Move over THC, we’ve got some new cannabinoids ready to step into the spotlight! THC tends to be the star of the show when it comes to talking about cannabinoids and their potential benefits. However, in recent years, CBD has been hot on its tail with other cannabinoids starting to join the party revealing even deeper medicinal properties of cannabis. So let’s take it back to our early alphabet days and learn our CBD’s! 

What are Cannabinoids?

Let’s first start with, what the heck is a cannabinoid anyway? Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are also produced in the human body by our endocannabinoid system that helps maintain internal balance. Phytocannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant bind to cannabinoid receptors in our own endocannabinoid system which impact our experiences with pain, appetites, metabolism, stress, reward and motivation systems and even cardiovascular function. Check out this article to get into the nitty gritty details of the endocannabinoid system!

Psychoactive Cannabinoids

THC

THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol ) is the main cannabinoid that we all know and love. THC is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid creating the psychoactive “high” experience. When THC binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system, we experience the euphoria and cerebral high associated with THC. 

THC is most commonly sought out for its powerful pain relieving abilities. Many folks find that THC also has mood-boosting properties. It is often used for muscle spasms, nausea, sleep disorders and, when combined with other cannabinoids like CBD, the therapeutic and healing properties of THC are actually accentuated.  THC also has powerful anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antioxidant properties.

THCV

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is relatively unknown with much less research being done to discover its characteristics. One point of curiosity for researchers is THCV’s beneficial effects appear only in lower doses. Some potential therapeutic uses of THCV include anticonvulsant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, appetite suppressant and glucose regulator, bone growth stimulant and neuroprotective properties for conditions like Parkinson’s disease. 

The biggest challenge of THCV, especially considering its very impactful medicinal properties, is that it’s not naturally produced in high concentrations in most strains of cannabis. Until more research has been done and it becomes more readily available, look for full-spectrum cannabis products that include THCV. Some of the most common strains that contain notable amounts of THCV include Durban Poison and GSC. 

THCA

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the raw form of THC found in the cannabis plant. For example, if you were to eat a raw cannabis bud, you’d only be ingesting THCA that is produced in the cannabis trichomes and you would not experience intoxication. However, when exposed to heat through decarboxylation, it becomes the intoxicating cannabinoid THC. 

Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC is a degraded form of the most common Delta 9 THC. When Delta 9 THC is stored for long periods of time, it can degrade to Delta 8 THC. This means that the psychoactive effect is significantly less while still helping with appetite stimulation, reducing nausea and pain relief. Be aware that when ingested, Delta 8 THC edibles may still produce psychoactive effects.

Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids

CBD

Unlike THC, Cannabidiol (CBD) does not connect with the CB1 receptors in your endocannabinoid system so it does not produce the same intoxicating effects.  CBD has extensive benefits for relieving emotional stress and pain. This includes its ability to create calmness by inhibiting the absorption of anandamide, an endocannabinoid that helps regulate the body’s natural state of equilibrium.  

CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can aid with falling and staying asleep by easing pain and anxiety. Additionally, CBD has been found to have no negative side effects of use and can help with and ease symptoms of conditions like epilepsy, cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and psychosis. 

The effects of CBD are heavily dependent on the dosage. In smaller doses, CBD can be energizing, creating feelings of wakefulness and alertness. In higher doses, CBD can be more sedative and relaxing. Additionally, CBD can actually help counteract the intoxicating effects of THC by regulating the cannabinoid activity in the brain, particularly the paranoia effects that THC can bring about. So the next time the edibles feel a little heavier than usual, a large dose of CBD can help mitigate any paranoia or anxiety. 

CBN

CBN or cannabinol, is the cannabinoid that forms when THC ages. Though CBN does not have sedative properties on its own, it can have a very sedative effect when combined with THC. Products combining CBN and THC may be helpful for those with insomnia. CBN can also help with glaucoma symptoms, stimulate appetite and work as an antibacterial. 

CBG

CBG is non-psychoactive but packs a powerful punch of therapeutic effects. Research has shown CBG to have anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a neuroprotectant. Additionally, it’s been shown to promote neurogenesis, or the regrowth of brain cells. CBG can also help relieve intraocular pressure due to glaucoma, act as an antibacterial, help with skin conditions and help regulate stress and emotions. Some studies have shown the CBG can even help fight against colorectal, prostate and oral cancers. What can’t this one do?! 

