What Are Cannabinoids? A Complete Guide to Cannabis Compounds

Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. Scientists have studied them closely for decades, and research interest keeps growing. If you want to know what cannabinoids are, how many exist, or why researchers study them, this guide has the answers.

This article explains what cannabinoids are, how they differ from each other, and how they connect to the body’s own endocannabinoid system. All content draws from publicly available scientific research.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. Scientists have found more than 100 individual cannabinoids so far. The plant also makes terpenes, flavonoids, and other organic substances that shape its overall chemical profile.

Scientists call all plant-based cannabinoids phytocannabinoids. This term simply means they come from a plant. Researchers study phytocannabinoids to learn how they interact with living systems at a molecular level.

THC and CBD: The Most Studied Cannabinoids

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) get the most scientific attention of all cannabinoids. Researchers study both compounds closely because they interact with the body in very different ways.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is the cannabinoid most people link to the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Science classes THC as psychoactive because it binds strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain. Researchers study how this binding changes cell signals and molecular activity.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD does not cause psychoactive effects. Science consistently classes it as non-intoxicating. This makes CBD one of the most widely researched cannabinoids today. Scientists keep studying how it interacts with different receptors and signalling systems in the body.

Minor Cannabinoids: CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV

The cannabis plant also contains several other compounds that scientists call minor cannabinoids. They show up in smaller amounts than THC or CBD, but research interest in them has grown a lot in recent years.

The most commonly studied minor cannabinoids are:

• CBG (Cannabigerol): Often called the “parent” cannabinoid because other cannabinoids grow from it. CBG is non-psychoactive and shows up mainly in young cannabis plants.
• CBN (Cannabinol): CBN forms when THC ages and breaks down. It is mildly psychoactive and attracts growing research interest.
• CBC (Cannabichromene): CBC is non-intoxicating and appears in many cannabis types. Researchers study how it interacts with receptors other than CB1 and CB2.
• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin): THCV looks similar to THC but acts differently. It is psychoactive at high doses and non-psychoactive at low doses.

Each minor cannabinoid has its own structure and acts differently in the body. This is why researchers study each one on its own rather than grouping them all together.

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

To understand why cannabinoids attract so much research attention, you need to know about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a biological network inside the human body. It has three core parts:

• Cannabinoid receptors — mainly CB1 and CB2
• Endocannabinoids — molecules the body makes on its own
• Metabolic enzymes — these break down endocannabinoids after use

These three parts work together to help the body stay in balance. Scientists call this balance homeostasis. Because cannabinoids can interact with this system, researchers keep exploring how these interactions happen at a molecular level.

CB1 and CB2 Receptors Explained

Scientists have found two main cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors sit mainly in the brain and central nervous system. Studies on cognitive and neurological processes often focus on CB1 activity. CB2 receptors appear mostly in peripheral tissues and immune cells. Both receptors spread throughout the body, and different cannabinoids bind to each one at different strengths.

Endocannabinoids: The Body’s Own Cannabinoids

The human body makes its own cannabinoid-like molecules. Scientists call these endocannabinoids. The two most studied are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These molecules bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in a similar way to plant cannabinoids. Researchers note that endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids share a similar structure. This helps explain why scientists study cannabis compounds alongside the ECS.

What Does ECS Research Look At?

Studies on the endocannabinoid system look at a wide range of body functions. Common areas in peer-reviewed research include sleep, appetite, digestion, mood, motor control, immune signalling, memory, sensory input, and body temperature.

These references describe what researchers observe in controlled settings. They do not point to approved medical uses or confirmed health outcomes. The field keeps moving as scientists gather new data.

What Are Scientists Studying Today?

Cannabinoid research is active and growing fast. Scientists now look at receptor binding patterns, cell signalling, enzyme activity, and how the body processes these compounds. Many studies also compare cannabinoid profiles across different plant types, focusing on chemical structure, concentration, and molecular behaviour.

Because each cannabinoid acts differently, researchers study them one by one. Active research does not mean regulatory approval or a confirmed treatment. The science keeps developing, and findings keep improving as more data comes in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabinoids

How many cannabinoids are there?

Scientists have found more than 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. But only a few have deep research behind them. THC and CBD lead in terms of study volume. Minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV are now catching up fast.

Are all cannabinoids psychoactive?

No. Some cannabinoids cause psychoactive effects and others do not. THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid. CBD, CBG, and CBC do not cause intoxication. Science is clear on this distinction.

What is the difference between cannabinoids and endocannabinoids?

Cannabinoids come from the cannabis plant. Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-AG, come from inside the human body. Both types bind to the same receptors. This is why researchers study them together within the context of the endocannabinoid system.

What is CBG?

CBG stands for cannabigerol. It is a non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid. Many call it the “parent” cannabinoid because THC and CBD both grow from its early form (CBGA). CBG appears in low amounts in most mature plants and is an active area of scientific study.

Conclusion

Cannabinoids are a wide group of natural compounds that keep drawing strong scientific interest. By studying phytocannabinoids, minor cannabinoids, and the endocannabinoid system, researchers work to understand how these molecules interact with the body.

When science discusses cannabinoid properties, it focuses on biological activity in research settings — not approved treatments or health claims. As the field grows, cannabinoids remain one of the most active areas in plant chemistry and molecular biology.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. We review and reference available studies and reputable sources; however, content may not reflect the most current research or regulations and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice. We do not make or imply health claims. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and statements have not been evaluated by EFSA or the FDA. Effects can vary between individuals. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before use and verify that any product or ingredient is lawful in your jurisdiction.