Posted on June 30th, 2023 by Dan McCarthy

Cannabis Products with Minor Cannabinoids

When most people go to the dispensary, they are looking for two major cannabinoids THC and CBD. However, these two important cannabinoids are only a drop in the proverbial bucket when it comes to the compounds that make up the plant. Cannabis contains a massive collection of both major and minor cannabinoids, even though you may not be as familiar with minor cannabinoids as others.

Thanks to the growing interest in all cannabinoids, some companies are bringing products to life that highlight lesser-known options. What are minor cannabinoids? Are there minor cannabinoid benefits? Take a closer look at major vs minor cannabinoids, the benefits of the best-studied minor cannabinoids, and what products to look for when you visit the dispensary.

SHOP HOLYOKE, MA

SHOP LEE, MA

What Are Minor Cannabinoids?

From what we know so far, cannabis contains more than 100 unique cannabinoids. A few cannabinoids get a lot of attention because they are known for their overall effects: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). However, these two cannabinoids are also considered major cannabinoids. Minor cannabinoids are simply cannabinoids that are not as abundant in cannabis as THC or CBD, collectively speaking, across the full cannabis-plant spectrum.

Major vs Minor Cannabinoids – What’s the difference?

Simply put, major cannabinoids are found in the most abundant concentrations in the plant. Minor cannabinoids may be just as valuable, but they are not as abundant.

The abundance of CBD and THC has not only made the pair of major cannabinoids popular among consumers but also some of the best-researched cannabinoids there are. In some cases, the amount of a minor cannabinoid is so low that researchers have a difficult time isolating enough for proper evaluation or analysis.

It should be noted, however, botanists are also learning how to manipulate strains and cultivation processes to make minor cannabinoids more abundantly available. For example, you may now find a strain that has a noteworthy amount of CBG (cannabigerol), which may not have been easy to do a decade ago.

Further, many cannabis product manufacturers have taken the initiative to highlight and include minor cannabinoids in their products due to the ever-growing knowledge base about the value of these less-abundant compounds.

A Look at Minor Cannabinoid Benefits

The knowledge base on all cannabinoids is growing so rapidly that it can be difficult to keep up. While the last few years and relaxed cannabis laws have made it possible to do a lot of research into major cannabinoids, some of the research into minor cannabinoids is just getting off the ground. While we don’t have space to list all minor cannabinoid benefits, below is a look at some of the minor cannabinoids we know most about and their proposed value.

THCv (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

THCv is an interesting minor cannabinoid because it is considered biphasic. Biphasic agents produce different effects at different doses. For example, larger doses of THCv may curb appetite. However, small doses may do the opposite. Research published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that THCv may be important for things like regulating blood sugar levels and supporting people who need to lose weight.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Cannabigerol is often deemed as “The Mother Cannabinoid” but is still a minor cannabinoid. What is actually the “mother cannabinoid” is CBGa, which is the most abundant cannabinoid found in non-mature cannabis plants. CBGa converts to all other cannabinoids as the plant matures. The small remaining CBGa converts to CBG, and these levels can truly be small. Therefore, CBG is indeed a minor cannabinoid. CBG may have a number of therapeutic benefits, such as thwarting the proliferation of abnormal cells, deterring pain and inflammation, and even acting as an antibacterial agent.

CBN (Cannabinol)

Cannabinol is one of the few minor cannabinoids that may be somewhat psychoactive, even though that psychoactivity is nowhere near what you would experience with THC. CBN is primarily found in aged cannabis and is considered a metabolite of THC. This is why if you ever smoke old weed, the intoxicating effects are not the same. Cannabinol has not been extensively studied, but it may offer certain benefits just the same. There are over half a dozen clinical trials involving cannabinol underway as of 2022 for everything from nausea to insomnia.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

CBC is a non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid found in cannabis in small amounts most of the time. However, CBC can also be highly abundant in only specific strains due to genetics. This cannabinoid may offer a number of benefits thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Unfortunately, CBC has also not been extensively evaluated in clinical settings. A few studies have been conducted recently using CBC combined with other cannabinoids as a potential sleep aid, and the results were promising.

