Cannaboids 101

When you ask someone what's in cannabis, most will list THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol), as they are the most popular and well know cannabinoids. However scientists have now said there are 113 known cannabinoids in cannabis.

First lets explain what cannabinoids are. Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers that provide relief to an array of symptoms including pain, nausea, anxiety and inflammation, according to Leafly.com. They work by imitating compounds that our bodies naturally produce, called endocannabinoids. 

Our bodies have 2 classes of receptors, cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2). These are what allow us to achieve the medical and recreational benefits of marijuana.

Let's start with THC, which is the most prominent cannabinoid. THC is what gets you high. It has psychoactive properties as well as pain relief and antioxidant properties. THC is what separates cannabis and hemp. Legal hemp has very low levels of THC, only up to .3% unlike cannabis which can have more than 20%.

There are 5 strains to have been dubbed the highest THC containing strains for 2019. Godfather OG is a hybrid of Grandaddy Purps, Cherry Pie and OG Kush with an astounding 34%  THC! Following close behind is Chewdawg at 32%, Strawberry Banana at 31%, Irish Cream and White Tahoe Cookies at 27% each.

CBD, the second most prominent cannabinoid, has anti-psychotic affects. It is known to help anxiety, reduce pain and reduce psychotic symptoms. CBD is legal in all 50 states and comes in many forms. It can be smoked, vaped, eaten and used topically. 

Most cannabis strains don't have much CBD, usually anywhere from 0-0.2 %. But there are a few strains that carry a ton of CBD with minimal THC. Ringo's Gift can have up to 24% CBD, making this the highest on our CBD list. ACDC and Charlotte's Web can have up to 20%  and Harlequin has up to 10%. These strains contain less than 6% THC, which gives for a less psychoactive high.

There are vapes, topicals and edibles that are pure CBD meaning it has no THC. These products are legal in all 50 states and accessible in most states or online. This is a better option for people looking for something with no risk of getting high.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It is thought to slow bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, inhibit cell growth and promote bone growth. 

A few strains that have a higher CBG content are Magic Jordan, Destroyer, Mickey Kush and Allen Wrench. 

Cannabichromene (CBC) is mainly found in tropical cannabis varieties and contains the same healing properties as CBG. It also has antidepressant properties.

CBC is a lesser seen cannabinoid but we have 2 strains that contain higher traces of CBC. Jorge's Diamons #1 and 3 Kings are said to reduce stress and pain and contain higher levels of CBC.

Cannabidivarian (CBDV) is very new and still being studied. From what they have studied, it looks CBDV may help in treating neurological disorders as it has anti convulsion properties.

CBDV is very closely related to CBD so most strains that are high in CBD are also high in CBDV. A few strains would be Mandarin Kush, Shark Shock, Boston OG and Critical Mass.

The 5 cannabinoids listed above are just scraping the surface, as there are still 108 cannabinoids, maybe even more, in cannabis. It's a complex plant, but there's no denying there are health benefits in the it.

sources

https://www.ibtimes.com/2019-strongest-marijuana-strains-according-experts-2774932

https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/list-major-cannabinoids-cannabis-effects

https://citiva.com/types-of-cannabinoids

https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/cannabis-strains-with-unique-cannabinoids

https://www.massroots.com/learn/what-is-cbdv-cannabidivarin/