The List Of Cannabis Cannabinoids

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two types of cannabinoids that have received the most attention in recent years. However, this is just the beginning, since cannabis has a cannabinoid profile that is quite intricate.

Table of Contents

What does the term “cannabinoids” mean?

Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds, each of which might vary significantly from the others. It is believed that one of the functions of these molecules in plants, known as phytocannabinoids, is to provide some degree of protection to the plant against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, disease, and predation.

The term “endocannabinoids” refers to the cannabinoids that are naturally produced by the human body. These are absolutely necessary for the regulation of essential processes such as sleep, mood, the ability to manage pain, and the immunological response. It is possible for major health issues to manifest themselves whenever the body’s natural production of endocannabinoids is insufficient. When this occurs in humans, phytocannabinoids such as those found in the cannabis plant have the potential to fill the void by replacing what the body is either unable to produce or is not making in adequate amounts.

How many types of cannabinoids are in cannabis?

Quantities range from 66 to a minimum of 113, and only a small number of cannabinoids have been subjected to rigorous scientific study.

Cannabichromenes

Cannabichromene (CBC) alternatively referred to as cannabichromene, pentylcannabichromene, or cannabinochromene, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is naturally occurring in the Cannabis plant. Cannabis exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and potentially contributes to the analgesic effects. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) exhibits structural resemblances to other cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN). Although it does not induce a euphoric state similar to THC, it has the potential to affect the psychoactive properties of THC. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated in certain investigations that CBC exhibits promising anticancer properties and possesses anticonvulsant efficacy.
Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) serves as the precursor compound for CBC (Cannabichromene) within the cannabis plant. This compound is considered to be a key cannabinoid acid found within the plant. Over a period of time or at conditions of elevated temperature (usually over 93°C), the compound known as cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) undergoes a chemical transformation referred to as decarboxylation, resulting in the formation of cannabichromene (CBC). Similar to other cannabinoid acids, CBCA potentially possesses distinct therapeutic characteristics; nevertheless, its exploration and investigation have been comparatively limited in comparison to its decarboxylated derivative, CBC.
Cannabichromevarin (CBCV) is a phytocannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis. CBCV is categorized as a propyl cannabinoid and has been acknowledged for its anticonvulsant characteristics, which suggest its potential efficacy in the treatment of medical disorders such as epilepsy and brain cancer. In contrast to certain cannabinoids, CBCV is not commonly attributed with psychoactive properties, hence lacking the capacity to induce the euphoric state typically associated with drugs such as THC. Because of its lack of impairing effects, it is widely regarded as safe for individuals of all ages, including children and adults, it is commonly present in medical marijuana.
Cannabichromevarinic acid (CBCVA) is an inherent constituent present in the plant species Cannabis sativa. This particular compound is among the several phytocannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. Although there is limited documentation regarding the qualities and effects of this particular cannabinoid compared to others, it is believed to be closely related to Cannabichromevarin (CBCV) and may serve as a precursor to it, similar to the relationship between Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and Cannabichromene (CBC).

Cannabicyclols

Cannabicyclol (CBL) is a cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. In contrast to certain other cannabinoids, it does not induce psychoactive effects. Cannabicyclol (CBL) is an end product of degradation, akin to cannabinol (CBN), which arises from the breakdown of cannabichromene (CBC). This degradation process occurs as a result of natural exposure to irradiation or acidic environments.
Cannabicyclol A (CBLA) is a non-psychoactive compound derived through the photochemical transformation of cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), indicating that CBLA is generated upon the exposure of CBCA to light. Cannabis that has been harvested prematurely and afterwards stored is frequently associated with the presence of CBLA. Due to the prerequisite of a reaction for its existence, CBLA cannot be classified as an indigenous cannabinoid. Cannabicyclol A (CBLA) is commonly detected in cannabis samples, particularly those obtained from premature harvests, where its concentration is generally minimal. During the storage process, cannabis may be exposed to various environmental variables that can alter specific cannabinoids present in the plant, resulting in the formation of CBLA.
Cannabicyclovarin (CBLV) represents a specific class of cannabinoid compounds that can be identified inside the Cannabis sativa plant. It is classified as a member of the cannabicyclol class under the cannabinoids category. Cannabidivarinic acid (CBLV) is produced by a biosynthetic pathway that involves the synthesis of cannabinoid acids. These cannabinoid acids undergo activation with the application of heat, a process known as decarboxylation. The aforementioned procedure has the capability to induce decarboxylation of these acids, resulting in the formation of related cannabinoids, such as cannabicyclols like CBLV.

