"Delta-9," "D-9," and "∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol" all refer to "THC," the chief psychoactive compound in cannabis. At medium to large doses, THC produces a euphoric “high”. At sub-psychoactive doses, THC can offer therapeutic benefits like pain and anxiety relief, muscle relaxation, and improved sleep.

THC is a general term that encompasses all forms of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, including delta-9-THC. When people refer to THC, they’re usually referring to delta-9-THC, as it’s the most well-known and studied form.

THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. When ingested, the liver converts it to 11-hydroxy-THC, which crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily, leading to stronger, longer-lasting psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits than other delivery methods like smoking.

Outside of psychoactivity, THC has demonstrated the following health benefits:

Pain Relief - THC activates pathways in the central nervous system that significantly reduce pain, especially neuropathic pain. It also offers powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. (1)

Muscle Relaxation - THC can relax muscles, lessen muscle stiffness, and reduce spasms. As an effective muscle relaxant and antispasmodic, it has become a popular treatment for everything from sports recovery to more serious medical conditions like MS, fibromyalgia, and PD. (2)

Antioxidant & Neuroprotective Effects - As a potent antioxidant, THC provides neuroprotection by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. It also interacts with the endocannabinoid system, activating CB1 receptors to fine-tune neurotransmitter release, promote neurogenesis, and protect mitochondrial function.(3)

Improved Sleep - Improved sleep quality supports better overall health, cognitive function, and mood. THC has been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, especially at the low dose and microdose level. Currently, THC is used as an effective treatment for insomnia and to help re-establish healthy sleep patterns, particularly in individuals with PTSD, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, and chronic pain. (4)

Stimulates Appetite - THC triggers release of the ghrelin hormone, which stimulates hunger. THC not only arouses hunger, it makes eating food more pleasurable as well. As an appetite stimulant, it has proved indispensable for patients dealing with loss of appetite. (5) 

Anti-Cancer Potential - Early lab and animal research indicates THC may have anti-tumor effects, triggering cancer cell death while not harming healthy cells. (6) 

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Pain Relief

(1) Ware MA, Wang T, Shapiro S, Collet JP; COMPASS study team. Cannabis for the Management of Pain: Assessment of Safety Study (COMPASS). J Pain. 2015 Dec;16(12):1233-1242. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2015.07.014. Epub 2015 Sep 16. PMID: 26385201.

Muscle Relaxation

(2) Grotenhermen F, Müller-Vahl K. The therapeutic potential of cannabis and cannabinoids. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2012 Jul;109(29-30):495-501. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2012.0495. Epub 2012 Jul 23. PMID: 23008748; PMCID: PMC3442177.

Antioxidant & Neuroprotective Effects

(3 Hampson AJ, Grimaldi M, Axelrod J, Wink D. Cannabidiol and (-)Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol are neuroprotective antioxidants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998 Jul 7;95(14):8268-73. doi: 10.1073/pnas.95.14.8268. PMID: 9653176; PMCID: PMC20965.

 
Improved Sleep

(4) Ried K, Tamanna T, Matthews S, Sali A. Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. J Sleep Res. 2023 Jun;32(3):e13793. doi: 10.1111/jsr.13793. Epub 2022 Dec 20. PMID: 36539991.

Maddison KJ, Kosky C, Walsh JH. Is There a Place for Medicinal Cannabis in Treating Patients with Sleep Disorders? What We Know so Far. Nat Sci Sleep. 2022 May 18;14:957-968. doi: 10.2147/NSS.S340949. PMID: 35611178; PMCID: PMC9124464.

Russo EB, Guy GW, Robson PJ. Cannabis, pain, and sleep: lessons from therapeutic clinical trials of Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine. Chem Biodivers. 2007 Aug;4(8):1729-43. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.200790150. PMID: 17712817.

Stimulates Appetite

(5) Haney M, Gunderson EW, Rabkin J, Hart CL, Vosburg SK, Comer SD, Foltin RW. Dronabinol and marijuana in HIV-positive marijuana smokers. Caloric intake, mood, and sleep. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2007 Aug 15;45(5):545-54. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31811ed205. PMID: 17589370.

