Lesser Known Cannabinoids – Letters to Get Better
THCA, THCV, CBN, CBG
These letters may appear to be television networks, but they represent lesser-known cannabinoids found in the almighty cannabis plant. The landscape of cannabis science is in constant flux, as each new discovery of its benefits are revealed. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD may be the front runners of the cannabis conversations but what about their subtle counterparts? There’s more potential benefits in some of these isolated products than there are in the highest testing strain on the shelf.
So, what exactly are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the clusters on cannabis flowers. The buds are covered with microscopic, translucent, mushroom-shaped “trichomes” where you find all the beneficial elements in the plant.
When heated, these trichomes convert the cannabinoid THCA tetrahydrocannabinolic acid to THC tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid responsible for making you feel “high.” This is just the tip of the trichome! There are other cannabinoids lesser known to the average cannabis enthusiast, but just like CBD and THC, they each have specific benefits and are produced in different ways.
Curious about Cannabinoids? Let’s take a deeper dive…
CBN
CBN, short for cannabinol is a non-intoxicating compound that is created when you have aged THC. Although most prefer fresher flower for consumption, to get the benefits of CBN, hang on to your vintage plant matter. CBN is a strong antibacterial agent, known to combat strains of the resistant MRSA bacteria and it is neuro-protective, meaning it can be an apt defender against brain conditions. Traditional use of THC has been helpful in enhancing one’s appetite, but CBN works without the psychoactive effects. Glaucoma studies show CBN can potentially reduce intra-ocular pressure and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent found to be effective in reducing arthritis. Although these properties are still being researched, they prove to be promising. There is belief that CBN is a super sedative which can be misleading. Older cannabis is high in CBN, but also high in sedating terpenes which lead to sedating effects. Terpenes are powerful organic compounds found in plants, familiarly known as essential oils possessing fragrance, flavor and special health benefits both physically and mentally.
Other schools of thought believe CBN coupled with THC is what causes the sedative effect. Synergistically, it appears the two together have stronger effects on sleep and increase the euphoric effects of THC. Leaving your cannabis out to age isn’t going to be your best way to get more CBN, but there are many brands offering products with isolated CBN. If your usual indica strain isn’t doing the trick anymore, try pairing it up with another consumable like a CBN tincture, tea, or capsule found at any of our Urbn Leaf dispensaries.
CBN can be found in products like: 
MARY’S MEDICINALS
- CBN transdermal pen
- CBN capsules
- CNB-CBD tincture
- CBN-CBD vape kit
LEVEL
- CBN tablingual
CBG
CBG, or cannabigerol is the “mother” from which all other cannabinoids are synthesized. Cannabigerol is hugely promising, causing researchers and consumers to learn as much as they can about its properties.
CBG is an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and non-intoxicating cannabinoid and is believed to regulate mood (attributed to its anandamide boosting properties). Known as the naturally produced “bliss” molecule found in the body, CBG also acts as a GABA reuptake inhibitor. CBG is a strong neuroprotectant and is being tested on serious ailments such as Huntington’s Disease. To add to its list of attributes, it has cancer fighting properties and has even been used to help fight off the tough to beat MRSA. CBG is expensive to extract, taking thousands of pounds of the plant to create minute amounts of the isolate. New cultivars of hemp are being bred to contain more CBG since it is only 1% of a typical hemp crop. Search your nearest dispensary for CBG derived capsules or tinctures.
CBG can be found in products like:
LEVEL
- CBG protabs
- Calm CBG tablinguals
- Morning CBD:CBG:THCa tablinguals
- Stimulate THCv:THC:CBG tablinguals
THCA
THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is what is present in the raw cannabis plant and gets transformed when exposed to heat or sunlight to make THC, removing the “A” or acid element. THCA is said to help with inflammatory issues such as arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, nausea/appetite loss, certain types of cancer, and research keeps discovering more applications.
The only way to source this compound is through raw, fresh, and uncured cannabis. THCA was most commonly ingested in juicing however, recently researchers have been isolating the cannabinoids to create more targeted effects with products like transdermal patches, capsules, and tinctures.
THCa can be found in products like:
GET ZEN
- Relax THC:THCa capsules
- Night Cap THC D9:THCa
LEVEL
- THCa protabs
- Morning CBD:CBG:THCa tablinguals
- Relieve THCa tablinguals
PAPA & BARKLEY
- Releaf CBD:THCa tincture
- Living THCa tincture
MARY’S MEDICINALS
- THCa patch
FIDDLERS GREENS
- CBDa:THCa balm
- Raw – OG Kush THCa tincture
THCV
THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, has been known to have benefits possessing unique effects like managing PTSD, suppressing the appetite, calming panic attacks, acting as a blood sugar regulator for diabetes, and stimulating bone growth. If you’re in need of controlling tremors, motor control, and addressing brain lesions associated with Alzheimer’s Disease THCV might be able to help. Patients who have used products with THCV have reported relief from severe stress and anxiety. THCV is found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant, making it difficult to source. It’s more prevalent in land race sativa cultivars from Africa such as Durban Poison, Pineapple Purps and Jack the Ripper. Strains high in THCV tend to be more euphoric.
THCv can be found in products like:
LEVEL
- Stimulate THCv:THC:CBG tablinguals
- THCv is more common in land race sativa cultivars from Africa such as Durban Poison, Pineapple Purps and Jack the Ripper.
How do Cannabinoids work?
Cannabinoids have isolated effects but work so much better when combined with all other naturally found cannabinoids and terpenes. While each cannabinoid compound can have potent effects in isolation, scientists have recently discovered that they may be most beneficial when used together—a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.”
Coined by Dr. Ethan Russo, a neurologist and former medical advisor for a prominent pharmaceutical company and a researcher at the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute, Russo supports the theory that says all elements of the plant are synergistically designed to work together, delivering optimal benefits of the present cannabinoids. Another term for products with all the compounds is “full-spectrum.”
At Urbn Leaf our budtenders will help you discover the right cannabinoid products for your specific needs. We offer a wide variety of trans dermal patches, gels, tinctures, salves, vapes, and flower for anyone looking to custom-engineer their wellness with cannabis. As famed personal growth and healing author Anne Wilson Schaef stated, “Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be a valuable savings account.” You can bank on that!