Discovering minor cannabinoids:
CBN, CBC, CBG, and more!

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CBG | Cannabigerol

Generally speaking, cannabigerol (CBG) is present only in very small quantities. It produces no THC-like psychoactive effects but does play a key role in the formation of other cannabinoids.

• Often called the precursor or “mother” of THC, CBD and CBC, CBG acts as a basic chemical that the plant uses to develop its main active compounds.
• As the cannabis plant matures, a series of naturally occurring enzyme reactions transforms the CBGa (cannabigerolic acid) into:
  • THCA (if the THCA synthase enzyme is dominant)
  • CBDA (if the CBDA synthase enzyme is dominant), or
  • CBCA (if the CBCA synthase enzyme is active).
• Some strains, including Sour G and White Widow, may have a profile that is naturally richer in CBG.

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CBC | Cannabichromene

Found in low concentrations in most strains, cannabichromene (CBC) is one of the more common minor cannabinoids.

• Cannabichromene (CBC) is derived from CBGA (cannabigerolic acid, the same precursor as for THCA and CBDA. The plant’s genetics determine the proportion of CBC.
• Unlike THC, CBC is considered by Health Canada to be non-intoxicating. When used by itself, it does not significantly bind to the body’s CB1 receptors, those responsible for producing the effects typical of cannabis.
• Strains with a slightly higher CBC content are often rich in CBD, come from Lebanon or northern India or are derived from Indica-dominant strains (Cannatonic, Charlotte’s Web and Harlequin, for example).
• The CBC content of dried flowers remains low compared to the major cannabinoids. However, the levels in some full-spectrum extracts and oils can be higher because the extraction process naturally concentrates the cannabinoids present, including CBC. What’s more, some formulations produce extracts in which a specific cannabinoid has been isolated and reintroduced in greater concentrations, as is sometimes the case with vaping products.

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CBN | Cannabinol

Cannabinol (CBN) is a minor cannabinoid that is formed as THC degrades and cannabis flowers mature.

• CBN can form when THC degrades on exposure to heat, air and/or light.
• In terms of psychoactive effects, CBN is considered less powerful than THC, though less powerful doesn’t mean non-existent. While the effects are, for some users, less intense than those of THC, it nonetheless may produce effects, which is why Health Canada considers it an intoxicating minor cannabinoid.
• The Lemon Kush, Ace of Spades and Durban Poison strains usually have an increased potential for CBN creation, though this also depends on other factors such as the production conditions and the genetics of the strain’s “parents.”

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THCV | Tetrahydrocannabivarine

Discovered in the 1970s, tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), is considered to be related to THC because they have similar molecular structures. Despite the structural similarities, however, there are some significant differences in how THCV works.

In low does, THCV does not produce psychoactive effects like those of THC.

THCV is derived from a precursor called cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA) which, through a natural enzyme reaction, transforms into tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA) and then, after heating or decarbing, into THCV – a process similar to the one by which THCA transforms into THC.

THCV is usually found in greater concentrations in cannabis strains that originated in Africa and/or in Sativa-dominant strains. These include Doug’s Varin, Pineapple Purps and Power Plant.