Genetics
Home › Strains › Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids & the endocannabinoid system

A plain-language, cited primer on the endocannabinoid system and the major cannabinoids — THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, THCV, CBC — and what research says about each.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) — CB1 and CB2 receptors, the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG, and their enzymes — is a homeostatic regulator of pain, mood, appetite, sleep and immune tone. It gives biological plausibility to many cannabis uses, but plausibility is not proof of clinical benefit.

THC

THC is the main intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. Dronabinol is delta-9-THC; nabilone is a different synthetic cannabinoid with related effects. Prescription cannabinoid medicines have specific indications and are not equivalent to a retail strain.

Sources: Cesamet (nabilone) prescribing information

CBD

Non-intoxicating; the purified drug in FDA-approved Epidiolex for specific childhood epilepsies, with a limited signal for anxiety. Inhibits CYP450 enzymes, so it can interact with other medications.

Sources: Epidiolex · CBD for anxiety (Blessing 2015)

CBG, CBN, THCV, CBC

Evidence for minor cannabinoids is still developing. Small CBN trials have mixed results: some sleep outcomes improved, but primary outcomes were not clearly improved. CBN is not an established treatment for insomnia; larger, longer studies are needed.

Sources: CBN sleep trial (2024) · CBN insomnia crossover trial (2026)

See the condition-by-condition evidence →

Areto Genetics is an educational cannabis catalog. Nothing here is medical advice, and no strain is proven to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Cannabis affects people differently and carries real risks. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis for any condition — especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, an adolescent, taking other medications, or have a heart, liver, or psychiatric condition.