Cannabidiols

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not induce intoxicating effects. One of the most commonly found constituents of cannabis is this particular active compound. In contrast to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) does not induce psychoactive effects or a state of intoxication. This characteristic renders CBD attractive to those seeking therapeutic relief from many ailments, without experiencing the cognitive impairments associated with marijuana or specific prescription medications.
Cannabidiol monomethylether (CBDM) is a compound derived from Cannabidiol (CBD), which is one of the primary cannabinoids present in cannabis plants. In contrast to cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiol methyl (CBDM) is characterized by the presence of a methyl group bound to one of its hydroxyl groups. A subtle alteration in the chemical composition might result in distinct characteristics and impacts.
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a cannabinoid that is present in raw cannabis plants and does not possess psychotropic properties. The aforementioned substance serves as the acidic precursor to Cannabidiol (CBD). The decarboxylation process occurs when cannabis is subjected to heat or sunshine, resulting in the conversion of CBDA to CBD through the removal of its carboxyl group.
Cannabidiorcol (CBD-C1) is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid present in Cannabis at minimal levels. This compound exhibits a structural resemblance to cannabidiol (CBD), albeit with a modification in the pentyl side chain, resulting in its substitution with a methyl group.
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a cannabinoid with non-psychoactive properties that is present in the Cannabis plant. The compound exhibits a structural resemblance to cannabidiol (CBD) but with a truncated side chain. Similar to cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidivarin (CBDV) does not elicit the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis consumption.
Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA) is a cannabinoid acid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. The substance in question serves as the acidic precursor to Cannabidivarin (CBDV). The decarboxylation process occurs in cannabis when it is subjected to heat or sunshine, resulting in the conversion of CBDVA to CBDV by the removal of its carboxyl group.

Cannabielsoins

Cannabielsoic Acid B (CBDA-B) is an inherent constituent present in the Cannabis sativa plant. The compound in question is a type of cannabinoid acid, serving as a precursor to well-known cannabinoids like as THC and CBD, which are widely recognized by the general population.
Cannabielsoin (CBE) is a cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. The compound in question is a metabolite derived from the processing of cannabidiol (CBD) within the human body. In contrast to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) does not elicit psychoactive or high effects.
Cannabielsoin Acid A (CBEA-A) is a cannabinoid acid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. This compound is among the several cannabinoid acids synthesized by these botanical organisms, serving as the precursors to the well-known cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, which are widely recognized by the general population.

