Cannabinoids are most commonly found in cannabis plants but can also be found elsewhere. They are present in most animal species as well as in plants like the cacao tree, echinacea and helichrysum.
When consumed by humans, cannabinoids from the plant (phytocannabinoids), the body (endocannabinoids) and the lab (semi-synthetic or synthetic cannabinoids) interact with a network of receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
Different cannabinoids affect these receptors in different ways. Some, like THC, are intoxicating, but most are not.
Cannabinoids are substances that are similar in structure or function to those found in cannabis plants. They are found throughout the natural world but of the hundreds of chemical components of cannabis, over 100 are cannabinoids.
The first to be discovered was cannabinol (CBN) which was extracted from cannabis oil at the end of the 19th century. Much later, in the 1930s, its structure was described by chemist R.S Cahn. Since then, more have been found and named, including CBD and THC.
A big step forward came in the 1990s with the endocannabinoid system being described and mapped in more detail. That’s why so much of what we know has appeared in recent decades.
CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids. THC gives cannabis its intoxicating properties and produces a sensation known as a 'high'. In many areas of the world, including the UK, cannabis strains containing more than 0.2% are illegal to grow because of this effect. CBD is psychoactive however, it is non-intoxicating.
Researchers continue to catalogue new or rare cannabinoids found in the plant. In 2019, a team reported THCP, a natural relative of THC with a longer side chain and very strong CB1 binding in lab tests; human research is still early.
To distinguish between those found in animals and those found in plants, chemists use different names: phytocannabinoids for plants and endocannabinoids for humans and animals.
Phytocannabinoids are the cannabinoids made by plants. The word phyto means “plant” and comes from the Greek "φυτό".
A plant’s chemistry shifts with its variety, light, temperature, and harvest time, which is why the balance of cannabinoids and aromas (terpenes) can vary from one hemp crop to another.
Interest has also grown in non-cannabis plants that make similar compounds. In 2023, researchers showed that Helichrysum umbraculigerum (a South African shrub) naturally produces CBGA, the plant building block for several cannabinoids.
Chemists and botanists know little about why plants produce chemicals like cannabinoids, though most theories suggest it helps them survive. They may shield plants from sunlight, keep insects away, attract pollinators, limit water loss, or stop overheating. Whatever their role in plants, once consumed by animals and humans, they have remarkably wide-ranging effects.
Endocannabinoids are known to be present in humans but are also found in most animal species, including mammals, birds and reptiles. Endo is short for 'endogenous', which means 'originating from within an organism'. They are produced inside animal bodies and are present in most internal tissues, especially in immune tissue.
Anandamide and 2-AG were the first endocannabinoids found. They are made only when needed, then quickly broken down, and they act not just on CB₁ and CB₂ receptors but also on other parts of the body.
In 2025, researchers showed that they are carried inside cells by special transport proteins, and new medicines are being designed to raise their levels. This helps explain why people can respond so differently to cannabinoids.
Phytocannabinoids interact with your body via your endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a collection of chemical receptors, endocannabinoids and enzymes that are present in your nervous system. They assist with the transmission of chemical messages to keep your body systems in balance.
Homeostasis is the body’s way of staying balanced. When something changes, like temperature, chemical signals trigger systems to restore normal function. For example, if you get too hot, you sweat and your heart pumps faster to cool you down.
Cannabinoids interact with this balancing system, the ECS, in different ways. Some, like THC, bind directly to receptors, while others work indirectly through endocannabinoids or enzymes. Research suggests this can help the body respond more quickly when things fall out of balance.
There’s also interest in the “entourage effect”, the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes together may influence the overall profile of a product. Evidence is being explored, and scientists are testing different combinations.
Synthetic cannabinoids are artificial chemicals that can interact with the human endocannabinoid system. They were first created to help scientists explore cannabinoid structure and investigate the function of the ECS.
During this research hundreds were created, some went on to be used as medicines and others became known as legal highs:– Dronabinol is a synthetic cannabinoid that is used to treat weight loss and nausea.
– Others and were found to form part of the notorious drug ‘spice’. Originally sold as a legal version of cannabis, it was found to have extremely harmful effects and is now illegal in the UK.
More recently, synthetic cannabinoids have been produced biologically using genetically modified organisms such as yeast. Biosynthetic cannabinoids are usually chemically identical to the original. In 2019, scientists announced that they had successfully created biosynthetic versions of CBGa, THCa, CBDa, THCVa and CBDVa.
Some semi-synthetic/psychoactive hemp derivatives or modified cannabinoids (e.g., HHC, delta-8, HHCO, HHCP) have appeared in the market. UK authorities have signalled increased control of these compounds due to safety concerns.
We don’t recommend synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids, and as a family and retailer, stick to compliant natural hemp extracts, favouring full spectrum.
The most common cannabinoids are those that are abundant in cannabis and hemp extracts. More is known about them because they are easier to detect and extract.
During the life of a cannabis plant, cannabinoids are created and change into different forms. Some cannabinoids become other types as the chemical conditions in the plant cells change.
| Cannabinoid | Intoxicating? | Where you’ll see it | Label/COA tip | What we know so far |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBD | No | Most oils, capsules, gummies | Clear mg per container; batch-matched COA | Most researched; still ongoing studies on how it works and interacts with the body |
| THC | Yes | Medical cannabis; trace in full-spectrum | Controlled cannabinoid; totals ≤ 1 mg/container | Well studied; main psychoactive compound in cannabis; subject to strict regulation |
| CBG | No | Full/broad-spectrum oils, pastes, teas | Often low amounts; check mg per container | Early research interest; human data still limited |
| CBC | No | Full-spectrum blends | May be listed as trace % or mg | Very early stage research; mainly preclinical work so far |
| CBDV | No | Found in some hemp extracts | May be listed as trace % or mg | Under investigation; research still in its early stages |
| THCV | Potentially | Trace in some hemp; usually low | Controlled cannabinoid; ensure totals ≤ 1 mg/container | Limited research; a small number of human studies so far |
Cannabinoids first appear in the plant as acids, like CBDa and THCa. When heated, they convert through decarboxylation into their better-known forms, CBD and THC.
