When most people think of cannabis, THC is the first thing that pops into their heads. It’s the OG—the one responsible for that classic high. But THC isn’t rolling solo. Behind the scenes, there’s a whole crew of cannabinoids doing their thing, each with its own vibe and benefits. Enter CBD, CBG, and CBN. These three might not get the same spotlight as THC, but trust—they’re important to how your weed hits.
Over the last few years, CBD has blown up for its chill, non-psychoactive effects. CBG’s making waves for being known to keep you clear-headed and focused. And CBN? That one’s known for helping you catch some serious Zs. Whether you’re looking to mellow out, stay sharp, or wind down, there’s a cannabinoid (or combo) that fits the vibe.
By the time you’re done here, you’ll know exactly how THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN stack up—and how to mix and match them to level up your next session. Let’s get into it.
THC: The OG Cannabinoid
Let’s start with the cannabinoid everyone knows: THC. Short for tetrahydrocannabinol (but nobody’s got time to say all that), THC is the main compound responsible for the classic cannabis high. It’s been around forever—scientists first isolated it back in the 60s—but people have been vibing with THC for centuries.
So, how does THC actually work? It’s all about the endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB1 receptors in your brain and central nervous system. When you light up or take a hit, THC binds to those receptors, flipping switches that trigger everything from euphoria to deep relaxation. That’s why one puff can have you feeling blissed out, giggly, or ready to raid the fridge—THC is the cannabinoid behind the mood shift, the munchies, and all the fun in between.
Another thing that sets THC apart is potency. You’ll notice every flower strain, cart, edible, or concentrate lists a THC percentage. That number gives you an idea of how strong the product is—higher THC levels usually mean a more intense high. But don’t stress if you’re not chasing sky-high numbers. Sometimes lower THC products deliver a smoother, more manageable experience, especially when combined with other cannabinoids.
Bottom line: THC is the OG cannabinoid for a reason.
CBD: The Balancer
THC might get most of the attention, but over the past few years, CBD’s carved out its own spot in the spotlight. You’ve probably seen it everywhere—oils, gummies, even skincare—and there’s a reason it’s blown up. While THC’s known for that classic high, CBD is known to keep things chill. It doesn’t get you baked, but it has its own lineup of benefits that make it a go-to for a lot of people.
So, how does CBD work? Unlike THC, it doesn’t latch directly onto those CB1 receptors in your brain. Instead, it interacts more indirectly with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, keeping things balanced and mellow. That’s why CBD is known for delivering relaxation without the head buzz. It’s also packed with anti-inflammatory, stress-relieving, and even pain-soothing properties, making it the go-to for folks looking to chill out without feeling lit.
One of the coolest things about CBD is how it plays nice with THC. When you pair CBD with THC, it helps soften the edges of the high—taking the edge off if things feel too intense. A lot of people reach for 1:1 THC:CBD products for exactly that reason: the perfect balance between feeling good and staying grounded.
So, when might someone opt for a CBD-heavy product? It’s ideal if you’re looking for relaxation without the couch lock. Maybe you’re looking to ease anxiety, tackle soreness, or just want a clear-headed way to unwind. It’s also perfect if you’re newer to cannabis and want to ease in without diving headfirst into straight THC territory.
CBG: The “Mother of All Cannabinoids”
So, you’ve got THC doing its thing, and CBD is known for keeping things balanced—but there’s another cannabinoid worth knowing: CBG. Short for cannabigerol, CBG is often called the “Mother of All Cannabinoids.” Why? Because it’s basically where it all begins. CBG is the precursor that eventually transforms into THC, CBD, and a bunch of others as the cannabis plant matures. Without CBG, the rest of the crew wouldn’t even exist.
While it’s not as famous as THC or CBD, CBG’s got some solid benefits of its own. Like CBD, it’s non-psychoactive, but it does bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system. That gives it a nice balance of effects. It’s known for delivering some light mood support, improved focus, anti-inflammatory properties, and even potential neuroprotective perks. Think of it as the clear-headed, feel-good cannabinoid that helps keep your mind sharp and your body steady.
CBG naturally shows up in pretty low concentrations in most cannabis strains. By the time the plant’s ready for harvest, most of that CBG has already converted into other cannabinoids. That’s why pure CBG products used to be tough to find. But growers and brands are catching on—more strains are being bred specifically for higher CBG levels, and CBG-dominant carts, tinctures, and edibles are becoming more common.
