Cannabinoids 101: Understanding Cannabinoids & Their Role | Discover Feals Blog

[**Free Shipping on Subscriptions and Orders $70+**](/content/collections/all "Shop All"/index.html)

From cannabidiol (CBD) to tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) to cannabinol (CBN), there are more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp plants. Whether you’re taking edibles, oils, or tinctures, these naturally-occurring compounds are responsible for the wide range of effects you experience.

Our cannabinoids 101 guide includes everything you need to know about cannabinoids, including what they are and how they work, the endocannabinoid system, types of cannabinoids, and a list of the most popular cannabinoids around.

Cannabinoids 101: Your Guide to Cannabinoids and The Endocannabinoid System

In this article, we’ll break down:

What cannabinoids are and how they interact with the endocannabinoid system
Types of cannabinoids (endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids)
Some of the most common cannabinoids and their effects

What Are Cannabinoids and How Do They Work?

Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. When consumed, cannabinoids interact with something called the endocannabinoid system—a cell-signaling system of receptors that plays an important role in the regulation of various processes and functions in the body.

Currently, researchers believe the endocannabinoid system helps regulate the following processes in the body:

Sleep
Inflammatory response and sensations of pain
Mood
Memory
Metabolism
Appetite
Reproduction and fertility

This system performs a variety of tasks at different locations in the body but always with the same objective—homeostasis, or balance.

The endocannabinoid system is comprised of two receptor types: the endocannabinoid type I and type II (CB1 and CB2) receptors which are located throughout your body, including the nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract, skeletal muscles, vascular system, and skin.

Types of Cannabinoids

There are actually three different types of cannabinoids—the ones our bodies produce on their own, the ones found in cannabis plants, and man-made cannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids: It turns out that our bodies actually produce their own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids, that activate receptors in the endocannabinoid system to keep internal functions running smoothly. So far, researchers have identified two main endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Phytocannabinoids: Phytocannabinoids, most commonly referred to as cannabinoids, are found in cannabis and hemp plants.
Synthetic cannabinoids: Synthetic cannabinoids are bio-identical, lab-made versions of the cannabinoids you find in cannabis plants formulated in a lab.

Most Popular Cannabinoids To Know

Cannabinoids are classified as either major or minor cannabinoids; major just means the cannabinoid is found in larger amounts in the plant, and minor means the cannabinoid is less abundant. Major cannabinoids include CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) while minor cannabinoids include THCV, cannabichromene (CBC), CBN, and cannabigerol (CBG), among others.

CBD: CBD is the second most common cannabinoid and is most popular for its potential to promote a normal inflammatory response, ease common anxiety, and help with sleeping troubles. CBD doesn’t bind well to CB1 receptors, but it can weakly activate CB2 receptors in addition to interacting with other receptors such as 5-HT1A, TRPV1, and PPARs.
THCV: While less known and considered a rare cannabinoid, THCV is one of the latest cannabinoids to hit the market. Scientific and clinical research surrounding THCV is in its preliminary stages, so there are no definitive answers to how THCV works and its potential benefits. Based on animal studies, experts currently think THCV may block the CB1 receptor, which is well known for stimulating appetite, so one potential use for THCV may be to reduce appetite.

THCV is currently being researched in a number of studies and clinical trials for its potential to be used to manage obesity and diabetes. Anecdotal evidence suggests THCV may also boost energy and concentration, though more research is needed.

CBC: CBCis the third most common cannabinoid. It exhibits many similar beneficial characteristics of THC and CBD. CBC doesn’t bind well to CB1 and CB2, but it can bind with TRPV1 and TRPA1 which are receptors linked to the perception of pain. Because of this interaction, CBC may help reduce everyday aches and pains.
CBN: While more scientific and clinical research surrounding CBN is needed, CBN is believed to bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggest CBN may help your body manage inflammation in addition to promoting restful sleep.
THC: THC is the most common cannabinoid and is well known for producing intoxicating or psychoactive effects. THC’s high-inducing effects are produced through its action on the brain’s CB1 receptor.

