Ultimate Guide to Cannabinoids

The Ultimate Guide to Cannabinoids:

CBD, THC, and the Science of Targeted Effects

Cannabis is more than just CBD and THC. It’s a complex plant containing a vast array of chemical compounds. In this guide, we are going to focus on the group called cannabinoids. Here we will explore the most well-known cannabinoids, delve into their unique properties, and provide insights into how they work.

Chris Emerson, founder and chief scientist at LEVEL

A Note From the Author

Welcome to LEVEL’s definitive guide. As the founder and chief scientist at LEVEL, I’ve dedicated my career to unlocking the precise, molecular potential of cannabis. This guide doesn’t contain just general information; it represents the core scientific principles that drive every single product we formulate. I invite you to explore the science that makes targeted effects possible.
— Chris Emerson, PhD, Founder, CEO, & Chief Scientist

What are Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found primarily in the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids). They are the key ingredients responsible for the plant’s diverse effects, and they offer a range of potential therapeutic effects because of how they interact with the body’s fundamental biological system: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS):
The Body’s Ancient Regulator

Author Insight:
Historical Inspiration

My fundamental inspirations are drawn from two foundational figures: Dr. William O’Shaughnessy, a British doctor who first reported cannabis’s inhibitory effects on seizures in the 1830s, and Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, widely known as the father of cannabinoid research for his elucidation and first total synthesis of d9-THC.

Although Mechoulam’s discovery of anandamide was a major milestone in cannabinoid science, he characterized and elucidated the structure of d9-THC in the mid-1960s. He followed that up with the first total synthesis to verify his earlier work. This was the seminal work that launched his path to essentially creating the field of cannabinoid science.

Author Insight:
Achieving Targeted Effects

My doctorate in small molecule chemistry taught me that the key to targeted effects isn’t just what compound you use, but how precisely you modulate that volume control. At LEVEL, we engineer our cannabinoid ratios to communicate the exact signal needed to promote a specific state of balance within the ECS.

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex biological network of receptors, enzymes, and neurotransmitters in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, pain, inflammation, sleep, and appetite. The ECS acts as a central command helping to maintain overall balance and homeostasis.

Evolution: Why the ECS Is So Important

The importance of the ECS is underscored by its ancient origins. As a scientist, I recognize the ECS as a highly conserved biological system that has remained largely the same across almost all animal species on Earth, dating back over 600 million years to before the Cambrian Explosion.

This evolutionary persistence suggests the ECS is critical for survival. It acts as a secondary immune system critical in modulating vast functions, including immune/inflammation, pain, metabolism, cardiovascular, mood, stress, and sleep.

How the ECS Works: The “Volume Control” Analogy

The ECS functions to maintain homeostasis (balance) in your body. It is best thought of not as an “on/off” switch, but as a “volume control” system that works to promote and maintain balance. It helps decrease excess activity (turning the volume down on pain or inflammation) or increase signals that need boosting (turning the volume up on focus or well-being).

LEVEL’s approach to formulation is rooted in this principle.

Key Components of the ECS

The ECS consists of three primary elements: Receptors, Ligands, and Enzymes.

Receptors

CB1 Receptors
Predominantly found in the brain and central nervous system, they influence things like mood, pain perception, motor control, and cognition. THC has a strong affinity for CB1 receptors, particularly in the brain. This binding to and response from the CB1 receptor is what causes the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis.

CB2 Receptors
Mainly located in the peripheral nervous system, with high concentrations in immune-competent tissues (spleen, thymus), CB2 receptors are crucial for regulating inflammation and immune responses.

Ligands
Ligands are the naturally occurring “keys” the body produces to unlock these receptors. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG.

Enzymes
Enzymes play a crucial regulatory role within the ECS by synthesizing endocannabinoids on demand and then breaking them down after use, ensuring the system remains balanced. Endocannabinoids also use enzymes as part of their modulatory action. For instance, CBDa is known to inhibit the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are the same enzymes targeted by NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) to address inflammation and pain.

Non-Classical ECS Interactions
Cannabinoids are promiscuous or nonspecific molecules that interact with numerous pathways outside of the core ECS. One important pathway involves transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Although not part of the classical ECS, they influence critical functions like pain, inflammation, and temperature sensation. CBG, for example, interacts with TRP channels like TRPA1 and TRPV1. At LEVEL, we leverage these non-classical interactions to provide the targeted, predictable effects that define our products.

Exogenous Cannabinoids (Phytocannabinoids)
These plant-derived compounds (like THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids) function in the ECS due to their similarity in shape to the endocannabinoids your body produces.

Diagram showing CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human body

LEVEL: Translating ECS Science to Targeted Effects

LEVEL’s commitment to quality is what makes this complex system predictable. We offer precisely formulated products with targeted cannabinoid profiles, allowing consumers to experience specific effects and potential benefits with greater predictability and control. We prioritize quality, precision, and consistency in our production processes, ensuring that our products are safe, reliable, and deliver the intended effects every time.

