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A practical introduction to the key cannabinoids in medical cannabis — what they do, how they differ, and why the minor cannabinoids matter.
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## THC: The Primary Psychoactive Compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis. It binds primarily to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, producing the well-known psychoactive effects alongside analgesic, anti-nausea and appetite-stimulating properties. In a medical context, THC-dominant products are prescribed for conditions including chronic pain, nausea associated with chemotherapy, and spasticity in multiple sclerosis. ## CBD: The Non-Psychoactive Modulator Cannabidiol (CBD) has no psychoactive effect and is thought to modulate THC's activity at CB1 receptors, potentially reducing anxiety and cognitive side effects. CBD itself has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties. Epidiolex (a purified CBD formulation) was approved by the EMA in 2019 for treatment-resistant childhood epilepsy — the first plant-derived cannabinoid medicine to receive full pharmaceutical approval in Europe. ## Minor Cannabinoids: CBG, CBN and Beyond Beyond THC and CBD, the cannabis plant produces over 100 additional cannabinoids in smaller quantities. - **CBG (Cannabigerol)** is often described as the precursor cannabinoid. Early research suggests anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. - **CBN (Cannabinol)** is a mildly psychoactive degradation product of THC, associated with sedative effects. - **THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)** is structurally similar to THC but appears to have appetite-suppressing and potentially antidiabetic effects. - **CBC (Cannabichromene)** has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and potentially antidepressant properties in preclinical studies. ## Why This Matters for Product Selection For medical cannabis prescribers and specialist buyers, understanding the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of a product — not just THC and CBD percentages — is essential for matching supply to clinical need. Verdant Access works with producers who can provide comprehensive Certificates of Analysis covering the full phytocannabinoid spectrum.
Sources & References
- Pertwee RG. (2008). *The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin.* British Journal of Pharmacology. - Atalay S et al. (2019). *Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol.* Antioxidants. - Nachnani R et al. (2021). *The Brain Erythropoietin Pathway and Minor Cannabinoids.* British Journal of Pharmacology.
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