Hemp cannabinoids: CBD, CBG, THC… what you need to know
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By Quentin, CBD hemp farmer – updated October 2026
When you buy a CBD flower, you often see acronyms on the label or the lab report: CBD, CBG, THC, sometimes CBDA. These are cannabinoids, the molecules that characterise hemp. Here is what you need to know to make sense of them.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Cannabinoids are molecules produced by hemp in its trichomes, the tiny glands that cover the flowers. More than a hundred have been identified.
- CBD is the main cannabinoid in hemp varieties grown for CBD. It is not classified as a narcotic.
- THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid. In France, a CBD flower must contain less than 0.3%.
- A good lab analysis lists the main cannabinoids and states the total THC.
Where do cannabinoids come from?
The plant produces its cannabinoids in an acidic form: CBDA, THCA, CBGA… They all derive from the same starting molecule, CBGA, often nicknamed the "mother cannabinoid". Depending on its genetics, each variety converts this CBGA mostly into CBDA (CBD hemp) or mostly into THCA (THC-rich cannabis).
With heat and time, these acidic forms lose part of their structure and become CBD, THC or CBG: this is decarboxylation. That is why a lab report often lists CBDA separately from CBD.
The main cannabinoids
| Cannabinoid | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| CBD (cannabidiol) | The main cannabinoid in CBD hemp. Not classified as a narcotic. |
| THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) | Psychoactive and classified as a narcotic. Limited to 0.3% in hemp products in France. |
| CBG (cannabigerol) | Derived from CBGA, the precursor of the other cannabinoids. Present in small amounts, except in some varieties bred for it. |
| CBC (cannabichromene) | Present in small amounts in most varieties. |
| CBN (cannabinol) | Forms when THC breaks down over time or through light or oxidation. A high level often points to an old or poorly stored flower. |
| CBDV (cannabidivarin) | A cousin of CBD, found in trace amounts in some genetics. |
How to read a lab analysis
- Total CBD: adds CBD and converted CBDA (CBDA × 0.877 + CBD). This is the figure to compare from one flower to another.
- Total THC: calculated the same way, it must stay below 0.3%.
- Other cannabinoids: a detailed breakdown of CBG, CBC or CBN is a sign of a complete, serious analysis.
- Date and batch number: an analysis is only meaningful if it matches the batch you are buying.
Be wary of a very high CBD level: above 15% for a flower, it is hard to stay naturally below the THC limit. We explain why in our guide to choosing the best CBD flower.
Natural cannabinoids and neo-cannabinoids
The cannabinoids above are produced naturally by the plant. Neo-cannabinoids such as HHC, on the other hand, are obtained through chemical transformation in a laboratory. Several of them are now classified as narcotics in France. To learn more, read our article on the dangers of neo-cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids and terpenes
Cannabinoids are only part of a flower's composition. Terpenes give it its smell and taste. Together, they form the signature of each variety: find out more in our article on hemp terpenes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
They are two hemp cannabinoids. THC is psychoactive and classified as a narcotic; CBD is not. A CBD flower that is legal in France contains less than 0.3% THC.
What does CBDA mean on a lab report?
It is the acidic form of CBD, the one the plant produces naturally. It is included in the total CBD.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol, derived from CBGA, the molecule from which the plant makes its other cannabinoids. It is usually found in small amounts.
CBD products are not medicines and are for adults only.
Quentin, CBD hemp farmer – L'Herbe Enchantée