The Quick Reference Chart
If you only remember one thing from this guide, make it this:
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — the one that gets you high. Psychoactive. Main cannabinoid in most flower and edibles.
- CBD (cannabidiol) — non-intoxicating. Reported by consumers to help with anxiety, inflammation, and for moderating THC's intensity.
- CBG (cannabigerol) — non-intoxicating "mother" cannabinoid. The precursor all others come from. Sparse in finished flower; most concentrated in young plants.
- CBC (cannabichromene) — non-intoxicating. Less researched than CBD. Found in small amounts in most full-spectrum products.
- CBN (cannabinol) — mildly psychoactive, sedating at higher doses. Formed when THC oxidizes (aged or heated flower). Commonly marketed for sleep.
THC — The One That Gets You High
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive "high" of cannabis. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, which is why it affects mood, perception, appetite, memory, and coordination.
Canadian flower typically ranges from 10% to 30% THC by dry weight. Edibles in Ontario are capped at 10 mg THC per package by law — a serious cap for experienced consumers, but appropriate for beginners. Vape concentrates often list 60–90% THC.
THC is what you're dosing for if you want the recreational high. For first-timers, we recommend 10–15% THC flower, 2.5 mg single-serve edibles, or one short vape puff.
CBD — The Non-Intoxicating Counterweight
Cannabidiol (CBD) does not produce a high. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system indirectly and influences serotonin receptors, which is why it's reported by consumers for anxiety, inflammation, and pain-related concerns — though regulators like Health Canada have not approved health claims for recreational CBD products.
CBD is also widely reported by consumers to help moderate the intensity of THC. Products labeled 1:1 THC:CBD, 2:1 CBD:THC, or 20:1 CBD:THC are deliberately formulated to be gentler than high-THC alternatives. Many first-time consumers start here.
CBD shows up in flower (hemp-genetic strains and balanced hybrids), CBD-dominant oil tinctures, CBD-forward edibles, and topicals. For topicals and tinctures, Cannabis Link carries options at all major Canadian ratios.
CBG — The Mother Cannabinoid
Cannabigerol (CBG) is the precursor from which every other major cannabinoid is synthesized in the plant. During flowering, CBG converts into THC, CBD, and CBC — which is why fully mature flower usually contains very little CBG (often under 1%).
To get meaningful CBG, producers breed high-CBG strains or harvest plants earlier. CBG-dominant products are still relatively rare on Canadian shelves but are growing — you'll see them labeled explicitly as "CBG" in oil tinctures and some concentrates.
CBG is non-intoxicating and is being studied for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neurological applications. As with CBD, we can't make health claims — but if you're curious about minor cannabinoids, CBG products at Cannabis Link are typically carried by Aurora, Pure Sunfarms, and a handful of craft producers.
CBC — The Understudied One
Cannabichromene (CBC) is non-intoxicating and typically present in small amounts (under 1%) in most full-spectrum cannabis products. Unlike CBD and CBG, CBC doesn't usually show up as the dominant cannabinoid in its own standalone product — it's more often part of the overall minor-cannabinoid profile of a full-spectrum extract.
Research on CBC is less developed than THC or CBD. Early studies suggest it interacts with vanilloid and endocannabinoid receptors that relate to pain and mood, but the evidence base is thinner. If a product lists CBC on the COA, that's a sign you're buying a full-spectrum extract rather than a distillate.
CBN — The Sleepy One
Cannabinol (CBN) is what THC turns into when cannabis ages, is exposed to heat and oxygen, or sits on a shelf too long. It's mildly psychoactive — about 10% as potent as THC — and is consistently reported by consumers for sedation and sleep.
Older flower has more CBN than fresh flower, which is why some producers cure and age their product specifically to raise the CBN content. You'll also see CBN added directly to sleep-focused gummies, tinctures, and soft-gel capsules, usually in the 2–10 mg range per dose, often paired with a small amount of THC and melatonin or terpenes like myrcene.
If you're shopping for sleep, Cannabis Link carries a curated sleep collection at all six locations — ask a budtender to show you the CBN options.
How to Read a Canadian Cannabis Label
Every licensed product in Canada prints a cannabinoid profile on the label. Here's how to parse it.
- THC / THC Total — THC is unactivated (raw) tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. THC Total is what you actually consume after smoking, vaping, or cooking — it's the number that matters.
- CBD / CBD Total — same logic. CBD Total is the amount you absorb.
- Minor cannabinoids — if CBG, CBC, or CBN appear individually on the label, you're buying a full-spectrum product. If not, it's likely distillate-based.
- mg per serving vs mg per package — for edibles, always check both. Ontario caps total THC at 10 mg per package, which can be one 10 mg dose or four 2.5 mg pieces. Your serving size is what you actually eat at once.
- Lot numbers and certificate of analysis (COA) — most licensed producers publish the full lab report online using the lot number printed on the package. Worth checking if you want to verify terpene profile or exact minor cannabinoid content.
Which Cannabinoid Should You Start With?
If you're new to cannabis and uncertain about which cannabinoid to prioritize, our budtenders usually suggest one of three starting points depending on what you're looking for.
- Relaxation without a strong high → start with balanced THC:CBD products (1:1 or 2:1 CBD-forward ratios). Available in flower, oils, and edibles.
- Wellness focus (anxiety, inflammation, curiosity) → start with CBD-dominant oils or balanced strains. No psychoactive effects.
- Sleep → start with a 2.5-5 mg THC + 2-5 mg CBN combination edible, taken 60-90 minutes before bed.
- Recreational high → THC flower or pre-rolls at 10-15% for first-timers, edibles at 2.5 mg to start.