You can think of THCs as The High Creators. These are the compounds known for their psychoactive qualities, which bestow cannabis with its distinctive euphoric, head change effects.
The most prevalent of these psychoactive phytocannabinoids is called delta-9 THC (sometimes referred to as just “THC” or as “D9” or “delta-9”). This is the kind of THC we most associate with cannabis products, and is the form of THC that is federally regulated. A cannabis product can be sold as hemp or hemp-derived if it contains no more than 0.3% of delta-9 THC by dry weight.
In terms of effects, while every person is different, many report that psychoactive doses of delta-9 THC have a euphoric, head change effect that results in elation, relaxation, and an altered sense of reality. In addition to its recreational effects, delta-9 THC has also shown promise in helping with a variety of conditions, including nausea, chronic pain, arthritis, migraines, glaucoma, and cancer. Cannabis research is still in its early days, and studies continue to investigate the medical and therapeutic potential of THC.
In addition to delta-9, there are a variety of other forms of THC that are possible to extract and refine from hemp, which have similar but distinct effects. These include delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and more. The minor differences in molecular structure of these different types of THC change the way in which they interact with our endocannabinoid system, and many consumers report positive results from their use, either in addition to or instead of delta-9 THC.
Perhaps the most notorious of these hemp-derived forms of THC is delta-8 THC. A naturally-occuring minor cannabinoid, delta-8 THC is normally found only in small quantities but can also be created by treating CBD to cause it to break down and change structure. Some consumers prefer delta-8 THC because its effects are typically characterized as milder than delta-9 and more body focused, with less of the cerebral clouding effects that may be associated with anxiety and paranoia.
Another form of THC similar to delta-8 is delta-10. Like delta-8, delta-10 is considered to be milder than delta-9, but unlike delta-8 it is known for having more of a cerebral, “head rush” effect. Many consumers seeking a milder Sativa-type effect, or who find delta-8 to be too body focused or relaxing, use delta-10 to meet their needs.
As cannabis research continues, new cannabinoids and cannabinoid-derivatives are discovered. Our staff stays up-to-date on the latest cannabis research and will be happy to help guide you in making the best selection to suit your personal needs.