Last reviewed October 18, 2026
The main types of cannabinoids are THC, CBD, their raw acid forms THCA and CBDA, and minor ones such as CBN, CBG, CBC and THCV. Cannabinoids are compounds the cannabis plant makes, mostly in its trichomes. Researchers have identified more than 100. Only a handful show up on product labels, and THC is the main one that causes a high.
| Cannabinoid | Full name | Intoxicating? | Where you’ll see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| THC | Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol | Yes | Most labels; the main measure of strength |
| THCA | Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid | No, until heated | Raw flower and diamonds; becomes THC when smoked, vaped or baked |
| CBD | Cannabidiol | No | CBD oils, tinctures and balms, and balanced strains |
| CBDA | Cannabidiolic acid | No | Raw plant; becomes CBD when heated |
| CBN | Cannabinol | Mildly | Forms as THC ages; often marketed for night-time products |
| CBG | Cannabigerol | No | The precursor the plant turns into THCA and CBDA |
| CBC | Cannabichromene | No | Small amounts in many strains |
| THCV | Tetrahydrocannabivarin | At higher amounts | Some African sativa lineages |
Acids and heat
In the living plant, cannabinoids exist mostly as acids: THCA, CBDA, CBGA. Heat removes part of the molecule and converts them. This is called decarboxylation, and it happens instantly when you smoke or vape. That’s why a label may list THCA as a much higher number than THC; the “total THC” figure estimates what you get once it’s heated.
Reading “total THC” on a label
Total THC combines THC with the THC that THCA will turn into. Because some weight is lost in the conversion, total THC equals THC plus about 87.7% of THCA. Compare totals, not just the THC line.
What about delta-8?
Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in only tiny amounts. Products sold as delta-8 are usually converted from CBD in a lab. It’s a different compound from the delta-9 THC on regular labels.
Why cannabinoids aren’t the whole story
Two products with the same THC can feel different. Terpenes, the compounds behind aroma, and the mix of minor cannabinoids both vary by strain. That’s part of why the strain name and flavour notes matter.
Common questions
Which cannabinoid gets you high?
Mainly delta-9 THC. THCA turns into THC when heated, so it does too once it’s smoked, vaped or baked.
Does THCA get you high?
Not raw. Heated, it becomes THC, which is why THCA diamonds are among the strongest products.
Is CBN the same as CBD?
No. CBN forms as THC breaks down over time; CBD is a separate cannabinoid the plant makes directly.
How many cannabinoids are there?
More than 100 have been identified, but most appear only in trace amounts.
