What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). These compounds play a crucial role in regulating mood, pain, sleep, appetite, and immune function.
While over 100 different cannabinoids have been identified, each offers unique properties and health benefits. Whether you’re exploring the medical use of cannabinoids or simply curious about how they support wellness, understanding what cannabinoids are is the first step.
How Cannabinoids Work In The Body
Cannabinoids affect the body by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS.
- CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, influencing mood, memory, appetite, and pain sensation.
- CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system, helping regulate inflammation and immune responses.
There are two types of cannabinoids:
- Phytocannabinoids: Produced by cannabis plants (like THC, CBD, and CBG).
- Endocannabinoids: Naturally produced by the body (like anandamide and 2-AG).
The entourage effect is a key concept in cannabinoid science, suggesting that cannabinoids work better together than in isolation, enhancing each other’s therapeutic effects.
A Comprehensive List Of Cannabinoids And Their Effects
Curious about which cannabinoids do what? Here’s a breakdown of the most researched cannabinoids and how they may impact your health.
Major Cannabinoids And Their Effects
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Known for its psychoactive effects, THC offers powerful pain relief, appetite stimulation, and can help reduce nausea.
Indigo Product Highlight:
Haze X Mudd Brothers Melon Bomb Live Resin Sugar – .5g –THC Content: 145.8%
Description: A potent concentrate delivering robust effects suitable for experienced users.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Non-psychoactive and widely studied, CBD is known for reducing inflammation, easing anxiety, and protecting neurological health.
Indigo Product Highlight:
Avexia Balm Harmony 1:1 CBD:THC – 100mg –
Description: A topical balm offering balanced CBD and THC for targeted relief.
CBN (Cannabinol)
Often associated with aged cannabis, CBN has sedative properties and may be helpful for sleep and relaxation.
Indigo Product Highlight:
Grön Blackberry Mega Pearls 1:1 THC:CBN – 100mg –
Description: Edibles combining THC and CBN to promote restful sleep.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Nicknamed the “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG supports gut health, shows antibacterial activity, and may reduce inflammation.
Indigo Product Highlight:
Grön Blue Razzleberry Mega Pearls CBG:THC – 100mg –
Description: Gummies blending CBG and THC for digestive support and relaxation.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
Less well-known but promising, CBC has anti-inflammatory effects and potential anti-cancer properties.
8 Major Cannabinoid Acids Produced By Cannabis
Before cannabinoids become active, they exist in acidic forms, including:
- THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
- CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid)
- CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid)
- CBCA (Cannabichromenic acid)
These acids convert into active cannabinoids through decarboxylation, a process triggered by heat (like smoking, vaping, or cooking cannabis).
Health Benefits Of Cannabinoids
The health benefits of cannabinoids span a wide range of conditions:
Pain Management: THC and CBD are both effective for chronic pain relief.
Indigo Product Highlight:
Avexia Strawberry Cough RSO Klik – 1g – THC Content: 74.5%
Description: A concentrated oil suitable for precise dosing in pain management.
Anxiety & Depression: CBD and CBG may reduce anxiety symptoms and promote emotional balance.
Indigo Product Highlight:
Grön Strawberry Lemonade MEGA Pearls 1:1 CBC:THC – 100mg
Description: Edibles combining CBC and THC to support mood stabilization.
Improved Sleep: CBN is increasingly recognized for its natural sedative properties.
Indigo Product Highlight:
Grön Blackberry Mega Pearls 1:1 THC:CBN – 100mg
Description: Gummies designed to enhance sleep quality through the synergy of THC and CBN.
Gut Health: CBG supports digestive wellness and may help with conditions like IBS.
Indigo Product Highlight:
Grön Blue Razzleberry Mega Pearls CBG:THC – 100mg
Description: Gummies formulated to promote gut health with a blend of CBG and THC.
Neuroprotection: CBD and THC both show potential in protecting brain function and managing neurological disorders.
Cannabinoids For Sleep: How CBN Can Help?
Sleep troubles? CBN could be your go-to.
Research suggests CBN has strong sedative qualities, especially when paired with THC or CBD. Unlike CBD, which may help with general relaxation and anxiety, CBN is more directly linked to sleep support.
Indigo Product Highlight:
Grön Blackberry Mega Pearls 1:1 THC:CBN – 100mg
Description: These gummies combine THC and CBN to promote restful sleep, offering a convenient and tasty option for nighttime use.
Cannabinoids for Gut Health: The Role of CBG
CBG stands out for its impact on digestive health, interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the gut to help reduce inflammation and support overall GI function.
Preliminary research suggests CBG may help with:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Appetite regulation
- Balancing the gut microbiome
Medical Use of Cannabinoids: Current Research & Applications
The medical use of cannabinoids continues to grow, with several already FDA-approved options and many others under study:
FDA-Approved Cannabinoid-Based Medications:
- Epidiolex (CBD): Approved for rare forms of epilepsy.
- Marinol (Synthetic THC): Used to treat nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss in cancer and AIDS patients.
Ongoing Studies Are Exploring Cannabinoids For:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Chronic pain conditions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
As clinical trials expand, more cannabinoid-based treatments are expected to hit the market—redefining pain management, mental health support, and neurological care.
Choosing the Right Cannabinoid for Your Needs
At Indigo Dispensary, we carry a wide range of products to help you find the best match for your health goals. Here’s a quick breakdown of product types:
Types of Cannabis Products:
- Full-Spectrum: Contains all cannabinoids (including THC) for maximum entourage effect.
- Broad-Spectrum: Includes multiple cannabinoids, but THC is removed.
- Isolates: Pure, single cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, or CBG.
Choosing Based on Your Goals:
- For Sleep → Look for CBN-rich edibles or oils.
- For Pain Relief → Try balanced THC/CBD topicals or concentrates.
- For Anxiety → Go with high-CBD or CBG gummies.
- For Gut Health → Seek out CBG-forward products.
Bonus Tip: Always start low and go slow—especially with THC products—to find your personal comfort zone.
Conclusion: The Future of Cannabinoid Research & Usage
The future of cannabinoids is full of promise. As science evolves, so does our understanding of the therapeutic power within each unique compound. From better sleep and digestive support to neuroprotection and chronic pain relief, cannabinoids are reshaping the landscape of modern wellness and medicine.
Emerging research into lesser-known cannabinoids like THCV, CBDA, and CBC could lead to innovative treatments we haven’t even imagined yet.
At Indigo Dispensary, we’re here to help guide you through that journey—providing top-quality cannabis products, expert insight, and a personalized experience.
Let’s find the perfect cannabinoid match for your lifestyle.