Cannabigerols

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess intoxicating properties. Frequently denoted as the “mother” or “stem cell” of cannabinoids, this compound serves as the precursor for the synthesis of several other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.
Cannabigerol monomethylether (CBGM) is a cannabinoid derived from the Cannabis plant that does not possess psychotropic properties. The substance in question is a derivative of Cannabigerol (CBG), a prominent cannabinoid from which several other cannabinoids, including as THC and CBD, are generated. Cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM) possesses a methyl group covalently bonded to one of its hydroxyl groups, so establishing a structural distinction from cannabigerol (CBG).
Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) is commonly recognized as the primary precursor or foundational compound from which various cannabinoids originate. The substance in question is a cannabinoid acid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. CBGA serves as the precursor for the synthesis of other significant cannabinoid acids, including THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid), CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid), and CBCA (Cannabichromenic Acid).
Cannabigerolic Acid Monomethylether (CBGAM) is an example of a non-psychoactive cannabinoid acid that is naturally occurring in the Cannabis plant. The compound in question is a derivative of Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA), a commonly recognized precursor of cannabinoids sometimes described as the “mother” or “stem cell” of these compounds. CBGAM is distinguished from CBGA by the presence of a methyl group linked to one of its hydroxyl groups.
Cannabigerovarin (CBGV) is a cannabinoid with non-psychoactive properties that is present in the Cannabis plant. The compound in question is the varinolic derivative of Cannabigerol (CBG), characterized by the presence of a propyl (3-carbon) side chain as opposed to the pentyl (5-carbon) side chain observed in CBG.
Cannabigerovarinic Acid (CBGVA) is a cannabinoid acid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. The compound in question serves as the varinolic derivative of Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA), exhibiting a propyl (3-carbon) side chain as opposed to the pentyl (5-carbon) side chain observed in CBGA. CBGVA serves as the precursor compound for the synthesis of Cannabigerovarin (CBGV).

Cannabinols and cannabinodiols

Cannabinodiol (CBND) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. The compound in question is postulated to be a byproduct resulting from the breakdown of CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), occurring when subjected to elevated temperatures or extended periods of air exposure.
Cannabinodivarin (CBVD) is a relatively low-abundance cannabinoid with non-psychoactive properties that is present in the Cannabis plant. The compound in question is the varinolic derivative of Cannabinodiol (CBND), denoting the presence of a propyl (3-carbon) side chain rather than the pentyl (5-carbon) side chain characteristic of CBND.
Cannabinol (CBN) is a relatively low-abundance cannabinoid present in the Cannabis plant, characterized by its lack of psychotropic properties. The increase in CBN levels in aged cannabis can be attributed to the breakdown and degradation of THC with time. In contrast to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN) does not elicit intoxication effects.
Cannabinol Methylether (CBNM) is a relatively low-abundance cannabinoid with non-psychoactive properties, which is present in the Cannabis plant. The compound under consideration exhibits structural resemblance to Cannabinol (CBN), albeit with the presence of a methyl group connected to one of its hydroxyl groups, so establishing its distinction from CBN.
Cannabinol-C2 (CBN-C2) is a lesser-known cannabinoid present in the Cannabis plant, characterized by its non-psychoactive properties. This compound exhibits homology with Cannabinol (CBN), indicating a structural resemblance to CBN albeit with a distinct side chain length. In the instance of CBN-C2, the side chain exhibits a structural distinction characterized by the presence of two supplementary carbon atoms in comparison to CBN.
Cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4) is a lesser-known cannabinoid present in the Cannabis plant, characterized by its non-psychoactive properties. This compound exhibits homology to Cannabinol (CBN), indicating a structural similarity to CBN, albeit with a distinct side chain length. In the instance of CBN-C4, the alkyl group exhibits an elongation of four carbon atoms in comparison to CBN.
Cannabinolic Acid (CBNA) is a cannabinoid acid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. The substance in question serves as the acidic precursor of Cannabinol (CBN), which is classified as a minor cannabinoid. The decarboxylation process occurs in cannabis when it is subjected to heat or sunshine, leading to the conversion of CBNA into CBN through the removal of a carbon dioxide molecule.
Cannabiorcool (CBN-C1) is a lesser-known cannabinoid with non-psychoactive properties that is present in the Cannabis plant. This compound exhibits homology with Cannabinol (CBN), indicating structural similarity with CBN, albeit with a distinct side chain length. In the instance of CBN-C1, the side chain exhibits an increment of one carbon atom in comparison to CBN.
Cannabivarin (CBV) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the Cannabis plant. It is structurally similar to Cannabinol (CBN), but with a shortened side chain. CBV is considered a degradation product, much like CBN, and is formed as other cannabinoids break down over time.

