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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

The primary intoxicating cannabinoid; a CB1/CB2 partial agonist and the active molecule in FDA-approved dronabinol and nabilone (chemotherapy nausea, AIDS-related appetite loss). Biphasic: low doses can calm, higher doses can provoke anxiety.

Sources: Dronabinol/nabilone (StatPearls)

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

Minor cannabinoids with sparse human evidence — mostly preclinical. Note the popular idea that CBN is strongly sedating is largely unsupported; aged-cannabis terpenes, not CBN, likely explain the sleepiness.

Sources: Minor cannabinoids review · CBN & sleep (Project CBD)

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.