The Ultimate Cannabinoid Glossary Explained: Unlocking the Hemp World

Here at Avida, we offer a variety of broad and full spectrum CBD products. But did you know that CBD isn’t the only compound responsible for the benefits you receive from using our vapes, gummies, tinctures, or topicals?

Our products incorporate a wide variety of “minor” cannabinoids that naturally occur alongside CBD in the hemp plant, each of which offers its own unique benefits. When combined with CBD in our broad and full spectrum formulations, CBD and minor cannabinoids work together to produce a synergistic “entourage effect,” a phrase that refers to the enhanced benefits that CBD formulations rich in other cannabinoids can provide.

But what are minor cannabinoids, and why do they matter? Avida is here to answer these questions and more, and we’ve created this Cannabinoid Glossary to serve as your guidebook through the fascinating world of hemp compounds.

This detailed guide explores the unique benefits and effects of every cannabinoid found in hemp, while empowering you with the knowledge you need to make the most of your CBD wellness routine. Within this glossary, we explain how each cannabinoid in hemp contributes its own unique benefits.

Below, we’ve provided a list of the different compounds in hemp, followed by detailed descriptions of each compound and its benefits.

Follow along as we discover more and more each day. The list of cannabinoids and their benefits will be updated as time goes on.

Read on to learn more about hemp cannabinoids.

To jump to the description of a specific cannabinoid, simply click on the name of the compound below, and you’ll be transported to its definition.

We also recommend you visit our Hemp Glossary and Terpene Glossary after you’ve given this page a read.

Delta-9 THC

In marijuana, Delta-9 THC is the compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use. Delta 9 THC is also found in hemp, but it occurs only in trace amounts below 0.3%, which is too low for hemp products to produce psychoactive effects. But even in small amounts,  Delta 9 still plays an important role in the effects of our full-spectrum products, and contributes serious benefits to the overall impact of CBD.

Delta 9 THC works by binding with CB1 receptors in the brain, and when used in marijuana, it produces psychoactive effects by altering perception, elevating mood, and so forth. When consumed in lower concentrations in CBD products, Delta 9 doesn’t alter perception, but it still works within the brain to produce benefits for mental health, relief from discomfort, and much more.

THCV

THCV is an energizing, “minor” cannabinoid with major benefits. THCV works similarly to THC, binding with the same receptors in the body and brain, but the effects it generates from this interaction differ in a variety of ways. Whereas THC soothes and relaxes the mind, THCV invigorates and refreshes for an uplifting, invigorating, mood-boosting contribution to your cannabinoid experience. And its benefits don’t stop there; scientists even think that THCV may reduce appetite and help with metabolic issues. In our broad and full spectrum formulations, THCV contributes a light, refreshing feel to the effects of hemp products.

CBD

Next up is CBD, the most popular and well-known cannabinoid in hemp. CBD is the dominant compound in hemp plants, and nurtures physical and mental health without the intoxicating, psychoactive “high” associated with marijuana. CBD is associated with an incredible list of benefits for body and mind, from reducing stress and helping with sleep, to easing discomfort, stiffness, and soreness. And when combined with the other cannabinoids in this guide, the benefits of CBD get even better, which is why Avida captures all of these compounds in broad and full spectrum products. If you’re seeking natural wellness without the mind-altering side effects of marijuana, CBD is the cannabinoid for you.

CBD-A

CBDA is the lesser-known parent of our favorite hemp cannabinoid, CBD. In the maturing hemp plant, CBDA  is the precursor compound to CBD. When exposed to heat through the processing of hemp plants, CBDA converts to CBD, shedding the acidic “A” compound to emerge as the beneficial cannabinoid we all know and love.

CBN

CBN, on  the other hand, is created with age–this hemp compound shows up when THC begins to break down, making this cannabinoid prevalent in mature cannabis plants. CBN offers mild, relaxing effects, making it popular for everything from sleep to soothing stress.

