Chemical Brothers

Here’s the quick-and-dirty on the three chemical compounds in marijuana that have received the most attention by patients and researchers.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

This is responsible for the psychoactive effects—and it has analgesic properties. In other words, it’ll get you high and kill the pain.

CBD (cannabidiol)

This chemical compound can relieve inflammation, anxiety and nausea—and inhibit cancer growth. It is not psychoactive so it’s all medicine—no head change. Typically, MMJ patients who have never smoked marijuana (senior citizens, for example) will opt for strains high in CBD to avoid intoxication.

CBN (cannabinol)

When THC degrades and oxidizes, it turns into CBN, which is barely psychoactive (usually 10 percent of THC). High levels of CBN will typically result in a sleepy, groggy state of mind.