We know that cannabis is composed of various cannabinoids — the chemical compounds inside our favorite plant. We’ve learned a great deal about several of them, especially CBD and THC. These two cannabinoids tend to be the stars of the show, with most consumers focusing on the CBD to THC ratio to determine what the results will be. The latter compound is known to give people a boost of energy, and sometimes it can yield undesired effects. But just as you’re learning more and more about what makes cannabis tick, so are the pioneers in this field.For a long time, we thought we had a pretty solid understanding of THC, but as it turns out, there are multiple subsets of this particular cannabinoid. Understanding the different types and how they work can be especially helpful when you’re searching for a product that’s right for you.
THCA
All forms of THC begin with THCA. It is abundantly present within fresh plants and, believe it or not, it does not carry the energizing effects commonly associated with its descendants. The “A” stands for acidic, which neutralizes either through age, heating, or sufficient exposure to light. Any of these conditions will produce other forms of THC, and for this reason, you won’t be able to enjoy it if you choose to smoke your product. Instead, it’s best to ingest THCA-rich strains in whatever way preserves the plant in its purest form.
Consuming this raw state of THC offers many powerful benefits and is believed to help with arthritis, nausea, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and more. In addition, it serves as a great source of nutrients and makes for a wonderful dietary supplement.
Delta-9 THC
Do you tend to avoid products heavy in THC because of the psychotropic effects? If so, Delta-9 THC is probably the culprit. It’s present in male and female cannabis plants but is more abundant in the latter.
The psychotropic potential kicks in as THCA is decarboxylated (AKA heated), converting it into a compound that interacts with the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. Delta-9 THC can have intense results for some, but for others, the energizing sensations are rather enjoyable. This type of THC can offer many benefits, including pain relief, muscle relaxation, sleep aid, anxiety reduction, and more. Some scientific research also points to Delta-9 THC as one of the most effective ways to heal any digestive ailments you might experience. And contrary to popular belief, this cannabinoid is thought to stimulate the regeneration of brain cells.
Regulated cannabis products sold through legal dispensaries will never have more than .3% Delta-9 THC, so you will generally be dealing with safe amounts of this cannabinoid. Regardless, tolerance levels vary. If you are just starting out, you should approach consumption cautiously and seek guidance from a budtender or an experienced consumer.
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC occurs through the oxidation of Delta-9 THC, making it less vulnerable to destabilization after it comes in contact with air. This lowers its potency but boosts its medicinal qualities.
You can experience some of those energizing effects with Delta-8, though they are not typically as intense. This makes it even more suitable for mental health purposes, like treating PTSD and depression.
Because Delta-8 THC only occurs in a small percentage of aged Delta-9, it is not often extracted in large quantities. Regardless, there are Delta-8 products on the market if you think this sounds like the right kind of cannabinoid for you.
THCV
THCV is also comparable to Delta-9 THC in some capacity, but it has a few key differences. You can completely avoid the altered-mind experience by consuming it in small amounts, but even if a product contains ample quantities of THCV, the energizing effects will be shorter and clearer than those caused by Delta-9 THC. With this in mind, if you desire that uplifting buzz, you’ll need to heat THCV at a higher temperature or you may not feel it.
Unlike Delta-9, THCV decreases hunger, making it a great alternative for anyone who fears the munchies. It also has the potential to lessen tremors, reduce anxiety, treat brain lesions, and more. These properties suggest that THCV could be an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s, to name a few.
A Diverse Cannabinoid
Now that we’ve explored some of the more common forms of THC, it’s easy to understand how even one type of cannabinoid can offer a wide range of options for patients. Armed with this knowledge, you can shop your neighborhood dispensary to find the exact type of product that will work best with your body. Still, it’s always advisable to speak with a cannabis expert before experimenting with products yourself. But knowing which form of THC you want to try will be all the more helpful when seeking guidance and advice.
Resources:
https://blog.lunatechequipment.com/cannabis-decarboxylation
https://thehempdoctor.com/thc-types/
https://cbdtesters.co/2021/03/12/the-many-faces-of-tetrahydrocannabinol-different-types-of-thc-and-their-benefits/