Thought CBD was alone in the world? Think again. The hemp plant is a genuine molecular factory producing a whole family of compounds with barbaric names: CBN, CBG, CBC and many more. Each has its personality, its effects, its little character. We'll introduce you to this big cannabinoid family, with no needless jargon, so you finally know who does what. Spoiler: some are here to help you sleep, others for something else entirely.
What is a cannabinoid, exactly?
A cannabinoid is a molecule naturally produced by the hemp plant. There are over a hundred of them, and they all interact with your endocannabinoid system, that famous network of receptors spread across your body which regulates sleep, mood, appetite and much more. CBD is the best known, but it has a whole crew of little brothers and sisters worth getting to know.
There are two main categories: natural cannabinoids, directly present in the plant, and cannabinoids obtained through transformation, which are more powerful. Let's focus first on the natural ones, those you'll come across most often.
CBN: the sandman
CBN (cannabinol) is the cannabinoid most associated with sleep and deep relaxation. It forms naturally over time, as the plant matures. If you're looking for a cannabinoid for those moments when you really want to let go at the end of the day, CBN is where we point you. It's the quiet cousin of the family, the one who never fidgets and invites you to slow down.
You can explore our dedicated CBN selection if this profile speaks to you.
CBG: the mother molecule
CBG (cannabigerol) carries a flattering nickname: it's called the "mother molecule", because it's from CBG that the plant synthesises the other cannabinoids during its growth. It's in a sense the ancestor everyone descends from. Present in small amounts in the mature plant, it's attracting growing interest for its own properties and distinct profile.
Discover our CBG range to learn more.
CBC: the discreet one
CBC (cannabichromene) gets less media attention than its cousins, but it has its rightful place in the family. Like the other cannabinoids, it takes part in what's called the entourage effect: that synergy where all the plant's molecules work together to produce a richer result than each one taken alone. CBC is the discreet member of the team, the one that makes no noise but contributes to the overall harmony.
CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC: what are the differences?
All these cannabinoids come from the same plant and interact with the same system, but each has its profile. Here's a recap to find your way.
| Cannabinoid | Nickname | Associated with |
|---|---|---|
| CBD | The popular one | Relaxation, calm |
| CBN | The sandman | Sleep, rest |
| CBG | The mother molecule | Origin of cannabinoids |
| CBC | The discreet one | Entourage effect |
And the more powerful molecules?
Beyond the classic natural cannabinoids, there are molecules with a far more intense and pronounced effect, sought by connoisseurs who want a stronger experience. These molecules deliver powerful sensations, sometimes close to a genuine "high", and are aimed at an informed audience that knows what it's doing. They're not made for beginners.
If you're after this kind of strength, our section dedicated to molecules gathers the most intense products in our catalogue. But we insist: start gently and respect your own experience.
Key takeaway: the cannabinoid family is vast. CBD for relaxation, CBN for sleep, CBG as the origin molecule, CBC for the entourage effect, and more powerful molecules for the initiated. There's something for every profile.
How to choose the right cannabinoid?
It all depends on what you're looking for. For everyday relaxation, CBD remains the safe bet. For evenings when you want to slow down and sleep well, head towards CBN. And if you're an explorer after stronger sensations, the powerful molecules await, provided you approach them with respect. In every case, our team and our product pages are here to guide you to the right choice.