CBG

Meanwhile, CBG serves as the precursor or parent to all of these cannabinoids. Known as the “stem cell cannabinoid,” CBG is the first compound synthesized by the maturing hemp plant. And when harnessed together with CBD, it offers incredible benefits. Though CBG is non psychoactive, it offers amazing benefits for physical and mental health, while also fighting bacteria when applied topically. And like CBD, CBG can be used to balance out THC’s mind-altering effects. This team player is responsible for a list of benefits that continues to increase as scientists continue to explore its benefits for body and mind. If you’re looking for a boost in mood, energy, motivation, and  focus, CBG is the cannabinoid for you.

CBC

Like CBG, CBC is a minor cannabinoid with major benefits. Though scientists haven’t begun studying CBC until recently, the results are incredibly promising. CBC contributes calming, clearheaded effects to our cannabinoid entourage, and like most hemp cannabinoids, it’s non-psychoactive. Moreover, studies suggest that CBC has incredible anti-inflammatory benefits, and may even support brain health in the longer  term. As scientists continue to discover new benefits, CBC is living proof that the hemp plant is full of compounds whose therapeutic potential we’re just now beginning to grasp.

Delta-8

Delta-8 has become increasingly popular as a hemp-derived THC alternative. Like THC, Delta 8 produces psychoactive effects, though these tend to be less intense than the “high” associated with marijuana use. Delta 8’s effects are often characterized as mild, mellow, and mood-boosting. Though Delta 8 isn’t present in all Avida products, it can be found in Delta 8-dominant products for those seeking psychoactivity without the less-desirable side effects of THC itself.

CBDV

Unlike Delta 8, CBDV is non-psychoactive. Nonetheless, this cannabinoid contributes a soothing, relaxing impact to the overall “entourage effect” of broad and full spectrum CBD  products. Though research on CBDV is in its early stages, scientists have already suggested that this compound could reduce inflammation while boosting brain health. 

CBGa

Just as CBDA is the parent cannabinoid to CBD, CBGA is the parent to CBG. In a maturing hemp plant, CBGA exists before CBG, which is created from its precursor through the heat used when hemp plants are processed into cannabinoid products. And since CBG is already the “stem cell” precursor to all other cannabinoids, CBGA can be regarded as the ultimate origin of all compounds discussed in this guide.

THCA

Likewise, THCA is the precursor to THC. THCA converts to THC through exposure to heat, transforming into a therapeutic compound with legendary benefits and effects.

CBNA

If you haven’t already noticed, the “A” on the end of these compounds typically means that they’re a precursor to a better-known cannabinoid: as in the case of CBNA. CBNA is converted into CBN through the processing of the hemp plant, and serves as a harbinger of CBN’s mellowing, relaxing effects.

CBCA

As the precursor to CBC, CBCA is where many of hemp’s benefits for inflammation and brain health begin.

CBDVA

CBDVA is the parent of CBDV, the precursor to its child’s unique benefits for inflammation and neurological health.

THCVA

THCVA is the precursor to THCV, and releases the psychoactive component of THC when its acidic bonds break under pressure and heat.

CBL

CBL, on the other hand, is produced as CBC disintegrates in aged hemp plants, through a process called oxidation. Little is known about CBL, but as CBG and CBC have taught us, it’s likely that this cannabinoid offers many unique benefits that are waiting to be discovered.

CBE

Now that we’ve transitioned from “parent” to “child” cannabinoids, we’ve reached CBE, another, little-known cannabinoid that arises from CBD’s breakdown through the aging process.

CBT

CBT is scarce in hemp plants, yet remains present in trace amounts, speaking to the diversity of the compounds in cannabis whose benefits remain as of yet undiscovered.

CBV

CBV, like CBN and CBL, arises from the degradation of other cannabinoids, through the constant cycle of decay and rebirth that occurs throughout the lifetime of a hemp plant.

CBLA

CBLA is a parent of CBL, and emerges from CBCA’s transformation in the alchemical processes of hemp’s growth.

