Cannabinoid Science

Cannabinoids 101: THC, CBD, CBN, CBG and More

By the Jungle Kingdom Flower Team • July 7, 2026 • 9 min read

Walk into any licensed dispensary in Brooklyn and you will see THC and CBD percentages printed on every label. Those two cannabinoids get most of the attention, but the cannabis plant produces over 100 distinct cannabinoids, each with its own relationship to your body and brain. Understanding even a handful of them will change how you shop, what you buy, and how you experience cannabis.

This guide covers the major and minor cannabinoids you are most likely to encounter at Jungle Kingdom Flower, explains how they interact through the entourage effect, and shows you how to use product labels and lab results to find the right cannabinoid profile for your needs.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. They interact with a network of receptors in the human body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, pain sensation, immune response, and memory. Your body actually produces its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which work on the same receptors. Plant-derived cannabinoids from cannabis, known as phytocannabinoids, fit into those same receptors and can influence the system in predictable ways.

The two main receptor types are CB1, concentrated in the brain and central nervous system, and CB2, found primarily in the immune system and peripheral tissues. Different cannabinoids bind to these receptors with varying strength and selectivity, which is why THC and CBD produce such different experiences despite coming from the same plant.

The Major Cannabinoids: THC and CBD

THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. It binds strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing the euphoria, altered sensory perception, and relaxation that most people associate with being high. THC is also responsible for many of the therapeutic effects that cannabis users seek, including pain relief, appetite stimulation, and nausea reduction.

THC content in flower typically ranges from 15% to over 30%. For edibles and concentrates, THC is measured in milligrams. At our Brooklyn dispensaries, product labels always list total THC content so you can dose accurately. If you are new to cannabis, our dosing guide breaks down starting points by product type.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid and does not produce intoxication on its own. It interacts with the ECS more indirectly than THC, influencing receptor activity without binding tightly to CB1 or CB2. CBD is associated with calming effects, reduced inflammation, and anxiety relief. Many consumers use CBD to moderate the intensity of THC. A product with a balanced THC-to-CBD ratio often produces a smoother, more controlled experience than high-THC products alone.

CBD-dominant and balanced-ratio products are available at both our Bed-Stuy and East Williamsburg locations. They are popular with first-time buyers and anyone who wants therapeutic benefits without a strong high.

The Minor Cannabinoids: CBN, CBG, CBC, and THCV

Minor cannabinoids are present in smaller concentrations than THC and CBD, but they contribute meaningfully to the overall experience. As the New York cannabis market matures, more products are being formulated to highlight specific minor cannabinoids.

CBN (Cannabinol) for Sleep

CBN forms when THC ages and oxidizes, which is why older cannabis flower tends to make people sleepier. CBN is mildly psychoactive on its own, but its primary reputation is as a sleep aid. Many consumers in Brooklyn are turning to CBN-infused gummies, tinctures, and capsules specifically for nighttime use.

CBN appears to work best in combination with THC and sedating terpenes like myrcene and linalool. If you have been struggling with sleep, ask a JKF budtender about products with added CBN. They are typically formulated with 2 to 10 mg of CBN per serving alongside a moderate THC dose.

CBG (Cannabigerol) for Focus and Clarity

CBG is sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" because it is the chemical precursor from which THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are synthesized as the plant matures. In its own right, CBG is non-intoxicating and is associated with mental clarity, focus, and anti-inflammatory properties. Early research suggests CBG may have antibacterial qualities and potential benefits for digestive health.

CBG-rich products are becoming more common in the New York market. Some flower strains are harvested early to preserve higher CBG content, and you can find CBG-infused tinctures and capsules on dispensary shelves. For consumers interested in cannabis for focus, CBG-forward products are worth exploring.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

CBC is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in the plant, though it receives far less attention than THC or CBD. It does not bind strongly to CB1 receptors, so it does not produce a high. CBC interacts with other receptors in the body, including TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are involved in pain perception and inflammation. Research into CBC is still early, but it appears to contribute to the overall therapeutic profile of full-spectrum cannabis products.

You are unlikely to find CBC-isolated products on most dispensary shelves today, but it is present in meaningful amounts in full-spectrum extracts and whole-plant products.

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) for Energy

THCV is a fascinating cannabinoid that behaves differently depending on the dose. At low doses, THCV acts as a CB1 antagonist, meaning it may actually dampen some of THC's effects, including appetite stimulation. This has earned THCV the nickname "diet weed" in some circles. At higher doses, THCV can produce a short, energetic, clear-headed high that many consumers describe as focused and stimulating.

