Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system—a network of receptors primarily located in the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Our bodies naturally produce their own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which help regulate mood, pain, appetite, sleep, and other essential functions. The cannabinoids found in cannabis—called phytocannabinoids—fit into this system, which is why they can influence these same processes.

To date, researchers have identified over 100 distinct cannabinoids in the cannabis plant [1], with new variants still being discovered and studied. Among them, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the most abundant and well-known. They account for the majority of what people experience when using cannabis—and they’re the ones most often referenced on product packaging.

You may have noticed other cannabinoids—like CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), CBC (cannabichromene), THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)—listed on product Certificates of Analysis (COAs). These compounds typically appear in smaller amounts but can still influence how THC and CBD behave in the body, especially when combined with the product’s terpene profile. This interaction is known as the entourage effect, where the combined presence of multiple cannabis compounds shapes the overall experience.

Now let’s take a closer look at the cannabinoid that drives the most well-known effects of cannabis: THC.

THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC and is the most abundant cannabinoid found in raw or freshly harvested cannabis. It does not produce a high on its own. Instead, it converts into THC when exposed to heat—a process known as decarboxylation—which happens during smoking, vaping, or cooking. This conversion is what makes cannabis intoxicating in its most common forms.

THCA is typically the dominant cannabinoid listed on Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for dried flower. Since lab tests analyze unheated samples, THCA is measured in its original form. For products meant to be inhaled or heated, THCA content is what’s most relevant—it becomes THC when used.

CBD is the third most common cannabinoid found in cannabis flower, following THCA and THC. Unlike THC, it is non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn’t produce a high. Instead, it interacts with the body in more indirect ways—modulating receptors, enzymes, and signaling pathways linked to inflammation, anxiety, and pain.

CBD’s effects are often described as calming or grounding, and it is widely used for therapeutic purposes with or without THC. While its precise mechanisms are still being studied, CBD appears to influence serotonin receptors, TRPV1 (pain) receptors, and inhibit the breakdown of the body’s own endocannabinoids like anandamide.

CBD is often used in combination with THC to balance or reduce psychoactive effects. It does this by interacting with CB1 receptors indirectly and influencing THC’s binding affinity. In formulations with a balanced or high-CBD ratio, users often report a more mellow, clear-headed experience.

CBD also plays a role in the entourage effect, interacting with other cannabinoids and terpenes to shape the final effects of a product. Its presence may enhance the therapeutic potential of a strain without contributing to intoxication.

While THC, THCA, and CBD dominate most product labels, other cannabinoids appear in smaller amounts and can still play a role in how a product feels. These are often referred to as minor cannabinoids—not because they’re less important, but because they occur in lower concentrations in most cannabis chemotypes.

Here are four that you’re most likely to encounter:

You might not feel these compounds as distinctly as THC or CBD, but they’re still part of the picture—especially in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products. They can add nuance, shift the tone of an experience, or support specific effects when working together with more dominant cannabinoids and terpenes.

Understanding these less-common cannabinoids can help you read product labels more confidently—and make more informed choices based on what you’re hoping to feel.

Cannabinoids are the chemical backbone of the cannabis experience—and understanding how they work can make your product choices a lot more intentional. THC and CBD do most of the heavy lifting, but compounds like THCA, CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV can add depth, balance, or targeted effects, especially in full-spectrum products.

No single cannabinoid tells the whole story. How a product feels depends on how these compounds show up together—alongside terpenes, formulation, and how you consume it. Whether you're looking for something clear-headed, body-heavy, focused, or calming, paying attention to the cannabinoid profile is one of the best ways to get closer to the effect you're after.