When most people think about cannabis or hemp, two compounds usually come to mind: THC and CBD. But those are just the beginning. The hemp plant actually produces over 100 different cannabinoids—each with their own unique effects, role in the body, and potential benefits.
And while the science is still catching up, what we do know is already pretty exciting. Some cannabinoids support sleep. Others may ease pain or inflammation. A few even work better together than alone. And then there are terpenes—the aromatic compounds that don’t just make hemp smell amazing, but may also help shape how it makes you feel.
Whether you’re totally new to cannabinoids or just want a better understanding of what’s in your favorite tincture or CBD balm, we’re breaking it all down below. Let’s start with the basics.
What Are Cannabinoids, Really?
At their core, cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in hemp that interact with a system in your body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a network of receptors that helps regulate things like mood, pain, appetite, and sleep.
There are three main types of cannabinoids:
- Phytocannabinoids – found in plants like hemp and cannabis.
- Endocannabinoids – made by your own body.
- Synthetic cannabinoids – created in labs for research or pharmaceutical use.
Your body actually makes its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, to help keep your systems in balance. The two main ones we know of are anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG, and they’re kind of like internal messengers that help your body adjust to stress, maintain homeostasis, and stay regulated.
Phytocannabinoids, like THC, CBD, and CBG, are made by plants like hemp and cannabis—but they closely resemble your body’s endocannabinoids, which is why they can activate or influence the same receptors in the ECS. Some bind directly (like THC), while others (like CBD) work by supporting or altering how your natural endocannabinoids function. Either way, they can play a big role in how your body feels and responds.
Phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD are the ones you’re probably most familiar with. They were first identified in the 1940s, but U.S. research was limited for decades due to strict federal regulations. That started to shift after the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp federally and opened the door to more research, more products, and more understanding.
We still have a lot to learn—but what we do know is that cannabinoids play a key role in supporting balance within the body, especially when used as part of a broader wellness routine.
Key Cannabinoids To Know
There are over 100 cannabinoids in hemp—but a handful have become the most studied, most talked about, and most commonly found in wellness products. Here’s what you should know about each one, starting with the one that put cannabis on the map.
THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the most well-known cannabinoid, largely because of its intoxicating effects. It’s the compound responsible for the classic cannabis “high”—but that’s not all it does. Evidence suggests that THC may help relieve pain, reduce nausea, stimulate appetite, and support sleep. Some studies also suggest that it might help ease stress and anxiety in small doses.
That said, effects can vary widely depending on the amount you take and your individual sensitivity. While small doses may bring calm or euphoria, higher doses can sometimes lead to paranoia, memory lapses, or disorientation—so it’s important to start low and go slow.
What we call “THC” is usually delta-9 THC, which is formed when the plant’s natural compound THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is heated—through smoking, vaping, or cooking. THCa itself is non-intoxicating and is considered a phytocannabinoid, meaning it’s made by the plant in its raw state.
There are also other forms of THC to know about. Delta-8 THC, for example, is typically made by chemically converting CBD in a lab. While it occurs naturally in trace amounts, most delta-8 on the market is synthetic or semi-synthetic—still technically legal under federal hemp law, but made through a manmade process. The hemp plant also produces other natural analogs, like delta-10 and THCv, though these are found in much smaller amounts and are still being studied.
THC closely mimics anandamide (AEA), a natural endocannabinoid often called the “bliss molecule” for its role in mood, pleasure, and appetite.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD has earned its reputation as the go-to cannabinoid for everyday wellness—and for good reason. It’s non-intoxicating, so it won’t get you high, but studies have shown that it might support a wide range of functions, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and even seizure reduction in certain forms of epilepsy.
Unlike THC, CBD tends to have a calming, balancing effect on the body and mind. It might also help counteract some of THC’s more intense effects, like anxiety or overstimulation, which is why many people prefer products that include both cannabinoids in small, balanced amounts.
Because it doesn’t alter cognition or cause a high, CBD is a popular choice for daytime use and long-term wellness routines. It’s also the most abundant cannabinoid found in hemp, making it a natural fit for hemp-derived products.
Like THCa, CBD is a phytocannabinoid—naturally produced by the hemp plant. But just like THC, there are other forms out there, too. CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) is the raw, unheated version of CBD, and early research suggests it may have unique properties of its own.
