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What are The Different Types of THC?

What are The Different Types of THC?

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THC

If you are new to the cannabis world, you may have wondered, are there different types of weed, or even, how many different types of marijuana are there?

Yes, all the many different types of marijuana have THC, but THC not only comes from marijuana, it also derives from hemp. In cannabis, the many different types of THC have their own properties.

Take a breath, and let’s dive into the world of cannabis, so you will know which THC compound is best for you!

What is THC?

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound found in cannabis. There are many different variations of THC, and each THC compound has a specific molecular composition.

thc-formula

The chemical structure of THC is similar to a natural brain chemical referred to as anandamide. The similarity between the two allows the body to recognize THC, and in response, it alters the brain’s communication between neurons.

Both CBD and THC molecular structures are similar to endocannabinoids, which your body naturally produces. The similarity between this neurotransmitter allows THC to attach to cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells (neurons.) When the cannabinoid receptors are activated, it causes the endocannabinoid system to change its normal nervous system functions.

Types of THC

Five major types of THC that naturally occur in cannabis plants:

  • Delta-8 THC
  • Delta-9 THC
  • THC-A
  • THC-V
  • THC-P

Let’s break down the individual differences for all the THC types.

Delta-8 THC

Also known as: Delta-8, D8, Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, ∆8-THC, ∆8, Δ8

Occurrence: Natural in both hemp and marijuana in small amounts

Delta-8  is the most prominent hemp-derived form of THC available in the United States.

Its rise in popularity is due to the 2018 Farm Bill and similar state laws that legalized hemp along with its cannabinoids.

Because the legal classification of hemp only has a limit on the Delta-9 THC concentration (0.3% or less on a dry weight basis), you can find Delta-8 in a wide range of concentrations and mediums in many states.

In most states, you can get Delta-8 in the form of:

Among cannabis enthusiasts, Delta-8 often gets compared to Delta-9 in terms of its effects. Some have noted that it has similar properties but with a delightfully milder degree of effects.

However, “milder” doesn’t necessarily mean that a person cannot get overwhelmed with Delta-8. It’s always best to buy from reliable brands with the highest quality Delta-8 and start small when trying or to consume cannabinoids and work your way up from there.

Delta-9 THC

Also known as: Delta-9, D9, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, ∆9-THC, ∆9,  Δ9

Occurrence: Natural in both hemp and marijuana in different concentrations

Out of all THC variants, Delta-9 is the most well-known. Usually, whenever someone mentions just "THC," it’s intended to mean Delta-9.

Delta-9 is usually used as the frame of reference when people compare cannabinoids, especially THC variants. One of the most notable aspects of Delta-9 is that it’s a “barometer” in terms of cannabis legality.

Hemp is officially recognized in the U.S. as Cannabis sativa L. with a 0.3% or lower concentration of Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.

Marijuana is any form of cannabis or consumable product with a higher concentration than this amount. For example, 0.31% of Delta-9 THC concentration on a dry weight basis would constitute as marijuana.

The product range of Delta-9 THC will vary depending on state laws concerning hemp and marijuana.

Generally speaking, when derived from marijuana, you can find Delta-9 THC in various mediums such as flower, vapes, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, etc. With hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, the range of mediums gets a bit more intricate.

Of course, full-spectrum CBD has Delta-9 in it, but Delta-9 isn’t the “main cannabinoid” of these product types.

As of this writing, hemp products focused on Delta-9 THC, only come in the form of edibles. However, don’t let the 0.3% threshold dissuade you from hemp-derived Delta-9. 0.3% is only a proportion, not a set amount.

For example, you can find hemp-derived Delta-9 products, such as our Live Rosin Gummies, which contain 25mg of Delta-9 from hemp, and our Select Spectrum Cocoa Squares with 300mg of Delta-9 from hemp.

Although the threshold may seem a bit limiting, hemp-derived Delta-9 does have a significant ace up its sleeve; it’s legal in all 50 states and can be purchased online.

Sure, in some states, you can buy marijuana online. However, due to its Schedule I status on a federal level, many banks and credit card companies won’t let clients use cards to purchase marijuana.

Typically, in a lot, but maybe not every single case, buying marijuana-derived Delta-9 online means placing an order, waiting at your home, and paying a delivery person in cash.

But, due to hemp’s legal status on a federal level it can be purchased with a card and shipped across state lines.

Pretty much, buying marijuana-derived Delta-9 is akin to a delivery service, while purchasing hemp-derived Delta-9 has the convenience that we associate with online shopping.

Delta-9, along with Delta-8, are the two most well-known forms of THC. However, “newer” variants (may occur naturally, but only featured in products recently) of THC have popped up.

So, to get into the deep cuts of THC, we’re going to start with Delta-10 THC.

thc-extraction

    Delta-10 THC 

    Also known as: Delta-10, D10, Delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol, ∆10-THC, ∆10, Δ10

    Occurrence: Natural in both hemp and marijuana in small amounts

    Delta-10 is one of the emergent cannabinoids that came from the widespread legalization of hemp with a similar range of mediums to Delta-8.

    The name comes from the fact that Delta-10 has a chemical bond on its tenth carbon chain.

    Like Delta-8, many consider Delta-10 on the more “milder” end of the THC spectrum. But remember, any THC, no matter how mild others may say it is, has the potential to leave someone overwhelmed.

