Different Types of THC: How Many Types of THC Are There?
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What comes to mind when you think of THC? It could be a nice euphoric buzz, a giggly feeling, those unmistakable munchies, or even something more therapeutic, like stress relief or better sleep.
But did you know THC is actually a blanket term used to describe a wide variety of psychoactive cannabinoids? That’s right. There’s not just one form of THC. In fact, there are quite a few. Just how many types of THC are there, though? And which is right for you?
We’re here to help you figure it all out in this guide to the different types of THC. Here are the cannabinoids we’ll cover below:
- Delta 9
- Delta 8
- Delta 10
- THCA
- THCP
- THCV
There are plenty more as well, but these are the most common on the market today. Learn about the role each plays and what makes it unique.
Or, explore our selection of legal, hemp-derived THC products online at MUNCHIES - whether you’re drawn towards THCA vs delta 9, THCP vs delta 8, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered with Mother Nature’s finest!
What is THC?
THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid everyone knows and loves for its psychoactivity. It’s what gets you high when you smoke, vape, or eat cannabis products. The way it works is by binding to CB1 receptors in your brain’s endocannabinoid system, altering perception, mood, and appetite.
But it’s so much more than just a way to catch a buzz. THC has therapeutic potential as well. Some use it to manage aches and pains, while others use it to support better sleep or stir up an appetite.
When you just see the term “THC,” it’s probably delta 9 THC in particular being referred to. But as we’ve touched on already, there are dozens of other variations on this classic cannabinoid, each of which brings something special to the table. So how many types of THC are there?
How Many Types of THC Are There? The Different Types of THC You’ll Most Frequently Encounter
Researchers have cataloged more than a dozen THC isomers, but you’ll most often see six in the market. These include delta-9, delta-8, delta-10, THCA, THCP, and THCV.
Each differs by the location or length of its molecular chain, which impacts how strongly it binds receptors - and thus, how you feel the high. Let’s unpack the different types of THC below:
Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 is the classic high-inducing compound in cannabis. It delivers the full-body, psychoactive experience most people want: uplifted mood, altered perception, and appetite stimulation.
Effects hit within minutes when smoked and peak around 60-90 minutes when eaten, lasting anywhere from 2-3 hours to as long as 8 hours in the case of edibles. This is the most common form of THC, so you’ll have plenty of different product types to choose from.
Delta 9 binds directly to CB1 receptors, creating strong euphoria but also carrying the greatest risk of anxiety or couch-lock at high doses. Some people delta 9 gets them too high for comfort.
It’s also important to note that delta 9 is a bit harder to come by in non-legal states, as it’s primarily associated with marijuana rather than hemp. That said, we do have some great delta 9 edibles in store for you here at MUNCHIES!
Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 sits one double bond away from delta 9, which is why it’s about half as potent. You might see it called “diet weed” for this reason. Users say the high feels smoother and clearer with less anxiety and paranoia.
Because of its milder effects, delta 8 is great for daytime microdosing and creative work. It also shares appetite-stimulating and pain-relieving properties with delta 9. Its onset and duration mirror delta 9, but you can often tolerate a slightly higher dose without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’ve ever felt yourself uncomfortably high even with just a moderate delta 9 dose, delta 8 might be your personal sweet spot. We have delta 8 edibles, or consider a delta 8 pen!
Delta 10 THC
Delta 10 is the new kid on the block. Early reports liken its effects to a hybrid of delta 8’s clarity and delta 9’s euphoria - think light, motivational energy rather than heavy sedation. Sort of a middle ground between the two more popular forms of THC.
We still don’t have much concrete research on this cannabinoid, but anecdotal users say it can spark focus, perfect for active daytime use when you want to get stuff done. Potency falls between delta 8 and delta 9.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
So, what is THCA? It’s the unheated precursor to THC. Raw flower and fresh buds carry high THCA levels, which convert into delta 9 when you smoke, vape, or decarb them.