CBDa (Cannabidiolic Acid)

CBDa is the acidic precursor to CBD, which is a major cannabinoid. CBDa is considered a minor cannabinoid because it is usually only present in small quantities by the time the plant matures. CBDa carries many of the same benefits as CBD—helps with pain, sleep, anxiousness, and mood without intoxication, but with a hugely important caveat to note. CBDa may be far more bioavailable with as much as 100 times the ability to interact with certain receptors in the body. Due to this enhanced bioavailability, a lot of people opt for CBDa products because they don’t have to take as much.

CBDv (Cannabidivarin)

CBDv is a minor, non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is actually a homolog of CBD. Homologs have similar chemical structures and properties but may also produce different effects on the body. While CBDv benefits are not well-established, one of the most important actions of this cannabinoid is its ability to target seizure activity. This cannabinoid is also being examined for its potential to help people with unique developmental disorders.

Cannabis Products Made with Minor Cannabinoids

When you pay a visit to a dispensary, the majority of the products you will come in contact with will contain major cannabinoids like CBD and THC. In fact, there is a good chance that roughly 90 percent of what you find will state how much of one or the other is found in that product. Nevertheless, a lot of products contain minor cannabinoids naturally.

For example, when you pick up your favorite cannabis flower, you get a “full-spectrum” cured plant that may contain any number of major and minor cannabinoids. Likewise, full-spectrum concentrates and extracts may contain minor cannabinoids. CBD and THC are simply the most abundant and what most people are looking for in their cannabis products. Therefore, this is most often what you will find listed on the labeling, and what is required to be included in most states.

Many edibles, tinctures, and alternative cannabis products are also formulated so people can take advantage of minor cannabinoid benefits. Check out a few brands to look for below that have products made specifically with minor cannabinoids.

Coast Cannabis Company

Some manufacturers and cultivators, however, have begun to focus on serving customers products that contain valuable minor cannabinoids. Coast Cannabis Company is a prime example. The coast is well-known for offering an extensive list of cannabis products, including edibles, vape carts, and more. A few of their products that contain minor cannabinoids include:

  • Raspberry Lime Gummies with CBD, THCv, and THC
  • Cranberry Pomegranate Gummies with THC, CBD, and CBN
  • Tangerine Gummies with THC, CBD, and CBG

Because major and minor cannabinoids are thought to work together to enhance the overall outcome of the experience, taking these agents in unison may prove beneficial. Coast Cannabis Gummies with major and minor cannabinoids make it super simple to experiment with different combinations to find what works for you.

Betty’s Eddies

Betty’s Eddies is one of the most recognized brands of cannabis edibles in Massachusetts. Betty’s lineup of fruit chews offers an impressive array of flavors, but also a nice selection of cannabinoid concentrations geared toward certain experiences. A few good examples to look for on our dispensary menus include:

  • Betty’s Eddies Ache Away Cherry Fruit Chews with THC, CBD, and CBC
  • Betty’s Eddies Go Betty Go Watermelon Fruit Chews with THC and THCV
  • Betty’s Eddies Take It Easy Pineapple Orange Fruit Chews with THC, CBG, and CBDV
  • Betty’s Eddies Raspberry Creme Fruit Chews with THC, CBD, and CBN

Treeworks Tinctures

Treeworks is known to provide some of the best tincture options for people looking for therapeutic cannabis experiences for themselves or their pets. The brand creates award-winning tinctures formulated specifically for people to take advantage of the entourage effect, which is the benefits that come from major and minor cannabinoids working together. A few products to look for that contain minor cannabinoids include:

  • Dream Drops 1:3 Tincture with THC and CBN
  • Jungle Drops 1:1:1:1:1 Full Spectrum RSO Tincture with THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC
  • Pet Drops 1:1:1 Tincture (for pets) with CBN, CBD, and THCa

Looking for Minor Cannabinoid Products?

Whether you want a full-spectrum flower, highly-potent products with major cannabinoids, or minor cannabinoid-infused products, Canna Provisions can make it happen. We carry a collection of products from Coast Cannabis Company and other manufacturers at both our Lee and Holyoke locations. Be sure to take a look at our dispensary menus to check out what we have available and reserve your order ahead for convenient pickup.

SHOP HOLYOKE, MA

SHOP LEE, MA

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