Cannabinoids Explained

What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is what most people refer to when they say the word THC. Cannabis is a plant that contains THC, the active ingredient that makes you feel high. Compounds such as these are the main reason people consume cannabis, whether for fun or for medical benefits. You can thank THC for the high you get from smoking, vaping, eating edibles, or dabbing.

THC is scientifically known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-9. Among the cannabinoids, delta-9 is one of the most significant. Cannabis plants contain an extensive amount of cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as other compounds. As a result of interactions between cannabinoids in the plant, phytocannabinoids, and endocannabinoids in the body, the body produces effects and produces a high.

There is a limit to how much THC in cannabis makes it illegal federally, and that limit is determined by the amount of THC in the plant. It is legal to sell cannabis products that contain THC levels above 0.3% in states that have legalized marijuana (most cannabis flowers contain 15-25% THC). Cannabis products with less than 0.3% THC are considered hemp and are legal at the federal level, since 2018.

With the introduction of the hemp farming bill of 2018 delta 9 THC was legalized as long as it was derived from cannabis plants that contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 on a dry weight basis. More recently due to litigation of retailers selling products with higher quantities of delta 9 THC it was determined that the language in the hemp farming bill actually can be applied to any product containing less than 0.3% delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis.

This has allowed many companies to begin producing and distributing products nationwide that include otherwise unheard of quantities of delta 9. This is how we are able to legally offer gummies with 25mg of delta 9 THC because based upon the total dry weight of the finished gummies that amount is still below the legal threshold for hemp derived products.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8-THC is a phytocannabinoid that is similar to Delta 9-THC. Both cannabinoids are psychotropic. However, Delta 8-THC is less potent than its counterpart. Delta 8 is less prominent than Delta 9 in the cannabis plant. Even with these differences, Delta 8 has become increasingly popular!

Delta 8 THC is not a controlled substance according to the DEA meaning that it falls outside of the guidelines governing cannabis. This means that delta 8 can be present in amounts larger than 0.3% of a finished good making it a great choice to add a psychoactive component to many popular products.

Delta 8 is considered to have around 60% the psychoactive effects of delta 9. With this in mind a typical dose of delta 8 tends to be higher than that of delta 9. A good way to think of this is, a 100mg delta 8 gummy should have a similar effect to a gummy containing 60mg of delta 9.

Delta 8 can produce a clear, water-like distillate. This distillate is often used in cartridges to provide high amounts of Delta 8 that wouldn't usually be found. As Delta 8 products become more and more available, experts are forming opinions on this cannabinoid. Many researchers believe in the potential of Delta 8, and many experts believe that this cannabinoid is more stable and efficient than its counterpart.

What is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid that has rarely been identified as a trace component in Cannabis sativa, but can also be produced synthetically by hydrogenation of cannabis extracts.

HHC was first synthesized in 1947 by Roger Adams using natural THC found in Cannabis sativa. HHC is typically made from Δ8-THC, or Δ9-THC. While HHC has been shown to bind to the CB1 receptor, it binds with weaker affinity than THC, which has typically been an indication that it is not as intoxicating as typical THC. Since HHC is found naturally in the cannabis plant, humans have likely been unknowingly consuming small amounts of this cannabinoid for centuries.

HHC itself has been found as a degradation byproduct of THC in a similar way that Cannabinol and Delta-8-THC can be formed by the Cannabis plant from Delta-9-THC degradation. The degradation of D9-THC that forms HHC is the reduction of the double carbon bonds that would typically make up the delta isomer position on THCs structure. For a much more in depth scientific explanation this Wikipedia article is a great source of information.

What is THCP?

Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is a potent phytocannabinoid, a CB1 and CB2 agonist which was known as a synthetic homologue of THC, but for the first time in 2019 was isolated as a natural product in trace amounts from Cannabis sativa. It is structurally similar to Δ9-THC, the main active component of cannabis, but with the pentyl side chain extended to heptyl. Since it has a longer side chain, its cannabinoid effects are said to be far greater than Δ9-THC itself.

Tetrahydrocannabiphorol has a reported binding affinity approximately 33 times that of Delta-9-THC.

THCP is found in extremely low quantities within the cannabis plant which is why the majority of THCP in production today comes from a process called isomerization where legal hemp derived CBD is modified through chemical means to produce the end product of THCP. For an in depth look at THCP we recommend this article from the Cannabis Business Times.

What is THC-O?

THC-O is a potent cannabinoid analogue that is synthesized, often from delta 8. THC-O is extremely potent and it is advised to only be used by experienced consumers. Following legal changes in the USA since around 2018, especially the legalization of cannabis in an increasing number of states and the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill which eased restrictions on the cultivation of industrial hemp, THC-O-acetate has become increasingly available as a recreational drug, initially in the USA but subsequently in other countries also.

It may be produced from extracts of psychoactive strains of cannabis in states where this is permitted, in which case the product will be primarily O-acetyl-Δ9-THC, but it is also commonly produced from Delta-8-THC which is synthesized from cannabidiol extracted from hemp, in which case the product will be primarily O-acetyl-Δ8-THC. Since Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC are quite different in potency, the corresponding acetylated derivatives also will be, which may pose risks to consumers who are unaware of which isomer is in commercial products.

All of our products contain the delta 8 version of THC-O meaning that while they are still extremely potent, the effects should not be so severe that you find yourself in need of urgent care.

High Times has a good summary of THC-O history and its use. Follow this link for more info.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products offered by BuyDelta8.com are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.