The cannabis plant produces hundreds of unique compounds, found nowhere else in nature, each with its own set of potential benefits. Of these cannabinoids, THC and CBD are undoubtedly the most famous – but there are other cannabinoids that deserve your attention.
A minor cannabinoid is one that is produced in smaller quantities in the cannabis plant. Some minor cannabinoids are produced in such minuscule quantities that they cannot be separated from the plant itself, while others are produced in such large quantities that they can be extracted from the plant matter.
Three of these cannabinoid are CBG, CBC, and CBN. You won’t find CBC vapes at Airo (yet) but you can enjoy the potential benefits of these cannabinoids with our Oria gummies, a delicious and easy way to take advantage of the full power of the cannabis plant.
Understanding Minor Cannabinoids: CBG, CBC, and CBN
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol, or CBG is perhaps the most important cannabinoid made in the cannabis plant. Yes – even more so than THC, because without CBG, there would be no THC.
Although it is considered a minor cannabinoid, CBG is often called the “mother of all cannabinoids” because CBGA is the first acidic cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant. All other cannabinoids are derived from CBGA, like THCa and CBDa, which convert into the THC and CBD you know and love through heat.
CBG is not intoxicating like THC is and may feel more like CBD in the body.
Research is light on CBG, as this cannabinoid has only begun to break into the attention of the mainstream. There is a lot of interest in this cannabinoid because CBG interacts with your body differently than other cannabinoids do. While THC binds to receptors in your endocannabinoid system, CBG interacts mostly with an entirely different set of receptors (like transient receptor potential receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, if you want to get scientific.) This difference in biological interaction means a host of potential benefits for you.
- CBG is thought to be energizing and uplifting, supporting a healthy brain.
- CBG has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that are enhanced when combined with other cannabinoids
- One study from 2024 suggests that CBG may help reduce anxiety and stress.
- CBC is also being studied for potential therapeutic effects on gastrointestinal diseases.
Does CBG give you energy?
While research is lacking, anecdotal reports from cannabis consumers point to CBG potentially being energizing, providing a boost of mental clarity that may make it easier to focus. Combined with this cannabinoid’s potential anti-anxiety properties, it makes sense why starting your day with CBG would get it started right.
CBG works best alongside other cannabinoids and terpenes, which is why Oria Sumatran Sunrise gummies combine CBG with THC and energizing terpenes to help you start your day with a caffeine-free boost.
What is CBC?
Cannabichromene, or CBC, is a lesser-known minor cannabinoid. But it appears in larger quantities in cannabis plants than CBN or CBG – it’s actually the third most abundant cannabinoid after CBD and THC.
What makes this little cannabinoid so interesting is its potential in the brain. CBC is being studied for neuroprotective properties that help protect your brain cells from injury or degeneration, and CBC may even promote the growth of new brain cells, as suggested by at least one study.
Other benefits of CBC include:
- CBC has antibiotic properties.
- CBC is thought to have pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties like other cannabinoids.
- When paired with THC. CBC may be useful in dealing with anxiety and depression.
Research is limited on CBC, but what scientists currently believe is that CBC helps enhance the therapeutic potential of other cannabinoids – AKA the entourage effect. That’s why Oria Citrus Splash gummies pair CBC with THC and a few energizing, focusing terpenes to provide you with a cannabinoid boost whenever you need one.
What is CBN?
CBN is short for cannabinol, a minor cannabinoid. (Fun fact: CBN was actually the first cannabinoid discovered!)
CBN is not formed in the plant itself: it’s actually a byproduct of THC as it degrades over time.
Cannabinoids are not shelf-stable – you can’t put a bottle of THC extract next to the olive oil and expect to use it for a year. Cannabinoids degrade due to exposure to light or heat, or even when left for a long enough period of time. As THC degrades, it oxidizes into CBN.
CBN has similar benefits to THC that are best described as “less potent”, which makes sense given that CBN is essentially weaker, old THC. Unlike CBD, CBN is thought to have mild intoxicating effects like THC does.
The cannabinoid can help reduce inflammation throughout the body and has antibiotic properties. However, CBN is perhaps best known for grabbing headlines as a “sleep-inducing cannabinoid” but this is slightly misleading – research has shown that CBN is not more sedating than THC, but works best when paired with other cannabinoids.
- THC and CBN are more sedating than CBN alone
- CBD and CBN combined may provide more pain relief than CBD or CBN alone.
- CBN is being studied for immune system support and managing ADHD symptoms as well
Does CBN help you sleep?
CBN may help you sleep. While initial research on this cannabinoid has shown mixed results for CBN alone, pairing CBN and THC together has been shown to make people drowsier than CBN alone.
CBN works best when it works alongside other cannabinoids and terpenes. That’s why our Oria gummies for sleep, Twilight Moon and Midnight Moon, combine the sedating powers of THC and CBN and pair them with several terpenes that are known to be sedating as well – cannabis works best when it works together.
There is an entire world of potential benefits inside the cannabis plant, and we’ve only scratched the surface with THC and CBD. Incorporating minor cannabinoids into your cannabis routine makes your products work more effectively and gives you more options to customize your consumption based on your cannabis goals. However you prefer to consume, Airo is here to help.
