What is Cannabitriol?
Cannabitriol, better known as CBT, is a cannabinoid first discovered in 2011. As you may already know, cannabinoids are cannabis compounds derived from the cannabis plant, which includes both hemp and marijuana. There are both major and minor cannabinoids. Major cannabinoids include CBD and THC (among others), while minor cannabinoids include CBT. What’s the difference? Major cannabinoids offer notable therapeutic effects, while minor cannabinoids offer small, sometimes unnoticeable benefits.
All cannabinoids are known to contribute to the Entourage Effect, which we’ll examine further in this article. And while there are hundreds of cannabinoids, we still make new discoveries every year! So why is Cannabitriol so mysterious?
For starters, not much is known about CBT. Scientists have observed that it is structurally similar to THC, the infamous psychoactive compound found in marijuana. However, Cannabitriol only appears in trace amounts. Also, CBT is only found in a handful of cannabis samples. Some strains of cannabis contain these minor cannabinoids, while others do not.
What Does CBT Do?
Additional research is needed to fully understand Cannabitriol. However, we can answer some of the most basic questions regarding these lesser-known cannabis compounds.
Is CBT Considered a Psychoactive Compound?
As we mentioned before, Cannabitriol is structurally similar to THC. However, that doesn’t mean CBT itself is a psychoactive compound. As you may already know, THC users report experiencing a “high” after ingestion. It is unclear if CBT contributes to this high.
Keep in mind that the definition of “psychoactive compound” is also up for debate. For example, CBD is considered a psychoactive compound because it offers physiological benefits and acts upon nervous system receptors. However, CBD does not get you high like THC. A cannabinoid can be considered a psychoactive compound without inducing intoxicating side effects.
Furthermore, all cannabis compounds share similar structures, this is partially what it means for a compound to be considered a “cannabinoid.” You could argue that popular therapeutic cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN are structurally similar to THC. Just remember that Cannabitriol is extremely structurally similar to THC.
How Much CBT is Found in Cannabis?
It’s tough to say for sure. Cannabitriol only appears in microscopic amounts. In addition, CBT is only found in some strains of cannabis. Most commonly marijuana plants, and it’s unclear if CBT appears in hemp plants at all.
This rarity is one of the main reasons why CBT studies are difficult to perform. First, scientists must find the right cannabis plant to examine. Next, they must identify a microscopic concentration of CBT, a compound that looks structurally similar to THC.
How Does CBT Contribute to the Entourage Effect?
All cannabinoids contribute to the Entourage Effect, even CBT! But let’s reexamine the Entourage Effect for those who are unfamiliar with the concept. To do this, let’s take a look at two CBD products: (1) Full Spectrum CBD Oil and (2) CBD Isolate.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil derives from a whole-plant extraction of the hemp plant. With a whole-plant extraction, you receive all of the cannabis compounds found in the plant. This includes a variety of cannabinoids, including CBD, trace THC molecules, as well as compounds like CBN, CBG, and more. What else can you find in Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
- Terpenes
- Amino Acids
- Essential Fatty Acids
- Flavonoids
- Proteins
- Phenols
- Sterols
- Esters
These compounds are found naturally in the hemp plant. And when we compare a Full Spectrum CBD Oil to CBD Isolate, you’ll notice that CBD Isolate contains only CBD. As such, CBD Isolate products do not contain terpenes, amino acids, etc.
The Entourage Effect states that all cannabis compounds found in Full Spectrum CBD Oil work together after ingestion. By working together, these compounds are said to increase the efficacy, bioavailability, and overall strength of your CBD treatment. Because CBT is found naturally in cannabis plants, it does contribute to the Entourage Effect like other minor cannabinoids!
Remember that the Entourage Effect is considered a phenomenon. It has yet to be proven by the scientific community. However, strong evidence continues to emerge in favor of Full Spectrum CBD products over products like CBD Isolate. This is primarily because of the Entourage Effect.
Cannabitriol: In Conclusion
So what have we learned about CBT, one of the least understood cannabinoids found in cannabis plants?
- CBT molecules are considered “minor cannabinoids” as we have not yet discovered significant physiological effects after ingestion.
- It is unclear whether Cannabitriol is a psychoactive compound. However, it is structurally similar to THC, known to be very psychoactive.
- These cannabis compounds only appear in microscopic amounts and have only been found in some strains of cannabis, primarily marijuana.
- CBT molecules contribute to the Entourage Effect, a phenomenon known to increase the efficacy of your CBD treatment. It is unclear how significant a role they play.
Time will tell if CBT finds its way into therapeutic treatments. Our guess? CBT will remain a hard-to-understand compound for some time. Due to its rarity in nature, scientists are still years away from discovering the potential benefits of this cannabinoid. Until then, stick with CBD products, your go-to for medicinal homeopathy!
