The past years were great for cannabis—more states legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use and granted many more people access to the benefits of the plant.
So, as cannabis continues to grow in popularity, let’s look at the top 10 cannabinoids of 2024.
10 Best Cannabinoids & Their Effects
Before we get into that, it’s important to note that marijuana contains hundreds of cannabinoids, and while THC is the most popular one, there are lesser-known cannabinoids on the market that provide satisfaction to consumers.
Which cannabinoids are best for pain? Which cannabinoids are best for stress?
In no particular order, let’s discuss the top 10 cannabinoids and their benefits.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
We may not be writing this cannabinoids list and their effects in order of importance, but when it comes to ranking cannabinoids, delta-9 sits top of the top 10 cannabinoids because of several important aspects.
Delta-9, also commonly referred to as just “THC,” is the most abundant psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.
This novel cannabinoid is primarily responsible for getting you high and giggly — the feelings that most people seek when enjoying marijuana.
Because of the psychoactive levels of delta-9 THC, the cannabinoid is highly regulated in the United States.
Hemp-derived products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC, and only states with legalized medical or recreational cannabis can have products with higher levels of D9.
That being said, if you’re in need of a medical card for a low cost, Elevate Holistics has you covered. With a medical card, you can access delta-9 THC products of all types.
Benefits of Delta-9
While delta-9 is most noted for its psychoactive properties, it has several benefits and therapeutic uses.
THC can help relieve symptoms of the following complications:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pain
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Opioid Use Disorder
Delta-8 THC
No list of the top 10 cannabinoids is complete without delta-8 THC. It is one of the best synthetic cannabinoids for users who want to experiment with a mild high that is not as intense as delta-9 THC.
If you make a THC cannabinoid list, delta-8 will surely be in it.
This cannabinoid has recently grown in popularity because it can be derived from hemp, and thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is legal all over the country.
So, even in states where medical marijuana is not legal, you may find delta-8 in stores. However, this does depend. Click here to learn more about D8 legality in your state.
Delta-8 occurs naturally in marijuana and hemp, but most products contain synthetic D8. That does not mean the products are unsafe; producers test them and ensure they go through the strictest quality checks.
Delta-8 is psychoactive and can get you high, but it is much less potent than delta-9.
This makes it ideal for those with high anxiety levels who may not do well with D9.
So, if you find marijuana too potent but don’t want to do away with the high altogether, this is one of the best cannabinoids for you.
Benefits of Delta-8 THC
As one of the best synthetic cannabinoids, it’s no surprise that delta-8 THC has several benefits and therapeutic properties, including the following:
- Pain relief
- It may help with insomnia
- Appetite stimulation
- Anti-emetic
- Anxiolytic properties
Delta-10 THC
Delta-10 THC is found in small amounts in marijuana, and like Delta-9 THC, it can get you high. However, it is less potent than delta-9, so the high is milder.
Producers usually make Delta-10 from hemp-derived CBD, and hemp is legal federally.
However, check the legal status of Delta-10 before you go and buy it. Also, make sure you buy only lab-tested products.
Benefits of Delta-10
The benefits of Delta-10 include the following:
- Stress relief
- Anxiety relief
- Energizing
CBD (Cannabidiol)
It is impossible to talk about the top 10 cannabinoids and their effects without mentioning the second most popular cannabinoid after THC.
CBD’s biggest attraction is that it can deliver the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects of THC.
It is a big draw for patients who want marijuana only for wellness and have no interest in getting high.
According to the CDC, “CBD is not impairing, meaning it does not cause a high.” The WHO also said, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential… To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
CBD is another cannabinoid whose legality is not in question because, according to the 2018 Farm Bill, the cannabinoid is federally permitted. However, it must be hemp-derived and cannot contain more than 0.3% THC.
CBD products are widely available in stores all over the country, and you can find products in the following forms, oils, topicals, capsules, vapes, patches, and extracts.
