THC and CBD are far and away the most well-known cannabinoids, but what about minor cannabinoids and the additional benefits they can offer? While recent studies have shown more than one hundred other cannabinoids in total, let’s start with four important minor cannabinoids that KND Labs proudly manufactures and the potential benefits of each.
CBDA
CBDA or cannabidiolic acid is also known as the acidic form of CBD and has distinct possible medical benefits from it as well. One of the most promising findings in studies done on CBDA is the potential to affect serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin is not only essential for our basic functions like sleeping, eating, digestion, and motor skills but also is greatly affected during radiation and chemotherapy. While undergoing treatment, cancer patients experience nausea and vomiting due to the release of excess serotonin. While the current findings are only based on animal trials, CBDA research has shown promise as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Along with inhibiting nausea and vomiting, CBDA research continues to be done to explore the increasing number of potential benefits, which include inflammation and pain relief, and depression. Currently, CBDA is found in various topicals, cosmetics, and tinctures. Like other minor cannabinoids, we extract our crystalline CBDA isolate through denatured ethyl alcohol extraction and proudly source our Industrial Hemp CBD through United States growers registered with the Department of Agriculture.
CBG
CBG or cannabigerol is non-intoxicating on consumption much like CBD, which means there are several possible medical benefits it can provide without the side effects brought by THC. Although it is the original cannabinoid produced early in the cannabis plant’s growth cycle, the low levels of CBG in most cannabis strains deems it a minor cannabinoid.
With that said, CBG is becoming increasingly more popular in the cannabis world because of its optimistic benefits. From the more prominent recent studies, CBG has shown to be effective in treating glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure and decreasing the inflammation characteristic of inflammatory bowel disease. Much like fellow minor cannabinoid CBDA, CBG has also been found to be a potential cancer fighter by blocking causes of cancer cell growth. Thanks to the abundance of possible medical uses, there is a significant amount of optimism in CBG and scientists are pushing for further research.
CBN
CBN or cannabinol is a non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid created as THC ages resulting in high amounts prevalent in older cannabis. Although CBN itself is regarded as non-intoxicating there are findings of CBN products having sedative effects that can aid users struggling with insomnia. There is still further research to be done on exactly how CBN can be used as a sleep aid, but there are several benefits that have spurred further studies.
One possible breakthrough found in CBN is its ability to be a potent antibacterial agent. These findings could mean a significant use of CBN to fight off bacterial infections that antibiotics simply cannot. Additionally, CBN studies have indicated a potential impact on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). More research will continue to be done, however exciting signs have shown to delay the onset of ALS and neurodegenerative conditions.
CBC
The final minor cannabinoid we will cover is CBC or cannabichromene. CBC has not received as much attention as other minor cannabinoids, however, it has shown many encouraging results and can synergistically work with other cannabinoids through the entourage effect. Like CBDA and CBN, CBC is non-intoxicating yet it may still be able to naturally support mood elevation while working with CBD to offer antidepressant properties.
CBC’s potential ability to elevate mood is related to its interaction with the body’s natural endocannabinoid, anandamide, which has also been shown to fight breast cancer. By inhibiting the uptake of anandamide, CBC can allow it to remain longer in the bloodstream thus providing positive effects in combating cancer. Once the effectiveness of CBC and its ability to work with other cannabinoids are studied further there could be substantial benefits to be seen.
The Future of Minor Cannabinoids
We are only scratching the surface in exploring the potential medical benefits of minor cannabinoids like CBDA, CBG, CBN, and CBC. At KND Labs we’re proud to provide these products and are excited to see the continued medical breakthroughs. As further research continues to grow, so does the optimism for the potential benefits of minor cannabinoids.