Cannabis is more than just THC and CBD. These are the big two everyone talks about because they are the most present (and well known), but did you know there are over 120 cannabinoids in the plant? These lesser-known compounds might not be as famous, but they still contribute to how cannabis makes you feel.

Maybe you’ve seen terms like CBG, CBN, or THCV on product labels or in dispensary menus and wondered: What do those do? Are they important? Should I be paying attention? (Short answer: Yes, you should!)

This guide breaks down major vs. minor cannabinoids in a way that actually makes sense, so next time you pick up a product or strain, you’ll know exactly what’s in it—and why it matters.

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What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). If you’ve never heard of the ECS before, don’t worry—it’s just a fancy way of describing how cannabis works in your body. The ECS helps regulate things like mood, sleep, appetite, and stress, and cannabinoids influence those processes.

Think of cannabinoids as keys, and your ECS receptors as locks. Each cannabinoid has a slightly different key shape, which means they unlock different effects. Some cannabinoids make you feel uplifted, some promote relaxation, and others might not have noticeable effects at all—but they still contribute to the overall experience.

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Major Cannabinoids: The Headliners

These are the two cannabinoids found in the highest amounts in most strains:

• THC (Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) – The is one that gets you “high.” THC is responsible for the euphoric, intoxicating effects of cannabis and plays a big role in the overall experience. It’s the most abundant cannabinoid in most strains, and it’s often front and center on most packaging with the specific percentage. The higher the percentage, the more potent that product will be.
• CBD (Cannabidiol) – Known as the “non-intoxicating” one, CBD is known for its calming and balancing properties and is often found in oils, edibles, and topicals. It doesn’t get you high, but it does interact with your ECS in ways that many people appreciate. Many people use CBD to elevate their mood and help with body aches and pains. While it doesn’t get you “stoned,” it does have a range of potent effects for the mind and body.

And now you know the big two! It should be noted thatonly THC and CBD are considered major cannabinoids because they’re produced in large amounts. Every other cannabinoid is categorized as a minor cannabinoid because it exists in smaller concentrations.

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Minor Cannabinoids: The Hidden Gems

While THC and CBD get most of the spotlight, minor cannabinoids are like supporting actors in a movie—they may not be the stars, but they play essential roles in shaping the final experience. So without further ado, let’s dive into the minor cannabinoids…

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Common Minor Cannabinoids (The Ones You May Have Heard Of)

These letters and names are popping up more often on product labels and in dispensary menus, and with a little homework you’ll better understand exactly what you’re getting while shopping for cannabis products. And if you should have any questions, never hesitate to ask your budtender or reach out to the XShack team.

• CBG (Cannabigerol) – The “mother cannabinoid.” CBG is the precursor to THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Think of it like the starting ingredient that gets converted into other cannabinoids as the plant matures. Some strains are now being bred specifically to contain higher levels of CBG.
• CBC (Cannabichromene) – A less famous but always present minor cannabinoid. It’s structurally similar to other cannabinoids and is often found alongside CBG.
• CBN (Cannabinol) – This one forms when THC breaks down over time. Ever heard that old weed makes you sleepy? That’s probably because the THC degraded into CBN. Pro tip: some products even market CBN as a nighttime option, so keep your eyes peeled if you want something to help you rest.
• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) – A cousin of THC but with a different vibe. THCV is often found in African landrace strains, and it’s becoming more popular in vapes and edibles.
• CBDV (Cannabidivarin) – A close relative of CBD, often found in specific indica-dominant strains.
• Δ8-THC (Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol) – A smoother, milder version of THC that’s been gaining popularity in states where cannabis laws are stricter. Delta-8 is less potent than regular THC but still has noticeable effects

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Rare & Lesser-Known Minor Cannabinoids: The Deep Cuts

Some of these exist in tiny amounts (and many are still being researched), but they still contribute to the cannabis plant’s chemical profile:

• CBCV (Cannabichromevarin) – A variation of CBC that’s still being researched.
• CBGV (Cannabigerovarin) – A rare version of CBG with a slightly different chemical structure.
• CBNA (Cannabinolic Acid) – The acidic form of CBN.
• CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid) – The true precursor to all cannabinoids (CBG is just its decarboxylated version).
• THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) – The raw form of THC before heat turns it into the psychoactive version. If you’ve ever juiced raw cannabis leaves, you’ve had THCA.
• CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid) – The raw version of CBD before it gets activated.
• THCVA (Tetrahydrocannabivarinic Acid) – The acidic form of THCV.
• CBDVA (Cannabidivarinic Acid) – The acidic version of CBDV.
• CBT (Cannabitriol) – A super rare cannabinoid that’s structurally similar to THC.

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Why Do Minor Cannabinoids Matter?

Even though they exist in small amounts, minor cannabinoids contribute to the overall effects of cannabis. Some are already becoming the focus of new product lines, and cannabis breeders are even developing strains that highlight specific minor cannabinoids.

• CBG-rich flower is already on the market.
• THCV-heavy vapes are gaining popularity.
• Full-spectrum products emphasize the presence of multiple cannabinoids for a more balanced experience.

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The Entourage Effect: Why More Cannabinoids = A Better Experience

Ever heard the phrase “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”? That’s the entourage effect—the idea that cannabinoids work best together rather than in isolation.

• Cannabinoids interact with each other in ways that can enhance, balance, or modify their effects. For example, CBD is thought to mellow out some of THC’s more intense effects, while minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, and THCV can add their own subtle twists to the experience.
• This is why full-spectrum cannabis products (which contain a mix of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds) tend to feel more balanced and well-rounded compared to isolates, which only contain one cannabinoid.
• Think of it like a band—THC and CBD might be the lead singers, but minor cannabinoids and terpenes are the backup vocals, bassline, and drumbeat that make the whole song hit harder.
• Some cannabis users report that products with a diverse range of cannabinoids provide a smoother, more enjoyable experience, while isolates can sometimes feel one-dimensional in comparison.

While research is still catching up, the entourage effect is a big reason why people prefer whole-plant cannabis over single-molecule extracts. It’s not just about THC percentage—it’s about the whole mix of cannabinoids working together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

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The Future of Minor Cannabinoids

As cannabis research expands, expect to see more cannabinoid-specific products hitting the market.

• Breeders are developing strains rich in CBG, THCV, and other rare cannabinoids.
• Companies are moving beyond THC and CBD to highlight full cannabinoid profiles.
• Consumers are becoming more informed, leading to more demand for minor cannabinoid-focused products.

THC and CBD might get all the attention, but they’re just part of the bigger picture. Minor cannabinoids help shape the overall cannabis experience, and as research continues, we’ll keep discovering new ways they contribute. Next time you pick a strain or product, take a look at the full cannabinoid profile—you might just find your new favorite.

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