Benefits of CBD
Thanks to the soothing, non-psychoactive properties of CBD, it is one of the best cannabinoids around. It has various benefits that include the following:
- Helps reduce anxiety
- Insomnia relief
- Pain relief
- Addiction treatment
CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN, which stands for cannabinol, is one of the cannabinoids that can provide therapeutic relief without causing intoxication.
The cannabinol compound forms when you expose cannabis to heat and oxygen; the THC in cannabis then undergoes a process known as decarboxylation.
CBN is commonly found in dried and aged marijuana.
CBD and CBN may sound alike, but they are not the same. CBD exists independently in the cannabis plant, but CBN is derived from THC.
Also, CBN is expensive because, unlike CBD, it does not occur in abundant quantities in the marijuana plant.
You may think CBN is psychoactive because it is from THC, but that’s not true.
If you’re looking for a cannabinoid that can deliver therapeutic benefits without psychoactivity, CBN is safe to use.
Benefits of CBN
One of the most popular therapeutic uses of CBN is as a sleep aid, and we have discussed that extensively here.
According to the CDC, lack of sleep is linked to chronic diseases and conditions—such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression.
Given that a third of American adults report that they don’t get enough sleep, the benefits of CBN for sleep make it one of the best cannabinoids on the list of cannabinoids.
Apart from sleep, other benefits of CBN include the following:
- It may be helpful for glaucoma
- Appetite stimulation
- Anti-inflammation
- Sedative properties
- Maybe a neuroprotectant
- Antibacterial properties
CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG is another one of the top 10 cannabinoids that occurs in trace amounts in the marijuana plant, but it is far more significant than its quantities suggest.
It is not the first cannabinoid to pop into your mind when you think of a list of cannabinoids and their effects, but that does not mean it doesn’t have its uses.
CBG was first synthesized in 1964, and it is often called the mother of all cannabinoids because other cannabinoids are derived from its acidic form, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).
Both CBD and THC begin as CBGA.
CBG is found in younger cannabis plants. Mature plants have a lower concentration of CBG because most of it has been converted to CBDA and THCA, the acidic forms of CBD and THC.
Despite the connection to THC, CBG is not psychoactive and does not make users high.
Benefits of CBG
Research studies of CBG indicate the following benefits:
- It may help treat glaucoma
- Anti-inflammatory
- It may help treat Huntington’s disease
- Antibacterial properties
- Appetite stimulation
CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBC is not as popular as THC and CBD, but one thing it has in common with the more popular cannabinoids is that it is also gotten from CBGA.
The cannabichromene compound is not psychoactive, so it’s another great choice for patients who want therapeutic benefits without getting high.
CBC works with other cannabinoids in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect to provide a richer, fuller experience when you use cannabis.
Benefits of CBC
The benefits of CBC include the following:
- Potential cancer inhibitor
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Potential acne treatment
- Potential antidepressant
HHC: (Hexahydrocannabinol)
In 1947, chemist Roger Adams created HHC — short for hexahydrocannabinol — from natural THC.
HHC is chemically similar to THC, but HHC has more hydrogen. Because HHC is synthesized from THC, it is a bonafide member of the THC cannabinoid list.
If you buy HHC products, you can be almost certain that the HHC in them is synthetic because HHC is not often obtained from naturally occurring cannabinoids.
Benefits of HHC
There’s not much research to verify the reported effects and benefits of HHC, but it’s a cannabinoid, and like every other cannabinoid, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system.
Users claim it has similar effects to THC, but you’ll have to use it to be sure. Fortunately, you can find HHC products in licensed dispensaries.
Importantly, products in licensed dispensaries have gone through rigorous quality control checks, so they are safe to use.
THCP (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphoral)
THCP is a new entrant into the ever-expanding field of cannabinoids and another member of the THC cannabinoid list. A few years ago, THCP would not have made the list of cannabinoids.