THCV is most commonly found in African sativa landrace strains like Durban Poison and some cultivars from the Doug's Varin lineage. Products with elevated THCV levels are still relatively uncommon, but they are gaining popularity among consumers who want energy and mental clarity without the munchies.

The Entourage Effect: How Cannabinoids Work Together

One of the most important concepts in cannabis science is the entourage effect. First proposed by researchers Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat, this theory holds that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds produce stronger and more nuanced effects when consumed together than any single compound can produce in isolation.

Think of it this way: THC alone can reduce pain, but THC combined with CBD, CBG, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene may reduce pain more effectively while also tempering anxiety and adding anti-inflammatory benefits. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The entourage effect is the primary argument for choosing whole-plant or full-spectrum products over isolates. It is also why two strains with identical THC percentages can produce dramatically different experiences. The supporting cast of minor cannabinoids and terpenes shapes the character of each strain's effects.

Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum vs. Isolate

When shopping for cannabis products, especially vape cartridges, tinctures, and edibles, you will encounter three common formulation types. Understanding the differences will help you choose the product that aligns with your goals.

Full-Spectrum

Full-spectrum products contain the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids extracted from the cannabis plant. This includes THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, and all the plant's natural terpenes. Full-spectrum formulations offer the strongest entourage effect and are generally preferred by consumers who want the most complete cannabis experience. Whole flower is inherently full-spectrum.

Broad-Spectrum

Broad-spectrum products contain most of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes, but with THC reduced to trace amounts or removed entirely. These are designed for consumers who want the benefits of multiple cannabinoids and the entourage effect without the psychoactive effects of THC. Broad-spectrum is less common in New York's adult-use market but appears in some wellness-focused products.

Isolate

Isolate products contain a single cannabinoid in purified form, usually CBD or THC. All other compounds have been removed. Isolates offer precise dosing and predictability, but they miss out on the entourage effect. CBD isolate, for example, may be less effective for anxiety than a full-spectrum CBD product at the same dosage because it lacks the supporting terpenes and minor cannabinoids.

At Jungle Kingdom Flower, our budtenders can help you understand which formulation type makes sense for your situation. If you are exploring cannabis for the first time, a full-spectrum product at a low dose is often the best starting point.

Reading Lab Results for Cannabinoid Profiles

Every legal cannabis product in New York is tested by a state-licensed laboratory. The results, often printed on the packaging or available via QR code, include a breakdown of cannabinoid content. Here is what to look for:

• Total THC - This includes both THCA (the raw, non-psychoactive form) and Delta-9 THC. The total THC number reflects the psychoactive potential after heating (smoking, vaping, or baking).
• Total CBD - Same calculation as THC, combining CBDA and CBD. Higher CBD content usually means a more tempered, less intoxicating experience.
• Minor cannabinoids - Some lab reports list CBG, CBN, CBC, and THCV separately. If a product highlights a minor cannabinoid on its packaging, check the lab results to see the actual concentration.
• Terpene profile - Not all lab reports include terpene data, but the best ones do. Terpene content is typically listed as a percentage of dry weight. Even small amounts of dominant terpenes (0.5% or above) can noticeably influence the experience.

For a deeper breakdown of what each number means and how to compare products, read our guide to reading cannabis labels and our lab testing explainer.

Choosing Products by Cannabinoid Content

Your ideal cannabinoid profile depends on what you want from your cannabis experience. Here are some common goals and the cannabinoid combinations that tend to support them:

• Relaxation without heavy sedation - Look for balanced THC-to-CBD ratios (1:1 or 2:1) with moderate total potency. Terpenes like linalool and myrcene add calming effects.
• Deep sleep support - Seek out products with added CBN alongside THC. Indica-dominant strains with myrcene-heavy terpene profiles are a natural fit.
• Focus and daytime energy - CBG-forward products or sativa strains with THCV and pinene terpene profiles tend to support alertness. Keep THC doses low to moderate.
• Pain and inflammation - Higher THC products combined with CBD and CBC may offer the strongest pain relief. Beta-caryophyllene, a terpene that also activates CB2 receptors, adds anti-inflammatory support.
• Anxiety reduction - CBD-dominant products or balanced ratios with limonene and linalool. Avoid high-THC products if anxiety is a concern, as THC can amplify anxious feelings at elevated doses.
• Social and creative sessions - Moderate THC with limonene and terpinolene terpenes. Sativa-dominant strains or THCV-containing cultivars are popular choices.

Stop by either of our Brooklyn locations and let a budtender help you match a cannabinoid profile to your goals. Bring your questions; our team is here to educate, not to upsell.

Frequently Asked Questions