Written by Shepherd King

The cannabis plant is an incredible gift from Mother Nature to us humans. It’s full of natural chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which are responsible for the unique effects that we feel when we enjoy weed.

There are over 100 known cannabinoids (so far) in the cannabis plant, including THC, CBD, and many more. Below, we’ll cover eight key cannabinoids, their effects, and how to enjoy them via premium cannabinoid products from the Mood Shop.

Visit the Mood Shop to browse our full selection of flower, edibles, concentrates, and much more. Subscribe for recurring orders to save 15%.

Table of Contents

• What Are Cannabinoids?

• 8 Cannabinoids To Know About

• What Are The Best Ways To Experience Cannabinoids?

• FAQs About Cannabinoids

• Premium Products From the Mood Shop

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are compounds that are naturally produced by the cannabis plant.

These compounds form in the plant’s trichomes — hairlike outgrowths distributed across the plant’s surface. Without trichomes, weed wouldn’t have any psychoactive effects.

The plant’s trichomes also produce terpenes, another category of chemical compounds that give cannabis its unique flavors and aromas.

Cannabinoids and terpenes both interact with your body’s cannabinoid receptors — i.e., CB1 and CB2 receptors — which connect to your endocannabinoid system and, thus, your central nervous system to create a great time.

Get 1g of Pluto flower for just $17. Subscribe to save 15%.

8 Cannabinoids To Know About

As we mentioned above, there are nearly a hundred cannabinoids that make up the chemical structure of cannabis plants. Cannabinoids produce a wide variety of side effects.

While we’d love to cover all of the wide-ranging use of cannabinoids, we’re showcasing the ones that are most relevant to your experience with weed and cannabinoid products.

These are eight cannabinoids that you need to know about because of their unique effects and prominence in products like flower, concentrates, and edibles.

1. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is the well-known primary psychoactive component in products — it’s what’s primarily responsible for getting you high.

These cannabinoids may come in different forms: i.e., Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC:

• Delta-8 THC is less potent than delta-9 and produces milder psychoactive effects. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) also less likely than Delta-9 to make you feel overwhelmed, which can be a side effect of cannabis use for some.

• Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in the cannabis plant. Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol has powerful psychoactive effects that vary from strain to strain. It’s associated with physical and mental relaxation.

• Delta-10 THC is the least powerful of these three cannabinoids but can still enhance your high. Delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is abundant in Cannabis Sativa strains and is known for its mood-boosting and invigorating effects.

All forms of THC can produce effects like:

• The munchies, which is a very common experience for cannabis users. THC is a known appetite stimulant, so you might find yourself extra hungry while high.

• Heightened mood and an increased sense of well-being are common effects produced by THC.

• Changes in your perception, including enhanced focus and possible creative stimulation. The specific psychoactive effects of THC can vary based on the strain you use and the amount of THC you ingest.

Learn more about THC — weed's primary psychoactive compound — from the Mood Blog.

2. CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is a minor cannabinoid, but it’s majorly popular. Unlike THC, cannabidiol (CBD) is one of those compounds found in the cannabis plant that won’t get you high on its own.

However, CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids may coexist within the chemical structure of cannabis flower and interact with each other, producing unique effects.

When you use CBD on its own, you can expect to feel relaxed, chill, and possibly a bit tired. CBD can also calm your body and make you feel more at ease after a long day or a tough workout.

If you’re new to products and aren’t interested in getting high quite yet, CBD is a fantastic place to start. You can find CBD products with a wide range of potency levels in the Mood Shop — and we’ll share some of our top recommendations below.

Pick up a 10-count of Pure Relief CBD Gummies for just $39. Subscribe to save 15%.

3. Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBG is sometimes affectionately called the “mother of all cannabinoids” because of its role as the chemical precursor to THC and CBD. However, unlike THC, CBG doesn’t have any psychoactive effects on its own.

This cannabinoid interacts with your body’s CB2 and CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the same way THC does, but its binding affinity is much weaker. That means the side effects of CBG are less noticeable when you’re using cannabis, but they still contribute to your overall experience.

CBG can make you feel calm and relaxed, which makes it comparable to CBD. However, it’s not as commonly featured in products as CBD or THC.

4. Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN is a minor cannabinoid with only mild psychoactive properties. It’s a byproduct of THC that forms as the trichomes on the cannabis plant degrade over time.

Once a cannabis plant is past its prime harvest point, its trichomes (the hairlike outgrowths we talked about earlier) take on an amber-gold color, which tells growers that the plant has started producing cannabinoids like CBN. At this point, the plant has lost much of its potency, but it’s still useful; CBN is known for its calming, sedating side effects.

CBN is often featured as a component in products designed for PM use. It’s also frequently combined with cannabinoids like CBD and HHC for even more powerful relaxation.

