Cannabis is a complex plant containing hundreds of chemical compounds that contribute to its unique effects, aromas, and therapeutic potential. The primary classes of compounds are cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Cannabinoids: The Primary Actors

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps regulate various physiological processes, including mood, pain, appetite, and memory.

Compound	Common Abbreviation	Primary Characteristics	Potential Medical Applications
Tetrahydrocannabinol	THC	Psychoactive; responsible for the "high"	Pain, nausea, appetite stimulation
Cannabidiol	CBD	Non-psychoactive; modulates THC's effects	Inflammation, anxiety, seizures
Cannabigerol	CBG	Non-psychoactive; often called the "Mother Cannabinoid"	Pain, inflammation, neuroprotection
Cannabinol	CBN	Mildly psychoactive; a degradation product of THC	Sleep aid, appetite stimulation
Tetrahydrocannabivarin	THCV	Non-psychoactive at low doses; psychoactive at high doses	Appetite suppression, blood sugar regulation

Terpenes: Aroma and Entourage Effect

Terpenes are volatile aromatic compounds found in the essential oils of plants. In cannabis, they are responsible for the plant's diverse scents—from citrus to pine to diesel. Beyond aroma, terpenes are believed to work synergistically with cannabinoids, an interaction known as the "Entourage Effect."

Below are some of the most common terpenes and their associated properties.

Terpene	Aroma	Effects
Myrcene	Musky, earthy, herbal	Sedating, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory
Limonene	Citrus (lemon, orange)	Mood elevation, stress relief, anti-fungal
Pinene	Pine, fir	Alertness, memory retention, anti-inflammatory
Linalool	Floral, lavender	Calming, anti-anxiety, sedative
Caryophyllene	Spicy, peppery, woody	Anti-inflammatory, pain relief (unique because it binds to the CB2 receptor)
Humulene	Hops, woody, earthy	Anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant

Flavonoids: Pigmentation and Health Benefits

Flavonoids are a large group of plant metabolites found in nearly all fruits and vegetables. They are responsible for the yellow, red, and purple pigmentation in plants and have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

While less studied than cannabinoids and terpenes, flavonoids in cannabis (sometimes called "cannflavins") are thought to contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic profile.

Key Cannabis Flavonoids

• Quercetin: A powerful antioxidant also found in kale and tea.
• Apigenin: Known for anti-inflammatory and anxiety-reducing properties.
• Cannflavin A, B, and C: Unique to the cannabis plant and are being studied for their potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Understanding the Entourage Effect

The "Entourage Effect" is a theory suggesting that the various compounds in the cannabis plant—cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—work better together than they do in isolation. For example, some research suggests that CBD may lessen the anxiety or paranoia sometimes associated with high-THC products, and certain terpenes may enhance or mitigate the effects of specific cannabinoids.

The choice between a full-spectrum product (containing all compounds), a broad-spectrum product (containing most compounds but no THC), or an isolate (containing only one cannabinoid, like CBD) depends on an individual's desired effects and reaction to the Entourage Effect.