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PL Cannabinoid index
Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis. The plant builds them all from one precursor, CBGA, which enzymes turn into the acids THCA, CBDA and CBCA; heat then converts those to the familiar THC, CBD and CBC (decarboxylation). Only THC is strongly intoxicating; CBD, CBG and CBC are not, and CBN is only mildly so. Browse by class below, or compare the headline cannabinoids.
Phytocannabinoids
The 31 cannabinoids the cannabis plant makes, grouped by biosynthetic family.
Browse phytocannabinoids →2Body-madeEndocannabinoids
The 7 your body makes itself: the system plant cannabinoids act on.
Browse endocannabinoids →3Lab-madeSynthetic & altered
Metabolites, HHC, pharma and the Spice/K2 class: 22 compounds.
Browse synthetic & altered →The headline cannabinoids
| Cannabinoid | Intoxicating? | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| THC | Yes | The high; the principal intoxicant of cannabis |
| CBD | No | Non-intoxicating; approved for rare epilepsies |
| CBG | No | The “mother” cannabinoid; parent to the rest |
| CBC | No | A minor “big six”; anti-inflammatory interest |
| CBN | Mild | Forms as THC ages; a sleep reputation (thin evidence) |
| THCV | Dose-dependent | Propyl analog of THC; appetite and metabolic interest |
| Delta-8 | Mild | A milder THC isomer |
How the cannabinoids relate
Every cannabinoid traces back to one molecule. In the living plant, CBGA (the acid form of CBG) is the common precursor. Enzymes convert most of it into THCA, CBDA and CBCA. These acid forms are what raw, dried flower actually contains, and they are non-intoxicating. Applying heat drives off carbon dioxide and turns them into the active neutral forms, THC, CBD and CBC. This step, decarboxylation, is why edibles need the cannabis heated first. Finally, as active THC ages and is exposed to heat, light and air, it slowly oxidises into CBN.
Intoxicating vs non-intoxicating
Only THC produces a strong high, by acting at the CB1 receptor. CBD, CBG and CBC are non-intoxicating, and CBN is only weakly so. This is the single most useful thing to know when comparing them: a product high in CBD, CBG or CBC will not get you high the way THC does.
Why decarboxylation matters for every cannabinoid
Because the plant stores cannabinoids as acids (THCA, CBDA, CBGA), heat is what activates them. Each has a rough activation range, and going too hot degrades the very compound you are trying to keep, so gentle, longer heating beats a hot, fast bake. For the temperatures, see the decarboxylation temperature chart, and to estimate strength once infused, the THC oil and tincture calculator.
The research behind this index
Every compound page cites primary sources. The key studies, in one place, including the honest negatives.
- Antiviral, in vitro: CBDA & CBGA bind the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (van Breemen et al., J. Nat. Prod. 2022). link
- Epilepsy, human (negative): a Phase 2 trial of CBDV did not beat placebo (Brodie et al., 2021). link
- Autism, human (ongoing): CBDV in ASD, NCT03849456. link
- Decarboxylation kinetics: the chemistry behind the temperatures (J. Cannabis Research 2024). link
FAQ
Which cannabinoids get you high? Mainly THC. CBD, CBG and CBC are non-intoxicating; CBN, which forms as THC ages, is only mildly psychoactive.
What is the “mother cannabinoid”? CBG. Its acid form, CBGA, is the precursor the plant uses to build THC, CBD and CBC, so almost every other cannabinoid descends from it.
Why do edibles need heat first? Because raw cannabis contains the acid forms (THCA, CBDA), which are not active. Heating them, decarboxylation, converts them to THC and CBD before you infuse or bake.
Educational reference on cannabinoids as compounds. Not medical advice or guidance on use.
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