The Benefits of CBN, CBG, CBC, and THCV

It feels like just yesterday that THC and CBD were the only hemp-derived compounds anyone talked about. But as science slowly catches up to the nuance and complexity of our favorite plant, more people are discovering the benefits of rare and minor cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, CBC, and THCV. 

If all these abbreviations are starting to feel like alphabet soup, don’t worry. We’re here to give you the highlights on some of the most popular (and beneficial) of these up-and-coming compounds, which ones may support your specific needs, and how minor cannabinoids might work together to enhance the effects of CBD or THC. 

But before we can understand each cannabinoid’s individual strengths, we have to understand how they work – separately or together – within your body.

The Endocannabinoid System: How It Works & What It Does 

Everyone has an endocannabinoid system (or ECS), whether or not they’ve consumed hemp or “marijuana.” This complex network of transmitters and receptors is responsible for regulating many bodily functions, including appetite, sleep cycles, stress, inflammation, and more. 

A “cannabinoid” refers not only to THC and friends, but to any molecule that interacts with the receptors in your ECS. Few people realize that the body actually produces its own cannabinoids – also known as “endocannabinoids.” These homemade molecules are supposed to modulate signals within the ECS – signals like hunger pangs or sleepiness – which helps your body maintain balance throughout your day.  

But if your ECS is not functioning as it should, you may be able to bring in outside help from plant-derived compounds (aka “phytocannabinoids”) like CBD and THC.  

Say a new medication is making you feel nauseated – THC may bind to your body’s CB1 receptors, stimulating the hunger signals that would otherwise be suppressed, and reduces signaling from the gut and brain pathways that trigger nausea. On the flip side, say you went a little too hard at the gym. CBD may actually reduce the intensity of pain signals to your brain, essentially telling your ECS, “We are aware that our muscles need to rest, please cool it with the sore spots.” 

Why is the endocannabinoid system important? Because different phytocannabinoids (remember, THC, CBD, CBG, etc.) affect the ECS in different ways. Not only that, but many of them can actually be combined to produce uniquely synergistic benefits – a phenomenon scientists call “The Entourage Effect.”  

Now that the basics are out of the way, let’s look at some up-and-coming rare cannabinoids on a case-by-case basis. 

CBN: The Sleepy Cannabinoid? 

CBN, or cannabinol, may be the most popular hemp compound outside of THC and CBD. That’s because CBN has long been believed to have sleep-promoting qualities that make it a popular addition to many plant-powered bedtime formulations (including Wana’s and Happi’s). 

Does CBN make you sleepy? There’s limited research as to whether this compound actually induces drowsiness, but several recent studies do suggest that it may work well with both THC and CBD to support targeted relief from discomfort AND stress, two of the leading causes of sleeplessness among American adults. But whether it’s truly sedating, calming, pain-relieving, or a combination of all three, there’s plenty of scientific AND anecdotal evidence that CBN can be a valuable tool in your sleep support arsenal.

CBG: Don’t Worry, Be Happy 

We’ve explored CBG, or cannabigerol, more fully in another recent blog post, but here’s the headline:  

CBG has similar calming effects to CBD, especially when the two are combined… hello, Entourage Effect! And as a happy little bonus, CBG has also been observed to elevate levels of the mood-boosting neurotransmitter GABA.   

These soothing, sunny effects make CBG a great addition to targeted stress-relief formulations like Wana’s Quick Calm Gummies. As with CBD, they can also act as a helpful counterbalance to the potentially unpleasant side effects of THC – like paranoia and anxiety – which is why it’s included in all of Wana’s recreational Quick and Classic Gummies. 

CBC: Little Molecule, Big Relief 

CBC, or cannanbichromene, is probably the least known rare cannabinoid on this list. Scientists are still exploring all of this molecule’s potential benefits, but early research suggests that CBC may be especially helpful for targeted relief from aches and pains. 

One reason CBC might ease discomfort is that it interacts with our TRPV and TRPA receptors – sensory mediators that transmit pain signals, as well as sensations like touch and temperature. In addition to its sensory impact, CBC has been observed to significantly reduce inflammation during animal trials, especially in combination with THC. (There’s that Entourage Effect again!) 

While CBC has yet to gain the recognition of other rare cannabinoids, like CBN, its pain-relieving potential makes it an important molecule to keep an eye on. And if you’d like to try it for yourself, you can find it in Wana’s calibrated Quick Relief Gummies. 

THCV: The Sober Twin of THC? 

THCV (or tetrahydrocannabivarin) may sound a lot like THC, but that little V makes a big difference.  

Both THC and THCV interact with the same receptors in your endocannabinoid system, but in opposite ways – like “Drive” versus “Reverse” on a gear shift.  Where THC is intoxicating, meaning it gets you high, THCV is typically not. Where THC stimulates appetite, aka “the munchies,” THCV may actually suppress it. And where high doses of THC can make you sleepy, research suggests that THCV can actually support focus and alertness, giving a boost to cognitive systems that help us complete tasks and make decisions. 

Because of its qualities as an appetite suppressant – and its potential for supporting clearer, more controlled decision-making – you may encounter THCV in hemp products marketed as “anti-munchies” or weight loss aids. Due to its focus-enhancing potential, it’s also included as a counterbalance to THC in Wana’s Quick Lift Gummies, which deliver a more motivated, tuned-in high that many people find pairs well with a favorite outdoor activity or mindfulness practice.  

Knowing Your Cannabinoids: Why It Matters 

The rare cannabinoids we’ve covered here – CBN, CBG, CBC, and THCV – barely scratch the surface of the hundreds of potentially beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant. Even so, familiarizing yourself with these four increasingly popular molecules can be crucial in helping you find the hemp products best suited to your needs. For example: 

• Looking for a sleep aid? Seek out products that mix THC with CBN and/or CBG, and stay clear of activating THCV. 

• Something to relieve aches and pains? THC + CBD is a great combo, but THC + CBG + CBC might make an even better one. 

• A better way to unwind, or a high that won’t make you overly anxious? Add some CBD and/or CBG to your THC. 

• An edible to enhance your next hike, rather than leave you snoozing on the couch? Toss some THCV into the mix! 

When you know at least the basics of the hemp alphabet, you don’t have to rely on slick marketing messages to find the products that work for you. Knowledge is power, as they say, and the power of these rare cannabinoids is now yours to unlock.