CBD & the Novel THC Compounds AKA the “Other” Deltas
With 420 (the official/unofficial marijuana holiday) right around the corner, it’s a great time to discuss all the ways people are getting high in America. As of 2023, 37 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for either medical or recreational use, or both. However, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. This federal-state legal discrepancy has created a patchwork of regulations and challenges for businesses and consumers.
As I’ve discussed before, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp and hemp-derived products, including cannabinoids like CBD, as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC. This has led to a proliferation of hemp-based products, though the regulatory oversight and quality assurance of these products remains a work in progress.
Many of my patients and customers have asked for information on these new cannabis products- not just the traditional delta-9 THC (found in marijuana), but also a host of "novel" THC compounds such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and others. While these products may seem like exciting new developments, it's important to understand the nuances and potential implications of these emerging compounds so that you don't get yourself all messed up messing around 🙂
CBD: Feel Good Without The High
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the most well-known and widely studied compounds derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it does not produce the characteristic "high" associated with cannabis use. CBD has been the subject of extensive research, with studies suggesting potential benefits for a variety of health conditions, including pain, anxiety, and inflammation. CBD products, such as oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, flower and intimate lubricants have become increasingly popular among our patients and customers who are seeking the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects. This is also a very useful option for those with occupations that test for THC as broad spectrum and isolate CBD products do not contain THC (*always make sure you buy from a trusted source)
Pearls:
CBD was first isolated from the cannabis plant in the 1940s, but it wasn't until the 1990s that the endocannabinoid system was discovered, which helped unlock the understanding of how CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the body.
In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp and hemp-derived products, including CBD, paving the way for the rapid growth of the CBD market.
THC: The Deltas We Know and Love
Delta-9 THC and 11-Hydroxy THC
Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in traditional cannabis. It is responsible for the classic "high" experienced by users and has been extensively studied for its medicinal properties, such as pain relief and appetite stimulation.
When delta-9 THC is ingested, such as through edibles or other oral consumption methods, it is metabolized by the liver into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy THC. 11-Hydroxy THC is believed to be more potent than delta-9 THC and may produce a more intense and prolonged high. Both delta-9 THC and 11-hydroxy THC work by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which can lead to a variety of psychoactive and physiological effects.
Pearls:
THC was first isolated from the cannabis plant in 1964 by Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam, who is often referred to as the "father of cannabis research”. He consulted on my research product which you can check out here.
The potency of 11-hydroxy THC compared to delta-9 THC is one of the reasons edibles can produce a more intense and long-lasting high.
Novel THC Compounds
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant, but it can also be synthesized from CBD. Delta-8 THC is said to produce a milder, more relaxed high compared to delta-9 THC. However, the legality of delta-8 THC is currently a subject of debate, with some jurisdictions considering it a controlled substance.
Delta-10 THC
Delta-10 THC is another minor cannabinoid that has recently gained attention in the market. Like delta-8 THC, delta-10 is typically derived from hemp-derived CBD through a process of isomerization. The effects of delta-10 THC are reported to be similar to delta-8 THC, with a potentially more mild and uplifting high.
Pearls:
Delta-8 THC is sometimes referred to as "diet THC" due to its *claimed* milder psychoactive effects compared to delta-9 THC.
The increasing popularity of delta-8 THC has led to concerns about the quality and safety of some products, as the compound can be synthetically produced.
Other Novel Cannabinoids
In addition to delta-8 and delta-10 THC, there are other novel cannabinoids, such as THCV, HHC, and THCP, that have also emerged in the market. These compounds can produce a wide range of effects, from stimulating to sedating, and some are even believed to have therapeutic potential.
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
THCV, a cannabinoid closely related to THC, presents unique effects distinct from the more commonly known THC. It acts as a neutral antagonist at low doses and as an agonist at higher doses of the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. THCV has been shown to reduce appetite and weight in animal models, likely due to its interaction with CB1 receptors, a mechanism similar to the appetite suppression observed with synthetic cannabinoids like rimonabant, but without their psychiatric side effects. Moreover, THCV has been demonstrated to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose intolerance in diet-induced obese mice, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)
HHC is a hydrogenated derivative of THC, chemically modified to increase stability and shelf-life. While research on HHC is less comprehensive than on THC and CBD, it is hypothesized to bind similarly to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The effects of HHC are reported to be similar to THC, potentially providing analgesic, anti-nausea, and relaxing effects. However, scientific studies specifically focusing on HHC are limited, and much of the understanding comes from anecdotal evidence and preliminary research.
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP)
THCP is a newly discovered cannabinoid that has been found to have a significantly higher binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors compared to THC, potentially making it more potent. Initial studies suggest that THCP could exert pronounced psychoactive effects due to this strong receptor affinity, with implications for both medical and recreational use. Like THCV, the potential therapeutic applications of THCP might include the treatment of conditions that respond to cannabinoid therapy, although more extensive clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its effects and therapeutic potential
Pearls:
THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is sometimes referred to as the "sports car" of cannabinoids due to its potential ability to suppress appetite and increase energy.
The growing popularity of these novel cannabinoids has led to concerns about lack of research on their long-term safety and potential health impacts.
Pros and Cons of Novel THC Compounds
The primary marketing claims of these novel THC compounds is the anecdotal (stories) reports that they provide a more controlled and potentially milder psychoactive experience compared to traditional delta-9 THC. This may be appealing to consumers who want to enjoy the benefits of THC without the full intensity of a classic cannabis high.
Unfortunately, without substantial research a lot of these claims are just stories. In addition many of these products are produced by unscrupulous manufacturers looking to make a quick buck, meaning manufacturing standards may be very poor. The legal status of these compounds is also often unclear, and they may be subject to varying regulations across different jurisdictions. Lastly, as these are relatively new and understudied compounds, the long-term safety and potential health implications are not yet fully understood. ***Be careful…
Wrapping it All Up
It's important that if you are a consumer/ potential consumer of cannabis products that you thoroughly research and understand the potential risks and benefits of these novel THC products before using them. Consulting with healthcare professionals for guidance is your best bet. Remember, there are safety considerations that include potential drug interactions, potential contaminants or adulterants, and the overall quality and purity of the products that should be considered as well. Enjoy your 420 “high holiday”, be safe and be sure to contact us if you ever have any questions!
