well-known of the “minor” cannabinoids. Although CBN does bind to the CB1 receptor, it has an affinity about 10 times lower than that of THC. It also interacts to some extent with the CB2 receptor, though it probably binds with at most half the strength of THC.

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What is the Entourage Effect?

CBG, CBC, and CBN are all examples of cannabinoids that contribute synergistically to your overall experience. Since they are naturally present in relatively low concentrations, they are unlikely to individually have a significant effect. However, when we combine them all together in a complex symphony of plant biochemistry, they can change your whole experience.

This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect is not limited to cannabinoids. Some theorize that other compounds such as terpenes may also contribute to your overall experience by modulating the effects of pharmacologically active compounds.

How to Consume Cannabinoids

If you eat a cannabis plant straight up, you won’t experience any effects. That’s because phytocannabinoids naturally occur only in their inactive, acidified form. They contain an extra chemical functional group called a carboxylic acid. For example, instead of THC, we have a related molecule called THCA.

In order for cannabinoids to interact with your cannabinoid receptors, they need to be “decarboxylated.” This occurs when we add heat. That’s why cannabis is often consumed via smoking or vaping.

Cannabis gummies are processed with heat prior to packaging to release the active form of the cannabinoid. That is why you can consume them directly, without adding heat, and still experience a high or a relaxing effect.

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Where to Buy Cannabinoids

Thanks to the multitude of different phytocannabinoids, there are so many factors that can influence your cannabis experience. Different strains are bred to contain different proportions of cannabinoids. Different products are engineered to have different effects as well. There are so many different combinations and possibilities that it can be difficult to know where to start.

Green Dragon carefully curates a collection of the best hemp products available. Try shopping our online selection to find the best fit for you, and don’t be afraid to try out more than one. Additionally, we offer free consultations so don’t hesitate to contact us if you need a little extra guidance.