Our dedication to precision led to the creation of the LEVEL Protab. We developed a novel manufacturing method for this product, which has received multiple patents, allowing us to scale production across the US while maintaining rigorous specifications and unsurpassed quality.

We’re also committed to transparency and education, providing consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about their cannabis consumption. This information includes clear labeling, detailed product information, and educational resources like this guide.

The Entourage Effect: The Science of Synergy

What Is the Entourage Effect?

The Entourage Effect is the widely accepted theory that the interaction between various cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis (like terpenes and flavonoids) creates a synergy where the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

This synergy is beneficial because it suggests that using the full spectrum of the plant’s compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids) can produce a greater therapeutic effect than any single compound in isolation. This synergistic interaction can lead to enhanced efficacy and broader symptom relief compared to using isolated compounds.

Author Insight:
Synergy by Design

The biggest myth is that all full-spectrum products are the same. They are not. If you want a predictable, targeted effect, you must understand the molecular formula required to create that effect. At LEVEL, the Entourage Effect is not random; it’s a precise chemical equation designed for a predictable outcome.

LEVEL’s View: Engineering the Entourage

My background in chemistry allows us to move beyond passive observation of synergy. We precisely formulate our products, selecting specific ratios of emergent cannabinoids and terpenoid blends to intentionally guide the ECS toward a specific state of balance.

Author Insight:
Beyond the Big Two

The cannabis industry spent decades focused solely on THC and CBD. The crucial misconception I want to debunk is this: Cannabis is NOT delta-9 THC. Delta-9 is just a single compound that has been self-selected for its psychoactive effects. At LEVEL, we realized you can’t achieve genuine, predictable effects by looking at only two compounds. Our work involves isolating and precisely formulating the emergent cannabinoids because they are the keys to unlocking specific, targeted experiences such as focus, sleep, and relief.

Key Cannabinoids Explained

The Cannabis Plant: A Prolific Biosynthetic Machine

The cannabis plant is one of nature’s most prolific biosynthetic machines, producing over 500 unique compounds spanning 18 different molecular classes. This plant’s amazing ability to produce compounds is virtually unheard of in the natural world. Consider this: Cannabinoids can account for 20%–30% of the plant’s entire dry mass.

As a chemist, I’m continually impressed by this efficiency. By comparison, high nicotine tobacco leaves typically produce only 5%–15% by dry weight, and tea leaves produce just 2%–5% caffeine. Even before specialized breeding, cannabis was a superstar among its peers due to the sheer volume and diversity of bioactive compounds it produces.

The world has understandably focused on THC for centuries, and more recently on CBD. But these cannabinoids are only the beginning of this inspiring story. To date, science has identified and characterized over 120 cannabinoids naturally produced by the plant, comprising 11 unique categories. There is still so much to discover and explore in our utilization of cannabinoids to positively impact human health.

This profound chemical capacity is what influenced Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the father of cannabinoid research, to say, “The cannabis plant is a pharmacological treasure trove. If it was discovered in the Amazon today, it would be hailed as a miracle plant.”

This statement has been a North Star for me long before I founded LEVEL. It holds as true today as it did the first day I read that quotation guiding our commitment to pushing the boundaries of cannabinoid formulation.

Primary Cannibanoids

delta-9 THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol)

Delta-9 THC (Δ9-THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, known for its strong agonism at the CB1 receptor. This binding is responsible for the euphoric and intoxicating effects. We utilize Δ9-THC in our formulations when targeted psychoactive effect is desired, along with its potential therapeutic benefits like appetite stimulation.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is a well-known cannabinoid celebrated for its relaxing and calming effects. CBD is fascinating because, instead of binding directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, it interacts with the ECS in a more indirect way—namely, by influencing the production and breakdown of the body’s natural endocannabinoids and interacting with other receptor systems (like serotonin receptors) to produce its effects. This indirect action is central to its multifunctional ability to manage emotional stress, physical discomfort, and restlessness.

Emergent Cannabinoids

THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)

THCa is the non-psychoactive acid precursor to THC. In its raw form, it is known for its neuroprotective properties and relieving joint and muscle discomfort. It’s a natural choice for formulations seeking relief from physical distress and discomfort without the intoxicating effects of delta-9 THC.

CBDa (Cannabidiolic Acid)

CBDa is the natural, unprocessed form of CBD and is found in the live plant before it undergoes decarboxylation (the process of heating that converts it to CBD). Our research into its molecular structure suggests that CBDa can offer enhanced effectiveness in managing joint and muscle discomfort and reducing emotional stress, primarily because of its action on the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, making it a subject of continuous research at LEVEL.

