As interest in cannabis to help with stress, anxiety, sex and sleep issues continues to grow, I’ll explore the potential health benefits of minor cannabinoids that are now making their way to cannabis stores.
So far most of the attention has been on THC and CBD. However there’s over 100 other cannabinoids that offer health benefits, in this article I’ll talk about a few of these lesser-known cannabinoids; CBG, CBN, CBC, and cannabis acids and how you can integrate them into your wellness routine.
Full Spectrum Cannabis
Full spectrum simply means all of the cannabis properties (cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes) are present and haven’t been removed in the extraction process. This synergistic relationship between all of the cannabis properties is thought to enhance their potential benefits and have improved efficacy, this is known as the entourage effect or whole plant therapy.
There are good reasons to strip the product of other plant compounds, especially for anyone with allergies. Isolates allow you to receive the benefit of a certain cannabinoid such as CBD, without any of the other parts of the plant present that might trigger a bad reaction.
CBG: The Perky Cannabinoid
Cannabigerol (CBG) is known as the “mother of all cannabinoids” as all of the cannabinoids found in the plant start from the precursor- CBG. This minor cannabinoid may help to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of chronic pain like arthritis, migraines, and muscle aches. CBG works well with CBD as CBG helps you feel more alert, making it the perfect cannabinoid for daytime use.
More research is needed for all of the minor cannabinoids however the current research for CBG is showing promising results for cancer, Crohn’s disease, Huntington’s disease and glaucoma.
Benefits of CBG:
- Reduces inflammation
- Pain relief
- May help with IBS symptoms
- Reduce ocular pressure (glaucoma)
- Neuroprotective
Recommended products with CBG
You can find CBG in a number of different products and there’s a few on the market that offer the benefits of CBG without THC. I recommend starting with at least 5mg of CBG, it’s non intoxicating so you don’t have to worry about taking too much. I’ve provided an example of a few products I like, however there’s many more on the market you can try.
Full Spectrum CBG+CBD OIL by DayDay
Day Day full spectrum oil contains CBD and CBG only. This would be a product you could take as a supplement in the morning. Each 1ml has 20mg of CBD and 20mg of CBG.
CBG and THC Capsules by Indiva Life
Indiva life has a 1:1 CBG/THC capsules with each one containing 7.5mg of THC and 7.5mg of CBG
Rise and Shine Clementine by Wana
Wana makes a tasty gummy with 5mg of CBG and 5mg of THC per chew with each package containing 2 gummies so you can 10mg of each in total.
CBN: The Sleepy Cannabinoid
Cannabinol (CBN) is a minor cannabinoid that forms when THC breaks down. Old cannabis flower that’s been sitting around for awhile is often high in CBN. CBN may have a mild psychoactive effect however it doesn’t get you high, especially in low doses. CBN may help with sleep and anxiety as it’s a relaxing cannabinoid.
Benefits of CBN:
- Sleep aid
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-anxiety
Recommended Products with CBN
CBN is in several products available in cannabis stores, I’ve provided a few here that I’ve tried and liked however there’s many more to explore and I recommend you experiment with different brands.
Midnight Berry CBN Gummies by Wana Quick
Midnight Berry by Wana Quick has 2mg of THC, 5mg of CBN and 10mg of CBD per gummy with 2 per package. This product is also fast-acting meaning it has a shorter onset and duration. You’ll likely start to feel it within 15 minutes and it will last around an hour.
CBN Bedtime Blueberry Lemon Gummies by Monjour Bare
Monjour Bare has a few products with CBN, their Bedtime Blueberry Lemon Gummies come in a package of 4 with each gummy having 2.5 mg of THC, 20mg of CBD and 7.5mg of CBN.
Strawberry Melon Pearls by Gron
Strawberry Melon 4:1 contains 40 mg of CBN and 10 mg THC per package, each package has 5 gummies.
CBC: The Chill Cannabinoid
Cannabichromene (CBC) is a minor cannabinoid that looks promising for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. CBC can helps to promote a sense of calm and relaxation and is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Benefits of CBC:
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain relief
- Acne
Recommend Products with CBC
Currently (as of writing this article) there’s only a couple of products that I know of with CBC. Look out for new products with this cannabinoid as more will be available with time.
