Happy National CBD Day! If you’ve ever looked at a product label and wondered what “CBD,” “CBG” or “CBN” actually mean, you’re not alone. Let’s walk through the main cannabinoids and what they can do for you.
Visit us in Pennington on August 8, 2025, and get 30% off on select CBD products.
What are Cannabinoids?
Think of cannabinoids as the active plant compounds in cannabis that work with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a built-in network that helps keep things like mood, sleep, appetite, and pain in balance.
It all starts with CBGA, the “mother” compound. As the plant grows, enzymes transform CBGA into different acidic cannabinoids like CBDA, THCA, and CBCA which then become CBD, THC and others when heated.
Each strain’s genetics determine what it produces more of. A high-THC strain? More THCA synthase. A high-CBD strain? More CBDA synthase.
Meet the Cannabinoids:
Cannabigerol (CBG): the one all other cannabinoids come from
- In the plant: Known as the “mother cannabinoid.” In early growth, almost all cannabinoids exist as CBGA. As the plant matures, enzymes convert CBGA into other cannabinoids, leaving only trace amounts of CBG in the mature plant.
- How it hits:
- No high; clear-headed and functional
- Great for:
- Regulating appetite
- Alleviating pain and inflammation
- Calming an upset stomach before a big meeting
- Taking the edge off PMS bloating
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): the most famous cannabinoid
- In the plant: CBGA + THCA synthase = THCA, which becomes THC when heated.
- How it hits:
- The one that gets you high. It can be euphoric, relaxing and so much more.
- Great for:
- Melting into your couch
- Cleaning the whole house
- Turning grocery shopping into a treasure hunt
- Debating if cereal is soup
Cannabidiol (CBD): a light calm and a great inflammation fighter
- In the plant: CBGA + CBDA synthase = CBDA, which becomes CBD when heated.
- How it hits:
- no high; clear-headed calm.
- Great for:
- Recovering after a long run
- Cooling achy joints after gardening
- Staying comfortable on a long plane ride
- Staying loose while playing with the grandkids
CBC: the brain booster
- In the plant: CBGA + CBCA synthase = CBCA, which becomes CBC when heated.
- How it hits:
- no high; known for it’s mood-boosting, brain-protective and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Great for:
- Pushing through that brain fog
- Boosting your mood on a rainy day
- Learning a new skill
- Easing shoulder inflammation after arm day
CBN: the sleepytime sidekick
- In the plant: Forms when THC ages and oxidizes into CBNA, which becomes CBN when heated. This is why an old stash can often make you feel sleepy.
- How it hits:
- creates a very mild high and more body-focused relaxation
- Great for:
- Winding down before bed
- Staying asleep
- Quieting a restless mind
Cannabinoid Ratios
Sometimes cannabinoids work best as a team. That’s the entourage effect—where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. You might see products labeled 1:1 CBD:THC for a balanced experience or 2:1 CBN:CBD for nighttime support. Knowing what each cannabinoid brings to the table makes it easier to choose products that fit your needs and lifestyle.
Want to see how this all comes together for you? Everyone’s body and goals are different, so the right cannabinoid mix can look totally different from one person to the next. Stop by and we can walk you through your options, talk about what you’re hoping to feel (or not feel), and help you find something that actually fits your lifestyle.
Visit Pure Blossom for Cannabis and Other Essentials
Pure Blossom is a woman-owned and -operated, licensed dispensary. Founded on the values of education, destigmatization and community, Pure Blossom is creating a truly welcoming cannabis retail experience with a curated menu of New Jersey’s worthy cannabis products, an emphasis on increasing customer knowledge and a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Whether you’re doing the old Google thing, searching for a dispensary near me or nearby dispensaries in New Jersey, Pure Blossom is a short, scenic, calming drive away, and our friendly guide-connoisseurs are excited to take you through the best Jersey-Grown greens (and other essentials). We’ll see you there!