That said, how does THCA turn into delta 9? The moment you heat it up and transform it to delta 9, you’re tapping into the authentic cannabis experience you’d get with any other delta 9 product!
The appeal of our THCA vape pens, THCA dabs, and THCA pre-rolls is the legal loophole left open in the 2018 Farm Bill. Technically, these products fit the bill as they’re less than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight, regardless of the fact that the end result is almost identical.
THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol)
THCP is also fairly new, first discovered in 2019 with a longer alkyl side chain. So does THCP get you high? BIG TIME. It has up to 33 times the binding affinity to CB1 receptors compared to delta 9, so it’s far more psychoactive.
Even microdoses can produce a profound, head-spinning high - so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Users report intense euphoria, deep body relaxation, and extended duration. THCP often appears in concentrates or tinctures where precise dosing helps manage its potency.
Want to push your own limits with THCP? We’ve got some great ways to tap into its potential, like our THCP vapes! Or, you can learn more about THCP vs delta 9 in our blog.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
THCV diverges from typical THC by offering an energy-boosting, appetite-suppressing effect at low doses. It binds to CB1 receptors but blocks them in small amounts, acting like a mild antagonist.
At higher doses, it switches to a psychoactive agonist role similar to delta 9 but with a shorter, sharper high. Athletes and daytime users rely on THCV for focus, fat burning, and clear-headed stimulation without the munchies.
THCO (Tetrahydrocannabinol Acetate)
THCO acetate is THC’s acetate ester, created by adding an acetyl group to the molecule. That modification lets THCO cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently.
What does this mean for you, the user? People usually say it’s a fast-acting, potent high - often twice as strong as delta-9 with a more dreamlike, extended plateau.
Because THCO resists oxidation, vape cartridges and tinctures maintain stability and performance over time, though you still need to be careful with dosing to avoid unexpected intensity.
Delta 11 THC
Delta 11 shifts the double bond to the eleventh carbon for a psychoactive profile very different from the rest of its siblings. Well, expect maybe for delta 8 - it’s been said to feel like an even smoother, more relaxing finish.
Smokers note a gentle cerebral uplift without notable body sedation, while delta 11 edibles produce gradual, long-lasting effects. This form of THC is great for when you want to mellow out while avoiding the risk of anxiety with more intense forms of THC.
Which of the Different Types of THC is Right For You?
All of these options can be a blessing and a curse. On one hand, there is a perfectly tailored cannabinoid for your exact preferences and use case. On the other hand, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to choose among all the different types of THC.
There’s no need to overcomplicate it. Delta 9 is probably your best bet if you crave the classic cannabis high. That deep body melt, talkative euphoria, and appetite boost are hard to beat. Can’t find delta 9 legally near you? Well, THCA offers more or less the same experience in a more accessible form! You can find it online and get it delivered to your door for that authentic cannabis experience.
But maybe delta 9 (and in turn, THCA) is too much for your tolerance. Delta 8 is a great choice for those who want something gentler, but don’t want to compromise on the euphoric feeling cannabis creates.
The point is, there’s something for everyone to enjoy about THC - and we make it easier than ever with our unparalleled selection of delta 9 THC products, delta 8 THC products, THCP products, and THCA products online at MUNCHIES!
Everything we sell is hemp-derived and Farm Bill compliant, so no matter where you’re at in the US, we can ship to you. All our products are lab tested for potency and purity, too, so you can place your order with peace of mind. Shop today and find your new favorite forms of THC!
Bringing Our Guide on the Different Forms of THC to a Close
So how many types of THC are there in the world? By the time you’re reading this, we may even have discovered another new one! There are many different forms of THC, each of which does something special.
Our blog has more resources if you want to explore the nuances of THC, such as our comparisons of delta 11 vs delta 8, THCO vs THCA, or delta 11 vs delta 9. Otherwise, find your new favorite forms of THC at MUNCHIES today!