Experience the side effects of CBN with a 1oz Sleepytime THC Tincture. Subscribe to save 15%.

5. Cannabichromene (CBC)

This non-psychoactive synthetic cannabinoid plays a role in the overall calming side effects of cannabis, along with other minor cannabinoids like CBN and CBD. CBC interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors to soothe your body and mind.

Strains and products high in CBC tend to be best for evening use. The cannabinoid can be intensely relaxing and sedating, but it’s also a source of an uplifting mood boost at times.

6. Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)

Hexahydrocannabinol is one of many examples of partially synthetic cannabinoids created by hydrogenating THC. Hydrogenation is the process of adding hydrogen atoms to a molecule (in this case, THC), creating a new molecule with its own set of unique psychoactive effects.

HHC binds to your cannabinoid receptors, altering your perception and bringing on feelings of deep relaxation. These synthetic cannabinoids are a relatively new addition to the mainstream cannabis industry, but it’s taking the world by storm thanks to the powerful high it can produce.

Q: What are synthetic cannabinoids?

A: Synthetic cannabinoids are designed with CB1 receptors — a cannabinoid receptor type — that mimic or expand from those produced by natural phytocannabinoids, which come directly from the plant.

Grab a bottle of 25mg HHC Gel Caps for just $69. Subscribe to save 15%.

7. Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCp)

THCp is an extremely powerful cannabinoid, but it’s only found in small amounts in its natural form. It’s also one of the most recently discovered cannabinoids — a team of Italian scientists unveiled its existence in 2019.

Tetrahydrocannabiphorol has a similar chemical structure to THC, but its alkyl side chain is longer (it’s made up of more carbon atoms). This small change makes THCp exponentially more powerful than THC.

Since THCp only exists naturally in trace amounts, professionals create the cannabinoid in a lab for use in products like gummies, vapes, and more. The lab-created version of THCp is another example of the many synthetic cannabinoids out there.

Products made with THCp are high-potency and best for experienced cannabis enthusiasts, like others featuring synthetic cannabinoids.

8. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Sometimes called “diet weed,” THCv is known for its diet-friendly effects and mild psychoactive properties. It’s not nearly as potent as THC (or THCp, for that matter), but it can have a noticeable effect on your overall high.

THCv is one of those synthetic cannabinoids with a lot of hype surrounding it, in large part due to its reputation for reducing a user’s appetite.

As you navigate the world of cannabis, keep in mind that experiences with specific cannabinoids can be very subjective and often vary from person to person. That means you might not necessarily notice an impact on your appetite when using THCv products.

Featuring THCv, our Morning Delta-9 THC Gummies are available in a 10-count for just $29. Subscribe to save 15%.

What Are The Best Ways To Experience Cannabinoids?

There’s more than one way to enjoy cannabinoids and their unique effects.

Below are some of the most popular cannabis consumption methods and the basics of how they work:

Smoking Flower

Smoking is the classic method of enjoying cannabis and cannabinoids. When you smoke, cannabinoids reach your bloodstream via your lungs for fast-acting and powerful effects.

It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that can vary based on the strain of cannabis that you choose and the amount of hits you take. It's also a lot more natural than consuming synthetic cannabinoids.

Smoking a joint, which you can roll yourself or order pre-rolled from the Mood Shop, is one of the most popular ways to smoke flower. If you’re just getting started with cannabis, we recommend picking up a pre-roll featuring a strain that piques your interest.

Save $15 or more when you pick up 7g of Birthday Cake for just $75. Subscribe to save 15%.

Dabbing

Dabbing is one of the best ways to enjoy a high concentration of powerful cannabinoids and flavorful, aromatic terpenes.

To dab, you’ll need a specialized pipe called a dab rig, which features a heat-resistant nail instead of the typical bowl. This nail vaporizes cannabis concentrates like hash, badders, and live resin as you introduce heat and inhale.

Bear in mind that a little bit of concentrate goes a long way. If you’re just getting started with cannabis, consider loading up a smaller amount onto your nail and seeing how it makes you feel.

Pick up 3.5g of Delta-8 THC Moonrocks for just $40. Subscribe to save 15%.

Edibles

Edibles are delicious and highly psychoactive treats that often contain a mix of multiple cannabinoids.

For example, some of the edibles in the Mood Shop are made with a combination of Delta-8, Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9), and Delta-10 THC, along with cannabinoids like CBD and THCp for good measure.

Enjoying edibles is a fantastic way to get high while satisfying your sweet tooth. You can find options for every mood and craving in the Mood Shop, including gummies, popcorn, freezer pops, and much more.

Try a bag of Delta-9 THC Popcorn for just $20. Subscribe to save 15%.

What Are Cannabinoids? FAQs

Q: Are cannabinoids legal?

