Cannabinoids are natural compounds produced by the hemp plant. More than 100 are known. The best known is THC, which is psychoactive. CBGold does not sell THC. We focus on the non-psychoactive cannabinoids from industrial hemp.
The endocannabinoid system
In the early 1990s researchers discovered the endocannabinoid system (ECS): a signalling system in the human body made up of receptors, the body’s own endocannabinoids and enzymes. Scientific research into the ECS and into plant cannabinoids is ongoing.
How cannabinoids are extracted
Cannabinoids are extracted from hemp flowers and leaves, for example with CO₂ or ethanol. The extract is then refined into:
- Isolate – a single cannabinoid, purity 98–99%+.
- Distillate – a refined oil with a high cannabinoid content.
- Full spectrum – an extract that keeps the natural mix of cannabinoids and terpenes of the plant.
CBD – cannabidiol
CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in industrial hemp and one of the most studied. It has the same molecular formula as THC (C₂₁H₃₀O₂) but a different structure, and it is not psychoactive. The World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances in 2018.
CBG – cannabigerol
CBG is often called the “mother of cannabinoids”: its acid form, CBGA, is the first cannabinoid the plant makes. Most hemp contains less than 1% CBG. CBG is not psychoactive; research is still at an early stage.
CBC – cannabichromene
CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that forms in the plant from CBGA, via its acid form CBCA. Scientific interest is growing, but research is still at an early stage.
CBN – cannabinol
CBN forms naturally when cannabinoids in the plant age and oxidise, for example through exposure to light and air. Research into CBN is ongoing.
CBL – cannabicyclol
CBL is a rare minor cannabinoid that forms when CBC is exposed to light. Very little research has been done on it so far.
Our products are not medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For adults (18+) only.