Cannabinoids -
Pt.2 -
Cannabinoids - Pt.2 -
Exploring the world of potent, psychoactive, and fully legal THC alternatives
- from ‘diet pot’ to potentially dangerous.
Lifted and Legal
Cannabinoids
Part 2:
The Cannabinoids That Can
Get You High
Written By Aaryn Indica
In the world of Cannabis, THC is no doubt top-dog. When talking about weed, the acronym THC has basically become synonymous with the word cannabis. It makes sense, considering THC is the primary cannabinoid that provides the psychoactive effect in weed.
There’s no need to introduce THC much, or its beloved cousin CBD. (Besides, we already did that here.)
We all know that THC is highly illegal* (or rather, technically illegal - thanks Farm Bill). And that CBD is more for easing cramps than creating a good high.
Though, there’s something you probably haven’t been told: THC is far from your only option in psychoactive cannabinoids.
And the best part is - the other options are legal.
Looking for Part 1?
Click below to go to Bud Basic’s Cannabinoids 101
!! Disclaimer: Safety Concerns !!
Cyphr Cares About Your Health.
Cyphr is all about taking a mindful approach to cannabis - so, here’s a warning.
While all these options may be legal, none of them are nearly as researched or low-risk as THC.
Many of these cannabinoids are synthetic or semi-synthetic and have only emerged in recent years. Please conduct thorough research beyond Cyphr before attempting to approach any of these cannabinoids.
DO NOT assume your THC tolerance will influence your ability to handle these compounds.
Any sourcing of the cannabinoids should be from a reputable, verifiable source.
Please check COAs and research potency - and don’t buy from places without them.
Level 2:
Level 1:
The Deltas
When it comes to the world of alt cannabinoids, these are the most popular and approachable. Considered less potent than THC, there is no research on long-time use of these cannabinoids.
Delta-8 THC - The Baby Sister
Consider Delta-8 THC Mary Jane’s chiller, more mellow sister. Found in trace amounts in actual cannabis, Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that still provides a chill and clear-headed high.
Delta-8 is popular for a reason - she’s the closest relative to our beloved MJ. Delta -8, -9, & 10 are all the same THC we know and love. They’re just the same molecule configured in different ways.
The best thing about Delta-8 though, is that she’s legal in many places Delta-9 isn’t. Some call Delta-8 ‘diet weed ’ - perfect for those times when you wouldn’t want to be full-on stoned.
(For those who don’t know ‘Delta-9’ is just another distinction of the primary THC/THC-A we all use.)
Delta-10 THC - The NEw comer
Delta-10 THC isn’t that far off from Delta-8. Lesser known but in the same range of potency, Delta-10 THC is known to be energizing and uplifting. You can think of it as Delta-8’s sativa-leaning counterpart. This cannabinoid is said to be perfect for daytime use - or those looking for a bit of a creative boost.
Like some others you’ll see on this list, Delta-10 often appears as an additive to other ‘alternative cannabinoids’, often appearing alongside Delta-8 or HHC for a euphoric, more functional addition.
Level 2:
HydroCannas
These newer cannabinoids are less common and don’t appear in products often. Typically, they are used as additions in THC and other cannabinoid products, like vapes. Results of large doses are relatively unknown, so proceed with caution.
THC-V (Tetra-hydro-canna-bi-var-in) -
The Sativa-Like Star
THC-V (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is the perfect something for all the sativa-lovers out there. Like Delta-10 THC, THC-V is loved for its energizing properties.
It’s more common than Delta-10, and like Delta-8 it’s called ‘diet weed ’ - for an entirely different reason: THC-V actually suppresses appetite.
Like Delta-8, this cannabinoid may not get you as high as THC, but THC-V differs because it can often enhance the high THC gives you. That’s why you may often see THC and THC-V paired together in products on dispensary shelves.
A clear-headed, uplifting, and stimulating boost of THC-V is the perfect addition to your morning coffee - or even a straight up replacement..
HHC (Hexa-hydro-canna-bi-nol) -
The Indica-Imitator
HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that you’re less likely to see on store menus. Semi-synthetic means that HHC is found as small traces within cannabis, and then mostly made in labs.