A: The Farm Bill changed the way that cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and THCp are labeled and regulated. Under this bill, products containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight are classified as hemp, which you can order online or pick up at a local dispensary in many parts of the country.

Any products with a Delta-9 THC concentration higher than 0.3% are labeled marijuana, which is still federally illegal in the US. Fortunately, thanks to the Farm Bill, you can enjoy the effects of cannabinoids via hemp products.

All of the premium cannabis that we sell in the Mood Shop meets the Farm Bill’s standards for hemp products and is third-party tested for quality, consistency, and safety. Before you order, make sure you know your state’s specific regulations for hemp.

Q: How do cannabinoids affect the human body?

A: Cannabinoids have a diverse range of unique effects on the human body, interacting with the central nervous system and the endocannabinoid system to dramatically affect the way that you feel while high.

However, not all cannabinoids are psychoactive; some have effects that act as modulators for psychoactive compounds like THC. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD can balance out your high and make cannabis use more calming and soothing.

Q: How are cannabinoids different from terpenes?

A: Like cannabinoids, terpenes are chemical compounds produced by the trichomes of the cannabis sativa plant. Terpenes aren’t psychoactive, but they impact your cannabis experience by creating the plant cannabis sativa’s unique smells and flavors.

Q: Are cannabinoids approved by the FDA?

A: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t currently approve cannabinoids for use in food or dietary supplements. However, CBD and other cannabinoids are prescribed by doctors for their health effects in other countries.

For example, Sativex, an epilepsy drug, contains cannabinoids derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant and is approved for medical use in certain parts of Europe.

We sell our products for recreational use; only order from the Mood Shop to enjoy the effects of cannabis. If you need pain relief or another form of medical treatment, talk to your doctor.

Premium Cannabis Products From the Mood Shop

If you want to experience the powerful effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, the Mood Shop is home to cannabis sold legally, making it the perfect place to start your journey.

All of our high-quality cannabis products are made with American-grown cannabis and lovingly cultivated to produce specific moods. These are some of our top picks:

Tropicana Cherry Cookies

This incredible Sativa hybrid has flavors of sweet and sour cherry and citrus and an earthy, nutty scent that make it complex and satisfying. With high THCa content and energizing, uplifting effects, it’s an ideal strain for beginners and seasoned vets alike.

Tropicana Cherry Cookies is a 60/40 Sativa-dominant hybrid grown in California. It will leave you with a pleasant buzz and a burst of energy that can get you through weekend chores or a busy workday.

Grab 1g of Tropicana Cherry Cookies flower for just $13. Subscribe to save 15%.

Delta-9 THC Butter Cream Caramels

With a nostalgic flavor and high THC content, these edibles provide a classic high with a calming boost from CBD. Available in gourmet small batches of 10 or 30 candies, they’re sweet, chewy, and an easy way to get high without smoking.

Our Delta-9 Butter Cream Caramels feature 20mg of Delta-9 THC and 20mg of CBD for a balanced ratio that produces a long-lasting high.

Pick up a 10-count of Delta-9 THC Butter Cream Caramels for just $49. Subscribe to save 15%.

Classic Hash

Hash is one of the oldest cannabis concentrates in the world, and it’s also one of the most popular. Made by harvesting the sticky resin produced by the trichomes of the cannabis plant, hash (short for hashish) has incredibly high cannabinoid and terpene content. It’s aromatic, flavorful, and very psychoactive.

You can enjoy hash by mixing it with flower or loading it up onto your dab nail and taking a powerful hit. Our Classic Hash has 63.26% THCa content, making it one of the most potent products in the Mood Shop. You only need a little to experience an intense high.

Grab 1.5g of Classic Hash for just $46. Subscribe to save 15%.

THCa Sour Diesel Disposable Vape

Vaping is a fun, discreet, and convenient way to get high. When you opt for a rechargeable, disposable vape from the Mood Shop, it’s easier than ever to enjoy the intoxicating effects of American-grown cannabis.

With 50.84% THCa content, our Sour Diesel Disposable Vape is an energizing, invigorating mood booster that you can take with you just about anywhere. Made with a premium ceramic coil, it contains a 1g cartridge that features 0.2g of CBD for a happy, balanced high.

Get a THCa Sour Diesel Disposable Vape for just $60. Subscribe to save 15%.

Hero Dose Rapid Onset THC Gummies

With a mix of Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC, these sour watermelon gummies produce intense effects that you’ll feel in less than 15 minutes. The secret ingredient here is 0.5mg of THCp, one of the strongest cannabinoids of them all.

We recommend these gummies for experienced cannabis enthusiasts who want a potent edible that brings on a classic high.

Save $35 or more when you pick up a 30-count of Hero Dose Rapid Onset THC Gummies for just $79. Subscribe to save 15%.

Visit the Mood Shop to browse premium cannabis products based on your mood.

Prices subject to change.