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Back“Back in the good old days, all we had was regular weed, and we were fine” is something we imagine someone new to modern cannabis thinking.
Although it might’ve been simpler back when other cannabinoids weren’t as well-known or accessible, we must admit that having different compounds with diverse effects and benefits is a paradise to many people.
THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most well-known cannabinoid found in cannabis and is responsible for the psychoactive effects that create a “high.” While many associate THC solely with Delta 9 THC, the cannabis plant contains a variety of THC variants, each with unique characteristics and potencies. Let’s learn about the different THC variants, their effects, potency levels, and more.
Key Takeaways
- THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component in cannabis responsible for the “high.”
- There are over 20 known THC variants, each with distinct characteristics and potencies.
- Delta 9 THC is the most well-known form, while THCP is considered the most potent due to its strong receptor binding.
- The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC at the federal level.
- THC’s legality varies by state, with some allowing full recreational and medicinal use and others imposing strict bans.
What Does THC Stand For?
THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the primary psychoactive component found in cannabis plants, including marijuana and hashish, and is responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use. THC interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system by binding to cannabinoid receptors, influencing mood, pain, cognition, and perception.
While many assume that THC refers only to regular Delta 9 THC, there are a bunch of different cannabinoids that contain THC. Cannabis, which is the umbrella term for both marijuana and hemp, is the placeholder for over a hundred cannabinoids. Still, not all of them contain THC.
How Many Types of THC Are There?
There are approximately 20 known THC variants, each with varying degrees of research and application. These include the more familiar cannabinoids like Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC, and THCA, as well as other less commonly known variants such as THCV, THCO, and THCP, among others.
7 Notable THC Variants in the Cannabis Industry
There are several types of THC variants, each with distinct features and effects. It is important to note that while many of these variants have been identified, not all have been extensively studied.
Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC is the most abundant and well-known THC variant that is naturally found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects, commonly known as “getting high,” by interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. Delta 9 THC was legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill, with hemp-derived products allowed as long as they do not exceed 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis.
Learn more about Full Spectrum Delta 9 THC, its nature, effects, potential uses, and more.
Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid, meaning it is not as abundant as Delta 9 THC. It has psychoactive properties but is known for causing milder effects compared to Delta 9 THC. Users may experience feelings of relaxation and happiness, along with potential drowsiness. Delta 8 THC became more popular as it is legal in states that allow THC products with up to 0.3% Delta 9 THC content.
Get everything you need to know about Delta 8 THC in this comprehensive article.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor to Delta 9 THC. Its natural form provides calming and relaxing effects and is believed to offer anti-inflammatory benefits. THCA converts to Delta 9 THC through a heating process known as decarboxylation, which then gives it psychoactive properties.
Learn all about THCA, its potency, effects, consumption methods, and more.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
THCV, produced when THCA breaks down, tends to have much shorter and milder effects than Delta 9 THC products. It is considered a good option for those starting with THC products. THCV is seen as unique due to its potential appetite-suppressant effects, which differ from the usually appetite-stimulating properties of other THC types.
THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol)
Discovered fairly recently, THCP is notable for its intense psychoactive properties. It is more potent than Delta 9 THC due to stronger receptor binding within the brain. As a result, lower dosages are required to achieve psychoactive effects compared to Delta 9 THC. This discovery highlights the vast potential of cannabinoids with varying potencies and effect profiles.
Get more information about THCP, its nature, effects, potential therapeutic applications, and more.
Delta 10 THC
Delta 10 THC is less commonly discussed due to its rarity in natural cannabis plants and the synthetic processes often required to produce it. Its effects and legality remain under scrutiny, given that its production involves adding substances not naturally part of the cannabis plant. The double bond in Delta 10 is found on its tenth carbon chain, hence the name and the resemblance to its other two cousins.
Learn about Delta 10 THC here.
THCO (THCO Acetate)
THCO, or THCO Acetate, is a synthetic cannabinoid that is becoming increasingly popular in the cannabis market. THCO is an acetate ester of THC, meaning it is synthesized by chemically altering the THC molecule, usually starting with Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC, to add an acetate group.
This chemical modification is purported to make THCO significantly more potent than Delta 9 THC, with some reports suggesting it could be up to three times as intoxicating. However, these claims primarily stem from anecdotal evidence and have limited scientific backing.
What is the Strongest THC Variant?
The strongest THC cannabinoid identified so far is THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol). THCP is considered the most potent naturally occurring cannabinoid due to its strong binding affinity with the CB1 receptors in the brain, which is significantly greater than that of Delta 9 THC.
Research suggests that THCP can be up to 33 times more potent than Delta 9 THC in terms of receptor binding. However, practical experiences indicate that while it is significantly stronger, it may not necessarily translate to a high that is 33 times greater as the human body can only feel up to 5 times its potency.
User reports vary, with some finding THCP’s effects only slightly more intense than Delta 9 THC and others experiencing substantially stronger effects.
Are All THC Products Legal?
THC products have varying legal statuses across different jurisdictions, primarily depending on whether the THC is derived from hemp or marijuana and on the specific laws of each state or country.
Federal Legal Status in the United States
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC content are legal at the federal level in the United States. This bill removed hemp (defined as cannabis with a THC concentration of 0.3% or less) from the Controlled Substances Act, allowing its production and sale nationwide. However, the Farm Bill does not legalize all THC products federally, as cannabis plants with higher levels of THC are still classified as marijuana and remain illegal under federal law.
State-Level Legal Status
The legal status of THC products varies significantly at the state level within the United States. Some states have legalized the use of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes, while others allow only medical use or have decriminalized certain products.
For example, fully legal states permit both medicinal and recreational use of marijuana products. In contrast, some states have a mixed legal status, allowing only specific products like CBD oil with no THC content for medicinal purposes, while others maintain a fully illegal stance on THC products, which means a total ban in all forms.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the various forms of THC, their unique characteristics, and their legal status is essential for informed cannabis use. With over 20 known THC variants, ranging from the well-known Delta 9 THC to the potent THCP, each brings its effects and applications. As the cannabis industry evolves, staying aware of these differences helps users make educated choices and navigate the legal landscape responsibly.
(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)
Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.
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