“Raw” extracts keep more of the acids for a gentler effect, while heated extracts emphasise the neutral forms. Your COA will show which profile you’re getting, for example, CBDa vs CBD.
Cannabidiolic acid is the precursor of CBD and is present in CBD rich hemp varieties. It doesn't bind directly with the ECS receptors but inhibits nearby enzymes.
Studies have shown that CBDa is likely to increase levels of serotonin, but currently, there are no well-publicised human studies of CBDa.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the most prevalent cannabinoid acid in psychoactive strains of cannabis. It's non-intoxicating, but decarboxylation produces the highly psychoactive THC. If taken in its raw form, THCa, like CBDa, acts as an enzyme inhibitor.
Cannabigerolic acid is crucial to the production of several other cannabinoids. In cannabis plants, it can form THCa, THCVa, CBDa and CBCa. However, if decarboxylated, it creates CBG.
Very little is known about the chemical function of CBGa, but research indicates that it may inhibit another set of enzymes present in body tissue.
Cannabinolic acid is the acidic form of CBN, and it often occurs when cannabis bud is exposed to the air for an extended period. Under these conditions, THCa is converted to CBNa. There is speculation that CBNa may exhibit similar effects to CBN and THCa.
Cannabidivarinic acid is found in more considerable amounts in Indica strains of cannabis. ‘Indica’ refers to varieties that initially came from areas like India, Nepal and Afghanistan.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid is produced when CBGa breaks down. THCVa is one of the substances detected during drug testing. It’s used as a marker to identify if someone has been using illegal strains of cannabis. It's a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, and when decarboxylated, forms THCV.
Decarboxylation can occur instantly if the cannabinoids are ignited or vaporized. If heated it starts at about 104˚C and can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Because CBGa, the acid form of CBG, is often converted to other cannabinoids before decarboxylation, CBG is usually only present in tiny amounts. However, some scientists believe it to have valuable benefits that make it worth researching. To do this, breeding and genetic manipulation have been used to create varieties of cannabis with higher levels of CBG.
The psychoactive effects of THC are the most well-known aspect of the cannabis plant. In many areas of the world, the legality of hemp products is determined by how much THC they contain. In the UK, a CBD oil must have less than 1mg of THC per container to be legal. Despite both THC and CBD being abundant in cannabis plants, they have very different effects. CBD is non-intoxicating and won't get you high.
CBD refers to cannabidiol. CBD doesn’t bind directly with ECS receptors but prevents enzymes from breaking down the endocannabinoid anandamide.
The FSA advises a limit of 10 mg/day from foods for healthy adults. Those under 18, pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or taking medication should avoid it. Keep a dose record and check labels for mg per container and serving to keep within the recommended limits.
Cannabinol is present in cannabis that has been allowed to age. It can be intoxicating when taken in large amounts and, in the UK, is also restricted to 1mg per container in CBD products. There is very little research on CBN, and little is known about how it interacts with the ECS.
Cannabichromene, like CBD and THC, is formed from CBGa. It doesn't bind with the primary ECS receptors, but it does interact with others present in the peripheral nervous system. It may also be responsible for raised levels of anandamide and 2-AG. It is believed that the most significant effect of CBC is when it's taken alongside other cannabinoids.
Cannabidivarin is found in higher levels in Indica strains of cannabis and in those particularly rich in CBD. Some animal studies indicate that it may have beneficial properties as strong as those of CBD.
With a similar structure to THC, tetrahydrocannabivarin is also intoxicating. Early studies indicate that it may behave slightly differently to THC and produce a range of useful benefits.
If you're looking to explore cannabinoids beyond the usual full-spectrum extract, our Signature range combines CBD, CBG and CBC in a non-intoxicating blend, with clear amounts and precise COAs.
Each plays a different role: CBD as the main component; CBG, often called the “mother cannabinoid” because other cannabinoids develop from it; and CBC, a complementary cannabinoid that supports and rounds out the profile.
From the feedback we’ve gathered, many people find these three work especially well in combination, because together, they create a more comprehensive and balanced spectrum.
CBD daily limit: For healthy adults, the FSA’s provisional acceptable daily intake is 10 mg CBD/day. Those pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, under 18, or on medication should avoid CBD or seek medical advice.
THC/controlled cannabinoids: Consumer CBD products must keep total controlled cannabinoids (e.g., THC, THCV, CBN) ≤ 1 mg per container to meet the “exempt product” criteria.
"0.2% THC" myth: The 0.2% THC figure relates to licensed cultivation varieties, not a consumer-product limit. For shoppers, the relevant test is mg per container, confirmed on the COA (lab report).
Cannabinoids play a bigger part in our lives than many realise. Found across the plant world and active in our own nervous system, they are only beginning to reveal their full potential.
From listening to thousands of our customers, one message is clear: the richer the extract, the better the experience. Full-spectrum products tend to deliver the most consistent feedback.
Still, cannabinoids are just a handful of the hundreds of micro-ingredients in the plant, all working together in ways science is only starting to uncover. Nature remains a beautiful mystery.
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Tom Russell
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Tom Russell writes extensively about CBD oil and other groundbreaking food supplements. He and his wife share their home with two daughters and a lifetime’s collection of books.