What are cannabinoids? The science behind the buzz

You’ve heard the term thrown around – in grower forums, cannabis guides, and even medical studies – but what are cannabinoids, really? 

If you’re growing cannabis, understanding these powerful compounds is key to knowing what your plants are capable of and how they impact the people using them. 

Whether you’re cultivating for recreational, medical, or experimental purposes, the science behind cannabinoids isn’t just fascinating – it’s essential.

Over 100 unique cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant, and each one can alter the way your body and brain function. 

If you don’t understand how these compounds work, you risk growing strains with unpredictable effects or missing out on therapeutic value altogether. 

This post breaks down exactly what cannabinoids are, how they interact with your body, and what that means for your grow. 

From THC and CBD to minor and synthetic cannabinoids, we’ve got the facts, science, and growing insight you need to make informed decisions.

Disclaimer: Any information given on this site is for educational purposes only. Please ensure if you’re growing cannabis, you’re doing so by the law and subject to appropriate permissions and licenses of the applicable country. 

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From the cannabis sativa plant to cannabinoid compounds

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found primarily in the cannabis sativa plant. 

These compounds are responsible for the many effects cannabis has on the human body, including its therapeutic and psychoactive effects. 

You’ll find different types of cannabinoids in both natural and synthetic forms, but the most famous ones – THC and CBD – come directly from the cannabis plant.

All cannabinoids, whether natural cannabinoids from the plant or synthetic cannabinoids created in labs, interact with the body in similar ways.  

These interactions, though, can range from beneficial to potentially harmful depending on the compound, dose, and user.

Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis, many of which remain under-studied. 

According to a 2020 review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, these compounds influence processes such as inflammation, metabolism, and neurological function by modulating signalling pathways within the endocannabinoid system (Pamplona et al., 2020). 

Further research, including clinical work from the National Cancer Institute, highlights the role of THC and other compounds in pain modulation, appetite stimulation, and support during chemotherapy. 

The growing body of evidence underlines just how diverse and impactful cannabinoid compounds can be. 

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The definition of cannabinoids 

Cannabinoids are a class of molecules that engage with a complex signalling network in your body called the endocannabinoid system. 

This system is made up of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (produced naturally by your body), and enzymes that break them down.

Cannabinoids work by binding to cannabinoid receptor types 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2), which are found mainly in the central nervous system and immune system, respectively. 

These receptors help regulate mood, pain, memory, appetite, and more. This is why the effects of cannabinoids on the brain play such a significant role in therapeutic applications. 

Beyond CB1 and CB2, researchers are discovering that cannabinoids also influence other molecular targets, including GPR55 receptors and TRP channels, which play roles in inflammation, pain, and neuroregulation. 

These interactions help explain why cannabinoids affect such a wide range of physiological processes. 

According to a 2016 review in Pharmacological Reviews, the endocannabinoid system is “a crucial physiological system involved in establishing and maintaining human health” Pertwee et al., 2016. 

Ongoing cannabinoid research is now exploring how these signalling molecules and pathways contribute to pain modulation, immune regulation, and even the potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

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The cannabinoid spectrum 

The cannabinoid profile of a cannabis plant refers to its specific mix of cannabinoids. 

While most growers are familiar with THC (the primary psychoactive compound) and CBD, there are over 100 known cannabinoids – including minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, and CBN – that contribute to the plant’s effects.

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Major cannabinoids list:

These are the most abundant and best-studied cannabinoids:

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – primary psychoactive compound
• CBD (cannabidiol) – non-intoxicating, widely studied for therapeutic potential
• CBG (cannabigerol) – precursor to THC, CBD, and CBC; has potential anti-inflammatory effects
• CBC (cannabichromene) – may support pain relief and inflammation
• CBN (cannabinol) – mildly psychoactive; formed as THC oxidises
• THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) – may suppress appetite and counteract THC’s effects
• CBDV (cannabidivarin) – structurally similar to CBD; being explored for seizure disorders

Then there are synthetic cannabinoids, which mimic these compounds but are created artificially. 

They’re often found in unregulated products and have been linked to severe adverse effects, including hospitalisations in the United States. 

These compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system more aggressively and unpredictably than natural cannabinoids.

Some synthetic variants bind more tightly to CB1 receptors than THC itself, making them far more potent and dangerous. 

A 2019 article in The New England Journal of Medicine reported outbreaks of toxicity from synthetic cannabinoid use, often due to contamination or unregulated potency (Adams et al., 2019). 

These findings have spurred global concern about their potential role in drug abuse and unpredictable psychiatric reactions.

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The science of cannabinoid interaction

Once consumed, whether via smoking, oils, tinctures, or edibles, cannabinoids engage with the endocannabinoid system. This process triggers changes in various bodily functions. 

For example, THC binds strongly to CB1 receptors, causing the high that users experience. 