Spinach Feelz
Spinach Feelz Mango Lime soft chews are a tasty treat and have 10 mg of THC and 30 mg of CBC per pack with 5 chews total.
Nuleaf Full Spectrum Multicannabinoid Hemp Oil
I haven’t tried this product as it’s not available in BC yet, however judging by the ingredients, this is a great way (albeit pricey at $90 a bottle) to try all of the cannabinoids mentioned in this article without any THC. Each bottle contains 450 mg of CBD, 450 mg of CBN, 450 mg of CBG and 450 mg of CBC.
Recommended reading: Beyond THC & CBD: Minor & Alternative Cannabinoid Product Reviews
The Future of Minor Cannabinoids: THCV, CBDV, and Cannabinoid Acids
There’s a few other minor cannabinoids that will be making their way to the cannabis stores eventually, The one I’m excited about is THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) because of it’s appetite suppressant ability. Cannabis is known for giving us the munchies, THCV aka Varin may help with that.
The other one that’s up and coming is Cannabidivarin (CBDV) which is structurally similar to CBD and won’t get you high. Early research is showing promise for this cannabinoid and it’s ability to treat epilepsy. Unlike THCV, CBDV helps with nausea and greatly stimulates the appetite.
THCV benefits:
- Appetite suppressant
- Blood sugar regulation
- Anxiety reduction
CBDV benefits:
- Anti-epileptic
- Anti-nausea
- Anti-inflammatory
Eat your greens and get cannabis acids
The cannabis acids CBGA, CBDA, THCA, CBCA comes from raw cannabis. It will get you as high as a bowl of lettuce, there’s no psychoactive properties in raw cannabis. Cannabis needs to be heated- a process called decarboxylation- in order for it to become psychoactive.
Recommended reading: What the cannabinoids CBDA and CBGA are and why smoking cannabis won’t prevent Covid
The best way to get cannabis acids is by growing your own cannabis plant and eating the leaves. You can add it to salads and smoothies and you get the wonderful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits of cannabis acids. You can also find extracts of CBDA and THCA in the U.S, especially from hemp farmers. These oil extracts can be added to salad dressing or smoothies or taken in capsules.
Cannabinoid Acids benefits:
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid):
- Anti-inflammatory
- Nausea relief
- Anxiety reduction
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid):
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotective
- Appetite suppressant
The best thing about growing your own cannabis plants is how much you get from one plant. The raw leaves gives you the acids, the flowers you can dry and turn into edibles, tinctures, topicals, smoke or vaporize.
In Conclusion
Minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC, as well as minor cannabinoids such as THCV, CBDV, and cannabinoid acids, offer many potential health benefits. Full spectrum products gives you all of the minor cannabinoids present in the plant, just in very small amounts. Getting access to higher doses of these cannabinoids gives us greater support in our overall health and wellbeing.
FAQ: About CBN, CBG, and CBC
Are CBN, CBG, and CBC psychoactive?
No, CBN, CBG, and CBC are non-intoxicating, they don’t produce the “high” associated with THC however they work well when combined with THC.
Can I use these minor cannabinoids alongside CBD and THC?
Yes, these minor cannabinoids can not only be used in combination with CBD and THC, it’s recommended. Full spectrum means you are getting the “entourage effect,” which is a theory that the various cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant enhance each other’s effects by working together in concert.
Are CBN, CBG, and CBC safe for children?
Research is limited however some studies have shown potential benefits, especially in terms of their anti-seizure and neuroprotective qualities. Do consult with a doctor experienced in cannabinoid therapy before giving it to children.
Can I use these cannabinoids if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn’t enough research yet about the safety of certain minor cannabinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding. That being said, cannabis acids are perfectly safe and possibly even beneficial to consume when pregnant.
Are there any side effects of using CBN, CBG, and CBC?
Minor cannabinoids are considered safe and are tolerated quite well. However some individuals may experience drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. Start with a lower dose first to see how it makes you feel.
How can I incorporate CBN, CBG, and CBC into my wellness routine?
Minor cannabinoids are found in products like oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, vape carts and topicals. Buy a tincture or oil either in a dropper or capsule as this makes it easy to take in the morning, or before bed if you’re using them for sleep. Start with around 5mg for each minor cannabinoid and keep going up in dose until you find the best dose for you.