There’s also synthetic CBD, which is created in labs for pharmaceutical applications—but the CBD used in most wellness products, including ours, is plant-derived and full-spectrum whenever possible.
While CBD doesn’t bind directly to ECS receptors, it influences the system in a way that may enhance the body’s own anandamide levels—helping your endocannabinoids stick around longer and work more effectively.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG might not be as famous as THC or CBD, but it plays a starring role behind the scenes. It’s often called the “mother” or “stem cell” cannabinoid because it’s the chemical precursor to other major cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Basically, without CBG, those wouldn’t even exist.
While CBG is typically found in smaller amounts in most hemp strains, breeders are now cultivating plants specifically for high-CBG content—which means we’re seeing more CBG-forward products hitting the shelves.
Early research has shown that CBG may support mood, reduce inflammation, and even offer antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some studies suggest it could help with focus, digestive support, or even eye pressure. Like CBD, it’s non-intoxicating, making it a great addition to your wellness routine without the high.
CBG is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid, although it’s often harvested early in the plant’s life cycle—before it’s converted into other cannabinoids. Because of that, products featuring CBG tend to use specific cultivars grown for this purpose or require more refined extraction techniques to isolate it.
CBG interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors in a way that resembles the body’s own 2-AG —an endocannabinoid involved in pain response, inflammation, and immune regulation.
CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN is what THC becomes as it ages. When cannabis is exposed to light, heat, or oxygen over time, delta-9 THC gradually breaks down into CBN—a process that happens naturally in older flower or long-stored extracts. Because of this, CBN is often associated with relaxation, nighttime use, and that gently sedating effect people sometimes feel from aged cannabis.
Research on CBN is still in the early stages, but some studies suggest it may support sleep, reduce inflammation, and act as an anticonvulsant. It’s also shown some potential for pain relief and antibacterial activity. While mildly psychoactive, CBN is nowhere near as intoxicating as THC—most estimate it's about 10% as potent, and its effects are typically more physical than mental.
Like other cannabinoids, CBN is a phytocannabinoid that interacts with the endocannabinoid system—primarily at the CB2 receptors, which are more concentrated in the immune system and peripheral tissues. CBN’s activity appears similar to 2-AG, the endocannabinoid involved in regulating pain, immune response, and inflammation—especially when paired with other cannabinoids like THC.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBC might not get as much attention as the other cannabinoids, but it’s been part of the cannabinoid conversation since the early days of research. Like CBG, CBC is non-intoxicating and seems to play a subtle yet important role in the plant’s overall effects—especially when working alongside other cannabinoids.
Early studies suggest CBC may help reduce inflammation and pain, and may even have neuroprotective and antidepressant potential. One of the most interesting things about CBC is how it interacts with other cannabinoids—it doesn’t just work on the ECS alone but may enhance the effectiveness of other compounds, making it a key contributor to the entourage effect.
CBC is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid, typically found in small amounts in most hemp plants. While it doesn’t bind strongly to the classic CB1 or CB2 receptors, it interacts with other receptor pathways in the body—particularly ones linked to pain perception and mood regulation.
CBC’s activity overlaps with several signaling systems but may work similarly to endocannabinoids like anandamide, enhancing its availability and potentially boosting mood or reducing discomfort.
Don’t Forget the Terpenes!
Cannabinoids may do a lot of the heavy lifting in hemp—but they’re not the only ones shaping your experience. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in hemp, and they play a surprisingly powerful role in how hemp affects your body and mind.
Some terpenes act a little like cannabinoids. For example, beta-caryophyllene is technically both a terpene and a cannabinoid—it can bind directly to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which may help reduce inflammation and support your immune system. Other terpenes don’t bind to ECS receptors directly but may influence mood, alertness, or relaxation in other ways.
Every plant, fruit, and flower on earth contains terpenes. Here are some of the most common terpenes found in hemp and what they’re known for:
- Linalool – Found in lavender. Floral, calming, and known for its relaxing, anti-anxiety properties.
- Pinene – Found in pine needles and rosemary. Earthy and herbaceous, promotes alertness and focus.
- Limonene – Found in citrus peels. Bright, citrusy aroma; may elevate mood and reduce stress.
