Minor Cannabinoids for Major Health Impact

Cannabis is a complex plant filled with over a hundred different cannabinoids. When we think about the cannabis plant the two main compounds generally discussed are CBD and THC. This is for good reason, CBD and THC are the two most common molecules found within the cannabis plant. However, we are beginning to move past the basics and learning a lot more about ALL the other cannabinoids known as “minors”.

These minor cannabinoids could have a major health impact and be the key to customizable treatment plans for medical conditions as we move into the future. The benefits of minor cannabinoids have just now begun to be studied by scientists and health professionals. The early data is positively promising and shining a light on what the future of cannabis could be, as our endocannabinoid system (ECS) yearns for more. 

What are Minor Cannabinoids?

Almost all cannabis plants will have high amounts of either CBD or THC, or both. Along with a plethora of other cannabinoids in smaller amounts. Depending on the plant's genetics (strain) and when the plant is harvested will also affect what minor cannabinoids show up in the final cannabis plant matter. All cannabinoids start out as CBGa which is an acidic form. 

CBGa, is known in the cannabis world as the “Mother Cannabinoid” CBGa is responsible for birthing CBD and THC, everytime. From this jumping off point the molecules can, and will, continue to change as the plant goes through its lifecycle. Cannabinoids have the ability to synthesize themselves over and over into more than a hundred different molecular variations (cannabinoids). 

Most Common Minor Cannabinoids

CBN (Cannabinol) 

Under a microscope; the CBN molecule is almost identical to THC with the exception of one single hydrogen atom that's missing. CBN however is not considered psychoactive like its predecessor THC, (unless in the presence with other THC molecules.) CBN is created through a degradation of THC, a process that occurs due to oxidation. 

CBN is most likely to occur in larger amounts in a plant that is harvested late or in plant material that is aged several months. Essentially CBN is a stale THC molecule. Stale it might be, but it still has shown promise of providing much needed therapeutic values. 

Potential benefits of CBN

• Fights free radicals in the bloodstream
• Anti-Bacterial 
• Pain reduction
• Inflammation

CBG (Cannabigerol) 

As the “mother” of all phytocannabinoids, CBG should certainly not be overlooked for its potential benefits. CBG works very effectively activating our CB1 receptors within the endocannabinoid system. The CB1 receptor is responsible for releasing hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine; the “feel good” hormones. The best part is CBG is a natural compound like all other cannabinoids making it a safer choice to regulate hormones over synthetic pharmaceutical options. 

Potential health benefits of CBG

• Stress reduction
• Appetite inducing
• Eye Health
• Inflammatory regulator 
• Analgesic (comfort aid)

CBDa (Cannabidiolic acid)

CBDa is an acidic phytocannabinoid. It is the raw acidic form of CBD before the plant goes through the process of decarboxylation through heat and drying.  It is said that CBDa has a 1000x affinity for the certain serotonin functions and 18 times more bioavailable than plain old CBD. Long story short CBDa is a souped up version of CBD and looks to be the future of potent medical benefits. 

Potential health benefits of CBDa 

• Mood enhancing Antidepressant 
• Anti-Anxiety
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Anti-Nausea effects (great for cancer patients in Chemo)
• Anti-Tumor benefits 

CBC (Cannabichromene) 

CBC is another minor cannabinoid with potential major health benefits. It works in the body very similar to CBD in the way it interacts with the ECS pathways. 

Potential Health Benefits

• Neuroprotectant 
• Depression
• Pain Relief 
• Cognitive functions

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) 

THCV is a minor cannabinoid that works and functions much like THC, the main cannabinoid found in every marijuana strain. It works by binding directly with our CB1 and CB2 receptors. It has promise for therapeutic value on certain medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, and inflammatory disorders.

Potential health benefits

• Diabetes management
• Anti-Inflammatory
• PTSD
• Appetite suppressant 

Delta-8 THC (Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol) 

Delta-8 exploded on the scene in 2021 as probably the highest selling minor cannabinoid. Delta-8 does occur naturally in the cannabis plant, but in extremely small doses. Delta-8 THC is one carbon molecule different from Delta-9 THC which is the cannabinoid most known for its psychoactive and therapeutic effects. 

Most Delta-8 products on the market are synthesized from CBD derived from industrial hemp. Its remarkably similar chemical structure to Delta-9 THC has created a loophole for people in prohibition states to get similar therapeutic value without needing access to a medical or recreational marijuana dispensary. 

Potential health benefits

• Appetite Stimulate
• Chronic Pain and fatigue
• Anti-nausea
• Anti-anxiety  

A Tailored Approach to Therapeutic Cannabis Use

Minor cannabinoids are the future to tailoring cannabis products to the individual user. Cannabis tinctures have surprisingly been around for a long time. Back before prohibition and the war on drugs began cannabis tinctures had the popularity that Ibuprofen and tylenol have today.

 It was in everyone's medicine cabinets right up until 1937. Interestingly enough, CBDa has a molecular structure very similar to pharmaceutical Nsaids such as ibuprofen. Coincidence? 

Pure. Clean. Trusted. 

When you are purchasing any cannabis products you want to make sure what you are buying is using organic CBD, CBG, CBN, CBDa, etc. Many products on the market are full of heavy metals and use flowers that have been sprayed with pesticides and herbicides. These harmful additives can cause more harm than good. This is why it is always important to know your source. At KC Hemp Co. we have searched far and wide to source only the highest quality organic ingredients. Our motto is if we wouldn’t give it to our kids we won’t give it to you! We stand behind our products and know that you will too once you try them!

KC Hemp Co. is leading the pack with high quality organic minor cannabinoid blends. Creating tailored effects for CBDa, CBN, and CBG we have coupled these isolated cannabinoids with specific terpene profiles to accentuate not only aromas and flavors but the therapeutic value received.  This is KC Hemp Co’s competitive edge creating a broad range of products to suit everyone's needs. 

Disclaimer- None of the information provided is designed or intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is recommended that you discuss with your health practitioner before beginning use of cannabis products especially if currently on prescription medications.