While CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are well-known, cannabis plants contain over 200 other cannabinoids. These rare cannabinoids offer more wellness benefits than the two most popular ones.
Rare cannabinoid products have seen exponential growth since 2021. Consumers are eager to try THCV, CBG, CBDA, and more. They also want to know about clinical trials on these unique plant compounds.
CBG
The third most common cannabinoid after THC and CBD is CBG. Known as the “mother cannabinoid,” this cannabinoid is the precursor to THC and CBD. It is thought to increase the function of anandamide in the brain, which enhances pleasure and motivation, regulates appetite, and alleviates pain.
A potent anti-inflammatory, CBG is said to soothe chronic aches and pains in the body via its interaction with the CB2 receptors. It also encourages a healthy appetite and has been used for patients with cancer, who often experience loss of hunger due to their treatments.
Although it is difficult to find products with CBG, botanists are working to create strains that contain more of this cannabinoid and are finding better ways to extract it from the plant in significant quantities. Its effects on the immune system are intriguing, too. Research has found that it can inhibit the uptake of inflammatory molecules in the brain, thereby decreasing inflammation and anxiety.
THCV
THCV, also known as “diet weed,” has gained popularity among cannabis users thanks to its appetite-suppressing effects. THCV also has been observed to treat diabetes, pain and swelling, and anxiety. It may even help combat tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Like CBD, rare cannabinoids are found in hemp and marijuana plants. However, they occur in much smaller quantities and were hard to isolate until recently. Over the past couple of years, advances in breeding and extraction have made it possible to extract high-quality rare cannabinoid concentrates and products.
Companies that produce and market rare cannabinoid products must promote them using scientific evidence and targeted wellness effects. They need to avoid making generic wellness claims that can be backed up with any cannabinoid, including CBD. This will require building loyal customer bases and engaging with social media influencers to gain traction in the mainstream wellness market. This will allow them to convince manufacturers and retailers to get on board with their rare cannabinoid product lines.
CBN
As a company of firsts, Rare Cannabinoid Company uses genetically modified yeast to make rare cannabinoid compounds and then extract them for use in cannabis products. This includes the world’s first purified CBDV tincture. This compound, cannabidivarin (CBDV), has reduced irritability in autistic children in early-phase clinical trials.
Each rare cannabinoid affects the endocannabinoid system differently. Some, like CBG, are great for soreness and swelling after exercise, while others, such as CBN, promote restful sleep. And many of them work even better when combined with THC or CBD.
Hemp and cannabis plants also contain terpenes, aromatic oils that offer unique effects, such as the soothing aroma of lavender or the relaxing, sleep-promoting qualities of linalool. However, because of the difficulty isolating these cannabinoids, they are rarely used in wellness products. That’s changing. The success of CBD has sparked investment in other minor cannabinoids and methods for producing them in large quantities at lower costs.
CBDV
Initially discovered in 1969, CBDV (cannabidiol) is one of more than 100 unique cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp plants. It’s similar to CBD but different enough that researchers have identified several other effects and potential applications for CBD.
Studies on CBDv suggest that it can interact with CB1 receptors to reduce nausea and vomiting. It also seems effective at reducing the frequency of seizures in some kinds of epilepsy.
While research on CBDV is still early, it has already attracted the interest of pharmaceutical companies. For example, GW Pharmaceuticals has begun clinical trials using its CBDV product as an anticonvulsant.
CBDV is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has received significant attention lately because of its potential to treat conditions like anxiety and nausea. It’s currently used in various hemp and cannabis products that are legal to consume in the US thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which makes hemp containing less than 0.3% THC legal to produce.
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