The world of CBD has been abuzz with excitement over minor cannabinoid isolates. Intriguing new products containing these compounds may be capable of more targeted applications that achieve a specific effect, which has made them the subject of much study.
For retailers, products with minor cannabinoid isolates may offer an opportunity to expand their market to include new customers. Most importantly, these exciting products may be able to help more people by providing a specific set of effects uniquely suited to their needs.
This article will help you learn the basics about minor cannabinoid isolates and why they’re the next big thing for the hemp industry as you explore the following sections:
- What are Minor Cannabinoids?
- Why are Minor Cannabinoid Isolates Important?
- # Most Notable Minor Cannabinoids and Their Intended Effects
What are Minor Cannabinoids?
Minor cannabinoids are any non-THC and non-CBD cannabinoid compound found in the hemp and cannabis plants. They include compounds such as cannibigerol (CBG), Cannabichromene (CBC) and Delta-8 THC, to name a few. When isolated, these compounds can produce different effects from the major cannabinoids CBD and THC.
When most people think of the hemp plant, they tend to think of the two major cannabinoids — CBD and THC. THC is the psychoactive component found in the cannabis plant and the hemp plant, though industrial hemp is not allowed to contain more than 0.3% THC, rendering it a non-factor in hemp products. CBD is present in both the hemp and cannabis plants, and is a non-psychoactive compound that interacts with the endocannabinoid system and has been found to produce a wide range of effects.
The term minor cannabinoid encompasses a wide range of compounds found in the hemp plant. Because the structure of these compounds is different from either THC or CBD, they produce slightly different effects. These different effects are still being studied, but there is reason to suspect that they have unique applications for which THC or CBD may not be effective.
Why are Minor Cannabinoid Isolates Important?
Minor cannabinoid isolates are important because they may represent a way for hemp products to target specific issues for customers. While CBD is highly touted, and has been shown by studies to have several benefits, the main obstacle in the proper implementation of CBD is the difficulty in isolating its effects. Minor cannabinoid isolates, on the other hand, seem to have a much smaller range of effects than CBD. This could make them far more useful when it comes to targeted applications.
The 5 Most Notable Minor Cannabinoids and Their Intended Effects
As you might have expected, there are dozens of different minor cannabinoids contained within the hemp plant. However, within this wide range of compounds there are a few that stand out as having exciting applications for human consumption.
Here are five of the most notable minor cannabinoids along with a brief description of their observed effects and potential applications.
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN is mostly notable for its sedative effects. While the mechanisms are not currently understood, it appears to cause drowsiness in a majority of people who consume it. As it stands, more research needs to be completed in order to determine the exact potency of these effects.
Should research indicate more positives, it could lead to exciting applications for this minor cannabinoid. Most notably, it could potentially be used as a sleep aid since intense drowsiness is its most prevalent effect.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
CBC is a non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid that scientists have known about for quite some time, though its benefits were only recently uncovered. Some evidence suggests that CBC may play a role in mood elevation and be capable of enhancing the effects of other cannabinoids via the entourage effect.
Cannabichromene may be most useful as either a catalyst for other cannabinoids or as a mood stabilizer. Provided that research continues to show positives, it could prove to be a beneficial compound for mental health.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Often called the “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG is the starting point for all other cannabinoids. In its state as CBG, the compound is non-intoxicating, which makes it ripe for a wider range of applications.
Right now, most research seems to indicate that CBG has many of the same benefits that THC does but without the intoxicating effects. Some of the effects that have been observed include inflammation reduction, pain reduction and soothing effects on nausea.
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC is a variant of the THC compound and is known for producing several similar effects. The compound is psychoactive, much like THC, though its effects are less potent and not as long lasting. In small doses, it can be used to provide the relaxation benefits of THC without as much potency.
Lately, Delta-8 has gained significant popularity in states where cannabis is not yet legal for either medical or recreational consumption. This is because the compound is legal to sell in most states and has psychoactive elements that are very similar to THC. This has led to it being used as a sort of “workaround” for those who wish to use recreational cannabis but don’t want to risk breaking the law. For a more detailed explanation of Delta-8 THC, check out our article What is Delta-8.
CBD-A
CBD-A is a minor cannabinoid that has been touted for its anti-inflammatory effects. Most people hope that this compound can be used as a natural replacement for some NSAIDS as CBD-A does not degrade the stomach lining like these medications do.
Add Hemp-Derived Minor Cannabinoid Products to Your Retail Operation
Minor cannabinoids are poised to be the next big thing in hemp products, and several retailers and manufacturers have already begun to add minor cannabinoid isolates to their lineup. At US Hemp Wholesale we carry several products, such as hemp oil tinctures, that contain isolates of notable minor cannabinoids.
Don’t get left behind as the industry embraces these exciting compounds. Add minor cannabinoid products to your lineup today. Contact us or fill out our vendor form to see how we can help you add minor cannabinoid isolates to your list of product offerings.