With the popularity of CBD and legalized marijuana sweeping the nation, the term cannabinoid was relatively unknown until now.

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant. Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids. To make CBD or products containing THC such as edibles or topicals, the cannabinoids are extracted.

Cannabis contains 480 different compounds; 66 of those are considered cannabinoids, which have different effects on the body and are consumed for different purposes and benefits. THC is the most well-known cannabinoid because of its psychoactive effects. CBD makes up about 40% of the plant resin extract, or what can be extracted from the plant. THC is also the only cannabinoid that causes a psychoactive high. Out of all the cannabinoids, CBD provides the most benefits.

There are 9 classes of cannabinoids:

Cannabigerols (CBG)

Cannabichromenes (CBC)

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Cannabinol (CBN)

Cannabinodiol (CBDL)

Cannabicyclol (CBL)

Cannabielsoin (CBE)

Cannabitriol (CBT)

Cannabinoids react with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The endocannabinoid system is a system of cell-signaling that helps with multiple functions including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and fertility. The systems produce endocannabinoids that bind to receptors that are located in the central nervous system, called CB1 receptors, and CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system, and immune cells. Cannabinoids bind to the endocannabinoid receptors which is why they can aid in certain aliments effecting body functions where the endocannabinoid receptors are located.

The discovery of the endocannabinoid system is a new scientific development. Researchers believe CBD binds to another receptor that has not yet been discovered as CBD does not bind to the CB1 or CB2 receptors.

Each cannabinoid has a different effect and benefit. The chart below explains the benefits of the most common cannabinoids.