Anti-Cancer Potential

(6) Sarfaraz S, Adhami VM, Syed DN, Afaq F, Mukhtar H. Cannabinoids for cancer treatment: progress and promise. Cancer Res. 2008 Jan 15;68(2):339-42. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-07-2785. PMID: 18199524.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. Self-reports and scientific studies show that it can help with anxiety, insomnia, neuropathic pain and inflammation, and addiction. Its effectiveness as an anti-seizure treatment has prompted further scientific research into its other potential medical applications.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive and has won many fans for its effectiveness in treating insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, and epilepsy. Its key health benefits are:

Reduces Anxiety and Depression: Multiple studies show CBD improves symptoms of anxiety and depression by reducing stress hormones and activating brain receptors involved in mood regulation.(7)

Relieves Pain: To significantly reduce pain, CBD activates receptors in pain pathways and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. As a powerful anti-inflammatory, it is currently used to relieve neuropathic, arthritic, and multiple sclerosis pain.(8)

Neuroprotective Properties: Studies suggest CBD may stimulate the growth of new brain cells, helping combat age-related cognitive decline and certain neurological conditions. CBD is also a potent antioxidant, protecting neurons from damage and degeneration.(9)

Improves Sleep Quality: CBD improves sleep by reducing anxiety and relieving pain. It also regulates sleep-wake cycles through interactions with the endocannabinoid system and receptors involved in mood and circadian rhythms.(10)

Benefits Heart Health: Studies have found CBD reduces artery blockage, oxidative stress, and blood pressure––major benefits for cardiovascular health and function.(11)

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Reduces Anxiety & Depression
(7) Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Oct;12(4):825-36. doi: 10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1. PMID: 26341731; PMCID: PMC4604171.

Relieves Pain
(8) Villanueva MRB, Joshaghani N, Villa N, Badla O, Goit R, Saddik SE, Dawood SN, Rabih AM, Niaj A, Raman A, Uprety M, Calero M, Khan S. Efficacy, Safety, and Regulation of Cannabidiol on Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 Jul 16;14(7):e26913. doi: 10.7759/cureus.26913. PMID: 35860716; PMCID: PMC9288157.

Russo EB, Guy GW, Robson PJ. Cannabis, pain, and sleep: lessons from therapeutic clinical trials of Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine. Chem Biodivers. 2007 Aug;4(8):1729-43. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.200790150. PMID: 17712817.


Neuroprotective Properties
(9) Iuvone T, Esposito G, De Filippis D, Scuderi C, Steardo L. Cannabidiol: a promising drug for neurodegenerative disorders? CNS Neurosci Ther. 2009 Winter;15(1):65-75. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00065.x. PMID: 19228180; PMCID: PMC6494021.

Improves Sleep
(10) Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041. doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-041. PMID: 30624194; PMCID: PMC6326553.

Benefits Heart Health
(11) Rajesh M, Mukhopadhyay P, Bátkai S, Patel V, Saito K, Matsumoto S, Kashiwaya Y, Horváth B, Mukhopadhyay B, Becker L, Haskó G, Liaudet L, Wink DA, Veves A, Mechoulam R, Pacher P. Cannabidiol attenuates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010 Dec 14;56(25):2115-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2010.07.033. PMID: 21144973; PMCID: PMC3026637.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found exclusively in young cannabis plants. It has shown potential therapeutic benefits in various areas, including inflammation, eye health, brain function, and appetite regulation. CBG works with other cannabinoids to balance effects and enhance therapeutic benefits.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is often called the "mother of all cannabinoids" because its acidic form, CBGA, is the precursor to the major cannabinoids found in cannabis. As the plant matures, enzymes convert CBGA into the acidic forms of THC, CBD, and CBC. These are then activated by heat or light. CBG itself is non-psychoactive. Its key health benefits are:

Potent Anti-Inflammatory Effects: CBG reduces inflammation and related pain by blocking the 

production of inflammatory molecules and interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system and TRP channels. This multi-targeted approach helps alleviate discomfort associated with conditions like arthritis, IBD, MS, glaucoma, and chronic pain.(12)

Pain-Relieving Properties: CBG attaches to special parts of your cells that help control pain and increases the amount of GABA, a chemical in your brain that reduces pain signals. It also interacts with pathways involved in sensing pain and blocks pain signals. Additionally, it lowers inflammation by preventing your body from producing molecules that cause painful swelling.(13) 

