If you’ve ever looked at a hemp product label, you’ve probably seen words like CBD, CBG, or other cannabinoid names. But what exactly is a cannabinoid?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including hemp. These compounds are part of what makes each hemp strain and product unique.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant. Researchers have identified many different cannabinoids, and each can have different properties and concentrations depending on the plant’s genetics, growing conditions, harvest timing, and processing methods.
Hemp naturally contains a variety of cannabinoids, along with terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds.
What Are Some Common Cannabinoids?
Some of the most commonly discussed cannabinoids include:
CBD
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the best-known cannabinoids found in hemp. It is naturally present in many hemp varieties and does not produce the same intoxicating effects commonly associated with delta-9 THC.
CBG
CBG stands for cannabigerol. It is sometimes referred to as a “minor cannabinoid” because it is usually found in smaller amounts than CBD in mature hemp plants.
CBG is also important because several other cannabinoids begin from related precursor compounds during the plant’s development.
CBC
CBC, or cannabichromene, is another naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is typically present in smaller concentrations than major cannabinoids such as CBD.
THC
THC refers to a group of tetrahydrocannabinol compounds found in cannabis. Delta-9 THC is the form most commonly associated with intoxicating effects.
The cannabinoid profile of a hemp product can vary significantly depending on the product and plant variety.
What Is a Cannabinoid Profile?
A cannabinoid profile describes the types and amounts of cannabinoids found in a particular hemp product.
For example, laboratory testing may show concentrations of:
- CBD
- CBG
- CBC
- Delta-9 THC
- Other naturally occurring cannabinoids
Two hemp strains can look similar while having very different cannabinoid profiles.
That is one reason laboratory testing is useful when comparing hemp products.
Cannabinoids vs. Terpenes
Cannabinoids and terpenes are both naturally found in hemp, but they are not the same thing.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds such as CBD and CBG.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for many of the scents found in plants. In hemp, terpenes can create aromas that are citrusy, fruity, earthy, pine-like, floral, or spicy.
Together, cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds help create the unique characteristics of each hemp variety.
How Do You Know Which Cannabinoids Are in a Hemp Product?
The best way to understand a product’s cannabinoid content is to review its laboratory report, commonly called a Certificate of Analysis or COA.
A COA can show the measured concentrations of cannabinoids found in a specific product or batch.
When shopping for hemp products, look for products that provide clear access to current laboratory testing.
Some products provide a QR code on the package that allows customers to quickly access the corresponding lab report.
Why Can Cannabinoid Levels Differ Between Products?
Cannabinoid levels can vary because of several factors, including:
- Plant genetics
- Growing environment
- Harvest timing
- Drying and curing methods
- Processing techniques
- Product formulation
Even products made from the same general type of hemp can have different cannabinoid percentages.
That is why checking the product label and laboratory report is more useful than relying only on a strain name.
Are Cannabinoids Only Found in Hemp?
Cannabinoids are most closely associated with cannabis plants, including hemp.
The human body also produces compounds called endocannabinoids. These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Plant-derived cannabinoids are often called phytocannabinoids to distinguish them from cannabinoids produced naturally by the human body.
What Should Beginners Look for When Buying Hemp Products?
If you are new to hemp, start by looking for products that provide clear information about what is inside.
Look for:
- Clearly labeled cannabinoid content
- Accessible third-party laboratory testing
- A batch or lot number
- Ingredient information
- Proper packaging
- Information about the hemp product and manufacturer
Learning how to read labels and laboratory reports can make comparing hemp products much easier.
Final Thoughts
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds that make up an important part of the hemp plant.
While CBD may be the cannabinoid most people recognize, hemp can contain many different cannabinoids, including CBG, CBC, and THC compounds.
Understanding cannabinoid profiles, reading product labels, and reviewing Certificates of Analysis can help consumers better understand the hemp products they are considering.
At Lantana Selects, we believe informed customers should have easy access to clear product information and laboratory testing.
