The 20 Most Common Minor Cannabinoids in Cannabis and Their Effects

When most people think of cannabis, they immediately focus on THC and CBD, the two most well-known cannabinoids. However, the cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, many of which have unique properties that influence pain relief, relaxation, energy levels, and even appetite control.

In this guide, we’ll break down 20 of the most common minor cannabinoids, explaining what they do and why they matter.

What Are Minor Cannabinoids?

Minor cannabinoids are the lesser-known compounds in cannabis that exist in smaller concentrations compared to THC and CBD. While THC is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects, and CBD is widely known for its therapeutic benefits, minor cannabinoids contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing the plant’s overall medicinal value.

Many of these compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), helping regulate pain, inflammation, mood, appetite, and more.

The 20 Most Common Minor Cannabinoids and Their Effects

1. CBG (Cannabigerol)

• Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective

• Potential Benefits: May support gut health, reduce inflammation, and protect brain cells

2. CBN (Cannabinol)

• Effects: Mildly psychoactive, sedative, appetite stimulant

• Potential Benefits: Used for sleep aid, pain relief, and appetite stimulation

3. CBC (Cannabichromene)

• Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, neuroprotective

• Potential Benefits: Supports mood balance, may promote neurogenesis, and has potential pain-relieving properties

4. THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

• Effects: Appetite suppressant, stimulating, focus-enhancing

• Potential Benefits: May help with weight loss, reduce blood sugar, and improve mental clarity

5. CBDV (Cannabidivarin)

• Effects: Anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory

• Potential Benefits: Being researched for its role in treating epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders

6. CBL (Cannabicyclol)

• Effects: Mild anti-inflammatory properties

• Potential Benefits: Potential role in pain management and inflammation relief

7. CBT (Cannabicitran)

• Effects: Possible mood-stabilizing properties

• Potential Benefits: Being studied for anti-anxiety and neuroprotective effects

8. CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)

• Effects: Anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea

• Potential Benefits: May be more bioavailable than CBD and is currently being researched for nausea relief

9. THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)

• Effects: Non-psychoactive until heated, anti-inflammatory

• Potential Benefits: Used for arthritis, neuroprotection, and digestive issues

10. CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)

• Effects: Precursor to THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids

• Potential Benefits: Has shown antibacterial, antifungal, and neuroprotective properties

11. CBNA (Cannabinolic Acid)

• Effects: Possible sedative properties

• Potential Benefits: May help with insomnia and inflammation

12. CBDP (Cannabidiphorol)

• Effects: Similar to CBD but potentially stronger

• Potential Benefits: Could have enhanced anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects

13. THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol)

• Effects: Stronger than THC, highly psychoactive

• Potential Benefits: Being researched for pain relief and relaxation

14. CBCA (Cannabichromenic Acid)

• Effects: Anti-inflammatory, potential immune-boosting properties

• Potential Benefits: Could support skin health and pain relief

15. CBLA (Cannabicyclolic Acid)

• Effects: Anti-inflammatory, potential analgesic properties

• Potential Benefits: Research is still emerging on its role in pain relief

16. CBGA-V (Cannabigerovarinic Acid)

• Effects: Non-psychoactive, neuroprotective

• Potential Benefits: May help in preventing neurodegeneration

17. CBNA-V (Cannabinovarinic Acid)

• Effects: Similar to CBN but non-psychoactive

• Potential Benefits: Could be beneficial for inflammation and sleep disorders

18. CBDV-V (Cannabidivarinic Acid)

• Effects: Potential anti-seizure and anti-inflammatory properties

• Potential Benefits: Being studied for its role in epilepsy and autism

19. THCV-V (Tetrahydrocannabivarinic Acid)

• Effects: Similar to THCV, appetite suppressing, energizing

• Potential Benefits: Potential for weight loss and mental clarity

20. CBTP (Cannabitriophene)

• Effects: Very little research available

• Potential Benefits: Currently being studied for potential anti-inflammatory properties

Why Minor Cannabinoids Matter

These minor cannabinoids play crucial roles in how cannabis interacts with your body. Many enhance the benefits of THC and CBD, creating a synergistic effect known as the entourage effect.

As research advances, many of these cannabinoids may become essential for medical treatments, including:

• Pain management

• Neuroprotection

• Anti-inflammatory therapies

• Mental health treatments

Final Thoughts

While THC and CBD dominate the conversation, minor cannabinoids are the next frontier of cannabis science. Understanding their individual properties can help you fine-tune your cannabis experience and explore new potential health benefits.