Neuroprotective Qualities: By blocking receptors and enzymes associated with neuron damage, CBG has exhibited antioxidant effects that protect cells in the brain and nervous system.(14)

Stimulates Appetite: CBG activates CB1 receptors involved in hunger cues and digestion. It is currently used to counter lack of appetite in conditions like HIV/AIDS and cancer therapy.(15)

Stabilizes Intraocular Pressure: CBG prevents cells from over-contracting, indicating benefits for glaucoma that work by regulating fluid and pressure in the eyes.(16)

Potential Anti-Tumor Effects: Research shows CBG can stop the growth and proliferation of cancerous cells.(17)

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Potent Anti-Inflammatory Effects
(12) Borrelli F, Fasolino I, Romano B, Capasso R, Maiello F, Coppola D, Orlando P, Battista G, Pagano E, Di Marzo V, Izzo AA. Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Biochem Pharmacol. 2013 May 1;85(9):1306-16. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.01.017. Epub 2013 Feb 12. PMID: 23415610.

Pain-Relieving Properties
(13) Wen Y, Wang Z, Zhang R, Zhu Y, Lin G, Li R, Zhang J. The antinociceptive activity and mechanism of action of cannabigerol. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Feb;158:114163. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114163. Epub 2023 Jan 4. PMID: 36916438.

Neuroprotective Qualities
(14) Valdeolivas S, Navarrete C, Cantarero I, Bellido ML, Muñoz E, Sagredo O. Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington's disease: studies in R6/2 mice and 3-nitropropionate-lesioned mice. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Jan;12(1):185-99. doi: 10.1007/s13311-014-0304-z. PMID: 25252936; PMCID: PMC4322067.

Stimulates Appetite
(15) Brierley DI, Samuels J, Duncan M, Whalley BJ, Williams CM. Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2016 Oct;233(19-20):3603-13. doi: 10.1007/s00213-016-4397-4. Epub 2016 Aug 9. PMID: 27503475; PMCID: PMC5021742.

Stabilizes Intraocular Pressure
(16) Lindner T, Schmidl D, Peschorn L, Pai V, Popa-Cherecheanu A, Chua J, Schmetterer L, Garhöfer G. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Glaucoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023 Aug 14;16(8):1149. doi: 10.3390/ph16081149. PMID: 37631064; PMCID: PMC10460067.

Potential Anti-Tumor Effects
(17) Zeppa L, Aguzzi C, Morelli MB, Marinelli O, Giangrossi M, Luongo M, Amantini C, Santoni G, Nabissi M. Cannabigerol Induces Autophagic Cell Death by Inhibiting EGFR-RAS Pathways in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Feb 7;25(4):2001. doi: 10.3390/ijms25042001. PMID: 38396679; PMCID: PMC10888274.

Known as the “sleep cannabinoid,” Cannabinol (CBN) offers powerful sedative effects. Derived from oxidized THC, it is mildly psychoactive, but only at extremely large doses. Currently, it is most commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation and as a sleep aid.

When THC oxidizes it forms cannabinol (CBN). While science is still mapping out CBN’s full list of effects and benefits, early studies and anecdotal reports show that it improves sleep quality, explaining why it is often referred to as the “sleep cannabinoid”. It also offers powerful muscle pain relief by blocking key inflammation pathways and soothing overly sensitive muscles. CBN’s key health benefits are:

Sleep Improvement: Known as the “sleep cannabinoid,” CBN improves sleep by reducing nighttime awakenings and overall sleep disturbance. Unlike conventional prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids, CBN doesn't cause next-day fatigue, mind-fog, or grogginess.(18)

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBN helps reduce inflammation by blocking key pathways that trigger the body's inflammatory response. By reducing inflammation at the source, CBN helps ease symptoms and promote overall well-being.(19)

Pain Relief: Overworked or injured muscles release a protein called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), sensitizing pain receptors and increasing pain sensitivity. This can lead to acute inflammatory pain, while chronic exposure may cause chronic pain conditions. CBN works to counteract these effects, making the muscles less sensitive and reducing pain. Studies show that when CBN is combined with CBD, the pain-relieving effects last even longer.(20)

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Powerful Sedative Qualities:
(18) Bonn-Miller MO, Feldner MT, Bynion TM, Eglit GML, Brunstetter M, Kalaba M, Zvorsky I, Peters EN, Hennesy M. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2023 Oct 5. doi: 10.1037/pha0000682. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37796540.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
(19) Gojani EG, Wang B, Li DP, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Minor Cannabinoids CBC, THCV, and CBN in Human Macrophages. Molecules. 2023 Sep 7;28(18):6487. doi: 10.3390/molecules28186487. PMID: 37764262; PMCID: PMC10534668.