CBGM

CBGM has a chemical structure similar to CBG, altered only by the presence of a methyl, or “M” group.

CBGV

CBGV is a variant of CBG, again with a similar chemical structure, which, in this case, is modified by the addition of a propyl chain. Though lesser known than CBG, CBGV has already gained attention for its potential to improve skin health while reducing inflammation.

CBGVA

CBGVA is the acidic precursor to CBGV, and is integral to the biosynthesis of varins (“V”).

CBNV

CBNV is a chemical cousin to CBN, diverging from its chemical structure only by one small propyl thread.

CBT-C1

CBT-C1 is a variant of CBT, and though little is known about this recently discovered cannabinoid, it nonetheless plays an important role in the synergistic effect of hemp compounds.

CBT-C2

CBT-C2 is another relative to CBT, and a living example of the incredible diversity within the hemp plant.

CBT-C3

CBT-C3 is yet another iteration of CBT, and its therapeutic potential remains as of yet unexplored.

CBT-C4

CBT-C4 is our final CBT relative, and like other CBT variants, remains little-known. Nonetheless, possibilities abound, as evidenced by the amazing benefits that scientists are just now beginning to attribute to other, recently-discovered cannabinoids such as CBC, CBG and CBN.

CBND

CBND is a relative to CBD, with a nearly identical chemical constitution. This newly-discovered compound is created when THC begins to break down through a process called oxidative degradation, and is key to CBD’s metabolism.

CBGMV

CBGMV is similar in structure to CBG, differing only by one ether.

CBCDM

CBCDM is a descendant of CBC with a similar chemical structure, modified only by one, subtle dimethyl ether.

CBQ

CBQ is a cousin to CBC’s cousin. The benefits of this unique, recently-discovered compound are still awaiting scientific exploration.

CBDHM

CBDHM is related to CBD, differentiated in chemical structure only by its distinct, hemiketal tie, a structural variant whose significance remains as of yet undiscovered.

CBGVDM

CBGVDM is an ether-boud relative of CBGV, differentiated only by a subtle chemical variation.

CBGVAM

CBGVAM is a cousin to CBGVA, differentiated in structure only by a methyl ether.

CBCDM

CBCDM is a distant relative of CBD, fused by a dimethyl ether.

CBCVDM

CBCVDM differs from CBCDV only by a single, ethyl tether. Its pharmacologic potential remains as of yet untapped.

CBDVM

CBDVM is a byproduct of CBD’s chemical versatility.

CBEA-C1

CBEA-C1 is a metabolic byproduct of CBD.

CBEA-C2

CBEA-C2 is another CBD variant, and is awaiting scientific attention.

CBEA-C3

CBEA-C3 is synthesized through the metabolic processes that contribute to the changes and production of new cannabinoids throughout hemp’s lifespan.

CBEA-C4

CBEA-C4 is another, little-known cannabinoid whose therapeutic potential is awaiting scientific research.

CBEA-C5

CBEA-C5 is yet another metabolic byproduct of CBD, and yet another minor cannabinoid whose benefits remain as of yet undiscovered.

CBLDM

CBLDM is created when CBC begins to degrade, and may hold promising therapeutic potential.

CBNDM

CBNDM is a metabolic relative of CBND.

CBTV

CBTV is CBT’s distant cousin, one of many, newly-discovered hemp compounds.

CBVDM

CBVDM is similar in structure to CBV, differentiated only by the presence of ether; the pharmacologic implications of this difference remain to be explored.

CBEV

CBEV is a relative to CBE, intertwined in hemp’s various metabolic processes.

CBGVV

CBGVV is a metabolic relative to CBGV.

CBGMV

CBGMV is an ether-fused derivative of CBGV, and this molecular nuance may lead scientists to unlock a full new set of benefits. At present, however, this little known cannabinoid is awaiting investigation.

CBEH

CBEH is a hydroxide relative to CBE, another byproduct of cannabinoids metabolic changes during the lifespan of the hemp plant.