The chemistry of a remarkably complex plant

Cannabis is one of the most chemically rich plants we know. Researchers have identified more than 500 distinct compounds in it, including over 120 cannabinoids, around 120 terpenes, and dozens of flavonoids. Most are made in the trichomes, the tiny resin glands that frost the flower. Science is still catching up with this plant, and much of what follows comes from early research: promising, but not yet proven. Continued research still needs to be done in relation to the interaction of multiple cannabinoids and additional terpenes, which refers back to the Entourage Effect.

Major Cannabinoids

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The plant's principal intoxicating compound. It binds to CB1 receptors and is responsible for the classic cannabis high. THC has the deepest body of research: a 2017 National Academies review found strong evidence that cannabis and cannabinoids can help with chronic pain and with nausea from chemotherapy, and prescription medicines based on THC are FDA-approved for chemotherapy-related nausea and appetite loss.

• CBD (cannabidiol). Non-intoxicating, and the second most abundant cannabinoid. It barely binds to cannabinoid receptors; it shapes how they and other pathways respond. A purified CBD is an FDA-approved medicine for rare, severe forms of epilepsy, and small studies suggest CBD may ease anxiety in stressful situations.

Minor and Novel Cannabinoids

• CBG (cannabigerol). The neutral form of CBGA, the "mother" compound the other cannabinoids descend from. Non-intoxicating and usually present in small amounts. In its first human clinical trial, published in 2024, CBG reduced feelings of anxiety and stress compared with a placebo.

• CBC (cannabichromene). Non-intoxicating, and a sibling of THC and CBD from the same parent. It interacts with the TRP channels involved in sensation. In animal studies, CBC has shown mood-lifting, antidepressant-like effects, and early research suggests it may amplify some of the effects of THC when the two are present together. Human studies have yet to be done.

• THCv (tetrahydrocannabivarin). A close cousin of THC with a shorter side chain, found most often in cultivars of African heritage. At low doses it appears to block the CB1 receptor, not activate it, which may explain why early studies link it to a curbed appetite instead of the familiar "munchies." In a pilot clinical trial in people with type 2 diabetes, THCv improved blood sugar measures, and a small early study reported greater energy and motivation.  Additionally in customer experience, many people describe it as clear and focusing.

• CBDv (cannabidivarin). The varin counterpart of CBD, and non-intoxicating. Researchers are studying it for neurological conditions, with human trials under way.

• CBGv (cannabigerovarin). The varin counterpart of CBG, and the starting point for THCv and CBDv. Rare and the least studied of the group; its potential is only beginning to be explored.

The Terpenes

Terpenes are the aromatic oils that give each cultivar its scent and flavor. Research suggests they may do more than please the nose, though most studies so far are in the laboratory, not in people.

• Myrcene. Earthy and musky, also found in hops and mango. Often the most abundant terpene in cannabis. Animal studies point to relaxing, sedative properties.

• Limonene. Bright citrus, as in lemon and orange peel. In a 2024 Johns Hopkins study, vaporized limonene reduced the anxious feelings THC can cause.

• Beta-caryophyllene. Peppery and warm, as in black pepper and clove. Unusual among terpenes because it binds to CB2 receptors, it is being studied for its effects on inflammation.

• Pinene. Fresh pine, also found in rosemary. Laboratory research is exploring anti-inflammatory properties.

• Linalool. Floral, the signature note of lavender. Studies suggest calming properties.

• Terpinolene. Fruity and herbal, with hints of lilac and apple. Inhaled terpinolene had a sedative effect in a study in mice, and laboratory work points to antioxidant properties.

• Humulene. Woody and hoppy. Early laboratory studies suggest anti-inflammatory properties.

• Ocimene. Sweet and green. A 2025 laboratory study found anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, and earlier work on ocimene-rich plant oils points to antifungal activity.

Flavonoids and Other Compounds

Flavonoids contribute color and subtle flavor. Cannabis shares many with other plants, such as quercetin, kaempferol and apigenin, and produces a few of its own: the cannflavins, found almost nowhere else in nature and under study for anti-inflammatory properties. Anthocyanins, also flavonoids, are behind the deep purples some flowers show at harvest.

Many researchers believe these compounds work in concert, each shaping the effect of the others, an idea known as the entourage effect. It is still a hypothesis, and it is why we look at the whole plant, not a single number on a label.

Nothing here is medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently, and many of these findings are preliminary. If you're considering cannabis for a health concern, talk with a healthcare professional.