What are Cannabinoids

The effects you feel from cannabis products, whether that's a wave of calm and relaxation or a sharper sense of focus, all come down to cannabinoids. If you've ever explored options from our 1906 collection, you've already experienced them firsthand.

But cannabinoids aren't just found in cannabis, and they don't all work the same way.

In this guide, we’ll break down what cannabinoids are, how they interact with your body, the different types you’ll encounter, and what to consider when choosing cannabinoid-based products.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds produced by the cannabis sativa plant. They're found throughout the leaves and flowers and are primarily responsible for how cannabis affects the body and mind.

So far, researchers have identified more than 100 different cannabinoids, each with its own structure and potential effects. Some are well known, like THC and CBD. Others are considered minor cannabinoids, like CBG and CBN, meaning they appear in smaller amounts but can still influence how a product feels when they're part of a formulation.

The Endocannabinoid System 101

To really grasp what cannabinoids do, you first need to understand where they act inside the body. That’s the endocannabinoid system, often shortened as ECS.

The endocannabinoid system is a biological network found throughout the brain and body that regulates our mood, sleep, appetite, stress response, and pain perception. It's like a balancing mechanism that prevents these functions from swinging too far in one direction or another.

The ECS is made up of three main parts:

• Endocannabinoids, which are compounds your body produces naturally.

• Cannabinoid receptors, which receive signals.

• Enzymes, which break those compounds down once their job is done.

When cannabinoids from the cannabis plant enter the body, they can interact with this existing system. That's why cannabis products feel somewhat familiar when consumed, even if the sensations are new.

Cannabinoid Receptors: CB1 and CB2

The endocannabinoid system works through receptors that act as access points for cannabinoids. The two primary ones are CB1 and CB2, and while they are related, they play different roles in the body.

CB1

• Found mostly in the brain and central nervous system.

• Heavily involved in how THC produces its psychoactive effects.

• Play a major role in how cannabinoids influence mood, focus, memory, and coordination.

• Interactions with CB1 are often associated with effects people feel “in the mind.”

CB2

• Found primarily in immune cells and tissues linked to inflammation.

• Play a role in how the body responds to stress, inflammation, and immune signaling.

• When cannabinoids interact with CB2 receptors, the effects are typically felt in the body rather than the mind.

• CB2 is often discussed in the context of balance and physical responses rather than intoxication.

Plant-Based Cannabinoids vs Endocannabinoids

When people talk about cannabinoids, they’re usually referring to compounds found in cannabis. But your body actually produces its own cannabinoids internally as well.

Here's how they differ.

Plant-based cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids)

• Compounds that come from the cannabis plant, such as THC, CBD, and CBG.

• Interact with the same cannabinoid receptors as endocannabinoids.

• Tend to remain active in the body longer than endocannabinoids.

• Can influence the endocannabinoid system more noticeably, depending on dose and formulation.

Endocannabinoids

• Naturally occurring compounds made by the body.

• Produced as needed, rather than stored.

• Interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors to maintain internal balance.

• Quickly broken down once they’ve done their job.

• Often described as short-term messengers that help the body respond to changes and maintain equilibrium.

THC vs. CBD: What They Are and How They Tend to Feel

The two most well-known cannabinoids, THC and CBD, interact with the body in very different ways.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

• The primary psychoactive component of the cannabis plant.

• Binds directly with CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system.

• Mainly responsible for the high effect associated with cannabis.

• At lower doses, those effects may feel light or subtle.

• At higher doses, they can feel more intense.

• Can influence appetite, coordination, mood, and memory.

CBD (cannabidiol)

• Doesn't produce a traditional high.

• Doesn’t bind directly to CB1, but influences how the system processes signals.

• CBD-containing products like pills and gummies are often described as more neutral or balancing.

• May influence relaxation and stress responses in some users.

Minor Cannabinoids and Why They Matter

Beyond THC and CBD, cannabis extracts reveal a wide range of minor cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN, CBC, and others. They’re called “minor” not because they’re unimportant, but because they appear in much smaller amounts in the plant.

A good example of this difference is CBG:

• In most cannabis strains, CBG makes up around 1% of the plant.

• CBD, by comparison, can account for 20–25%.

• That rarity helps explain why CBG products are more expensive and harder to find.

On their own, minor cannabinoids tend to feel subtle. They become more noticeable when used in combination with THC and CBD, and these products are often referred to as blends.

This is what’s known as the entourage effect, which is the idea that cannabinoids can influence the overall experience more clearly when they work together.

Natural, Synthetic, and Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids (What’s the Difference?)

Plant-based cannabinoids from clearly labeled, regulated products are very different from synthetic or loosely defined alternatives.

Here’s a simple way to understand the difference.

Natural cannabinoids

• Produced by the cannabis plant itself.

• Include familiar compounds like THC, CBD, and many minor cannabinoids.

• Occur naturally in the plant, without chemical alteration.

• Form the foundation of most regulated cannabis products sold legally.

• Tend to offer more predictable experiences when clearly labeled and properly formulated.

Synthetic cannabinoids

• Created entirely in a lab.

• Designed to interact strongly with cannabinoid receptors.

• Can produce intense or unpredictable effects.

• Have been linked to serious adverse health effects.

Semi-synthetic cannabinoids

• Start with a naturally derived compound that's chemically modified later on.

• Some are used in tightly controlled medical or research settings.

• Others exist in a regulatory gray area, depending on formulation and oversight.

What to Know When Choosing Cannabinoid-Based Products

• Look for clear, transparent dosing. You can find each of 1906's products on each product page and package.

• Understand the type of cannabinoids you're choosing, for example, 1906’s Chill combines THC, CBD, and CBG to support relaxation.

• Pay attention to onset time, not just strength. 1906 products work in 20 minutes or less.

• Start low and give it time. Take one, wait the full onset window, and then decide if you need more.

• If you choose to stack products, like pairing Off Duty with Boost, do it intentionally and wait for each product’s onset before adding more.

FAQs

Are cannabinoids used in medical cannabis?

Yes, medical cannabis uses specific cannabinoids like THC and CBD in regulated settings, where they're studied and prescribed for pain management and certain neurological conditions.

Does onset mean you’ve reached the full effect?

Not always. Onset refers to when you first notice effects, but cannabinoids can continue to build and shift over time.

How do cannabinoids affect the body compared to other drugs?

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s existing regulatory system, rather than overstimulating the nervous system as many psychoactive drugs do.

Do cannabinoids cause drug or alcohol dependence?

Cannabinoids primarily interact with the endocannabinoid system rather than directly activating reward pathways most commonly associated with drug and alcohol dependence.

Final Thoughts

Cannabinoids may come from a plant, but there’s nothing “one-size-fits-all” about how they work. From THC to CBD and beyond, it’s all about understanding your body and pacing yourself.

Still figuring out which cannabinoid works for you? Our 1906 Bundles combine a range of experiences with consistent dosing so you can explore what feels right without overcommitting to a single option.