The Cannabinoid Biosynthesis & Activation Pathway

Activation pathway infographic

THCv (tetrahydrocannabivarin)

THCv is an exciting cannabinoid that acts as an antagonist at the CB1 receptor in small doses. This mechanism is being researched for its potential to promote mental focus and increase energy levels due to its stimulating effects. Its unique receptor action also suggests it may suppress appetite, making it a valuable tool in weight management and focus-based formulations.

I personally think that THCv is one of the greatest cannabinoids we have to work with. Being one of the first companies to truly commercialize it was an amazing accomplishment. We consider THCv a “sleeping giant” in formulation, allowing us to truly push the boundaries for how we can shape consumer experience through its judicious application.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

CBG is referred to as the progenitor of all phytocannabinoids and their downstream cannabinoid metabolites—the precursor to both CBD and THC. This versatile cannabinoid is a central component in many of our targeted formulations, demonstrating tremendous potential in managing stress, supporting healthy sleep cycles, and addressing physical discomfort.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

CBC is known for its mood-enhancing and stress-reducing effects. It is celebrated for its ability to promote emotional balance and support cognitive function. Although it is often a lesser-known compound, we focus on its versatile ability to support overall mental well-being and its likely synergy with other compounds.

CBN (Cannabinol)

CBN is a non-enzymatic degradation product of THC that stands out for its sedative properties. Our research shows that CBN is a highly effective, targeted compound for promoting deep, restful sleep. We view CBN as the go-to choice for restorative slumber and relief from persistent sleep disturbances.

delta-8 THC (Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol)

Delta-8 THC (Δ8-THC) is a structural isomer of delta-9 THC. It is a psychoactive cannabinoid that has been found to be generally less potent in its CB1 affinity than delta-9 THC, which translates to milder euphoric effects. We view delta-8 as a strategic tool for formulations where anxiety relief and appetite stimulation are desired without the intensity of delta-9.

Finding the Right Cannabinoid for Your Desired Effect

Energize: Cannabinoids for Focus and Energy

THC, THCv, and CBG are often associated with energy. All of our Energize products are designed to provide the ultimate boost for your busiest days. Say goodbye to sluggishness and hello to clean, motivating effects that propel you forward.

Our products are your go-to for amplifying endurance during workouts, enhancing concentration for complex projects, and injecting dynamic vitality into every aspect of your routine. Find the perfect natural lift to help you power through your long to-do lists, achieve your fitness goals, and feel genuinely invigorated from start to finish.

Create: Cannabinoids for Creativity and Flow

Amplify your output and elevate your thinking with LEVEL’s Create solutions. Say goodbye to distractions and hello to focused, inspiring highs that drive results. Formulated with THC, THCv, and CBG, our products are your ideal partner for navigating challenging projects, maintaining sharp cognition, and meeting every tight deadline with confidence.

Find the perfect natural lift to enhance your productivity, boost your imagination, and achieve breakthrough insights. Empower your mind to connect ideas, streamline execution, and deliver exceptional results, project after project.

Socialize: Cannabinoids for a Better Mood

Using specially formulated combinations of THC, THCv, CBD, and CBG, we help elevate your mood and embrace good times. When you’re ready to loosen up and enjoy life’s lighter side, our formulas provide the perfect balanced effects with all of the buzz.

Ideal for a carefree day at the beach, a lively night out, or any occasion where fun is on the agenda, this collection helps you unwind and feel more comfortable in your own skin. Discover a delightful lift that promotes a sense of euphoria, encourages spontaneity, and makes every social gathering more memorable and vibrant.

Relief: Cannabinoids for Discomfort

Find greater physical comfort with LEVEL’s Relief collection, which is crafted to help you navigate discomfort and embrace a more serene state. Employing a combination of THC, THCa, CBD, CBDa, CBN, and CBG, all of our Relief products are designed to help you recover from the rigors of physical activity and the everyday aches that can slow you down.

Our products are designed to deliver soothing effects when you need them most. Prioritize your well-being with options that support muscle relaxation, calming discomfort, and fostering deep rest and recovery. Explore how our relief-focused solutions can empower you to regain comfort and get back to what you love.

Calm: Cannabinoids for Relaxation and Calmness

Find your center and restore balance with LEVEL’s dedicated Calm products. When the noise of the world feels too loud, our targeted formulas offer a gentle escape, helping you to unwind and de-stress.

Immerse yourself in the soothing effects that promote deep relaxation, alleviate tension, and invite a sense of profound stillness. These products are your ally in fostering inner calm, making it easier to drift into restful sleep or simply enjoy a moment of unburdened peace throughout your day.

Sleep: Cannabinoids for Restful Sleep

Using a combination of CBD, CBG, CBN, and THCa, all of our Sleep products are designed to help you unwind completely and drift into blissful slumber. Our formulas are crafted to provide full-body sleep-promoting effects that gently release tension and promote a state of deep tranquility. Perfect for those nights when you need comprehensive relaxation to achieve optimal rest, this collection helps quiet the noise of the day. Find the perfect gentle aid to ensure you wake up feeling completely fresh in the morning, alert, and ready to seize the day.

