Today, most people at least know of or are familiar with THC and CBD. But not many people talk about many of the lesser known cannabinoids. Some of the better understood include CBC (Cannabichromene), CBG (Cannabigerol), and CBN (Cannabinol). Many other cannabinoids including the few we’re going to talk about are non-psychoactive and can be effective in treating a number of symptoms.
   Being lesser known cannabinoids CBG, CBC, and CBN can be difficult to find in isolated forms, with only a few reputable suppliers manufacturing these isolates. On the other hand, you may have better luck finding products that have higher amounts of these lesser known cannabinoids. Keep in mind that these compounds typically are more effective as a group; this is known as the entourage effect.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

   Let’s get into it with CBC…Cannabichromene is a rare, non-psychoactive cannabinoid, usually found at low levels of <1% when present. Some research has suggested that CBC may work as an antibiotic and may be effective in combating bacterial infections. CBC also appears to reduce pain, work as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, act as an antidepressant, and ease the symptoms of menopause.
   Surprisingly, CBC has shown the potential to not only protect the brain, but actually encourage it to develop new brain cells in the areas specifically responsible for memory and learning. When the brain discontinues development of new cells in these areas, individuals become at higher risk for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. CBC may be a great aid in preventing or delaying the onset of such conditions; this has resulted in some patients using the compound for its potential neuroprotectant properties.

CBN (Cannabinol)

   THC ages we get a cannabinoid with a wide range of effects known as CBN. Essentially cannabinol is an oxidative degradation product of THC. It may result from improper storage or curing and extensive processing, such as when making concentrates.  It is usually formed when THC is exposed to UV light and oxygen over time. Although some see this conversion as a bad thing, there are others that prefer cannabis that has reached this stage as its effects change.
   If you have sleeping troubles then CBN may be the cannabinoid for you as it is potentially the most sedative cannabinoid researched. Many users of Cannabinol use it for these sedative effects to treat or ease insomnia.
   CBN has also shown positive effects in appetite stimulation for patients suffering from anorexia, cancer, and other conditions that have a negative impact towards appetite.
   Research also suggests that CBN works as a powerful antibiotic. Along with CBC, CBN has been shown to effectively treat antibiotic-resistant infections like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
  Patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease may find some relief with CBN as studies have found it helpful in slowing the disease’s progression. Researchers were able to delay the onset of ALS symptoms in mice treated with CBN, showed one study.
   According to additional research, CBN showed to be effective in patients with glaucoma by effectively lowering ocular pressure. Ocular pressure is the symptom which can cause blindness in glaucoma patients.

CBG (Cannabigerol)
 
  Last but certainly not least we have CBG. Cannabigerol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid commonly found in cannabis. CBGa is the precursor to both THCa and CBDa in the plant usually found at low levels of <1% when present.
   Similar to CBC and CBN, CBG has also been shown to have antibiotic properties. That isn’t the only potential use of this cannabinoid however.
CBG has showed promising results as a powerful pain reliever and may even be more effective than THC or CBD. Due to these pain relieving properties, CBG may also be effective with the side effects of menopause. With that being said, CBG has also been shown to help prevents bone loss and the onset of osteoporosis after menopause.
   Among the benefits of CBG include patients that use the compound to regulate their emotions. Research has shown that CBG raises serotonin levels in the brain, giving promises that it could work as a moderate antidepressant.
  In closing, this cannabinoid also has been shown to have anti-tumor properties, and the potential to be especially helpful for individuals with skin cancer. CBG also has the potential to help with other skin conditions including alleviating psoriasis by preventing reddening of the skin.

​     After signing the Farm bill and legalizing hemp in the United States last December, the industry has experienced exponential growth: “Reports and Data” suggest the market could be worth more than $13 billion by 2026. While hemp-derived CBD products are popping up everywhere, hemp also has major implications for sustainable clothing. Recently denim icon Levi Strauss & Co. has made significant progress in making this a reality.
     Levi's, in March, unveiled a collaboration with the Outerknown that includes a pair of jeans and jacket made from a blend of 69% cotton and 31% hemp that the company claims feels like pure cotton. This is significant because hemp uses significantly less water and chemicals than cotton to produce. Hemp however, is a more difficult material to work with as the fibers come from the stalk of the plant whereas cotton is derived from a puffy bud at the top of the plant.
     "It's a longer, stiffer, coarser fiber," stated Levi's head of global product innovation, Paul Dillinger, to Business Insider. "It doesn't want to be turned into something soft. It wants to be turned into rope." Levi's has formulated a way to soften the hemp fibers and able blend them with the cotton in a way that uses significantly less water than the process used to turn hemp fibers into a rough material. "It's great that it's resonating with the consumer, but it's more important that it's helping to future-proof our supply chain," he said.
     "Our intention is to take this to the core of the line, to blend it into the line, to make this a part of the Levi's portfolio," Dillinger said; Entailing Levi’s hemp is an ongoing project that is intended to become a large part of the company’s bottom line and not just part of a niche market
     Dillinger directed that Levi's is committed to improving the quality of its cottonized-hemp aiming for a 50/50 blend for most apparel, and 100% hemp for specific products. Dillinger also expects a cottonized-hemp garment that is all hemp and feels all cotton in the foreseeable future.
     Dillinger expressed the need for cotton alternatives. Being familiar with the status of hemp, it wasn’t until European hemp research discovered by Levi’s, that the solution became apparent. Levi's would not reveal its partners or details of its breakthroughs, except to say that it had a market-ready material after three years.
   When Levi's finds achieves production of 100% cottonized-hemp clothing, "We're going to go from a garment that goes from 3,781 L of fresh water, 2,655 of that in just the fiber cultivation," "We take out more than 2/3 of the total water impact to the garment. That's saving a lot."
Dillinger, although optimistic, quickly pointed out that he doesn't want hype around the hemp industry. Levi's and its competitors aren’t fully replacing cotton or revolutionizing the industry overnight. There is still many years of research and development, and it is likely that hemp will be one of many cotton alternatives.
     "So often there's the assumption that to purchase a sustainably-made product is going to involve a sacrifice, and that the choice is between something ethically made or something that's cute," he said. "You don't have to sacrifice to buy sustainably." The idea behind the line is the customers won’t even know the difference.