Ask most people what’s in cannabis and they’ll say THC. Maybe CBD. But the plant is a tiny chemistry lab that makes more than a hundred cannabinoids, and a few of the lesser-known ones are starting to show up on labels. Here’s your cheat sheet.
THC: the headliner
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the main compound behind the high. It’s also the biggest single factor in how strong a product feels. More THC means more intensity, and a bigger chance of overdoing it if you’re new or trying something unfamiliar.
Good to know: higher THC isn’t “better”, it’s just stronger. Plenty of regulars prefer something in the middle of the range for a more comfortable experience.
CBD: the calm counterpart
Cannabidiol doesn’t get you high the way THC does. You’ll find products that are THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, or balanced with a similar amount of each. Balanced products are a popular choice for people who want a gentler, more clear-headed experience.
THCA: THC before it’s switched on
Here’s the twist: raw cannabis contains very little THC. It’s mostly THCA, an acid form that won’t get you high. Heat flips the switch, turning THCA into THC. That’s why flower labels show both “THC” and “Total THC”, and why our guide to decarboxylation is worth a read.
CBG: the parent
Cannabigerol is sometimes called the “mother cannabinoid”, because the plant uses its acid form, CBGA, as the starting point for making THC and CBD. Most plants keep only a trace of it, but breeders are now growing cultivars with more.
CBN: the vintage one
Cannabinol forms as THC ages and breaks down with air and light. It’s mildly intoxicating and you’ll see it marketed in some products, though research on how it affects people is still limited.
How to read the numbers
- Flower and concentrates: a percentage, or milligrams per gram.
- Edibles, drinks and capsules: milligrams per piece and per package.
- Oils: milligrams per millilitre.
Try this
If you usually reach for the highest THC on the shelf, try a balanced THC:CBD product for a change and compare how you feel. Your favourite might surprise you.