Every year, scientists and other researchers learn more about the cannabis plant. There are increasing conversations concerning the plant’s potential for therapeutic or medical usage as people become more knowledgeable about it and its constituent parts.
THC may be the most well-known of the more than 200 cannabinoids that the cannabis plant produces. You can, however, make better-informed decisions regarding the items you buy if you are more knowledgeable about the advantages of various forms of THC.
THC: A More Examined Look
THC has been discussed in the wellness sector for many years. Raphael Mechoulam discovered and separated the chemical compound obtained from plants in 1964. It is thought that THC evolved to resemble anandamide, a naturally occurring cannabinoid generated by the human body.
Because hundreds of cannabinoids originating from plants can interact harmoniously with the body’s endocannabinoid system, this is both fascinating and significant. Humans and other animals share a biological mechanism called the endocannabinoid system, which is made up of several receptors that the body uses continuously to maintain homeostasis, or a genuine state of ideal balance and wellbeing. The two receptors are CB2, which is found in immunological tissues, and CB1, which is mostly found in neurological cells. The exact structure of molecules can have a good or negative effect on the endocannabinoid system when they enter the body, particularly when cannabinoids do.
A lot of people are unaware that “THC” isn’t just one particular chemical with a single genetic imprint. Chemical analogs, which are different forms of THC, are variants of the drug that set it apart from other forms. These distinct THC compounds share some characteristics in common and differ by only a small amount. These variations affect how the body responds to them and whether they abide by the law. In order to better understand the family of compounds that make up THC and how they may impact your body and mind, let’s take a closer look at the goods that fall under this umbrella.
Let’s Talk About What We Probably Know: Delta-9 THC
There’s no need to introduce this kind of THC if you consume cannabis for medical purposes. You are already aware of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol’s effects. This particular cannabinoid molecule has long been recognized as the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, or the substance that gives users a high.
Among the approximately 500 molecules and 100 unique cannabinoid compounds found in marijuana is THC. While cannabinoid molecules like THC are the most well-known, cannabidiol (CBD) has also attracted a lot of research.
Since delta-9 is produced in large quantities by cannabis plants, it does not require semi-synthetic additions.
Depending on the strain ingested, delta-9 THC might have different psychoactive effects. Sativa strains are recognized for boosting energy, inventiveness, and promoting a joyful, pleasant mood. Sativa dominant strains often produce the most ‘good vibe’ and may momentarily alleviate feelings of depression or anxiety.
Indica dominant strains, on the other hand, are sedative. Some strains can deliver an immediate boost of energy, stimulating both physical and mental and activity. However, when you ingest THC from an Indica strain, it can cause severe sedation.
Dietary terpenes (found in fruits and spices) and natural terpene concentration in cannabis strains can enhance the effects of both Indica and Sativa cannabis.
Meet Some New THC Varieties
You may have noticed delta-10 and other types of THC products in your neighbourhood smoke shop. Because dispensaries specialize in natural cannabis and don’t normally recommend semi-synthetic cannabis products to patients, they do not carry delta-THC products.
One of the reasons for this is that, while research into the long-term effects of cannabis is limited, it is essentially non-existent for semi-synthetic THC. However, because delta products are widely available, it is critical to understand the many forms of THC and their effects.
1. THC-a (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
THC-a is the most common form of THC found in cannabis plants. It is the precursor to the other THC varieties and is the acidic form of THC. The chemical changes from an acidic to a neutral state when it matures in the cannabis plant or when burned to form other THC analogs. We refer to this procedure as decarboxylation. The chemical compound changes when heated, which occasionally creates controversy over its legality. This is due to the US’s strict regulation of legal hemp goods, which are distinguishable from criminal marijuana products by their molecular makeup.
THC-a binds to the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system and has no mind-altering effects. THC-a generated from hemp is federally lawful in the United States. THC-a generated from marijuana is not legal in the United States, but it is in several states. To be sure, check your state’s laws.
