CBD, CBN, CBG and CBC are four different cannabinoids found in hemp. Three of them (CBD, CBG and CBC) are made by the plant from the same starting molecule, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). CBN is different: it forms later, when THC is exposed to heat, light or oxygen. Each has its own chemical structure, and each is measured and listed separately on a product's label and certificate of analysis.
The four cannabinoids at a glance
| Abbreviation | Full name | How it forms |
|---|---|---|
| CBD | Cannabidiol | The plant converts CBGA into CBDA (cannabidiolic acid). Heat turns CBDA into CBD. |
| CBG | Cannabigerol | Heat turns CBGA itself into CBG. |
| CBC | Cannabichromene | The plant converts CBGA into CBCA (cannabichromenic acid). Heat turns CBCA into CBC. |
| CBN | Cannabinol | THC (and its acid form, THCA) oxidizes into CBN with heat, light and oxygen. |
Where they come from: the CBGA family tree
Inside the hemp plant's trichomes, two building blocks (olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate) combine to form CBGA. CBGA is often called the "mother cannabinoid" because the plant's enzymes turn it into the three major cannabinoid acids:
- THCA, made by THCA synthase
- CBDA, made by CBDA synthase
- CBCA, made by CBCA synthase
These acids lose a carboxyl group when heated (a step called decarboxylation) and become THC, CBD and CBC. CBGA that the plant doesn't convert can decarboxylate into CBG. CBN isn't made directly by an enzyme. It's a breakdown product that forms as THC or THCA oxidizes over time.
How much of each is in Canna River products
Every Canna River label lists each cannabinoid separately. Amounts below are as labeled on cannariver.com for the Broad Spectrum (Non-THC) versions.
| Product | CBD | CBN | CBG | CBC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBD Classic Tincture | 100 mg per mL | — | — | — |
| CBD Classic Gummies | 100 mg per gummy | — | — | — |
| CBD Calm Gummies | 50 mg per gummy | 25 mg per gummy | 25 mg per gummy | — |
| CBD Calm Tincture (60 mL) | 5,000 mg per bottle | 1,250 mg per bottle | 1,250 mg per bottle | — |
| CBD Body Balm (2 oz) | 1,250 mg per container | 1,250 mg per container | 1,250 mg per container | 1,250 mg per container |
| CBD Body Lotion (3.4 oz) | 1,250 mg per container | 1,250 mg per container | 1,250 mg per container | 1,250 mg per container |
Canna River also makes two-cannabinoid formulas (CBD with CBN, and CBD with CBG) across its gummies, tinctures and softgels.
Why a CBD product can show CBC even when it isn't on the label
Broad spectrum hemp distillate keeps several of the plant's minor cannabinoids. That's why a certificate of analysis often reports small amounts of cannabinoids the label doesn't feature, such as CBC in a gummy whose label lists only CBD, CBN and CBG. Every batch's report is published in our COA library, and our post Is Canna River CBD Lab Tested? explains how to find yours.
Frequently asked questions
Is CBG the "mother cannabinoid"?
Strictly speaking, the mother cannabinoid is CBGA, the acid form. The plant turns CBGA into THCA, CBDA and CBCA. CBG is what CBGA becomes when it's heated.
Is CBN the same as THC?
No. CBN is a separate compound that forms when THC oxidizes. It has its own chemical structure and is reported separately on a COA.
Where does the CBN and CBG in Canna River products come from?
The ingredient list for Calm Gummies shows broad spectrum hemp distillate plus CBN isolate and CBG isolate. An isolate is a single cannabinoid purified on its own, which lets each amount be set precisely.
Do Canna River's Broad Spectrum products contain THC?
Broad Spectrum (Non-THC) products are tested to non-detectable THC. Full Spectrum (Contains THC) versions contain a labeled amount of delta-9 THC.
Sources
- Tahir MN, Shahbazi Raz F, Rondeau-Gagné S, Trant JF. The biosynthesis of the cannabinoids. Journal of Cannabis Research, 2021.
- In the weeds: A comprehensive review of cannabis; its chemical complexity, biosynthesis, and healing abilities. Toxicology Reports, 2024 (biosynthesis section).
- Cayman Chemical. Degradants Formed During Phytocannabinoid Processing.
Canna River products are intended for adults 21 and over. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
