Cannabinoids: List, Effects & Differences Simply Explained

Cannabinoids are active compounds that dock onto the body's endocannabinoid system. The best known are THC and CBD, but the cannabis plant produces well over 100 of them. On top of that, there are cannabinoids your body makes itself and ones created in the lab. Here you'll get a clear overview: which cannabinoids exist, how they work, how they differ and what to look out for when buying.

What are cannabinoids?

Germany's Consumer Cannabis Act (Konsumcannabisgesetz) defines cannabinoids as constituents of cannabis that can bind to receptors of the endocannabinoid system. In practice, they are divided into three groups.

Phytocannabinoids come from the plant. They include THC, CBD, CBN and CBG. They are formed in the resin glands of the flowers, initially as acids such as THCA or CBDA.

Endocannabinoids are made by your body itself. The most important are called anandamide and 2-AG. Among other things, they help regulate pain perception, appetite, sleep and mood.

Semi-synthetic and fully synthetic cannabinoids are produced in the lab, either from plant compounds such as CBD or entirely artificially. This group is very mixed, ranging from well-researched medicines to dangerous designer drugs.

How cannabinoids work: the endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system is a signalling network found in almost every organ. It works with two well-researched receptors.

CB1 receptors are located mainly in the brain and nervous system. When a cannabinoid binds strongly to CB1, it produces a high. That is why THC gets you high.

CB2 receptors are found mainly on immune cells. They play a role in inflammatory processes and do not cause a high.

How a cannabinoid works depends on how strongly it binds to these receptors and whether it activates or blocks them. CBD, for example, barely binds directly to CB1, which is why it is not intoxicating. Many cannabinoids also act via other receptors, such as serotonin or TRPV1 receptors.

The most important cannabinoids at a glance

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)

The main cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating effect. THC strongly activates CB1 and brings on euphoria, relaxation, appetite and an altered sense of time. In high doses it can cause restlessness, a racing heart or anxiety. In the plant it is initially present as THCA and only forms through heat.

CBD (cannabidiol)

The second major cannabinoid. CBD does not get you high and is often used for relaxation. As a medicine, it is approved in the EU for certain rare forms of epilepsy. For many other advertised effects, robust studies are lacking. You can read more about its pure form in our article on CBD isolate.

CBN (cannabinol)

CBN forms when THC breaks down through oxygen, light and time. It is only mildly psychoactive. CBN is often marketed as a sleep aid, but the evidence for this is thin.

CBG (cannabigerol)

CBG is considered the origin of the other cannabinoids. Its acid form, CBGA, is the precursor from which the plant forms THCA, CBDA and CBCA. Only a little CBG remains in mature flowers. It does not get you high.

CBC (cannabichromene)

A non-intoxicating cannabinoid that usually occurs in small amounts. CBC is studied mainly in basic research.

THCV and THCP

Two relatives of THC with side chains of a different length. At low doses, THCV tends to have a clear, short effect, while in lab tests THCP binds much more strongly to CB1 than THC does. You'll find details in our articles on THCV and THC-P.

New cannabinoids: HHZ, H2, H3 and TAC

For several years now, new cannabinoids and blends have been coming onto the market all the time. Most of them are semi-synthetic compounds made from plant substances. Many names are trade names that don't always stand for a single, clearly defined substance.

We've explained how these substances differ and what defines them individually: HHZ, H3 Superior Blend and TAC. Research into new cannabinoids is still in its early days. That makes transparent manufacturers who have their products lab-tested all the more important.

Synthetic cannabinoids: the crucial difference

"Synthetic cannabinoids" usually means fully synthetic substances sold as herbal smoking blends, Spice or soaked into paper. Chemically, they have little to do with cannabis. Many bind to CB1 many times more strongly than THC, and even small differences in dose can lead to seizures, heart problems or psychosis. In Germany, most of these substances are banned under the Narcotics Act (Betäubungsmittelgesetz) and the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG).

How to spot dodgy products:

No lab analysis: Reputable suppliers provide a certificate of analysis showing the ingredients and their concentrations.

Unclear ingredient information: Terms such as "herbal blend" or "room fragrance, not for consumption" without precise details of the active substances are a warning sign.

Extreme promises: Anyone advertising "stronger than THC" and a guaranteed high is rarely selling a tested product.

Cannabinoids as medicines

Some cannabinoids are approved as medicines, including dronabinol (THC), nabilone, the THC-CBD oral spray nabiximols and a CBD preparation for rare forms of epilepsy. Since April 2024, medical cannabis in Germany is no longer classed as a narcotic and can be prescribed on a standard prescription. Whether treatment is an option is decided by a doctor.

Risks and notes on consumption

Intoxicating cannabinoids impair reaction time and concentration. If you've consumed, you shouldn't drive. Very frequent, heavy use can lead to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which involves recurring severe nausea and vomiting. Intoxicating cannabinoids are off-limits for pregnant and breastfeeding women and for anyone under 18. If you take medication, check possible interactions with a doctor beforehand.

Cannabinoids at Happy's Amsterdam

In our TAC Vapes, we combine cannabinoids with strain-typical flavours, nicotine-free and ready to use straight away. Which strain suits you depends on what you're looking for. Our indica strains such as Cherry Kush are designed for calm evenings, while sativa strains such as Amnezia Haze offer a fresher taste. We explain how terpenes shape the experience in our article Terpene effects. If you want to compare several strains, you'll find suitable sets under Bestsellers and Saving Bundles.

Frequently asked questions about cannabinoids

How many cannabinoids are there?

Well over 100 cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant. Most occur only in trace amounts. Those found in significant quantities are mainly THC(A), CBD(A), CBG and CBN.

Which cannabinoids don't get you high?

CBD, CBG and CBC are not intoxicating. CBN is only mildly psychoactive. THCA only becomes intoxicating once heat turns it into THC.

Is CBD legal in Germany?

CBD is expressly excluded from the definition of cannabis in the Consumer Cannabis Act. However, individual product groups such as food or cosmetics are subject to their own regulations.

What is the difference between natural and synthetic cannabinoids?

Natural cannabinoids come directly from the plant. Fully synthetic cannabinoids are made artificially, are often much stronger and harder to dose. Semi-synthetic cannabinoids sit in between, because they are converted from plant substances.