On the other hand, CBD interacts more subtly, modulating the effects of THC and possibly offering relief from chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and reducing anxiety.

It’s not just about THC and CBD, though. The other cannabinoids in your plant influence things, too. 

Some enhance THC’s effects, while others counterbalance them. This dynamic is often referred to as the “entourage effect.”

Studies have shown that terpenes and minor cannabinoids such as CBG and THCV can influence how cannabinoids interact with receptors, further tailoring the plant’s effect on the human body. 

A 2011 review published in the British Journal of Pharmacology supports this, stating: “Phytocannabinoid-terpenoid interactions could produce synergy with respect to treatment of pain, inflammation, anxiety, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections” 

This underscores the importance of understanding the full cannabinoid profile, not just the big names.

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Health benefits of cannabinoids and medical cannabis

Let’s get into the good stuff: what benefits of cannabinoids are supported by research?

According to the National Cancer Institute and several clinical trials, cannabinoids’ effects can help with: 

• Appetite stimulation (especially during cancer chemotherapy)
• Pain management and inflammation 
• Reducing nausea
• Easing multiple sclerosis symptoms
  Alleviate pain from nerve damage and arthritis
  

Some cannabinoids, including CBD, show potential therapeutic benefits for anxiety, epilepsy, and even certain psychosis related disorders. 

The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids is being explored in experimental therapeutics, with studies conducted by institutions like the Food and Drug Administration and the NIH’s Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Beyond symptom management, emerging research suggests that cannabinoids may also play a role in slowing disease progression. 

A 2022 review in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy found that cannabinoids may modulate oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, key mechanisms in conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (Zou et al., 2022). 

As cannabinoid research evolves, so does the possibility of integrating cannabis products into mainstream medical use for chronic, complex conditions.

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Effects of cannabinoids on the endocannabinoid system 

Each cannabinoid has unique effects, including:

• Euphoria (mainly from THC)
• Relaxation
• Altered sensory perception
• Improved sleep
• Enhanced focus (in some minor cannabinoids)
  

However, there are also negative effects. Cognitive impairment, increased heart rate, anxiety, and even paranoia are linked to excessive THC intake. 

In the long term, cannabinoid use – especially from smoked cannabis – can increase the risk of respiratory issues and mental health complications.

It’s worth noting that, unlike THC, CBD typically doesn’t cause a high and may even reduce some of THC’s less desirable neuroactive effects.

Studies using neuroimaging have shown that THC alters connectivity in regions like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala — areas responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation. 

A systematic review in The Lancet Psychiatry found that high-THC cannabis use is associated with a significantly increased risk of psychosis, particularly in daily users (Di Forti et al., 2019). 

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Cannabinoid use and public health

With medical cannabis becoming more widely accepted, cannabinoid use is now a serious area of public health focus. 

Studies have shown that cannabinoids can support treatments where traditional medicine falls short, especially in chronic pain management.

That said, the long-term effects of regular cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid use are still under investigation. 

Some research points to increased susceptibility to psychotic disorders, especially with high-THC strains.

In response, public health agencies are calling for more transparent labelling of cannabis products, THC content caps, and ongoing cannabinoid research to better understand and mitigate risk.

As growers, understanding these trends helps you stay informed, protect users, and align your products with evolving cannabinoid use guidelines.

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Beyond the buzz: Why it matters for growers

The more you know about cannabinoids, the more control you have over your crop’s cannabinoid profile. 

Are you growing for medicinal use? Then you’ll want strains with high CBD or specific minor cannabinoids. 

Are you chasing potency? You’ll monitor tetrahydrocannabinolic acid levels (using trichome colour inspection) and fine-tune your harvest window.

This knowledge also helps you answer customer questions and stay ahead in an increasingly educated and competitive market.

For growers, this means you’re not just cultivating a plant — you’re managing a biochemical factory. 

Fine-tuning genetics, growing conditions, and harvest timing allows you to optimise therapeutic potential, reduce unwanted adverse effects, and develop targeted cannabis products for a range of consumers.

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How your growing environment affects cannabinoid profile

Cannabinoid production in cannabis plants is not solely determined by genetics — environmental conditions play a major role in shaping the final cannabinoid profile. 

Scientific studies have shown that factors like light intensity, spectrum, temperature, humidity, and even CO₂ levels can alter the concentration and ratio of cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBG.

For example, a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that light quality and intensity significantly influenced THC and CBD levels, with higher light intensities promoting greater cannabinoid accumulation in some strains. 

‍Temperature stress, particularly during flowering, has also been shown to impact trichome development and resin composition, directly affecting cannabinoid output.

So, if you're aiming for a consistent, high-quality product — whether high-THC, balanced, or rich in minor cannabinoids — you need to dial in and maintain optimal growing conditions throughout each stage of the plant’s life cycle.

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Why a Grow Sensor is critical for cannabinoid consistency

This is where a Grow Sensor becomes an indispensable tool for serious growers. 

