Unlocking the Healing Power of Cannabis Compounds
Phytocannabinoids. or just cannabinoids, are the primary medicinal compounds found in cannabis resin—and their therapeutic potential is nothing short of extraordinary. In raw cannabis, cannabinoids exist in their acidic forms (like THCA or CBDA), containing an extra carboxyl group (COOH). When heated (a process called decarboxylation), these acids convert into their “neutral” forms, which are typically more bioactive. For example:
- THCA → THC
- CBDA → CBD
Both raw and decarboxylated cannabinoids offer medicinal value. Some patients respond better to raw forms like THCA or CBDA, while others benefit more from neutral forms, depending on their unique Endocannabinoid System (ECS), medical conditions, and even genetic differences.
The Big Two: THC and CBD
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and was first isolated by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in 1964. As a partial agonist of CB1 and CB2 receptors, THC mimics the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), producing euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief.
Medicinal Benefits of THC
- Anti-inflammatory (20x stronger than aspirin!)
- Analgesic
- Antioxidant & Neuroprotective
- Appetite stimulant
- Muscle relaxant
- Sedative
- Antiemetic
- Antispasmodic
- Antidepressant
- Antianxiety (at low doses)
- Bronchodilator
- Anticancer
Receptor Activity: CB1 & CB2, TRP channels, glycine, serotonin, opioid, GPR18 & GPR55, PPARɣ, and more.
Note: THC is biphasic—low doses relieve anxiety, high doses may cause it. It also has bronchodilating effects, useful for asthma. I personally use THC-rich cannabis and haven’t needed an inhaler in years.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found primarily in hemp and Type 2 or 3 cannabis cultivars. It doesn’t bind strongly to CB1/CB2 receptors but acts as a negative allosteric modulator at CB1, dampening overactivity. CBD also helps increase the tone of endocannabinoids like anandamide (AEA) by preventing their breakdown.
Medicinal Benefits of CBD
- Anti-inflammatory (30–50x stronger than hydrocortisone)
- Analgesic
- Antianxiety
- Antioxidant
- Anticonvulsant (FDA-approved for epilepsy)
- Antipsychotic
- Neuroprotective
- Antiemetic
- Mood stabilizer
- Antidepressant
- Anticancer
- Muscle relaxant
Receptor Activity: Weak CB1/CB2 affinity, plus serotonin, adenosine, opioid, TRP channels, GABA, glycine, PPARs, and dozens of enzymes and ion channels.
The Minor (but Mighty) Phytocannabinoids
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Known as the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG is the precursor to THC, CBD, and CBC. It’s non-intoxicating and especially helpful for digestive conditions, anxiety, depression, and even bone growth.
Medicinal Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antibacterial/antifungal
- Antidepressant
- Appetite stimulant
- Bone stimulant
- Anticancer
- Antianxiety
- Antiemetic
- Neuroprotective
- Antihypertensive
Receptor Activity: CB2, TRP channels, GABA, serotonin, adrenergic, PPARs; blocks MAGL (slowing 2-AG breakdown).
CBN (Cannabinol)
A breakdown product of THC, CBN is mildly psychoactive and highly sedative. It binds more strongly to CB2 than CB1 and is excellent for sleep and pain.
Medicinal Benefits
- Sedative
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antioxidant
- Neuroprotective
- Anticonvulsant
- Antispasmodic
- Anticancer
Receptor Activity: CB1 (weak), CB2 (stronger), TRP channels
CBC (Cannabichromene)
A powerful, non-psychoactive cannabinoid that plays a role in mood regulation, pain relief, and immune support.
Medicinal Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antidepressant
- Analgesic
- Neuroprotective
- Antianxiety
- Anticancer
- Anti-acne
- Bone stimulant
- Immunomodulating
- Antibacterial
Receptor Activity: TRP channels, blocks anandamide breakdown
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
THCV is structurally similar to THC but behaves quite differently—especially as an appetite suppressant, making it unique among cannabinoids.
Medicinal Benefits
- Appetite suppressant
- Antianxiety
- Anticonvulsant
- Anticancer
- Antioxidant
- Neuroprotective
- Antipsychotic
- Analgesic
- Bone stimulant
Receptor Activity: CB1 (antagonist), CB2 (binds/blocks), serotonin (5HT1a), COX enzymes, blocks AEA uptake, inhibits 2-AG synthesis
CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid with strong anticonvulsant and neuroprotective potential.
Medicinal Benefits
- Anticonvulsant
- Neuroprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anxiolytic
- Bone stimulant
Receptor Activity: TRP channels (TRPV1/2, TRPA1), GABA, GPR55, blocks DAGL (reduces 2-AG synthesis)
The Raw Cannabinoids: THCA & CBDA
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
The non-psychoactive, raw form of THC. Excellent for patients who want THC’s medicinal benefits without intoxication.
Medicinal Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Neuroprotective
- Anticancer
- Analgesic
Receptor Activity: CB2, TRP channels, PPARs, COX enzymes, GPR55
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
The raw precursor to CBD. More bioavailable than CBD when taken orally and potentially more potent for inflammation, nausea, and anxiety.
Medicinal Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiemetic (1000x stronger than CBD at serotonin receptor)
- Antianxiety
- Anticonvulsant
- Anticancer
- Antibacterial
- Antidepressant
- Immunomodulating
Receptor Activity: COX enzymes, serotonin (5HT1a), PPARs, TRP channels, and more
Wrapping Up: Personalized Cannabis Medicine
The phytocannabinoid profile of a cannabis cultivar—or a specific product—can drastically affect how it interacts with your unique Endocannabinoid System. By understanding the individual effects and receptor activities of these compounds, patients and practitioners alike can better personalize treatment and achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Want help selecting the right cannabinoid profile for your needs? Visit us at Sea Change Cannabis and let our team guide you.