Beyond THC & CBD: Exploring Minor Cannabinoids

When most people think of cannabis, THC and CBD may come to mind. These are the two most common cannabinoids found in cannabis products, but they represent only a small piece of a much bigger picture. In fact, cannabis contains a wide range of compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Cannabinoids other than THC and CBD are referred to as minor cannabinoids, and they are typically only found in trace amounts.

From CBN and CBG to newcomers like THCV, these lesser-known cannabis compounds are gaining attention in the space, particularly in edibles, beverages and oils, as part of the growing category of full-spectrum cannabis products.

What Are Minor Cannabinoids? 

They are a class of naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants, but in much smaller concentrations than THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). While THC is the most prevalent, followed by CBD, minor cannabinoids occur in trace levels (below 1%) in cannabis. Modern extraction technology has made it possible to extract these compounds in larger amounts, which can then be infused into edibles, beverages or oils.

If you’ve ever wondered “what chemicals are in cannabis?”, the answer is simple: cannabis is primarily composed of terpenes and cannabinoids, including those occurring in trace amounts.

Types Found in Cannabis

Some common minor cannabinoids include:

CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN is formed from the breakdown of THC. When cannabis is exposed to oxygen, heat or UV light, THC molecules slowly begin to convert into cannabinol. When cannabis is stored for a long period of time, CBN production increases. This is why aged cannabis flower tends to have a higher CBN content than fresh flower. CBN is considered to be a psychoactive cannabinoid, although its psychoactive effects may be less prominent than THC (Health Canada).

CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG occurs naturally in the cannabis plant and is often referred to as the “mother cannabinoid.” The acidic form of this cannabinoid, CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), is the precursor for many cannabinoids, including THCA, CBDA and CBCA. After converting into these other cannabinoids, very little CBGA remains in the plant. When cannabis is heated (e.g. by combustion), CBGA converts into CBG.

CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBC is produced when the plant converts CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) into CBCA, which then becomes CBC through heat or aging. It is non-psychoactive and is often included in full-spectrum cannabis products, where it contributes to the overall plant profile.

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
THCV starts out as THCVA, which is derived from CBGVA. It typically occurs in trace amounts, and the abundance can vary depending on the cannabis strain. It can be psychoactive in higher doses, though typically much less intense than THC.  (Health Canada).

Remember! Everyone’s experience with cannabis is unique and effects may differ. Start with a low dose and increase gradually over time to find what works best for you.

Health Canada emphasizes that evidence supporting the safety, efficacy, and potential benefits of cannabis and its compounds is still limited, and findings remain inconclusive.

Why Minor Cannabinoids Matter

So why are they important?
The answer lies in how these compounds in cannabis interact together. Cannabis products that contain a wide range of cannabinoids, often labeled as full spectrum, aim to preserve the plant’s natural profile. This includes both major and minor cannabinoids working together in tandem with terpenes.

These compounds contribute to:
• The overall cannabinoid profile of a product
• A more complex and nuanced experience
• Potential synergistic effects through what’s known as the “entourage effect”.

Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is the idea that cannabis compounds work better together than they do in isolation. Instead of one cannabinoid acting alone, multiple cannabinoids, along with terpenes and other plant compounds, interact to influence the overall experience.

As knowledge grows, more people are seeking out products that go beyond THC and CBD, making other components of cannabis an important part of the conversation.

Where to Find Minor Cannabinoids

These compounds are gaining traction across a growing range of cannabis products, especially in edibles. Today, you’ll often find them in:

Gummies
Beverages
Capsules
Oils
Vapes

They are also present in many cannabis flower and pre-roll products, although in much smaller amounts.

These cannabinoids are typically blended with THC or CBD to create more balanced, full-spectrum formulations, making it easy to explore different profiles in an approachable way.

How to Shop for Full-Spectrum Products

Interested in exploring beyond THC and CBD? Reading product labels is key. Here’s what to look for:

Check the cannabinoid breakdown
Look for detailed labels that highlight cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, CBC, or THCV, not just THC and CBD.

Look for full spectrum products
This often means a wider range of cannabinoids working together to produce a more nuanced experience.

Shop our Full Spectrum collection and look for the badge to find products with a complete range of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes.

Key Takeaways

Minor cannabinoids are one of the most exciting areas in cannabis right now. As awareness grows, so does interest in products that go beyond THC and CBD.

Some trends include:
• Increased demand for products with targeted cannabinoid blends
• Growth in CBC, CBG, CBN, and THCA cannabis products
• Greater education around cannabinoid profiles

These compounds in cannabis are expanding the possibilities of product formulations, especially in edibles, oils, and full-spectrum formulations.

Whether you’re new to cannabis or looking to explore different cannabinoid profiles, these compounds offer a more nuanced and customizable way to experience what the plant has to offer.