Understanding What Are the Top 5 Cannabinoids?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While the cannabis plant produces over 100 different cannabinoids, the majority of research and consumer interest is focused on a handful of key compounds. This article breaks down what are the top 5 cannabinoids, exploring their unique properties and how they interact with the body's endocannabinoid system.

Quick Summary

This guide details the five most prominent cannabinoids: THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC. It examines their distinct pharmacological effects, interactions with the body's endocannabinoid system, and potential therapeutic applications.

Key Points

THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid: THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) is responsible for the "high" and is a major compound in cannabis, known for euphoric effects and pain relief.
CBD is non-psychoactive and calming: CBD (Cannabidiol) does not cause a high and is prized for its calming, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties, with FDA-approved applications for epilepsy.
CBG is the 'mother' cannabinoid: CBG (Cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive precursor to other cannabinoids, possessing potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
CBN is a sedative derived from aged THC: CBN (Cannabinol) is formed as THC degrades and is associated with mild psychoactivity and sedative effects, often sought after for sleep aid.
CBC is a minor cannabinoid with therapeutic potential: CBC (Cannabichromene) is non-psychoactive and is being studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, interacting primarily with non-cannabinoid receptors.

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Before diving into the top cannabinoids, it is essential to understand the system they interact with: the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system within the human body that plays a crucial role in regulating a wide range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and pain sensation. It consists of three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.

Phytocannabinoids, the plant-derived cannabinoids found in cannabis, can also interact with these receptors to produce their diverse effects. The two primary cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are predominantly located in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mainly found in peripheral tissues and immune cells. The specific combination of a cannabinoid and its target receptor dictates the effect it has on the body, which is why different cannabinoids have such varied outcomes.

The Top 5 Cannabinoids

This list highlights the most studied and sought-after cannabinoids, ranging from the well-known to the emerging.

1. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

Delta-9-THC is the most famous cannabinoid and the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the euphoric "high". It is naturally abundant in the marijuana plant and is known to bind directly with the CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system.

Key Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time, and potential short-term memory impairment.
Potential Benefits: Pain relief, nausea and vomiting reduction (especially during chemotherapy), appetite stimulation, and sleep aid.
Important Consideration: As a potent psychoactive, THC can cause side effects like anxiety or paranoia in some users, particularly at high doses.

2. CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid and is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the "high" associated with THC. Unlike THC, CBD's interaction with the ECS is more indirect, influencing the receptors without binding to them strongly. This modulation is why CBD can counteract some of THC's effects.

Key Effects: Relaxation, calming, and anti-inflammatory.
Potential Benefits: Reduction of anxiety, relief of chronic pain, management of seizures (Epidiolex is an FDA-approved CBD-based medication), and improved sleep.
Important Consideration: CBD is generally well-tolerated, but can cause mild side effects like fatigue or changes in appetite.

3. CBG (Cannabigerol)

CBG is often called the "mother of all cannabinoids" because it is the acidic precursor (CBGA) from which other major cannabinoids like THC and CBD are synthesized during the plant's growth. As a "minor" cannabinoid, it is present in smaller quantities in mature plants but is gaining attention for its therapeutic potential.

Key Effects: Non-psychoactive, with potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Potential Benefits: Digestive health (e.g., IBD), glaucoma treatment, and potential neuroprotective effects.
Important Consideration: Research is still in the early stages, and CBG products can be more expensive to produce.

4. CBN (Cannabinol)

CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed when THC oxidizes from exposure to heat, light, and air. For this reason, it is more prevalent in aged cannabis. While it does interact with the CB1 receptor, its binding affinity is much weaker than THC's, so it does not produce a significant high.

Key Effects: Sedative properties, often associated with relaxation and sleepiness.
Potential Benefits: Used as a sleep aid and for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Important Consideration: CBN research is limited, and many effects are anecdotal or based on animal studies.

5. CBC (Cannabichromene)

CBC is another non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid derived from cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), similar to how CBD is formed. While less abundant than THC or CBD, it is considered the third most common cannabinoid in some strains. CBC primarily interacts with non-cannabinoid receptors and is being explored for its unique effects.

Key Effects: Non-psychoactive with potential antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Potential Benefits: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and potential neuroprotective effects by supporting neurogenesis.
Important Consideration: More research is needed to fully understand CBC's potential benefits and effects.

Comparison of Top 5 Cannabinoids


Feature	THC	CBD	CBG	CBN	CBC
Psychoactive?	Yes	No	No	Mildly	No
Abundance	Major	Major	Minor	Minor (in aged cannabis)	Minor
Primary Interaction	Binds to CB1 receptor	Indirectly modulates receptors	Binds to CB1 and CB2	Binds weakly to CB1	Binds to non-cannabinoid receptors
Primary Effects	Euphoria, relaxation	Calming, anti-anxiety	Potential antibacterial, anti-inflammatory	Sedative, sleepiness	Anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant
Source	Marijuana plant	Hemp and cannabis plants	Young hemp and cannabis plants	Oxidized THC	Hemp and cannabis plants
Cost	Varies widely	Affordable	Higher due to rarity	Varies (derived from THC)	Higher due to rarity

Choosing the Right Cannabinoid for You

Navigating the world of cannabinoids can be confusing. To make an informed decision, consider your personal health goals and desired effects. For instance, if you want relaxation without a high, CBD might be the right choice, while those with specific pain or sleep issues might look into CBG or CBN products. Many consumers also consider the "entourage effect," where cannabinoids and other compounds like terpenes work synergistically to enhance or modify effects. Ultimately, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended, especially for those on other medications or with existing health conditions. As research continues, the nuances of these compounds will become clearer, offering more personalized and effective options for wellness.

Conclusion

The five cannabinoids—THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC—represent a small but significant part of the rich and complex chemistry of the cannabis plant. From THC's well-known psychoactive properties to the emerging therapeutic potential of minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBC, each compound offers a distinct profile of effects. The diversity of the top 5 cannabinoids highlights the promise of personalized cannabis-based medicine. Understanding their differences is the first step toward making educated decisions about their use and harnessing their unique benefits for health and well-being. The ongoing exploration of these compounds continues to unlock new possibilities for pharmacology and patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference between THC and CBD is their psychoactive effects. THC is psychoactive and produces a "high," while CBD is non-psychoactive and does not. Their distinct effects are due to how they interact with the body's cannabinoid receptors.

While research is ongoing, many users turn to CBN for its sedative properties, which are derived from aged THC. Some also find success with THC or full-spectrum CBD products that contain a range of compounds.

No, you cannot get a significant high from CBG or CBC. Both are considered non-psychoactive, unlike THC, and do not bind to the CB1 receptors strongly enough to produce intoxicating effects.

The entourage effect is a theory that suggests cannabinoids and other cannabis compounds, like terpenes, work together synergistically to produce a stronger or different effect than any single compound alone. This is why many people prefer full-spectrum products.

The legality of cannabinoids is complex and varies significantly. CBD derived from hemp (less than 0.3% THC) is federally legal in many places, but THC and high-THC products are often subject to state-specific medical or recreational laws. Always check your local regulations.

Delta-9 THC is the most common form of THC and is naturally abundant in cannabis, causing a strong psychoactive high. Delta-8 THC is a less potent, naturally occurring minor cannabinoid that is often synthesized from hemp-derived CBD and is known for milder psychoactive effects.

Side effects vary based on the specific cannabinoid and dosage. Common side effects associated with THC include anxiety, paranoia, and memory issues, especially at high doses. CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids are generally well-tolerated, but can cause mild issues like fatigue, dry mouth, or appetite changes.