Cannabitriols

10-Ethoxy-9-hydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical compound known as classified as a cannabinoid, a group of naturally occurring chemicals that are present in the Cannabis plant. The substance in question is classified as a synthetic derivative, indicating that it is not inherently present in the cannabis plant but rather obtained through the chemical alteration of a natural cannabinoid.
8,9-Dihydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical compound known as classified as a cannabinoid, a group of naturally occurring chemicals that are present in the Cannabis plant. This specific chemical can be classified as a hydroxylated derivative of a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isomer, signifying the presence of supplementary hydroxyl groups bonded to the THC molecule.
Cannabitriol (CBT) is a lesser-known cannabinoid present in the Cannabis plant, characterized by its lack of psychotropic properties. The chemical composition of this compound bears resemblance to that of other cannabinoids; nevertheless, it is comparatively less prevalent and its properties are not as comprehensively elucidated as those of prominent cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Cannabitriolvarin (CBTV) is a lesser-known cannabinoid present in the Cannabis plant, characterized by its non-psychoactive properties. The compound in question can be identified as the varinolic derivative of Cannabitriol (CBT), denoting the presence of a propyl (3-carbon) side chain rather than the pentyl (5-carbon) side chain characteristic of CBT.

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinols

Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) is a lesser abundant cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant. The substance in question is a structural isomer of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which is the principal psychoactive constituent found in cannabis. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) exhibits a structural resemblance to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), albeit with a minor modification involving the positioning of a double bond within its molecular configuration.
Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (Δ8-THCA) is a cannabinoid acid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. The aforementioned substance serves as the acidic precursor of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC). The decarboxylation process occurs when cannabis is subjected to heat or sunshine, resulting in the conversion of Δ8-THCA to Δ8-THC through the elimination of a carbon dioxide molecule.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinols

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) serves as the principal psychoactive constituent within the Cannabis plant. The chemical in question is accountable for the psychoactive effects that are frequently linked to the consumption of cannabis. The psychoactive compound THC exhibits an affinity for cannabinoid receptors located in the brain and central nervous system. This interaction gives rise to many physiological and psychological effects, such as euphoria, relaxation, modifications in sensory perception, and heightened appetite.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4), alternatively referred to as Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), is a lesser abundant cannabinoid that can be identified inside the Cannabis plant. The compound in question exhibits a structural resemblance to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the principal psychoactive constituent found in cannabis. However, it possesses a truncated side chain that is composed of two less carbon atoms.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid A (THCA-A) is a cannabinoid acid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. The substance in question serves as the acidic precursor to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the principal psychoactive constituent found in cannabis. The process of decarboxylation occurs when cannabis is subjected to heat or sunshine, resulting in the conversion of THCA-A into THC through the removal of a carbon dioxide molecule.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid B (THCA-B) is classified as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid acid that is present inside the Cannabis plant. The compound in question is a structural isomer of THCA-A, which serves as the acidic precursor to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent found in cannabis.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid-C4 (THCA-C4) is a cannabinoid acid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. The aforementioned compound is a structural variation of THCA-A, which serves as the acidic precursor to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, it possesses a side chain of reduced length. Upon exposure to heat or sunshine, THCA-C4 undergoes decarboxylation, resulting in the removal of a carbon dioxide molecule and the conversion into THC-C4.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THC-C1) is a relatively uncommon and less prevalent cannabinoid that can be discovered in the Cannabis plant. The compound in question exhibits a structural resemblance to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the principal psychoactive constituent found in cannabis. However, it possesses a distinct side chain structure.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabiorcolic Acid (THCA-C1) is a cannabinoid acid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. The aforementioned substance serves as the acidic precursor of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THC-C1). The decarboxylation process occurs in cannabis when it is subjected to heat or sunshine, resulting in the conversion of THCA-C1 to THC-C1 through the removal of a carbon dioxide molecule.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant. The compound in question exhibits a structural resemblance to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the principal psychoactive constituent found in cannabis. However, it diverges in its chemical structure by possessing a propyl (3-carbon) side chain as opposed to a pentyl (5-carbon) side chain.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabivarinic Acid (THCVA) is a cannabinoid acid that is present in the Cannabis plant and does not possess psychotropic properties. The substance in question serves as the acidic precursor of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), which is classified as a minor cannabinoid. The decarboxylation process involves the loss of a carbon dioxide molecule from THCVA, resulting in the formation of THCV, when cannabis is subjected to heat or sunshine.

