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 less common cannabinoids 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 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: cannabis contains many chemical compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

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. Health Canada identifies CBN as a potentially intoxicating cannabinoid, although evidence about its effects remains limited (Health Canada).

CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG occurs naturally in the cannabis plant and is sometimes informally 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 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. Health Canada identifies THCV as a potentially intoxicating cannabinoid because there is evidence that it can activate the CB1 receptor (Health Canada).

Remember! Everyone’s experience with cannabis is unique and effects may differ.

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

Understanding Minor Cannabinoids

So why are they important?
Cannabis products may contain multiple cannabinoids, along with terpenes and other compounds. Products described as full-spectrum are generally intended to retain a broader range of these cannabis-derived compounds. However, the presence of multiple compounds does not guarantee a particular effect, and research into how these compounds may interact remains limited.

What Is the “Entourage Effect” Hypothesis?

The “entourage effect” is an unconfirmed research hypothesis proposing that cannabinoids, terpenes and other cannabis compounds may interact in ways that influence a product’s overall effects. Research has not conclusively established that full-spectrum products produce better, more predictable or more desirable effects than isolated cannabinoids.

Where to Find Minor Cannabinoids

These compounds are increasingly appearing on labels 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.

Some products contain minor cannabinoids in combination with THC, CBD or other cannabis-derived compounds. These combinations are available in several product formats.

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 present in the product.

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

Key Takeaways

Minor cannabinoids are an evolving area of cannabis research and product development. 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.

Cannabis and Your Health

Cannabis use involves health risks, and individual responses may vary. Some minor cannabinoids, including CBN and THCV, may be intoxicating, and evidence about their effects remains limited.

If you choose to consume cannabis:

• Read the product label and consider the total THC content.
• Start with a low amount of THC and wait before consuming more.
• Do not drive or operate machinery after using cannabis.
• Avoid combining cannabis with alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
• Store cannabis securely and out of reach of children and pets.