However, it also interacts weakly with CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Because of this, THC may ease mild aches and pain, reduce sleeping troubles, stimulate appetite, and reduce nausea and vomiting.

CBG: CBG is believed to bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors and may strengthen the function of anandamide (the “bliss chemical”), a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in enhancing mood and pleasure and regulating sleep. Anandamide signaling is associated with a positive mood and a sense of calm.

Feals: Delivering Thoughtfully Made Cannabinoid Products

At Feals, we’re dedicated to providing you with a better way to feel better. Our full-spectrum CBD oil and CBD mints and THCV/CBC focus melts are made with only the purest ingredients and are designed to help you find balance and feel at your best.

If you still have questions about cannabinoids beyond our cannabinoids 101 guide—or just need a bit of guidance on your wellness journey—our customer service team would love to help. Just give them a ring.

If you still have questions after reading our cannabinoid 101 guide or would like to learn more about what Feals can do for you, call our CBD hotline at 844-311-9090 or check out our products today.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

Ella Brooks

Ella has worked as a Product Development Scientist in the wellness industry for over 10 years and is passionate about the long-term benefits of CBD.

Likes: Yoga, beach visits, PubMed.

Dislikes: Bad coffee, not having a good bookmark.

← Older Post Newer Post →

Discover

[RSS](/content/blogs/discover.atom "Feals RSS"/index.html)

3 Mocktails to Help You Savor the Summer

Sleep Gummies for Adults Over 50: What Helps (and What to Know First)

Sign in to your account

Get access to your orders, referrals, and more.

Email me with updates and offers

By signing in, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Having issues signing in?

Use one of the following methods below to sign in.

Gift Card Balance

Enter the code below to redeem your gift card

Lookup Gift Card

Ways to earn View activity

Refer a Friend & Earn View referral activity

Refer a friend who makes a purchase and both of you will claim rewards.

They will get

$25 off coupon

You will get

$25 off coupon

Your referral link to share

referrals completed so far

Share Share

Your referrals

VIP Status

VIP Tiers

Gain access to exclusive rewards

Bronze\ \ Earn 0 Points Silver\ \ Earn 500 Points Gold\ \ Earn 1,250 Points

Rewards

Points activity

Send Store Credit

Your balance:

Transfer credit to a friend or family member. They'll receive an email or SMS with a link to redeem the credit. The credit will be instantly deducted from your account and refunded to you if not claimed within 30 days.

Amount

Message (optional)

Generate Gift URL

Share this link with your friend:

Send another credit

Your balance:

Sorry, you don't have enough credit right now to send.

Transfer History


.
.

Claim Store Credit

You received !

undefined sent you store credit

Someone sent you

Claim Store Credit

Buy Gift Card

undefined Gift Card Value

Recipient Name

Recipient Email

Delivery Date

Message

Add to Cart

undefined

Loading gift card

You have redeemed your Gift Card sent you a Gift Card

GIFT CARD

FROM

Welcome

View Rewards Manage Subscriptions

Points\ \ My Rewards Credit\ \ Join our Membership

My Credit

ID:

Copy ID

Shop Now Manage Subscription

Points expire

Use the Previous and Next buttons to browse the carousel.

Popular Today

FAQ Stories

\ \ A better way to feel better\ \ Helping people manage stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Subscribe & save to get 20% off with free shipping.](/content/collections/all/index.html)

Your Orders

undefined

My Preferences

Email Name

My Addresses

In-Store Sign-In

Show this code to a store associate at checkout to sign in to your account from a retail store.

Log out

My Preferences

Saved from Cart

Favorites

Collections

All Favorites

Shipping Addresses

Add Shipping Address

Edit Shipping Address

Manage Membership

Community

Manage Membership


.

shop.app

shop.app is blocked