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What Are Minor Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are considered the major cannabinoids because they are among the most abundant and
extensively studied.

Cannabis also produces numerous other cannabinoids in smaller quantities. These are commonly referred to as minor or lesser-known cannabinoids. Researchers have identified
more than 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, although our understanding of many of them is still developing.

Some minor cannabinoids include:
● CBG — Cannabigerol
● CBN — Cannabinol
● THCV — Tetrahydrocannabivarin
● CBC — Cannabichromene
● CBDV — Cannabidivarin
● CBDA — Cannabidiolic acid
● THCA — Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid

One important thing to remember: “minor” refers primarily to how much of the cannabinoid is typically present in the plant—not how important it may be.

CBG: Cannabigerol

CBG is one of the minor cannabinoids receiving significant attention from cannabis researchers and consumers.

CBG is often called the “mother cannabinoid” because CBGA, its acidic precursor, serves as a starting point for the biosynthesis of several other major cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.

Unlike THC, CBG is generally considered non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn’t produce the traditional cannabis high associated with THC.

You’ll increasingly see CBG included in:
● Tinctures
● Gummies and other edibles
● Flower
● Vapes
● Full-spectrum products
● Cannabinoid blends

Research into CBG is still developing, so it’s best to avoid treating it as a guaranteed treatment for a particular condition. Instead, think of CBG as another piece of the cannabis chemistry puzzle.

CBN: Cannabinol

CBN is another cannabinoid you’ll commonly see on cannabis product labels.

CBN is formed through the degradation of THC over time, which is one reason it is often associated with older cannabis.

CBN has become particularly popular in products marketed for evening use, relaxation and sleep, but it’s important to separate marketing claims from established science.

Research into CBN’s effects is still developing, and more high-quality human research is needed before making definitive claims about its effects.

If you’re shopping for cannabis in New Jersey and see a product featuring CBN, look beyond the cannabinoid name and consider the entire cannabinoid and terpene profile.

THCV: Tetrahydrocannabivarin

THCV is a fascinating cannabinoid because its chemical structure is similar to THC, but it behaves differently in the body.

Despite containing “THC” in its name, THCV should not simply be thought of as regular THC.

Research into THCV is ongoing, with scientists investigating its interactions with the body’s cannabinoid receptors and other biological pathways.

THCV is also attracting attention because of interest in its potential effects on appetite and metabolism. However, many of the claims you’ll see online go beyond what current research can confidently establish.

Bottom line: THCV is intriguing, but it's still an emerging area of cannabis science.

CBC: Cannabichromene

CBC is another lesser-known cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis.

Like CBG, CBC is generally considered non-intoxicating. Researchers are studying how CBC interacts with cannabinoid receptors and other biological targets.

CBC is typically found in much smaller amounts than THC or CBD, which means it may not be prominently displayed on every cannabis product label.

As cannabis testing becomes more comprehensive, however, consumers may see CBC and other minor cannabinoids listed more frequently.

CBDV: Cannabidivarin

CBDV is structurally related to CBD and is another cannabinoid scientists are investigating.

Research into CBDV has explored its potential interactions with neurological pathways, but much of the evidence remains preclinical or early-stage.

This is a good example of why it’s important to approach cannabis education with curiosity and skepticism. A promising early study isn’t the same thing as a proven medical treatment.

What About THCA and CBD?

You may also see THCA and CBDA on cannabis labels.

These are acidic cannabinoid precursors that naturally occur in raw cannabis.

THCA is the acidic precursor to THC, while CBDA is the acidic precursor to CBD. When cannabis is exposed to heat, a process called decarboxylation converts these acidic cannabinoids into their more familiar forms.

That’s one reason raw cannabis chemistry can look very different from the cannabinoid profile of a smoked, vaped or heated product.