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In the world of cannabinoids, THC and CBD often steal the spotlight.
However, there’s a fascinating array of lesser-known compounds that are gaining attention for their potential therapeutic benefits.
Despite their name, these “minor” cannabinoids – including CBG, CBDV, and CBN – offer unique properties that could revolutionize the way we approach wellness and healthcare.
But before we get into the alphabet soup, I want to say that while many of these compounds are wonderful, they shouldn’t be confused with “frankencannabinoids.”
That’s the term we use at The Cannabis Coaching Institute to describe lab-created compounds typically made from CBD isolate using all sorts of nasty processes. You can listen to our podcast “Is Delta 8 Safe?” to learn more about frankencannabinoids.
The minor cannabinoids that we’ll go over in this post are plant-grown and can be used to enhance the full spectrum of your edibles and topicals.
As of 2024, CBG and CBDv are now available in higher concentrations on the plant because cannabis breeders have done the hard work to make it so.
CBN is a bit trickier. Most of the CBN available in commercial products is lab-made, but you can create your own high CBN products by exposing high THC cannabis to light and heat for long periods of time or running a double decarb in the Ardent FX.
Okay! Now that we’re clear on that big difference, let’s go over some of the potential benefits of these new kids on the block so you can see if adding them to your health and wellness routine will give you the right stuff*…
*Always consult with your doctor before supplementing with cannabinoids, especially if you’re on other medications. Even non intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD and the ones listed below can interact with certain medications leading to complications. Make sure to let your doctor know that you’re supplementing with cannabinoids before starting a new prescription medication for the same reason.
What is CBG (Cannabigerol)?
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is often referred to as the “mother cannabinoid” because it serves as a precursor to other cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
While it’s typically found in low concentrations in most cannabis strains, researchers are intrigued by its potential therapeutic effects.
We’re still fairly low on studies (at the time of publication there are only 78 studies on CBG and 3 clinical trials). But results have been promising and anecdotally people are sharing great experiences with using high CBG plant material.
One double blind study showed that a mix of CBG, CBD, magnesium and amino acids could be helpful for post-workout recovery.
Another study in mice with drug-induced neuropathic pain found that cannabigerol (CBG) effectively reduced neuropathic pain.
CBG is believed to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a way that may promote relaxation and help manage pain.
I include high CBG flower in many of my salves, oils, and edibles whenever possible.
What is CBDV (Cannabidivarin)?
CBDV is structurally similar to CBD but has a slightly different molecular arrangement.
Like CBG, it’s found in smaller quantities in cannabis plants, but due to breeding is being found in higher concentrations in high CBDV chemovars.
While we only have 44 studies about CBDV – and it is new to the plant-grown cannabinoid scene – there is clinical research that shows CBDV may be beneficial for:
[via. Cannakeys]
Studies have shown promising results in using CBDV as a treatment for conditions like epilepsy, where traditional medications may not be effective. Doctor Bonni briefly talked about patient’s improved results after incorporating CBDV for autism and epilepsy on our podcast about Cannabis for Kids with Autism.
I currently use CBDV FECO/RSO in the mornings and find that it has eliminated daytime pain issues while keeping me alert and in a great mood.
I feel happier and younger when I consume it every day and have started calling it my “Benjamin Button Juice”.
What is CBN (Cannabinol)?
Cannabinol, or CBN, is a cannabinoid that forms as THC ages or is exposed to oxygen, light, or heat.
It’s often associated with sedative effects, leading some to explore its potential as a sleep aid.
After years of hearing that CBN could be helpful for sleep, we finally had one double blind placebo study that showed… it is (even without CBD)!
There’s also clinical evidence for the use of CBN for:
While research on CBN is still in its early stages, anecdotal evidence and limited studies suggest that it could help with a variety of nervous system and sleep issues.
Remember that not all CBN is created equal, and to make sure you DIY or go down the rabbit hole to find out how your CBN is made.
Exploring Synergies and Potential for Minor Cannabinoids
What makes these minor cannabinoids particularly intriguing is their potential synergistic effects when combined with each other or with more well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
This phenomenon, known as the entourage effect or the symphonic effect, suggests that cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis work better together than in isolation.
Researchers and healthcare professionals are increasingly exploring how different cannabinoid ratios and formulations can target specific health concerns.
From chronic pain management to neurological disorders, the diverse properties of minor cannabinoids offer a promising frontier for personalized medicine.
The Future of Minor Cannabinoids
As legalization and research efforts continue to expand, we can expect to learn more about the nuanced effects of minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBDV, CBN, and CBC.
This knowledge could lead to the development of innovative therapies and wellness products that harness the full potential of the cannabis plant.
Whether you’re a curious consumer or a healthcare professional, keeping an eye on developments in minor cannabinoids can provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cannabinoid-based medicine.
As always, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating any new cannabinoids or cannabis-derived products into your wellness routine.
I hope you found this post helpful and that it invites you to head down all sorts of exciting rabbit holes. My favorite book that covers some of these topics is Cannabis is Medicine by Dr. Bonni Goldstein and my favorite research tool is Cannakeys (highly recommended for Cannabis Educators and healthcare professionals who want to stay up to date on all new research).
How do minor/rare cannabinoids play a role in your life? I’d love to hear if any of these have made an impact or didn’t give you the results you were looking for. Let me know in the comments below!