How to Find Quality Cannabinoid Products

In an unregulated market, the burden is on the consumer. My expertise dictates a clear set of nonnegotiable standards for sourcing, testing, and formulation. When you’re assessing any cannabis product, demand scientific rigor, which takes form in these three key areas:

1. Mandate Transparency in Sourcing

Any brand you trust must demonstrate a commitment to premium reputable sourcing. We believe that what goes into the plant, and how it’s grown, directly impacts the final molecular profile. That’s why at LEVEL, we prioritize reputable sourcing, partnering with trusted cultivators, extractors, processors, and suppliers who adhere to strict, sustainable quality standards.

2. Mandate Rigorous Third-Party Validation

I cannot stress this enough: Never consume a product without independently verified proof of its contents. This is the only way to ensure safety, potency, and purity.

At LEVEL, we take this mandate seriously. We rigorously lab test every product batch to ensure safety, accurate cannabinoid content, and freedom from contaminants. I provide these results so you can have complete confidence in the purity, potency, and consistency of your experience.

View LEVEL’s Test Results for more information and certificates of analysis (COAs).

3. Mandate Precision in Formulation

If a product’s label doesn’t include the specific milligrams of all active cannabinoids, you are buying a guess, not a targeted effect. Our commitment to small molecule chemistry demands precision.

We adhere to the highest manufacturing standards and rigorous quality control protocols, ensuring that every product is consistently crafted with care. All of our products include detailed labels with the specific milligram count of every active cannabinoid used in that formulatio — providing the information you need to make an informed choice.

Cannabinoids: The Future of Precision Wellness

The world of cannabinoids is more than just a complex landscape, it’s the future of precision wellness. We’ve journeyed together through the major players like THC and CBD, explored the potential of rising stars like CBG and CBN, and dissected the science of the Entourage Effect.

My goal at LEVEL is to move past outdated paradigms and use scientific rigor to create predictable, repeatable experiences. This guide, rooted in small molecule chemistry and rigorous research, is your foundation for understanding the potential for precision wellness.

A Word on Limitations

Although cannabis is a powerful tool to take the edge off and improve the intensity of things like pain, stress, and sleep issues, it is not a silver bullet and does not cure most pathologies. It is important to recognize that long-term solutions require fundamental behavior changes like diet, exercise, and cognitive patterns.

Cannabis can be a powerful adjunct or palliative care intervention, helping us navigate daily life by reducing the overall impact these issues may have. This honest nonspecific nature, and its ability to address a host of conditions, is both its greatest strength and the driving force behind my commitment to precision formulation.

My Obsession: Why I See the World in Molecules

My passion for chemistry and the interaction between chemical and biological systems is an obsession I can’t really explain. Some individuals are compelled to create music, sculpture, or dance as their expression of art. I am compelled to create at the molecular level.

Look around. Really, take a moment and look around you. Everything you observe in the physical world, including yourself, is a vast collection of molecules with a very specific topography (connection) that creates this amazing world we live in and experience.

I’ve always been fascinated and drawn toward understanding the mechanics behind how things “work,” but my decades-long search led me to chemistry, and more specifically, small molecule chemistry. I see the world in molecules. I always have.

Organic chemistry is the language we developed to describe various aspects of the natural world. It is how we are able to experiment, investigate, answer, and refute our ideas about how we are all connected on this planet; where we came from; and potentially, where we are going. My work at LEVEL is simply the application of this molecular obsession to the profound potential of the cannabis plant.

Next Steps

Ready to apply this science and LEVEL up your cannabis experience? Explore our meticulously crafted products, discover the specific formulas engineered for your desired effect, and embark on a new kind of cannabinoid journey with confidence and control.

Explore LEVEL Products: Find the precise formula engineered for your desired effect.
Dive Deeper: Check out our blog for in-depth articles on specific cannabinoids and research findings.
Read the Genesis Story: Learn more about my journey from Stanford research to founding LEVEL.

Meet the Scientist and Author

Chris Emerson, PhD

Chris Emerson, PhD, is the founder, chief scientist, and CEO of LEVEL. With a doctorate in small molecule chemistry, Chris is a pioneer in cannabinoid science and is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of cannabis beyond just THC.

Our Expertise

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© 2025 LEVEL. California. License No: CDPH-10004472. These products and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ⚠️WARNING: CONSUMING CANNABIS (MARIJUANA) SMOKE EXPOSES YOU TO CARCINOGENS INCLUDING DELTA-9 THC, BETA-MYRCENE, PULEGONE, AND ISOPRENE, WHICH ARE KNOWN IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.P65WARNINGS.CA.GOV