A relaxed, euphoric, soothing high - HHC is something every indica fan can get into. HHC is most popular online and in the grey ‘Farm Bill Market’. But not so fast.
HHC is - as you can probably assume - a lesser known, and lesser researched cannabinoid. Not much is known about extended HHC use, or HHC is large amounts.
HHC found in vapes depend on the expertise of its - sometimes legal dubious - manufacturer, and HHC flower often involves spraying compounds on CBD hemp. Proceed with caution, if at all.
Level 3:
The ‘O.P’ pair
These cannabinoids are over-powered and potent as f*ck. Little is known about these compounds and the results or side-effects of their use. Please read both caution labels fully and proceed with extreme caution.
THC-O is extremely potent and easy to abuse.
Effects may last 48hr+ , even in small doses.
The information outlined here is for
educational purposes only.
Use of this compound may lead to multi-day intoxication
THC-O ACetate - The OtherWorldly One
THC-O is next level. I won’t even touch it, though I have heard way too many horror stories.
THC-O Acetate is a cannabinoid with quite the background. It first made an appearance in human clinical trials run by the US Army sometime between 1949 to 1975, most notably as a non-lethal way to incapacitate targets.
In 1974, Author D. Gold wrote in his book ‘Cannabis Alchemy: Art of Modern Hashmaking’:
"The effect of the acetate is more spiritual and psychedelic than that of the ordinary product. The most unique property of this material is that there is a delay of about thirty minutes before its effects are felt."
This is because THC-O has a delayed onset, followed by an extremely long, intense high that makes it difficult to function. It may even cause uncontrollable spasms in some cases.
Once considered a potential weapon to some, and nearly psychedelic to others, THC-O is a trip and a half. THC-O is one of the rarest cannabinoids to find on the market, but there’s been a small but concerning trend of illicit cart-brands dipping its toes into the murky waters of THC-O.
With little research of its consumption done beyond its moment in the last century, THC-O is a cautionary example of the kick-ass power of cannabis. But I won’t be trying it anytime soon.
THC-P is synthetic and largely experimental.
The information outlined here is for
educational purposes only.
Use of this compound may lead to multi-day intoxication
THC-P - The Potent Punch
When it comes to THC-P, proceed with caution. This cannabinoid is super potent, even for the most seasoned of smokers - and even the smallest of doses can lead to 3 or 4 day highs.
THC-P is estimated to be up to 30x stronger than regular THC, because of its heightened ability to bind to our CB1 receptors.
This super-potent punch is said to be intensely sedating, euphoric, and long-lasting - but consider it like edibles on hard mode. Even when smoked, THC-P can easily leave you intoxicated and extremely high for over 24 hours. Not the fun kinda high either.
Unfortunately, THC-P has been gaining popularity within the black market as of late - fooling unsuspecting stoners into dangerous highs that can cause vomiting, nausea, disassociation, and long episodes of sleep.
Use extreme caution when coming across vapes and edibles that contain THC-P. For those who look on the legal market, most legal manufactures avoid THC-P like the plague, so there isn’t much need to worry.
For those on the black and grey market however - THC-P has been appearing in more and more ‘blended carts’, which combine a number of alternative cannabinoids in order to mimic actual THC.
Always read COAs to check which cannabinoids are within a blend - and avoid any boasting about the addition of THC-P, no matter how small.
Conclusion
In the world of cannabis, THC and terpenes are no doubt the talk of the town, but don’t count cannabinoids out just yet.
From the therapeutic cousins like CBD, CBG, and CBN - to the more experimental endeavors like THC-O and -P, the world of cannabis has so much to offer us, and so much we’re still learning.
While Delta-8, THC-V, and Delta-10 may be legal, more approachable options for those looking for alternatives - some others like THC-P and THC-O have a lot less research behind them and a lot more risk.
But at time goes on, and THC becomes more accessible and approachable, hopefully we’ll learn more about the curious profile of compounds we know and love.
So, with all that said - can we stop sleeping on cannabinoids now?
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