Minor Cannabinoid FAQ

Minor cannabinoids are a group of bioactive molecules naturally produced in the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids), within the bodies of mammals (endocannabinoids), and in a select few other plants. These molecules act as important chemical messengers that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate a variety of physiological processes. BayMedica’s manufacturing platform creates minor cannabinoid molecules that are bioidentical to those found in nature.

Minor cannabinoids produce their effects by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, otherwise known as the ECS. This system is an intricate chemical messaging network regulating various critical biological functions. Every day, the human body naturally produces cannabinoid molecules that interact with two ECS receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, to ensure the proper function of things like inflammatory response, memory, emotional regulation, and more.

When we ingest, inhale, or topically apply endocannabinoids, we use those same ECS signaling pathways to induce the physiological effects that we’re looking to create.

Minor cannabinoids offer a fantastic breadth of therapeutic use cases that the common cannabinoids, THC and CBD, simply aren’t suited for. Minor cannabinoids offer users targeted health and wellness benefits without the potential for intoxication, making minor cannabinoids useful in a variety of consumer goods.

Despite the expansion of mainstream cannabinoid research in recent decades, the relative scarcity of minor cannabinoids – referred to interchangeably as “rare cannabinoids” – made these molecules very difficult to study. Conversely, the natural abundance of THC and CBD made these major cannabinoids the de facto low-hanging fruit for researchers, industry leaders, and consumers. Science is still catching up, but as companies like BayMedica continue to research and produce high-quality rare cannabinoids, use cases will increasingly come to light.

○ THCV: Tetrahydrocannabivarin, also known as THCV, delta-9, ∆9-THCV, or d9 THCV, is a close molecular relative of the well-known primary cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol, (THC). The relatively similar chemical structure that these two cannabinoids share enables them both to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system – but thanks to a slightly shorter carbon sidechain, THCV is rendered effectively non-intoxicating in all but the most extreme dosage levels.

As a CB1 receptor antagonist, THCV’s ability to suppress appetite and stimulate focus and energy opens it up to a wide range of potential applications as an ingredient in topical and ingestible products.

○ CBDV: Cannabidivarin, typically referred to as CBDV, is a non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid that, as its name suggests, is chemically similar to CBD. This molecule has many use cases and is closely associated with mitigating nausea and promoting healthy inflammation and immune responses. Long noted for its ability to promote healthy neurological function, CBDV has garnered significant attention from medical and pharmaceutical researchers and is expected to be a frequent focus of study in years to come.

○ CBC: Cannabichromene, otherwise known as CBC, is a non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid with a variety of potential health & wellness benefits. Unlike most other famous cannabinoids, CBC doesn’t provide high levels of direct interactivity with ECS receptors CB1 or CB2. Instead, much of CBC’s benefits are thought to stem from the molecule’s ability to boost levels of other key ECS messengers in the body. Widely touted for its synergistic amplification of other cannabinoids’ effects – notably those related to alleviating moderate discomfort – CBC’s possible use cases in the health and wellness space are extensive.

○ CBT: Cannabicitran, otherwise known as CBT or CBTC, is considered an “ultra-rare cannabinoid” due to its extreme scarcity in nature. For decades, this scarcity has hindered researchers’ attempts to understand the full range of this cannabinoid’s effects. While we still have much to learn, CBT is an appealing choice for consumers interested in a novel cannabinoid experience and for producers interested in a cannabinoid with immense commercial potential. Additionally, CBT has the ability to prevent the crystallization of other cannabinoids, thereby reducing the need for chemical thinners and making CBT an extremely useful ingredient in a wide range of potential formulations.

The form that our cannabinoids take varies:

■ THCV is a glass-like solid with a hard sticky consistency similar to that of hard candy.
■ CBC comes in the form of a thick liquid with a viscosity similar to honey.
■ CBT is a fluid with a viscosity similar to water.
■ CBDV comes in powdered form.

Vegan Status: All of our minor cannabinoids are vegan.

Certified Organic Status: Our minor cannabinoids are not certified organic.

GMO-Free Status: All of our minor cannabinoids are GMO-free.

We guarantee that every product we create is 100% THC-free.

Our headquarters are located in San Francisco and our parent company, InMed, is located in Vancouver, B.C.

Yes, we maintain food-grade cGMP compliance. Learn more about food-grade cGMP compliance and its impact on rare cannabinoids here.

The Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) are the FDA’s minimum requirements for the methods, facilities, and controls used in the manufacturing, processing, and packing of a drug product. Compliance with these regulations ensures that our cannabinoid products are safe for use. Learn more about cGMP standards and how it affects the quality of your cannabinoids here.

We work with the best cannabinoid distribution partners in the industry.

Contact our trusted cannabinoid distribution partners for minor cannabinoid samples, pricing, and purchases.

We sell our minor cannabinoids through the best cannabinoid distribution partners in the industry.

Contact one of our trusted cannabinoid distribution partners for minor cannabinoid samples, pricing, and purchases.

All of our distribution partners ship to certain countries. Please contact our distribution partners directly for more details regarding their shipping capabilities.

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