Italian scientists discovered the cannabinoid in 2019, so there’s still much we don’t know about it.
THCP occurs in very low concentrations in the cannabis plant; a typical cannabis plant contains only 0.1% THCP compared to 30% THC.
Does THCP get you high?
It appears so. When THCP enters the body, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which contains the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.
Research has found that THCP binds to CB1 33 times more often than THC.
The high feeling you get from marijuana happens when THC binds with the CB1 receptor. This means that THCP could produce a high up to 33 times more potent than THC.
Consumers report feeling the same effects as THC when they take THCP, but the effects are stronger.
Benefits of THCP
As we said, THCP is still a very new cannabinoid, and scientists must conduct more research to ascertain its benefits.
You can read our detailed article on THCP here.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Rounding up our list of the top 10 cannabinoids, we have THCV — a long-standing member of the THC cannabinoid list.
THCV has a chemical structure similar to THC, but it has a propyl side chain instead of a pentyl in THC.
Some people refer to THCV as the younger brother of THC but with less potent effects. In fact, most people will not pick up on the super-subtle psychoactive effects the compound brings.
Unlike THCP, THCV is not a new cannabinoid.
Scientists discovered THCV in 1973, only nine years after Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol was discovered and isolated.
THCV is sometimes called the “diet weed” because of its appetite-suppressant qualities. Its ability to curb appetite has made it very popular among those looking for a natural remedy to weight gain.
This ability to aid weight management makes THCV one of the top 10 cannabinoids because it helps solve one of the public health challenges that plague America today.
Benefits of THCV
The benefits of THCV include the following:
- Antioxidant
- Pain killer
- Anti-inflammatory
- Appetite-suppressant
- Improved insulin response
Which Cannabinoid is the Strongest?
The answer is not straightforward, as the potency and effects vary significantly among different cannabinoids. Each has unique properties and potential therapeutic benefits. Here’s a summary of various cannabinoids, including their key benefits and relative potencies.
| Cannabinoid | Benefits | Potency |
|---|---|---|
| Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) | Potentially stronger psychoactive effects than THC (needs more research) | Very high psychoactive potency, potentially higher than Delta-9 THC |
| Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) | Anxiety and depression relief, insomnia relief, appetite stimulation, pain relief, nausea reduction, seizure control, opioid use disorder treatment | High psychoactive potency |
| Delta-8 THC | Pain relief, insomnia help, appetite stimulation, anti-emetic, anxiolytic properties | Moderate to high psychoactive potency, less than Delta-9 THC |
| Cannabinol (CBN) | Sleep aid, potential glaucoma treatment, appetite stimulation, anti-inflammatory, sedative properties, potential neuroprotectant, antibacterial properties | Mild psychoactive effects |
| Delta-10 THC | Stress and anxiety relief, energizing effects | Lower psychoactive potency compared to Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC |
| Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) | Antioxidant, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, appetite-suppressant, improved insulin response | Lower psychoactive potency, with some appetite-suppressant properties |
| Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) | Similar effects to THC (subjective user reports) | Potency varies, often compared to THC |
| Cannabidiol (CBD) | Anxiety reduction, insomnia relief, pain relief, addiction treatment | Non-psychoactive |
| Cannabigerol (CBG) | Potential glaucoma treatment, anti-inflammatory, potential Huntington’s disease treatment, antibacterial properties, appetite stimulation | Non-psychoactive |
| Cannabichromene (CBC) | Potential cancer inhibitor, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, potential acne and depression treatment | Non-psychoactive |
Elevate Holistics: Your Source for Accurate Cannabinoid Information
There you have it, a round-up of the top 10 cannabinoids of 2024.
No matter the year, Elevate Holistics is here to provide you with an unrivaled marijuana service that will set you on the path to health and wellness. If you need anything marijuana-related, talk to us.
We can help you fix an appointment with a qualified marijuana doctor or sort your MMJ card application. Click here to get approved online in minutes.