Pain Relief:
(20) Wong H, Cairns BE. Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain. Arch Oral Biol. 2019 Aug;104:33-39. doi: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.05.028. Epub 2019 May 28. PMID: 31158702.

Cannabichromene (CBC) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in juvenile cannabis plants. It can reduce pain and inflammation and appears to offer antidepressant-like effects. It also works with other cannabinoids to balance effects and enhance therapeutic benefits.

Similar to CBG, cannabichromene (CBC) is produced only in the juvenile phase of the cannabis plant's flowering cycle. Like many cannabinoids, CBC has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Some tests have shown that CBC also has antidepressant-like effects. According to current studies, CBC’s key health benefits are:

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBC has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation associated with conditions like acne, eczema, arthritis, muscle spasms, and irritable bowel syndrome.(21)

Pain Relief: Studies show that CBC is effective at reducing neuropathic pain, as well as acute, inflammatory, and radiant pain. While CBC research is still growing, it is already clear that this once overlooked cannabinoid has a broad range of effective pain reducing properties.(22) 

Antidepressant-like Effects: In pre-clinical animal studies using conventional stress-test models, CBC has demonstrated significant antidepressant-like effects. In these studies, CBC did not affect motor activity, indicating its mood-lifting properties are not due to a stimulant effect or impairment.(23)

Promotes Nerve & Brain Health: Recent studies have shown that CBC can repair damaged nerves, promote brain health, treat neurodegenerative diseases, and improve brain recovery following neurological events.(24) It has also been found to be a potent antioxidant and neuroprotective, surpassing CBD in its ability to protect neurons from damage related to injury and aging.(25)

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Anti-Inflammatory Properties
(21) Hong M, Kim JH, Han JH, Ryu BR, Lim YS, Lim JD, Park SH, Kim CH, Lee SU, Kwon TH. In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Cannabichromene Isolated from Hemp. Plants (Basel). 2023 Nov 25;12(23):3966. doi: 10.3390/plants12233966. PMID: 38068603; PMCID: PMC10708362.

Pain Relief
(22) Raup-Konsavage WM, Sepulveda DE, Wang J, Dokholyan NV, Vrana KE, Graziane NM. Antinociceptive Effects of Cannabichromene (CBC) in Mice: Insights from von Frey, Tail-Flick, Formalin, and Acetone Tests. Biomedicines. 2023 Dec 29;12(1):83. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines12010083. PMID: 38255191; PMCID: PMC10813533.

Antidepressant Effects

(23) El-Alfy AT, Ivey K, Robinson K, Ahmed S, Radwan M, Slade D, Khan I, ElSohly M, Ross S. Antidepressant-like effect of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2010 Jun;95(4):434-42. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.03.004. Epub 2010 Mar 21. 

Promotes Nerve & Brain Health
(24) Valeri A, Chiricosta L, D'Angiolini S, Pollastro F, Salamone S, Mazzon E. Cannabichromene Induces Neuronal Differentiation in NSC-34 Cells: Insights from Transcriptomic Analysis. Life (Basel). 2023 Mar 9;13(3):742. doi: 10.3390/life13030742. PMID: 36983897; PMCID: PMC10051538.

(25) Marsh DT, Sugiyama A, Imai Y, Kato R, Smid SD. The structurally diverse phytocannabinoids cannabichromene, cannabigerol and cannabinol significantly inhibit amyloid β-evoked neurotoxicity and changes in cell morphology in PC12 cells. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2024 Mar;134(3):293-309. doi: 10.1111/bcpt.13943. Epub 2023 Sep 25. PMID: 37697481.