Unlike manual spot checks or general-purpose meters, a dedicated Grow Sensor provides continuous, real-time data from your grow space, ensuring you can fine-tune environmental conditions perfectly.

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What does the Grow Sensor measure?

The Grow Sensor monitors:

• Temperature – Crucial for enzymatic processes involved in cannabinoid synthesis.
• Relative Humidity (RH) – Impacts transpiration, nutrient uptake, and mould risk.
• VPD (Vapour Pressure Deficit) – Helps balance humidity and temperature for healthy gas exchange and nutrient flow.
• Light intensity (PPFD) – Directly affects photosynthesis and cannabinoid production.
• DLI (Daily Light Integral) – Tracks total light exposure daily, essential for resin development.
• CO₂ levels – Enhanced CO₂ can improve yields and potentially cannabinoid density.
• Soil/substrate moisture – Prevents over/underwatering, which can stress the plant and affect chemical output.
  

By continuously monitoring these variables, the Grow Sensor helps you maintain the ideal conditions to support robust trichome development, full-spectrum cannabinoid expression, and repeatable results across harvests.

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Takeaways

Cannabinoids are the compounds found in your plants that shape every aspect of the user’s experience. 

From cannabinoid receptors to medical use, and from the benefits of cannabinoids to their potential risks, the science is clear: these molecules deserve your attention.

By understanding how cannabinoids interact, you’ll not only grow better – you’ll grow smarter.

Arming yourself with this knowledge helps you breed more purposefully, tailor your growing environment for precision outcomes, and produce safer, more effective cannabis products. 

In an evolving industry driven by data, transparency, and health outcomes, that kind of insight puts you ahead of the curve.

Happy growing!

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FAQs

What are cannabinoids in simple terms? 

Cannabinoids are special chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, especially in the cannabis sativa species. 

They’re known for their effects on the human body, thanks to their interaction with a natural system called the endocannabinoid system. 

Your body also makes its own version, called endogenous cannabinoids. 

The most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but there are minor cannabinoids and other cannabinoids too, each with unique clinical advantages. 

Whether natural or synthetic, cannabinoids influence mood, pain, sleep, and more.

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Are cannabinoids good or bad for you?

Cannabinoids can be both helpful and harmful. Natural ones from the cannabis sativa plant show therapeutic benefits for chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy, while synthetic cannabinoids and unregulated cannabis derived compounds may lead to negative effects like psychosis related disorders or cognitive impairment. 

It all depends on the compound and its interaction with your endocannabinoid and immune systems. 

Research shows the medicinal potential is real, but understanding each strain’s cannabinoid composition and how cannabinoids interact is essential to safe, effective medical use.

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What are the 4 main cannabinoids?

The four main cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant are THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC. 

These are considered known cannabinoids and play a central role in shaping the cannabinoid profile of any strain. 

THC and CBD are the most studied, with THC being the primary psychoactive compound. 

CBG and CBC are minor cannabinoids but still contribute to the plant’s therapeutic benefits. 

These chemical compounds affect the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and influencing things like inflammation, mood, and sleep. 

Their balance is key to the effects your cannabis products will deliver.

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What do cannabinoids do to your body?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that influence the human body through the endogenous cannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, appetite, pain, and immunity. 

These cannabinoids produce a wide range of effects, from therapeutic benefits like appetite stimulation, pain regulation, and easing long-term pain, to risks such as cognitive impairment or, in some cases, triggering psychotic disorders.  

Used in medical cannabis, they’re being explored in cannabinoid research for conditions like multiple sclerosis and cancer chemotherapy. 

Their psychoactive effects and medicinal potential vary depending on the range of cannabinoids within the cannabis products you consume.

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What is the strongest cannabinoid?

The strongest cannabinoid currently known is THC, the primary psychoactive component of the cannabis plant.

It binds powerfully to receptors in the central nervous system, creating potent mind-altering effects that influence mood, perception, and behaviour. 

While cannabinoids produce a range of therapeutic benefits, high-strength THC can also lead to cognitive impairment, adverse effects, and health risks, especially with excessive cannabinoid use.  

Though THC has therapeutic potential, it’s being studied in cannabinoid research, clinical trials, and experimental therapeutics for its impact on chronic pain, the human body, and potential for drug abuse. 

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Are all cannabinoids psychoactive?

No, not all cannabinoids are psychoactive. 

While THC is well known for its psychoactive effects, many cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBG, do not produce a high.  

These compounds influence the body’s endocannabinoid system without altering perception. 

The unique cannabinoid profile of each plant determines the effects users experience. 

Some cannabinoids are used in dietary supplements or experimental therapeutics for conditions like multiple sclerosis or cancer pain, without affecting cognition. 

Understanding how these compounds interact helps reduce adverse effects and guide safer cannabinoid use, particularly in medical use and integrative health approaches.

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