Cannabinoids are the naturally-occurring compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Out of the 113 cannabinoids discovered and isolated, the three best known are THC, CBD, and CBN.
THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the ‘high’ one experiences when smoking or ingesting marijuana. It activates the CB1 receptor in the brain which produces the intoxicating feeling. It also has many known therapeutic benefits.
Cannabidiol has a direct effect on the brain as well, however, it’s not intoxicating like THC because it doesn’t activate the CB1 receptor but instead inhibits it. CBD helps to activate the CB2 receptors located throughout the body.