The precursors and major cannabinoids

Full name. Cannabigerolic acid and cannabigerol.

Family. Major precursor and neutral cannabinoid.

CBGA occupies a central place in the plant's biosynthesis. Specialised enzymes convert it into CBDA, CBCA or THCA. Some CBGA can also decarboxylate into CBG.

CBG is generally scarce in classic varieties, but some varieties have been selected to produce more of it. It is not considered intoxicating at usual concentrations. Its biological mechanisms are being studied, but clinical data in humans remain limited; it should therefore be presented as a molecule of scientific interest, without attributing an established therapeutic function to it.

Full name. Cannabidiolic acid and cannabidiol.

Family. Major cannabinoid.

CBDA is produced from CBGA by the enzyme CBDA synthase. It gradually converts into CBD under the effect of heat and time. CBD is one of the most studied phytocannabinoids and does not cause the intoxication characteristic of THC.

CBD acts through several biological pathways and is not simply a direct blocker of CB1 or CB2. Medicines containing purified cannabidiol have precise indications in certain forms of epilepsy, with medically supervised doses and monitoring. This does not mean the same effects can be attributed to every consumer product containing CBD.

CBD can alter the action of certain medicines and can cause, depending on dose and person, drowsiness, digestive upset or changes in liver enzymes. If you are undergoing treatment, pregnant, breastfeeding or living with a chronic illness, advice from a health professional is recommended.

Full name. Cannabichromenic acid and cannabichromene.

Family. Major or secondary cannabinoid depending on the variety.

CBCA is formed from CBGA by CBCA synthase, and can then decarboxylate into CBC. CBC is not considered intoxicating. It interacts weakly with CB1 and CB2 and is of interest mainly to preclinical research on other targets, notably certain channels of the TRP family.

Work on CBC remains mostly cellular or animal. Its interest in a recipe therefore lies chiefly in the diversity of the cannabinoid profile; no specific clinical promise should be attached to it.

Full name. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Family. Major cannabinoid with regulated status.

THCA is the acid form mainly produced by THC-type varieties. It does not usually produce the same intoxicating effect as delta-9-THC, but it converts into THC under the effect of heat and can also evolve during storage.

Delta-9-THC is a partial agonist of the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It can affect perception, short-term memory, attention, coordination and heart rate. The response varies with dose, route of administration, tolerance and context.

In France, THC falls under the narcotics regime, except for strictly regulated exceptions. The 0.3% threshold concerns in particular the conditions applicable to authorised hemp; it does not constitute a general authorisation for every finished product. Any reference to THC must therefore be checked against the product's category and the law in force.