CBN: The Sleepy One
Last but definitely not least, let’s get into CBN—aka cannabinol, aka the one that’s known for tucking you in at night. CBN has a bit of an interesting origin story. It actually starts as THC. Over time, when THC is exposed to heat, light, or air, it slowly breaks down and oxidizes, transforming into CBN. So, in a way, CBN is like THC’s chill, older sibling who’s seen some things and is ready to help you wind down.
CBN has mild psychoactive effects, but nothing like THC—it’s way more laid back. Where CBN really shines is in its sedative properties. It’s known for helping people relax, get sleepy, and stay asleep. You’ll often see it featured in sleep gummies, tinctures, and vape blends designed to knock the edge off at the end of the day. Some people also swear by it for appetite stimulation, though it’s not as intense as THC on that front.
If you’re browsing the shelves looking for something to help you catch better Zs, keep an eye out for products featuring CBN—especially anything labeled “sleep,” “relax,” or “PM.” It’s that gentle nudge toward dreamland without the heavy head fog the next morning.
How They Work Together: The Entourage Effect
Here’s where things get real interesting. While each cannabinoid—THC, CBD, CBG, CBN—brings its own vibe, they work even better together. This is what’s known as the entourage effect. When you combine cannabinoids (and terpenes, too), they enhance each other’s benefits, creating a more balanced, well-rounded experience.
That’s why you’re seeing more full-spectrum and cannabinoid blend products popping up—think vapes, edibles, tinctures—all intentionally blending them to deliver smoother, more tailored effects. Maybe you want a little THC punch, but balanced out with some CBD chill. Or a nighttime blend with CBN to help you crash, plus a bit of CBG to keep things light.
The best way to figure out your sweet spot? Experiment. Try different ratios and combos, and pay attention to how each one hits. Whether it’s dialing back the high with more CBD or adding CBG for focus, it’s all about finding what works for you.
Products That Feature THC, CBD, CBG & CBN
These days, it’s all about the blend. Instead of sticking to just one cannabinoid, more products are combining different ones to fine-tune the experience. Whether you’re looking to stay clear-headed, mellow out, or catch some sleep, blended products make it easy to find that sweet spot without overthinking it.
Vapes: If you like quick, no-fuss hits, vapes are where it’s at. A ton of carts come with blended oil formulas—look for labels like “1:1 THC:CBD” for a balanced high, or specialty blends that throw in CBG for focus or CBN to help you chill out before bed. Plus, vapes make it easy to swap strains and blends whenever you’re in the mood to switch things up.
Gummies & Edibles: Edibles hit different—not just because they last longer, but because they give you full control over the vibe. Pop a gummy, and you’re set for hours without needing to spark up or reload. Plus, with so many flavors and formulas out there, it’s easy to find something that suits your pace
Drinks: Cannabis drinks and tinctures are another way to get that blended cannabinoid experience without waiting too long. A lot of drinks balance THC with CBD for a smooth, manageable buzz.
Topicals: Lotions, balms, and salves let you apply cannabinoids right where you need them, whether it’s sore muscles, joints, or dry skin. No high—just targeted relief. A lot of topicals blend cannabinoids like CBD and CBG for their anti-inflammatory benefits, and some even sneak in a little THC (don’t worry, it won’t get you lit). Perfect for when you’re feeling worn out but still need to keep things moving.
Stop By Stairway Cannabis
Ready to find your go-to blend? Swing by Stairway Cannabis and check out what’s on the shelves—whether you’re after a classic THC-heavy cart, a mellow gummy with a CBD twist, or something new that blends CBG or CBN into the mix. Not sure where to start? Our budtenders are always happy to help you dial it in, no pressure, no stress—just good weed and solid advice.
And if you’re looking for even more perks, make sure to check out our latest specials and join The Climb High Club. You’ll get first dibs on exclusive drops, rewards, and fresh product drops to keep your stash stocked. The perfect blend is out there—pull through and find it!
Key Takeaways
- THC might be the OG, but it’s not the only cannabinoid worth knowing. CBD, CBG, and CBN each bring their own vibe—understanding how they work gives you more ways to fine-tune your sesh.
- Blended products offer a more tailored experience. From vapes and gummies to tinctures and topicals, brands are stacking cannabinoids to create smooth, balanced effects. The real magic happens when you start experimenting with different combos.
- Find your perfect blend at Stairway Cannabis. Our shelves are stocked with products featuring THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN—plus our budtenders are always down to help you find the right mix.