CBC

Like many of the cannabinoids above, CBC has beneficial antibiotic properties and can help with infections that may be resistant to other treatments. Additionally, CBC when combined with THC can help with relieving pain, reducing inflammation and boost mood. 

So… where to start?

Combining different cannabinoids can greatly enhance each of their unique qualities through the entourage effect. Here are a few products we recommend that utilize multiple cannabinoids for managing the symptoms like stress, anxiety and chronic pain or for overall daily wellness.  

Polite Tinctures, Topicals, & Disposable Vapes

Polite actively utilizes the full spectrum of cannabinoids in their tinctures and disposable vape pens. Check out their combinations like Ease Your Mind designed to take the edge off stress and anxiety of our day to day. Try Relief Aid for a daily dose to help manage chronic pain. Other combinations include Power Up, Daily Defense, and Rest Well, all made with unique and specific combinations of cannabinoids to create the desired effect. 

Kiva, Camino & Terra Bites

Another house favorite that utilizes the powerful benefits of multiple cannabinoids is Kiva – you can find different ratios in their Camino and Camino Sour gummies, Terra Bites and Kiva Chocolate Bars. While not every option from Kiva utilizes the entourage effect, the ones that do are excellent choices for a low-dose enjoyable cannabis experience. (The other ones are fantastic too!)

Camino Gummies come in 100mg tins with each piece coming in at just 5mg – perfect for a newcomer to edibles or those who prefer micro-dosing. Camino Sours also come in 100mg tins with each piece coming in at 10mg each. 

  • Camino Midnight Blueberry – this is a 5:1 (5mg THC : 1mg CBN) utilizing CBN as a sleep aid.  
  • Camino Yuzu: these tangy gummies provide an even balance of 5mg THC : 5mg CBD.
  • Camino Sour Peach: check these ones out for a higher, yet still balanced, dosage of 10mg THC : 10mg CBD. 

Milk & Cookies Terra Bites – find relaxation and rest with this ratio of 5mg THC : 2mg CBN

Midnight Mint Chocolate Bar – another tasty option to aid with sleep and rest. Each piece of chocolate has 5mg THC : 2mg CBN.

Baked Bros

Baked Bros edibles have been reformulated so that each product is strain specific and created with a particular terpene profile. These strain-derived terpenes are paired with the fruit terpenes from the real fruit used to make each product, making these gummies and syrups DE-LISH. The new products also utilize more diverse blends of cannabinoids including THC, CBD, CBG and CBC to create more targeted effects!

Happy Syrup and Gummies are made with a balanced blend of THC, CBD, and CBC to leave you feeling happy and giggly. 

Stoney Syrup and Gummies are made with a balance of THC and CBG to get you to that perfect stoney vibe. Sleepy Syrup and Gummies are both made with a CBD dominant blend of CBD:THC to help you settle in and drift off into a deep slumber…

Stoney Syrup and Gummies are made with a balance of THC and CBG to get you to that perfect stoney vibe. 

Sleepy Syrup and Gummies are both made with a CBD dominant blend of CBD:THC to help you settle in and drift off into a deep slumber…

Check out more about the new Baked Bros edibles and their Purchase with a Purpose initiative!

Pets

We can’t forget our fur babies! CBD on its own has been shown to help our cats and dogs with issues like joint pain and anxiousness. 

Check out Charlotte’s Web variety of chews for Calming, Hip & Joint, and Senior pups.

You can also find Treatibles for cats and dogs available in different flavors and ranging from 75-180 mg of CBD! 

Finally, a crowd favorite, we’ve got Desert AZEE Peanut Butter treats with an easy daily dose 50mg of CBD for your furry friend.


Our patient consultants are always happy to talk with you about your wellness needs and help you find the best product to meet those needs! We look forward to seeing you soon!

About The Prime Leaf

At The Prime Leaf, we believe in a holistic approach to healing, highlighted by outstanding medicinal products, personalized care, educational resources and community engagement. As a team of trained advocates, we’re proud to empower your wellness, and encourage open, transparent conversations about cannabis, both in our dispensaries and our community.

Leading Products. Personalized Experiences. Community Collaborations.

Plus, we offer the widest selection of brands and products in Tucson.

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