Cannabis is a botanically complex plant. Every crop contains a unique combination of terpenes and cannabinoids, and those profiles can vary significantly between strains, growing conditions, and cultivation methods. Those compounds determine how a strain smells, how the buds look, and how consuming them feels.
At Newport Cannabis Co., understanding what is actually in your cannabis is part of what we mean by high standards. Here is a straightforward breakdown of the key compounds worth knowing.
THC
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis and the one most people are already familiar with. It is responsible for the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis consumption and is the most abundantly produced cannabinoid across the majority of strains.
THC is also an extraordinarily versatile compound. It can be extracted for use in concentrates, infused into edibles, applied topically, and vaporized, making it the foundation of nearly every product format you will find on our shelves.
The range of effects THC can produce varies depending on the product, the dose, and the individual consumer. Commonly reported experiences include euphoria, heightened sensory perception, altered perception of time, and increased appetite. Strains with heavier indica lineage are often associated with a more pronounced sense of physical relaxation alongside those effects.
From a biological standpoint, THC produces these effects because it interacts directly with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, binding strongly to the CB1 receptor, which plays a role in functions like perception and reward. Because THC is present in higher concentrations than other cannabinoids in most strains, it tends to be absorbed more rapidly and with more pronounced results.
CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, has moved into mainstream awareness largely due to federal reforms surrounding industrial hemp. Because hemp-derived CBD contains very low levels of THC, it can be transported across state lines under federal law, which opened the door to a much broader consumer market beyond traditional cannabis users.
CBD does not produce the intoxicating effects associated with THC. Unlike THC, CBD does not bind strongly to CB1 or CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which is why it does not produce a high. Instead, CBD appears to interact with other pathways in the body indirectly, including some that influence inflammation. Research also suggests that CBD may affect how the body processes other cannabinoids, including THC itself.
Some consumers report a sense of calm associated with CBD use, and topical CBD products have become particularly popular among people looking for localized support without any intoxicating effects. The research in this area is ongoing, and CBD should not be viewed as a treatment for any specific condition.
At Newport Cannabis Co., our team can walk you through our current CBD product selection and help you find the right fit for your needs and experience level.
Minor Cannabinoids
THC and CBD get the most attention, but they are far from the only cannabinoids worth knowing about. The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids in total, and while many appear in smaller concentrations than THC or CBD, they still contribute meaningfully to the overall character of a strain and the experience it produces.
As legalization has expanded, cultivators and producers have found ways to amplify specific minor cannabinoids in targeted product formats. A few worth knowing:
CBG (Cannabigerol) is sometimes called the mother cannabinoid because many other cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, develop from its acidic precursor CBGA during plant growth. Like CBD, CBG is non-intoxicating and has gained popularity in products marketed toward focus and general wellness.
CBN (Cannabinol) forms as THC breaks down over time through exposure to heat and light. It has become a recognizable ingredient in sleep-focused cannabis products and has built a strong following among consumers who use cannabis as part of an evening routine.
Beyond CBG and CBN, dozens of other minor cannabinoids contribute to what makes each strain distinct. Combined with terpenes, these compounds interact with each other in ways that go beyond what any single cannabinoid produces on its own.
This is known as the entourage effect, the idea that the full spectrum of compounds in cannabis work together to create an experience that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is one of the most interesting areas of cannabis science and something our team loves talking through with curious customers.
Key Takeaways
- THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis and the most abundant across most strains
- CBD is non-intoxicating and does not bind strongly to CB1 or CB2 receptors, which is why it does not produce a high
- Minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN appear in smaller amounts but contribute meaningfully to a strain’s overall profile
- The entourage effect describes how cannabinoids and terpenes interact together to shape the overall cannabis experience
- Cannabinoid profiles vary significantly between strains, growing conditions, and cultivation methods
FAQ
- What is the difference between THC and CBD? THC is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis and binds strongly to receptors in the endocannabinoid system. CBD is non-intoxicating and does not bind to those receptors in the same way, producing a different set of effects.
- What are minor cannabinoids? Minor cannabinoids are compounds produced by the cannabis plant in smaller concentrations than THC or CBD. Examples include CBG and CBN. They contribute to the overall profile of a strain and are increasingly featured in targeted cannabis products.
- What is the entourage effect? The entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis work together synergistically, producing effects that are different from what any single compound would produce in isolation.
- Does CBD get you high? No. CBD does not bind strongly to the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system, which means it does not produce the intoxicating effects associated with THC.
- Why do different cannabis strains feel different? Each strain has a unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. Those profiles, along with individual biology and consumption method, shape the experience each strain produces.
Learn More at Newport Cannabis Co. Dispensary
Cannabis should make sense before you consume it, and that starts with understanding what is actually in your product. At Newport Cannabis Co. on Aquidneck Island, our knowledgeable team is here to answer your questions, break down cannabinoid profiles, and help you find the right product at a price that works for you.
Whether you are exploring cannabis for the first time or looking to go deeper on the science behind your favorite strains, stop by and have a real conversation with people who genuinely love this plant. Be sure to check out our online menu!
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.