Miscellaneous cannabinoids

The subsequent cannabinoids listed are not currently categorized inside a certain class, or their classification remains uncertain.

10-Oxo-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol (OTHC) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that can be found in the Cannabis plant. The substance in question is an oxidized variant of delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol, which belongs to a group of chemicals that share structural similarities with THC, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis.
Cannabichromanon (CBCF) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant. Cannabichromene (CBC), a prominent cannabinoid found in cannabis, exhibits a structural relationship with the aforementioned compound. The cannabinoid known as CBCF is comparatively less prevalent in cannabis strains when compared to CBC, and is generally regarded as a minor or trace compound owing to its very low concentration.
Cannabifuran (CBF) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant. This particular compound is among the several cannabinoids synthesized by these botanical specimens; nonetheless, its abundance is significantly lesser in comparison to prominent cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Cannabiglendol is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant. Similar to other cannabinoids, this particular molecule engages in chemical interactions with the endocannabinoid system within the human body. Because of its lesser prominence, this particular compound is not as widely recognized or thoroughly investigated in comparison to more significant cannabinoids like as THC and CBD.
Cannabiripsol (CBR) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant. Similar to other cannabinoids, this chemical molecule engages with the endocannabinoid system within the human body. Because of its lesser significance, this particular compound lacks the same level of recognition and comprehensive investigation as other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Cannabicitran (CBT) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant. The compound in question exhibits structural similarities to other cannabinoids, albeit with notable distinctions, and is found in far smaller quantities when compared to prominent cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Dehydrocannabifuran (DCBF) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis plant. It is among the several cannabinoids synthesized by these botanical specimens; yet, its presence is notably less abundant in comparison to prominent cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Delta-9-cis-Tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-THC) is a geometric isomer of Delta-9-trans-Tetrahydrocannabinol (trans-THC), the predominant psychoactive constituent found in cannabis. The prefixes “cis” and “trans” are used to denote distinct spatial configurations of atoms inside these compounds. In contrast to trans-THC, cis-THC does not exhibit psychotropic properties.
Trihydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (triOH-THC) represents a metabolite derived from Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which serves as the principal psychoactive constituent found in cannabis. Following consumption, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) undergoes hepatic metabolism facilitated by cytochrome P450 enzymes within the liver. This metabolic process leads to the formation of many metabolites, among which is triOH-THC.
3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-alpha-alpha-2-trimethyl-9-n-propyl-2,6-methano-2H-1-benzoxocin-5-methanol (OH-iso-HHCV) is a chemically intricate molecule that has structural similarities to specific cannabinoids. The molecule in question is not an inherent constituent of the cannabis plant, but rather a synthetic or derivative compound that may have been intentionally developed for scientific objectives.

Even though the various cannabinoids that are found in cannabis have not yet been thoroughly investigated by scientists, there is still a significant amount of curiosity in the medical applications that may be possible for them. Who can predict what additional unanticipated findings this plant may deliver to humankind in the years to come? The possibility of combining several cannabinoids in order to boost their therapeutic effects, which may not be as dazzling when used individually, is particularly exciting.

Cannabinoids are simply one chapter in the intriguing history of cannabis, albeit a highly significant one, and this fact is something that needs to be kept in mind.

Sources:

Chemistry and Analysis of Phytocannabinoids and Other Cannabis Constituents (2007) Rudolf Brenneisen;
Marijuana and the Cannabinoids (2007) Mahmoud A. ElSohly;
Others.