The Comprehensive Guide to Therapeutic and Psychoactive Compounds in Cannabis: Boiling Points and Effects

Cannabis is a complex plant containing hundreds of compounds, many of which contribute to its therapeutic and psychoactive properties. These compounds include cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other bioactive chemicals. Understanding their boiling points and effects can help consumers and medical users fine-tune their experience to maximize benefits.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the major and minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds in cannabis, along with their boiling points and associated effects.

1. Cannabinoids: The Core Active Compounds

Cannabinoids are the primary active ingredients in cannabis. They interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce a wide range of effects.

Major Cannabinoids

• Δ9-THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

  • Boiling Point: 315°F (157°C)

  • Effects: Primary psychoactive compound; induces euphoria, pain relief, appetite stimulation.

• CBD (Cannabidiol)

  • Boiling Point: 356°F (180°C)

  • Effects: Anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, neuroprotective, pain relief, non-psychoactive.

• CBN (Cannabinol)

  • Boiling Point: 365°F (185°C)

  • Effects: Mildly psychoactive, sedative, pain relief, appetite stimulant.

• CBG (Cannabigerol)

  • Boiling Point: 220°F (104°C)

  • Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective, non-psychoactive.

• CBC (Cannabichromene)

  • Boiling Point: 428°F (220°C)

  • Effects: Anti-inflammatory, mood-enhancing, neuroprotective.

• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

  • Boiling Point: 428°F (220°C)

  • Effects: Stimulating, appetite suppressant, potential weight loss aid.

• CBDV (Cannabidivarin)

  • Boiling Point: 356°F (180°C)

  • Effects: Anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective.

• THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)

  • Boiling Point: 212°F (100°C)

  • Effects: Non-psychoactive precursor to THC; anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective.

• CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)

  • Boiling Point: 248°F (120°C)

  • Effects: Precursor to CBD; anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea.

• CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)

  • Boiling Point: 220°F (104°C)

  • Effects: Precursor to CBG, CBD, and THC; antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory.

Minor Cannabinoids

• CBL (Cannabicyclol)

  • Boiling Point: 428°F (220°C)

  • Effects: Anti-inflammatory, sedative.

• CBT (Cannabicitran)

  • Boiling Point: Unknown

  • Effects: Neuroprotective, mood-stabilizing potential.

• CBDP (Cannabidiphorol)

  • Boiling Point: Unknown

  • Effects: Similar to CBD but with higher potency.

• THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol)

  • Boiling Point: Unknown

  • Effects: Up to 30x more potent than THC; potential for strong analgesic effects.

• CBLA (Cannabicyclolic Acid)

  • Boiling Point: Unknown

  • Effects: Possible anti-inflammatory properties.

• CBGA-V (Cannabigerovarinic Acid)

  • Boiling Point: Unknown

  • Effects: May support neuroprotection and immune health.

• CBNA-V (Cannabinovarinic Acid)

  • Boiling Point: Unknown

  • Effects: Possible anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.

• CBCV (Cannabichromevarin)

  • Boiling Point: Unknown

  • Effects: May have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

• CBGV (Cannabigerovarin)

  • Boiling Point: Unknown

  • Effects: Non-psychoactive, potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

• CBTV (Cannabitriolvarin)

  • Boiling Point: Unknown

  • Effects: Potential antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits.

2. Terpenes: The Aromatic Powerhouses

• Myrcene

  • Boiling Point: 332°F (167°C)

  • Effects: Sedative, muscle relaxant, enhances THC absorption.

• Limonene

  • Boiling Point: 349°F (176°C)

  • Effects: Mood-enhancing, anti-anxiety, antifungal.

• Pinene

  • Boiling Point: 311°F (155°C)

  • Effects: Bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, memory retention.

• Linalool

  • Boiling Point: 388°F (198°C)

  • Effects: Calming, anti-anxiety, analgesic.

• Caryophyllene

  • Boiling Point: 266°F (130°C)

  • Effects: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory, binds to CB2 receptors.

• Humulene

  • Boiling Point: 225°F (107°C)

  • Effects: Appetite suppressant, anti-inflammatory.

• Terpinolene

  • Boiling Point: 365°F (185°C)

  • Effects: Antioxidant, sedative, antimicrobial.

• Ocimene

  • Boiling Point: 150°F (66°C)

  • Effects: Antiviral, antifungal, uplifting effect.

• Farnesene

  • Boiling Point: 246°F (119°C)

  • Effects: Calming, antibacterial, gastroprotective.

• Bisabolol

  • Boiling Point: 320°F (160°C)

  • Effects: Anti-inflammatory, skin soothing, antimicrobial.

• Geraniol

  • Boiling Point: 446°F (230°C)

  • Effects: Neuroprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial.