What Are Cannabinoids? A Clear Guide to CBD, THC & the ECS
CBD labels can feel confusing when you start seeing terms like cannabinoids, CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, full-spectrum hemp extract, and COAs. This guide breaks it down clearly so you can understand what cannabinoids are and how to compare CBD products with confidence.
Reviewed for clarity: This page is educational and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Bluegrass Hemp Oil products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
A cannabinoid profile helps shoppers understand which hemp compounds are listed on a product label or Certificate of Analysis.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis and hemp. CBD and THC are the best-known cannabinoids, but researchers have identified many others, including CBG, CBN, CBC, CBDA, and THCA.
- Cannabinoids are plant compounds found in cannabis and hemp.
- CBD and THC are the most familiar cannabinoids.
- Minor cannabinoids occur in smaller amounts.
- Cannabinoids are often discussed because they relate to the endocannabinoid system.
- A product’s cannabinoid profile can be reviewed through lab testing and a Certificate of Analysis.
Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a body-wide signaling network that includes endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Cannabinoids are often discussed because of how they relate to ECS education.
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are compounds made by the body. They are part of normal ECS signaling.
Phytocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids found in plants. CBD and THC are examples of phytocannabinoids.
ECS Education
The ECS is often discussed in relation to balance and signaling. This page is educational and does not make medical claims.
CBD vs THC: What Is the Difference?
CBD and THC are both cannabinoids, but they are not the same. THC is the main intoxicating cannabinoid associated with the “high” from cannabis. CBD is non-intoxicating. Shoppers should always review product labels, THC information, lab testing, and Certificates of Analysis before choosing CBD products.
For a deeper comparison, read our CBD vs THC guide.
| Cannabinoid | Description | What Shoppers Should Review |
|---|---|---|
| CBD | A non-intoxicating cannabinoid commonly found in hemp-derived CBD products. | CBD amount, hemp extract type, ingredients, lab testing, and COA. |
| THC | The main intoxicating cannabinoid associated with cannabis. | THC amount, legal limits, product type, lab testing, and COA. |
Major Cannabinoids: CBD and THC
CBD and THC are often called major cannabinoids because they are commonly found in larger amounts compared with many other cannabinoids. In hemp-derived CBD products, CBD is usually the primary cannabinoid, while THC should remain within legal limits.
CBD
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid commonly found in hemp-derived CBD products. Product labels and COAs can help shoppers review how much CBD is listed.
THC
THC is the main intoxicating cannabinoid associated with cannabis. Shoppers should review THC information carefully on product labels and Certificates of Analysis.
Minor Cannabinoids: CBG, CBN, CBC, CBDA, THCA and More
Minor cannabinoids are cannabinoids found in smaller amounts than CBD or THC. They are often discussed in CBD education because full-spectrum hemp extract can contain a broader cannabinoid profile.
| Cannabinoid | Simple Description |
|---|---|
| CBG | A minor cannabinoid often discussed in hemp and cannabis education. |
| CBN | A minor cannabinoid that may appear as cannabinoids change over time. |
| CBC | A minor cannabinoid found in smaller amounts in some hemp extracts. |
| CBDA | The acidic precursor form of CBD found in raw hemp plant material. |
| THCA | The acidic precursor form of THC found in raw cannabis or hemp plant material. |
Safety note: Research on many minor cannabinoids is still developing. Avoid treating minor cannabinoids as proven solutions for health conditions.
What Does Full-Spectrum Mean?
Full-spectrum CBD products contain hemp extract with multiple naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant. This may include CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace THC within legal limits.
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum products contain a broader hemp extract profile. Review the COA to confirm cannabinoid content.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate products contain isolated CBD. They do not represent the same profile as a full-spectrum hemp extract.
Verify the Profile
Product labels and COAs are the best way to verify what is in a product.
Compare the differences in our full-spectrum CBD vs CBD isolate guide.
Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and the Entourage Effect
Cannabinoids are not the only compounds found in hemp. Terpenes are aromatic plant compounds that contribute to the plant’s natural profile. The phrase entourage effect is often used in cannabis education to describe how multiple hemp compounds are discussed together.
How to Read a Cannabinoid Profile on a COA
A Certificate of Analysis, or COA, can help shoppers review which cannabinoids are listed in a CBD product. A COA may show CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, potency information, and other product-quality details.
What to Review on a COA
- Product name
- Batch or lot number
- CBD amount
- THC amount
- Minor cannabinoids
Quality Details to Match
- Testing date
- Lab name
- Contaminant testing, when available
- Whether the COA matches the product
- Company transparency
Use our CBD lab testing page and Certificates of Analysis page to review product-quality details.
What to Review Before Choosing a CBD Product
Understanding cannabinoids can help shoppers read CBD product labels more carefully. Before choosing a product, review the cannabinoid profile, hemp extract type, ingredient list, serving information, third-party testing, and Certificate of Analysis.
- CBD amount
- THC information
- Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate profile
- Minor cannabinoids
- Ingredient list and carrier oil
- Serving information
- Lab testing and Certificate of Analysis
- Company transparency
Helpful Cannabinoid and CBD Quality Resources
Cannabinoids are only one part of understanding CBD products. To compare products more carefully, review the endocannabinoid system, terpenes, full-spectrum hemp extract, lab testing, and Certificates of Analysis.
Cannabinoids FAQs
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis and hemp. CBD and THC are the best-known cannabinoids, but many other cannabinoids have been identified. Cannabinoids are often discussed because of how they relate to the endocannabinoid system.
Is CBD a cannabinoid?
Yes. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid commonly found in hemp-derived CBD products. CBD is non-intoxicating.
Is THC a cannabinoid?
Yes. THC is a cannabinoid and is the main intoxicating compound associated with cannabis. Shoppers should review THC information on product labels and Certificates of Analysis.
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
CBD and THC are both cannabinoids, but THC is the main intoxicating cannabinoid associated with the “high” from cannabis. CBD is non-intoxicating. Product labels and COAs help shoppers compare CBD and THC content.
What are minor cannabinoids?
Minor cannabinoids are cannabinoids found in smaller amounts than CBD or THC. Examples include CBG, CBN, CBC, CBDA, and THCA. Research on many minor cannabinoids is still developing.
What does full-spectrum CBD mean?
Full-spectrum CBD products contain hemp extract with multiple naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant, which may include CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace THC within legal limits.
How do I know which cannabinoids are in a CBD product?
Review the product’s Certificate of Analysis. A COA can show cannabinoid content, THC levels, and other product-quality details when available.
Choose CBD Products With Cannabinoid Quality in Mind
Understanding cannabinoids makes it easier to compare CBD products. Before buying, review the product label, cannabinoid profile, hemp extract type, ingredient list, third-party testing, and Certificate of Analysis.