- Myrcene – Found in mango, hops, and thyme. Earthy and musky; believed to have sedative and muscle-relaxing effects.
- Beta-Caryophyllene – Found in black pepper and cloves. Spicy and warm; may support inflammation response via CB2 binding.
- Humulene – Found in hops, sage, and ginseng. Woody, herbal scent; thought to help curb appetite and reduce inflammation.
- Terpinolene – Found in nutmeg, tea tree, and apples. Sweet, fresh scent; may offer uplifting and antioxidant effects.
- Ocimene – Found in mint, parsley, and orchids. Sweet and woody; may have antifungal and decongestant potential.
- Camphene – Found in fir needles and conifers. Sharp, cooling scent; may support cardiovascular system.
- Eucalyptol – Found in eucalyptus and tea tree. Minty and refreshing; commonly used for clarity and respiratory support.
The way terpenes work alongside cannabinoids is part of what makes full-spectrum hemp extracts so effective. If you’ve ever smelled a really fresh, pungent hemp flower and felt like it hit better, that’s probably because it was still rich in active terpenes. Those sharp, earthy, citrusy, or floral notes don’t just smell good—they might enhance or modify the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Beyond terpenes, hemp also contains flavonoids, esters, and other plant compounds that may contribute to what’s known as the entourage effect—the idea that these natural compounds work better together than alone. And that’s exactly where we’re headed next.
Spectrum 101: Full, Broad, and Isolate
If you’ve checked out a CBD shop for hemp products, you’ve probably come across terms like full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. These terms describe the type of hemp extract used—and they can tell you a lot about what to expect from your experience.
Here’s what they actually mean:
Full Spectrum
This extract contains all the naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant—cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and even trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3% to stay federally legal). Because everything is preserved, full spectrum products are ideal for unlocking the entourage effect, where compounds work together to enhance overall impact.
Broad Spectrum
This is a full spectrum extract that’s been refined to remove THC. While it still contains other cannabinoids and terpenes, it’s not quite as complete—and the refining process may reduce terpene content. Lazarus Naturals doesn’t carry broad spectrum products, as we focus on maintaining the full profile of hemp whenever possible.
Isolate
This is a pure, single cannabinoid—usually just CBD—with everything else removed. While it offers a more targeted experience and contains zero THC, it won’t provide the entourage effect and may not feel as strong overall. And yes, even isolate products can trigger a positive drug test in rare cases, so it’s something to be mindful of.
Choosing between these extract types depends on your goals. Full spectrum tends to offer the most complete support, but some people may prefer isolate for very specific needs or sensitivities.
The Entourage Effect: Why Whole Plant Matters
We’ve mentioned the entourage effect a few times already—but now it’s time to give it the spotlight it deserves. It’s one of the most important concepts to understand if you want to get the most out of hemp products.
At its core, the entourage effect is the idea that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds work better together than they do on their own. Think of it like a band—each cannabinoid can play solo, but when they come together, you get something way more dynamic.
Research suggests that combining cannabinoids like THC and CBD with terpenes may enhance their effectiveness, reduce unwanted side effects, and offer broader support for things like mood, pain, sleep, and stress. Even minor cannabinoids like CBC or CBG might pull more weight when they’re part of a full-spectrum blend.
This is why full spectrum products are often the most impactful. Instead of isolating one compound, they let the plant shine as a whole—preserving its natural synergy and supporting your endocannabinoid system from multiple angles.
At Lazarus Naturals, we’re all about that whole plant power. That’s why the majority of our CBD products are made with full spectrum extracts, carefully formulated to keep cannabinoids and terpenes working together—just as nature intended.
Final Thoughts: Keep Exploring, Stay Informed
The world of cannabinoids is growing fast—and we’re learning more every day about how these compounds work, both individually and together. Whether you’re looking for targeted support or curious about full-spectrum wellness, understanding what’s in your hemp product (and why it matters) is a powerful first step.
At Lazarus Naturals, we’re committed to transparency, education, and making high-quality hemp accessible to everyone. That means full-spectrum formulations whenever possible, clear labeling, and no gatekeeping when it comes to the science behind what we do.
Want to learn more or find the right product for your routine? Explore our blog for deeper dives, or shop full spectrum tinctures to get started.