The most common cannabinoids in hemp are CBD and CBDA, followed by CBC, CBG and CBGA, CBN, CBDV, and trace amounts of THC and THCV. In most processed hemp, CBD is the dominant cannabinoid by volume, while raw hemp flower often contains more CBDA than CBD. Under U.S. law, hemp is cannabis with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
more on this topic
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are compounds produced by the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp and marijuana come from the same species; the terms are used differently in law and commerce. More than 100 cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis, and hemp cultivars usually express a narrow set of them at high levels.
How Many Cannabinoids Are in Cannabis Sativa? A Clear Guide
Many cannabinoids exist in two forms. In fresh plant material, they often appear as acidic cannabinoids such as CBDA, CBGA, and THCA. Heat, storage, and processing can remove the acid group through decarboxylation. That is why a raw hemp label may list CBDA, while a heated hemp extract may list CBD.
Cannabinoids List for Medical Use
The Most Common Cannabinoids in Hemp
Typical hemp profiles center on CBD and its raw form, CBDA. Other cannabinoids appear at lower levels, but they are still common enough to show up on certificates of analysis.
- CBD (cannabidiol): The best-known hemp cannabinoid. It is non-intoxicating and is often the highest neutral cannabinoid in processed hemp.
- CBDA (cannabidiolic acid): The acidic form of CBD. Raw hemp flower can contain more CBDA than CBD, and heat converts CBDA to CBD.
- CBC (cannabichromene): A minor cannabinoid found in many hemp cultivars. It is non-intoxicating, and research on its effects is ongoing.
- CBG (cannabigerol) and CBGA (cannabigerolic acid): CBGA is a precursor that helps the plant form other cannabinoids. CBG usually appears at low levels in hemp, though some cultivars are bred for it.
- CBN (cannabinol): Often linked to older cannabis because THC can degrade into CBN. Fresh, compliant hemp usually has little CBN.
- CBDV (cannabidivarin): A minor cannabinoid with a structure similar to CBD. It is common in some hemp genetics but usually low in concentration.
- THC and THCV: Compliant hemp contains only trace delta-9 THC. THCV may appear in small amounts, and it is different from delta-9 THC.
CBD and CBDA: The Dominant Pair
Most hemp is bred for CBD, so CBD and CBDA do most of the work in a typical cannabinoid profile. A flower sample may test high in CBDA and lower in CBD. An extract that has been heated may show the reverse. Neither form is intoxicating like delta-9 THC, but they are not interchangeable on a lab report.
When you compare hemp products, check whether the label lists total CBD, CBD, and CBDA separately. Total CBD usually combines CBD with CBDA using a conversion factor. This matters because raw hemp and heated hemp can have different cannabinoid totals even when they come from the same plant.
CBC, CBG, CBN, and CBDV: The Secondary Cannabinoids
Secondary cannabinoids are common in hemp, but usually at lower levels than CBD. CBC and CBG are non-intoxicating. CBN is often discussed as a sleep-related cannabinoid, but evidence is limited and it is not a substitute for medical advice. CBDV is less studied and usually appears in small amounts.
Hemp genetics matter here. Some cultivars produce more CBG or CBC than others, and a certificate of analysis is the best way to see the actual profile. A product that lists several minor cannabinoids is not automatically stronger or better; it simply has a broader profile.
Trace Cannabinoids in Hemp
Hemp can contain trace amounts of delta-9 THC, THCA, THCV, and other cannabinoids. The legal limit for delta-9 THC in U.S. hemp is 0.3% on a dry weight basis. THCA can convert to delta-9 THC when heated, so total THC testing matters for compliance and for consumers who want to avoid intoxication.
Why Hemp's Cannabinoid Profile Varies
- Genetics: Cultivars are bred for different cannabinoid ratios.
- Harvest timing: Cannabinoid levels change as the plant matures.
- Processing: Drying, heating, and extraction can convert acidic cannabinoids to neutral forms.
- Storage: Light, heat, and oxygen can change cannabinoid levels over time.
- Testing: Lab methods and sample handling affect reported results.
How to Read a Hemp Cannabinoid Label
A useful hemp label lists total THC, total CBD, CBD, CBDA, and minor cannabinoids. Look for batch-specific testing and a date. The most common cannabinoids in hemp will usually be CBD and CBDA, but the exact ratio depends on the product. If a label lists only CBD and no other cannabinoids, ask for the full certificate of analysis.