Going Beyond Delta-8: Exploring Popular Cannabinoids

While we are totally fascinated with Delta-9 THC’s close relative, we feel that going beyond Delta-8 THC is the best way to inform our customers. By not sharing this information, we feel that we would be doing a disservice to you; therefore we have created this article to help you further explore popular cannabinoids.

We love sharing information about Delta-8 THC and enjoy the many discussions that follow along with it. However, we are not only fans of this miracle cannabinoid, we’re also huge fans of the entire cannabinoid spectrum, ranging from CBD to CBN and everything in between. Allow us the opportunity to break it all down and help you explore the most popular cannabinoids in this latest addition to our Delta-8 THC Blogs.

What Are Cannabinoids?

A cannabinoid is a chemical compound that naturally occurs in cannabis, whether that be in marijuana or hemp. These special compounds come with a variety of unique benefits, many of them providing therapeutic relief or the psychoactive high that marijuana is mostly known for. When someone uses marijuana and they experience that euphoric feeling, it is a result of the THC cannabinoid.

HOW DO CANNABINOIDS WORK?

Cannabinoids, also referred to as the chemical compounds derived from cannabis, utilize what is called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which it then binds to. These receptors are found throughout both the body and brain, tying into parts such as your brain cells, central nervous system, body, and immune system. They can produce a range of effects and help alleviate various conditions. Due to research, which was conducted in the 1980s, two different classes of receptors were found and have been identified as CB-1 (ties to brain cells and central nervous system) and CB-2 (ties to the body and immune system).

HOW MANY CANNABINOIDS EXIST?

There are as many as 113 different cannabinoids that have been identified and isolated from the hemp plant. The cannabinoids that have received the most research happen to be the most popular, which include THC, CBD, and CBN. With the restraints of cannabis loosening, we believe scientists will begin including an abundant number of additional cannabinoids in future studies to unlock information about their capabilities or the effects they may offer.

List of Popular Cannabinoids

Below is a list of the most popular cannabinoids, starting from the most popular to the least most popular. Each cannabinoid on this list has its own rich properties; which has caused both researchers and cultivators to take interest in them, and consumers like you to buy the products that contain them.

DELTA-9 THC (Δ9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL)

Delta-9 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that is most known for the high it produces when using marijuana. It is a compound that binds to the CB-1 receptor and is the most potent of them all, often inducing laughter, relaxation, and more.

DELTA-8 THC (Δ8-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL)

Delta-8 THC is a psychotropic cannabinoid that produces its own unique high; it’s an isomer of CBD and derived from hemp. In other words, it’s a cannabinoid that is found in hemp. It definitely produces a high, similar to that of Delta-9 THC. However, this high is more tolerable, has less of a “stoned” feeling, and essentially acts as a milder version of Delta-9 THC. It too binds to the CB-1 receptor and often induces a euphoric feeling.

CBD (CANNABIDIOL)

CBD is considered the second-most known cannabinoid that exists within the cannabis plant, following behind THC. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that binds to the CB-2 receptor. CBD is known for its rich properties. What has given CBD its popularity is that it offers many of the same perks that THC offers, and then some, yet it doesn’t include the overbearing high. There are some THC users that actually use CBD in combination to create milder psychoactive effects, because, that is another perk it offers as well.

CBN (CANNABINOL)

CBN is a cannabinoid that isn’t as well known as the cannabinoids above, yet it is beginning to gain more popularity as of late. Believe it or not, CBD is also a psychoactive cannabinoid. However, its potency doesn’t even come close to that of Delta-8 THC, let alone Delta-9 THC. The reason why it is a psychoactive cannabinoid is that it is actually derived from the same cannabinoid acid as THC, and is in fact only created after THC has been exposed to oxygen. To give you an example of this process that takes place: have you ever noticed that after so long marijuana begins to lose its potency? As the potent THC is continuously exposed to oxygen, it begins to decrease as less potent CBN increases. This is why marijuana users often keep their stash in sealed containers, which reduces THC exposure and provides longevity.

CBC (CANNABICHROMENE)

CBC is a cannabinoid that is non-psychoactive, much like CBD. It offers many of the same perks as CBD, yet not quite as much. Also, it acts as a buffer when combined with THC, reducing its potent effects, again, like CBD. Although CBC is considered a minor cannabinoid, it is continuing to gain more interest. It’s stated that CBC plays a big part in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, which are functions of both brain health and its development. Like CBD, CBC also has many rich properties. It can be activated without ever reaching endocannabinoid receptors. It is quite an impressive cannabinoid and people are enhancing its benefits by combining cannabinoids to create an entourage effect.

CBG (CANNABIGEROL)

CBG is yet another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is not as common. However, many of us believe that CBG isn’t getting the attention that it deserves; but that is slowly beginning to change as it gains more interest from researchers. You must first understand that CBG is found in extremely small amounts, which is one of the big reasons why it isn’t as popular as other cannabinoids. For instance, CBD is present in very high levels of hemp, and since it is obtainable in very large amounts, it is more accessible. Despite its low levels, it is beginning to gain somewhat of a following for its rich properties.

CANNABINOID ACIDS

Though we’ve shared a list of the most popular cannabinoids, you may not know that they actually start out as cannabinoid acid. The cannabinoids in this list and all of the 113 identified cannabinoids are activated when they are heated, which is known as decarboxylation. The heat essentially removes any of the acids from the compound and then turns it into a bioavailable compound, allowing the body to register it. When this decarboxylation happens, the compound becomes more powerful and potent, providing a variety of different effects than the version of the cannabinoid that is acidic.

Conclusion

There are a variety of cannabinoids that are available and being used in the products we use today. Learning about these cannabinoids can provide an extra layer of buying power, allowing you to sift through specifications or lab reports to fine-tune the experience you desire. If you are looking for a product with great therapeutic properties or one that offers psychoactive traits, you now know exactly what to look for.

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