Starting any new treatment option can be slightly daunting, but this is especially true when it comes to medical cannabis.
Thanks to the more than century-long campaign of cannabis prohibition and stigmatisation, there is still an undercurrent of misinformation and misunderstanding around this fascinating plant and its potential therapeutic benefits - even though it has been a legal treatment option here in the UK since November 2018.
But, thankfully, the tide is turning.
Key takeaways
Contents
With the increasing access being granted to researchers looking into cannabis and its active compounds, the body of scientific evidence supporting its use as a legitimate medical treatment is ever-expanding.
Cannabinoids (along with terpenes) are the main focus of this research, so for today's 'New Patient' blog series instalment, we will give a brief (but thorough) overview of major cannabinoids and how they work.
Natural cannabinoids are split into two groups:
Endocannabinoids - These cannabinoids are naturally produced inside our bodies and work with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). They interact with the ECS receptors (CB1 and CB2) to keep everything balanced.
Phytocannabinoids - These are cannabinoids produced by the Cannabis sativa L. species of plants (along with some other plants, but we are focusing on cannabis today).
There is also a third group of cannabinoids that are made synthetically, some like Nabilone are licensed and can be prescribed while others like HHC are illegal.
Some (but not all) phytocannabinoids have the ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a similar way to our endocannabinoids, along with a range of other receptor sites, producing the therapeutic effects we have come to associate with medical cannabis.
The endocannabinoid system is a signalling system found throughout the body and helps maintain homeostasis, the body’s internal balance.
For brevity's sake, we will stick to using the term 'cannabinoid' for the remainder of this blog while discussing cannabis-produced cannabinoids.
Cannabis and hemp plants produce at least 125 different cannabinoids.
You have probably heard of the two most famous, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), but as research into the plant progresses, the spotlight is being firmly shone on a range of other compounds.
Certain cultivars come with high concentrations of THC, others CBD, and some are more of a balance between the two. Most other cannabinoids come in much lower concentrations than THC and CBD.
Here is a brief summary of some key cannabinoids and their potential therapeutic benefits:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known cannabinoid.
Tetrahydrocannabinol is responsible for both the psychoactive effects of cannabis and also some of its potential therapeutic benefits. THC may help patients who need to stimulate their appetite and manage pain, nausea and vomiting, inflammation, muscle spasticity, anxiety, and sleep issues.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with a range of potential therapeutic uses.
Research suggests cannabidiol may help with anxiety, depression and pain. CBD is prescribed medicine for some rare forms of epilepsy.
Cannabinol (CBN) is one of the more recently studied cannabinoids.
As THC degrades, it breaks down into CBN, which may have sedative effects, but research is still early. Cannabinol is also currently being studied for its antibacterial, pain management, and appetite-stimulating properties.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is often called the "mother of all cannabinoids," as it is the precursor to other cannabinoids.
Cannabigerol has shown potential in reducing inflammation and pain, as an antibacterial agent (it may be particularly helpful in managing antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA), and in neuroprotection, supporting brain health by protecting nerve cells from damage.
Cannabichromene (CBC) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid.
Recent research is showing that Cannabichromene may offer anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This makes it potentially beneficial for patients with arthritis, IBD, and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) offers some unique therapeutic effects in the cannabis cannabinoid family.
Unlike THC, THCV has been shown to offer appetite-suppressing properties in animal studies and potential uses in weight management. It may also help in regulating blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity - both of which may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
Only some cannabinoids provide that ‘euphoric’ feeling associated with getting high, and it's typically down to THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis; CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating.
You can find out more about the difference between THC and CBD on our blog, which breaks down the two cannabinoids and how they interact in our bodies.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that bind to receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. THC mimics a natural endocannabinoid called anandamide, which is referred to as the ‘bliss molecule’ and binds to CB1 receptors that are typically found in the brain and nervous system.
CBD works differently: instead of strongly binding to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, it influences how they behave, for example, slowing down the breakdown of endocannabinoids.
Some cannabinoids are legal. Pure CBD is not controlled and can be bought over the counter when it has no more than 1 mg of each controlled cannabinoid per container. The same applies to CBG and CBC.
Cannabinoids like THC, THCV and CBN are controlled cannabinoids under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and are only available in the UK with a medical cannabis prescription.
If you are interested in reading more on the benefits of cannabis-based medications, head to our blog and education hub - both are filled with useful information for patients, their families, medical professionals, and anyone else interested in medical cannabis.
To find out if you are potentially eligible for medical cannabis treatment with Releaf, check out our medical cannabis eligibility checker. It takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and you'll receive your results instantly.
The top five cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant include THC, CBD, CBN, CBG and CBC.
A cannabinoid is any compound that acts on the body’s cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system or chemically related to the main cannabis compounds. They fall into three groups: phytocannabinoids that come from plants, endocannabinoids that are made by the body, and synthetic cannabinoids made in labs.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
As of 12 August 2026, Releaf has the highest Trustpilot score, 4.8 from 9,598 reviews. Curaleaf received an overall CQC rating of ‘Good’, Alternaleaf advertises appointments for £29, while Mamedica's £200 Access Scheme is designed to potentially reduce long-term clinic costs. The right clinic for you will depend on what you value most from a clinic, but comparing the full treatment experience, rather than a single headline figure, is essential.
On the 7th July 2026, Releaf became the first medical cannabis clinic in the world to become B Corp certified. Verified by the non-profit B Lab, the certification sets in stone that Releaf is meeting the highest standard of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, and has made a commitment to continue improving the way we serve not only our patients, but also our team, and the wider community.
We are proud to announce a new partnership between Releaf and brainstrust, the UK charity supporting people affected by a brain tumour. Together, we want to make sure that anyone living with a brain tumour has access to compassionate, expert care through the most trusted medical cannabis clinic in the UK. Here is what the partnership means and how patients currently in treatment can get in touch.
"Since starting my treatment plan with Releaf, I’m genuinely shocked at how well it has worked."Chloe Durrington, Releaf patient
