Beyond THC and CBD: Decoding CBN, CBG, THCV, and Delta-8 Effects for Sleep, Pain, and Anxiety

The cannabis plant contains a vast array of biologically active molecules; there are over 100 known cannabinoids and no less than 144 new molecules have been identified in the plant, which are called cannabinoids. The major cannabinoids discussed are Delta-9 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). Most of the others, like CBN, CBG, and THCV, exist at trace levels and generally, science does not understand the biology of most minor cannabinoids at this point.

The distinctions among the Delta variants are purely chemical: Delta-9 THC is the variant naturally produced by the plant. Delta-8 and Delta-10 are chemically identical to Delta-9 THC except for the position of a single double bond on the ring structure. Unlike Delta-9, Delta-8 and Delta-10 are typically converted from either CBD molecules or Delta-9 in a laboratory setting.

The idea that these minor compounds influence the subjective experience (for pain, sleep, or anxiety) is widely referred to as the Entourage Effect. This theory posits that THC combined with other molecules, such as terpenes or minor cannabinoids, creates a different effect than isolated THC. However, the entourage effect remains a theory that is not definitively known in any way, as there is virtually no formal research to rigorously test it.

Specific findings on minor compounds include:

• CBG (Cannabigerol): Researchers are studying CBG, which is less familiar than THC or CBD. First tests indicate that CBG could be very effective against stress and certain skin inflammations.
• CBN (Cannabinol): CBN is less often discussed than THC or CBD. While many anecdotal reports suggest CBN is beneficial for sleep/insomnia, the formal data on its efficacy and mechanisms remains elusive.

The audience is deeply confused by the proliferation of products containing these lesser-known or converted cannabinoids, such as Delta-8 and CBG, alongside the established THC/CBD categories. They rely heavily on anecdotal evidence for specific therapeutic claims (e.g., CBN for insomnia), but the sheer number of options leaves them unsure what to choose for complex conditions like anxiety, pain, and sleep. There is particular anxiety among those who have used high doses of these newer, often unregulated, converted products (like 1000 mg Delta-8 edibles nightly), asking if long-term brain damage can be reversed. This confusion stems from the conflict between aggressive marketing (which stamps CBD/CBG on everything, sometimes with a "snake oil feel") and the lack of scientific clarity.

Approach the consumption of non-Delta-9, non-CBD products—especially those derived from chemical conversion (Delta-8, Delta-10)—with extreme caution, as the full biological effects are understudied. Since the Entourage Effect is still only a theory, base your choices primarily on the established ratio of THC to CBD (Type 1: High THC; Type 2: Balanced; Type 3: High CBD) rather than relying on claims about trace components or specific terpenes.

• Andrew Huberman / Dr. Matthew Hill: Huberman introduced the topic by acknowledging the existence of 70+ psychoactive compounds and the categorization of strains by THC:CBD ratio (Type 1/2/3). Dr. Hill provided clarity by framing the Entourage Effect as an unproven theory and highlighting that terpenes and minor cannabinoids exist at such low levels that subjective effects are likely influenced heavily by expectancy bias. Both emphasized that scientific understanding of these minor components is severely lacking.
• Amber Wise: Provided precise chemical clarity on the emerging Delta variants, explaining that Delta-8 and Delta-10 are converted (not naturally occurring dominantly) and only differ from Delta-9 by the position of a double bond. She confirmed that cannabis is typically selectively bred for high THC content, leaving other cannabinoids scarce.
• ENDEVR Documentary (Raphael Mechoulam): Provided research context, noting that no fewer than 144 cannabinoids have been identified since the initial discovery of THC. The documentary provided specific, albeit nascent, findings on CBG, stating that it is being studied to create new strains and shows potential efficacy against stress and skin inflammations.

If using cannabinoids for health purposes, focus on products with a high, certified CBD component (Type 3 or Type 2) to buffer the psychoactive effects of THC and rely less on unproven minor cannabinoids.

• Mistake: Assuming that Delta-8 products are inherently safer or medically superior because they are legally marketed where Delta-9 is not.
  Fix: Delta-8 and Delta-10 are chemically modified from CBD or Delta-9. Chronic, high-dose use of any THC variant (including Delta-8, as noted in audience questions) should be treated as a significant exposure risk, especially to the developing brain.
• Mistake: Relying on CBN products (gummies, oils) to solve severe insomnia, due to widespread anecdotal claims.
  Fix: While chronic users often report a benefit when switching to CBN, the sources emphasize that the low doses found in most commercial edible products (2–25 mg) are unlikely to be clinically effective and are often below the necessary threshold seen in medical studies.
• Mistake: Assuming that a full-spectrum extract (containing all minor cannabinoids and terpenes) guarantees a better effect because of the Entourage Effect.
  Fix: While the Entourage Effect is a widely held theory, the mechanism and clinical relevance of low-level terpenes/cannabinoids are highly contested and lack blinded research, suggesting subjective experiences may be driven by expectation bias.

While cannabis contains a chemical treasure trove of potential therapeutic molecules (upwards of 144 identified), the scientific data on the therapeutic efficacy of minor cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, and THCV remains extremely limited, often lagging far behind market trends and anecdotal reports. The proliferation of converted compounds like Delta-8 and Delta-10 introduces further complexity; their structure is slightly altered from natural Delta-9 THC, and their long-term health risks, especially at high doses, mirror the primary concerns associated with heavy Delta-9 THC consumption. For consumers seeking predictable effects for sleep, anxiety, or pain, focusing on verified THC:CBD ratios remains the most evidence-informed strategy.