    In terms of effects, some have considered Delta-10 to offer a more “sativa” oriented experience.

    However, one should note that these are subjective speculations.

    The cannabinoid naturally appears in the hemp plant with a sourcing process similar to that of Delta-8.

    And that pretty much covers Delta-10, and now let’s venture outside of the deltas!

    THC-A

    THC-A (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acidic form of THC. THC-A is the most natural form of THC located in cannabis plants. When cannabis is heated, it enters the decarboxylation process. This process is when THC-A is taken out of this acidic state and begins the transition into different THC compounds.

    When THC-A is used, it binds directly to CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. This specific compound causes no mind-altering effects. As of July 13, 2021, Hemp-derived THC-A is federally legal, but marijuana-derived THC-A is not.

    THC-V

    THC-V (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is similar to Delta-9 but is derived from a different compound. THC and CBD are the byproducts of CGBA (cannabigerolic acid) synthesis, while THC-V derives from CBGVA (cannabigerovarin acid) synthesis. After CBGVA is exposed to light or heat, it will convert to THC-V.

    When THC-V is consumed in moderation, it only activates CB1 and does the exact opposite of Delta-9. If taken in larger amounts, this would activate both CB1 and CB2 receptors, which will result in more prominent effects, similar to Delta-9. As of July 13, 2021, THC-A is federally legal if it is hemp-derived.

    THC-P

    THC-P (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol) is not known by many, but it deserves attention. This cannabinoid is the only compound with synthetic analogs made up of a 7-carbon chain, while Delta-9 has a five-carbon chain. This recent discovery has never been seen before in THC compounds.

    To simplify this, THC-P has a higher potency than Delta-9. When TCH-P is consumed, it binds directly and efficiently to CB1 and CB2—creating an almost instant reaction to the mind and body. The side effects are similar to Delta-9 but more intense and long-lasting. As of July 13, 2021, TCH-P is federally legal if extracted from a hemp plant.

    This discovery has shifted what we know about cannabis and has opened the door for future research.

    HHC

    Also known as: 11-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol

    Occurrence: Natural in both hemp and marijuana in small amounts

    Ok, well, this is not precisely THC, but chemist Roger Adams discovered HHC when adding hydrogen atoms to Delta-9 THC in 1944.

    This process is known as hydrogenation, which also gets used when turning vegetable oil into margarine. However, most modern methods for producing marketable amounts of HHC start with CBD instead of THC.

    So what are the effects of HHC?

    Many enthusiasts who have tried HHC have reported that it offers uplifted, energized, or euphoric feelings.

    However, as stated before, please keep in mind that cannabinoids can affect everyone a bit differently.

    Like THC-V, HHC is another rising hemp-derived cannabinoid. As of this writing, HHC mainly comes in carts, but several other mediums, such as gummies, are also available.

    THC-O

    Also known as: THC-O-acetate, ATHC, THC acetate, O-acetyl-Δ9-THC

    Occurrence: Cannot be found naturally in hemp or marijuana

    THC-O is unique on this list because, unlike the others, it is not naturally occurring in cannabis.

    We don’t want to drown you out with chemistry, but generally, THC-O comes from Delta-8 altered with acetic anhydride.

    Many enthusiasts have described the feelings associated with THC-O to be much stronger than other THC variants or THC-like cannabinoids.

    And we may sound like a broken record, but keep in mind these are just individual experiences. The effects of cannabinoids can vary from person to person.

    THC-O can come in a range of mediums such as gummies, vapes, and tinctures.

    One of the most remarkable qualities of THC-O is that enthusiasts have described it as having a more prolonged onset of effects compared to other THC variants (this has been noted with inhalation).

    And what’s also interesting about this cannabinoid is that the U.S. military once tested it as a non-lethal incapacitating agent.

    Conclusion

    As you can see, each different type of THC has its own characteristics. With continued hemp production and scientific research, we will be that much closer to discovering more cannabinoids. We are only just beginning to grasp the endless opportunities that cannabis has to offer.

    FAQ

    What are the different types of THC?

    The five main types of THC: Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, THC-A, THC-V, THC-P, but there are many more that have not been thoroughly researched.

    Is all THC the same?

    Each THC compound is chemically different and has its own attributes.

    Which THC is legal?

    All forms of hemp-derived THC are federally legal under the Farm Bill of 2018 and are legal in most states. Delta-9 THC derived from marijuana is federally illegal, however as of 1/12/2021, it is legal for recreational use in 19 states and medical use in 36 states.

    Free Hemp-derived THC Samples 

    Curious about THC variants?

    Want to give some of them a try for absolutely no cost?

    We’ve got you covered.

    At Hometown Hero, we specialize in Delta-8 and hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products.

    For our Delta-8 sample, we’re offering two gummies with each containing 25mg of Delta-8 THC.

    And, for our hemp-derived Delta-9 sample, we’re offering two of our Select Spectrum Gummies. These gummies contain 10mg of CBD and 10mg Delta-9 from hemp for the ideal entourage effect.

    This offer is available to first-time customers who are 21 and up. The only cost is with shipping (which shouldn’t be more than $6.00).

    As of this writing, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is legal in all 50 states. So no matter where you are in America, you can have these questions shipped to your front door.

    Delta-8 is legal in a majority of states, but not all. For a quick reference, you can check out our state legality page.

    And that just about covers it for our free hemp-derived THC samples!

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