Introduction to Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the natural compounds found in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). More than 120 different cannabinoids have been identified, but today the focus is particularly on CBD, CBG, CBN, and THCA among consumers, researchers, and producers. This guide helps you understand the differences and similarities between the most well-known compounds.
CBD – cannabidiol
CBD is the most well-known non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It is legal in the EU when the THC content in the plant is below 0.2%. CBD is used in flowers, hash, and oils as decorative and herb-based products. At CBDshoppen™, we only offer products from EU-certified industrial hemp that are laboratory tested batch by batch.
CBG – cannabigerol
CBG is often referred to as the “mother cannabinoid” because many other compounds like CBD and THC are formed from CBG during the plant's early growth phase. CBG is found in small amounts in hemp (typically under 1%), but has become more popular in recent premium varieties. It is legal under the same conditions as CBD (THC < 0.2%).
CBN – cannabinol
CBN is formed when THC slowly oxidizes, typically in older plant material. This means that CBN occurs naturally in small amounts in certain batches. Although it has historically been less known, it is now a cannabinoid that is tested for in analyses because it contributes to a more complete picture of the plant's content.
THCA – tetrahydrocannabinolic acid
THCA is the precursor to THC. In its acid form, THCA is non-psychoactive, but it can be converted to THC if exposed to high heat. Therefore, products with THCA are only legal in Denmark and the EU as long as the total THC level is below 0.2%. At CBDshoppen™, we ensure this through independent laboratory tests.
How are cannabinoids tested?
All products at CBDshoppen™ are laboratory tested with a focus on a broad spectrum of cannabinoids. Typically analyzed are:
- CBD (cannabidiol)
- CBG (cannabigerol)
- CBN (cannabinol)
- THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
- Δ9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – always under 0.2%
The results are documented in our lab test section, so you can see exactly what each batch contains.
Comparison of Cannabinoids
| Cannabinoid | Characteristics | Occurrence | Legality (DK/EU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD | Non-psychoactive, most well-known | Very high | Legal if THC < 0.2% |
| CBG | “Mother cannabinoid”, low concentration | Low | Legal if THC < 0.2% |
| CBN | Formed from degraded THC | Very low | Legal in analyzed products |
| THCA | Precursor to THC, non-psychoactive | Varies by strain | Only legal if total THC < 0.2% |
What does this mean for you as a consumer?
– You get transparency in what your products contain.
– You shop legally, as everything is below the EU's threshold value.
– You choose between different profiles of cannabinoids depending on the product (CBD flowers, hash, buds, or pollen).
Summary
Cannabinoids are the plant's natural language – and with this guide, you now have an understanding of the most important compounds: CBD, CBG, CBN, and THCA. At CBDshoppen™, we ensure full transparency through lab tests, traceability, and legality.