There are so many cannabinoids out there that are staring to be manufactured into new products, it is hard for us to keep up! A primary reason we built this site was to lay it out for consumers in easy-to-understand, medically backed descriptions so you could learn about cannabinoids too.
What is Delta 9?
Delta 9 THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the major cannabinoids found marijuana and hemp plants. Delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive component responsible for the psychoactive effects that THC products produce.
These products target CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. CB1 receptors affect more psychoactive effects as opposed to CB2 receptors which are associated more with anti-inflammation and immunosuppressive properties.
Delta 9 products are likely to be the strongest, and are sometimes associated with anxiety or other mental health side effects.
People with a personal or family history of schizophrenia or other mood disorders should avoid all THC products as studies have shown THC products can exacerbate or draw these diagnoses out.
Delta 9 gummies products shown on this account are EXCLUSIVELY federally legal, all hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
Our favorite Delta 9 product: Rebel Rabbit High Seltzers
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC (Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the most popular cannabinoids that is considered “Marijuana Lite”. That’s because these products target CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, but have a weaker affinity for CB1 than Delta 9, reducing psychoactive properties.
Many people like and even PREFER Delta 8 because the effects are typically milder than Delta 9 and are much less associated with anxiety, feeling “too high”, or other mental health side effects.
Medically, researchers are looking at Delta 8 products for medicinal THC because it binds to CB2 receptors (anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive) just as strong as Delta 9, but much less to CB1 (psychoactive).
Similar to Delta 9, I still recommend people with a personal or family history of schizophrenia or other mood disorders should avoid all THC products as studies have shown THC products can exacerbate or draw these diagnoses out.
Delta 8 gummies products shown on this account are EXCLUSIVELY federally legal, all hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. It is difficult to abstract a completely pure Delta 8 product, but several manufacturers are doing this.
Dosing Tips:
THC Amateur: recommend no more than 12.5-25 mg, try less if you are worried (you can always take more).
THC Veteran: Delta 8 dosing for similar effects of Delta 9 is 2:1 (25 mg of Delta 8 is similar to 12.5 mg of Delta 9).
Our favorite Delta 8 product: HiOnNature Delta 8 Gummy Worms
What is CBD?
The second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis, CBD (Cannabidiol), is legal in all 50 states and also federally legal under the Farm Bill Act if it comes from hemp (not marijuana) plant, despite them being identical in molecular structure. It is FDA indicated for childhood epilepsy but may have benefits with anxiety, insomnia, restless legs/arms, chronic pain and possibly addictions.
What is HHC?
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive cannabinoid discovered in the 1940s that is surging in the Farm Bill Act era. Although it occurs naturally in cannabis, it is typically created by hydrogenation of THC (both Delta 8 and Delta 9 make different variants). Similar to Delta 8 THC, HHC occurs in small amounts but differs in an extra hydrogen atom, which makes it more stable and last longer. Many find HHC to be helpful for sleep.
Our favorite HHC product: HiOnNature HHC Gummy
What is Delta 10?
Delta 10 THC (Delta-10-Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid very similar to Delta 8 as it typically causes a milder effect than the stronger Delta 9. The major difference is that Delta 10 seems to have a more activating effect than the sedating effect of Delta 8 (think activating Sativa vs more sedating Indica). It has been described as a more uplifting, motivating, and creative cannabinoid that is better for daytime use.
What is CBN?
CBN (Cannabinol) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is derived from both hemp and marijuana cannabis plants. Major functions of CBN include feeling relaxed and helping with sleep. Like CBD, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with chronic pain. CBN is typically found in combination with another cannabinoid.
Our favorite CBN Product: 3CHI Comfortably Numb
What is THCV?
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a rare cannabinoid that is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is one of the best-researched of the “rare” cannabinoids. It has been found to have appetite suppression effects (ironic considering the stereotype of THC!) and has been called “diet weed” or “weederall” as it has energy-boosting properties as well. This is thought to be because THCV blocks CB1, which is why it would also be non-psychoactive.
What is THCa?
THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a cannabinoid that, raw and singular, doesn’t cause psychoactive effects, but when heated, breaks down to THC, as it is a precursor to THC. Naturally, this happens as marijuana plants mature or dry or if this substance is vaped or smoked. Early research suggests THCa may be neuroprotective, and have anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. By definition, these products are typically not found in edibles.
What is CBGa?
A biosynthetic precursor to D9THC, CBGa (Cannabigerolic acid) has been shown to have anticonvulsant effects in mice studies even for mice with Dravet syndrome. Interestingly, CBGa was found to have antimicrobial effects, even able to significantly block COVID-19 infection vs placebo. CBGa is broken down to THCa, CBDa, CBCa, eventually breaking down into THC, CBD, CBC. Admittedly, there is very little research yet on CBGa, however, similar to CBG/CBD, there may be some anti-oxidative effects of CBGa. CBGa was even found to hasten early colon cancer cell death, faster than other cannabinoids.
What is Delta 9o?
Delta 9o (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-o-Acetate) is a newer, synthetic compound with an acetate group added. This is technically federally legal per the 2018 Farm Bill Act, but is practically the same compounds as Delta 9 THC. Delta 9o takes about 20 extra minutes for users to feel effects while the body metabolizes the compound through deacetylation, then further metabolizes as Delta 9 THC. Of note, this compound will ABSOLUTELY show up on a Delta 9 THC drug screen.