Short answer
Cannabis contains more than 100 cannabinoids. Published reviews put the count between 100 and 144. The exact number is not fixed. Researchers identify new compounds as lab methods improve, and some counts include acidic forms, neutral forms, or both.
marijuana chemical compounds explained
THC and CBD hold the most research. Delta-9 THC causes intoxication. CBD does not.
What counts as a cannabinoid
Cannabinoids are a class of compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors sit in the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors sit in immune cells and peripheral tissue.
cannabis cannabinoids list and effects
Three groups share the name:
- Phytocannabinoids: made by the plant.
- Endocannabinoids: made by the human body, such as anandamide and 2-AG.
- Synthetic cannabinoids: made in a lab.
The count in the question refers to phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa.
Why the number changes
A 2005 review by Hanuš and Mechoulam listed 70 cannabinoids. Later reviews listed 90, then 100, then 120. A 2020 review lists 144. Plant genetics, the plant part tested, and the analytical method all change the result.
Some counts list acidic cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA) as separate entries. Others group each acid with its neutral form. That choice alone shifts the total by dozens.
Major cannabinoids
- Delta-9 THC: intoxicating. The main psychoactive compound.
- CBD: non-intoxicating. Studied for seizures and anxiety.
- CBG: precursor to THC and CBD. Non-intoxicating.
- CBC: studied for pain and inflammation.
- CBN: a breakdown product of THC.
- THCV: non-intoxicating at low doses.
- CBDV: studied in epilepsy research.
- Delta-8 THC: intoxicating. Present in small amounts.
Acidic and neutral forms
Fresh cannabis holds THC as THCA and CBD as CBDA. Heat removes a carboxyl group. THCA turns into THC. CBDA turns into CBD. This step is decarboxylation. Smoking, vaping, and baking all trigger it.
Cannabinoids are not terpenes
Terpenes give cannabis its smell. They are a different compound class. Cannabis also holds flavonoids. A lab panel may report 10 to 20 cannabinoids, not 144. The rest appear at trace levels.
How to check a product
A certificate of analysis (COA) lists cannabinoid content by percentage. Look for total THC, total CBD, and the testing lab name. Total THC equals THCA times 0.877 plus delta-9 THC.