Cannabis contains a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds known as cannabinoids. While some cannabinoids are well known, such as THC and CBD, researchers have identified many others, including compounds that occur only in very small amounts and are still being studied.

The exact number of cannabinoids found in cannabis can be difficult to determine because many are present at extremely low concentrations, particularly in commercial cannabis products. Nevertheless, these compounds contribute to the complex chemical profile of the cannabis plant.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the major cannabinoids and how they are formed.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds produced by the cannabis plant. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a biological system involved in regulating various physiological processes.

Cannabinoids can generally be divided into two groups:

• Acidic cannabinoids — the forms naturally produced by the living plant
• Neutral cannabinoids — the forms produced when acidic cannabinoids undergo decarboxylation

Some of the best-known cannabinoids include:

• THC (Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)
• CBD (Cannabidiol)
• CBG (Cannabigerol)
• CBC (Cannabichromene)
• CBN (Cannabinol)
• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

Each cannabinoid has a different chemical structure and may interact with the body in different ways.

From Acidic Cannabinoids to THC and CBD

Cannabinoids are primarily produced by the cannabis plant in their acidic forms. Two of the best-known examples are:

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)

These compounds can be converted into their neutral forms — THC and CBD — through a process called decarboxylation.

Decarboxylation occurs when cannabinoids are exposed to sufficient heat or other appropriate conditions, causing a carbon dioxide (CO₂) molecule to be released from their chemical structure.

In simple terms:

THCA → THC
CBDA → CBD

This process is particularly important when cannabis or cannabinoid extracts are processed into consumer products.

The Cannabinoid Biosynthetic Pathway

The cannabis plant produces cannabinoids through a complex biosynthetic pathway.

One of the key precursor compounds is CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid), sometimes referred to as the “mother cannabinoid” because it serves as a precursor for several major cannabinoid acids.

Through the action of specific enzymes, CBGA can be converted into cannabinoid acids such as:

• THCA
• CBDA
• CBCA

Cannabis also produces related cannabinoid acids with slightly different chemical structures, including:

• CBGVA
• THCVA
• CBDVA
• CBCVA

These compounds are generally found in much smaller quantities and are less extensively studied than major cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.

Why Does the Cannabis Plant Produce Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are not simply produced for human use. From the plant’s perspective, they are part of its natural chemistry and may contribute to its defense mechanisms.

Research has suggested that some cannabinoid acids may possess antimicrobial or insecticidal properties, although the biological roles of individual cannabinoids in the plant are still an area of scientific research.

THC, CBD and THCV: How Are They Different?

Among the many cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC and THCV are notable because they can interact with the body’s CB1 receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system.

THC

THC is the primary cannabinoid associated with the intoxicating effects of cannabis.

It interacts with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and is responsible for many of the characteristic psychoactive effects associated with cannabis.

CBD

CBD, on the other hand, is not considered intoxicating in the same way as THC.

However, CBD can influence how the endocannabinoid system responds to other cannabinoids, including THC. This is one reason why the overall effect of a cannabis product cannot always be predicted simply by looking at its THC concentration.

The interaction between different cannabinoids is an active area of research and is often discussed in relation to the “entourage effect.”

THCV

THCV is structurally related to THC but has a different pharmacological profile.

Research suggests that its interaction with CB1 receptors may depend on factors such as dose and concentration. At certain concentrations, THCV may act differently from THC and may influence CB1 receptor activity.

However, THCV generally occurs at relatively low levels in most commercial cannabis varieties, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects in humans.

What Is CBN and How Is It Formed?

Another important cannabinoid is CBN (Cannabinol).

Unlike THC and CBD, CBN is generally not produced as one of the primary cannabinoids in fresh cannabis plants. Instead, it can form through the oxidation and degradation of THC over time.

For example, when cannabis products are exposed to oxygen, light, heat, or inappropriate storage conditions, THC can gradually degrade and contribute to the formation of CBN.

This is one reason why older cannabis material may contain relatively higher levels of CBN compared with freshly harvested material.

Research has investigated CBN for a range of potential biological activities, including sedative, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, the effects of CBN in humans require further scientific investigation, and its effects can also depend on the presence of other cannabinoids and the formulation.

Why Understanding Cannabinoids Matters

Cannabis is much more chemically complex than simply being a source of THC or CBD.

Different cannabinoids can have different:

• Chemical structures
• Concentrations
• Stability profiles
• Receptor interactions
• Biological effects
• Potential applications

Furthermore, cannabinoids can interact with one another. This means that the overall composition of a cannabinoid extract can be important when developing products for specific applications.

For manufacturers and businesses working with cannabinoid ingredients, understanding the differences between individual cannabinoids is therefore an important part of product development, formulation, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

As research continues, scientists are discovering more about lesser-known cannabinoids and their potential applications. Many of these compounds remain relatively under-studied, meaning there is still much to learn about how they interact with the human body.

At SALUS Bioceutical, understanding the chemistry of cannabinoids is an important part of developing high-quality cannabinoid ingredients and supporting innovation across the cannabis and hemp industry.