Current study has discovered that THCA, even in low levels, can help treat these conditions:
* Seizures
* Nausea and weight loss as a result of chemotherapy and other cancer therapies
* Inflammation (muscle or other tissue swelling)
* Arthritis
* Fibromyalgia
* Diabetes mellitus
* Chronic pain
* Other diseases that cause muscle spasms, including ALS and MS.
These medicinal advantages are best achieved by consuming the cannabis plant in its raw form, whether by juicing, adding cannabis leaves to smoothies, or even adding them to a salad if you’re feeling experimental.
2. Delta-8 THC
This well-known semi-synthetic form of THC is officially known as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. One of the THC forms in cannabis or hemp plants that occurs less frequently is delta-8. It is made by chemically converting delta-9 THC or CBD by distillation and isomerization.
When comparing the psychoactive effects of delta-8 to delta-9, you will discover that most people experience delta-8’s effects at a gentler degree. It is less powerful, has a much milder “high,” and has shorter-lasting effects.
If you reside somewhere where medical marijuana is not legally available, consuming delta-8 THC products may offer some of the following wellness advantages:
*Lessens vertigo and nausea
* Lessens nervousness
* Has the ability to shrink tumors.
* Acts as a neuroprotectant, helping protect brain tissue
* Assists in pain relief (analgesic)
* Promotes appetite
* Helps trigger the release of acetylcholine for enhanced memory and learning
Federal legislation requires that THC produced from hemp be used in legal delta products. Some claim that delta-8 THC is more sedative, resulting in general drowsiness as well as relaxation and perhaps pain relief. Many people believe that using delta-8 THC at night is suitable because of its sedative effects.
The greatest and safest option for patients is to use medicinal marijuana products grown and distributed by authorized dispensaries. High standards of quality control are applied to items bought from dispensaries, and a certificate of analysis (COA) is given to guarantee that no dangerous compounds are present.
3. Delta-10 THC
Delta-10 THC is among the most recent cannabinoids to be found. Although delta-10 shares many characteristics with other forms of THC, its effects can be quite distinct. A number of people who use delta-10 report that it gives them more energy and a better mood. It also produces less anxiety and an overall feeling of enjoyment, friendliness, or euphoria.
In terms of psychotropic effects, delta-10 is similar to a Sativa-dominant variety as compared to a typical cannabis strain. Unlike certain Sativa strains, delta-10 has a limited tendency to increase feelings of paranoia or anxiety.
Delta-10 THC may offer certain health benefits to patients:
* May alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety
* May help with focus and concentration
* Can benefit people suffering from chronic fatigue
Delta-10, like other semi-synthetic cannabinoids, is isolated from agricultural hemp and subsequently processed through isomerization of other cannabinoids. Delta-10 is not produced by marijuana plants.
Delta-10 THC is available in states where recreational or medical cannabis is not permitted, or for persons who do not qualify for a medical card. Because D-10 is produced from hemp, it is legal to buy, possess, and use in the majority of states.
4. THCv
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (or THCv for short) is another result of THCa breakdown, and its structure is extremely similar to delta-9 THC, with a few minor changes. THCv does not cause the mind-altering effects that cannabis does in low dosages. In addition, the intoxicating effects are not as long-lasting as they are with regular marijuana.
THCv may provide benefits such as hunger suppression, neuroprotection, and assistance with mood disorders. THCv is being researched to see whether it can help with diabetes therapy. This THC has a higher boiling point as well (428°F vs 314°F), thus vapers must turn their devices up to gain the benefits.
Because THCv does not produce impairment, medical experts are highly interested in knowing its possible therapeutic implications. This implies it may provide comfort and relaxation without producing the stimulating high that is associated with other forms of THC.
THCv may help patients with the following issues in addition to working as an appetite suppressant.
* Diabetes, particularly type II glucose issues
* Swelling and pain
* Tremors from ALS and Parkinson’s
* Anxiety
* Epilepsy
* Brain lesions associated with late-stage Parkinson’s
* Alzheimer’s
* Osteoporosis and related conditions
One of the reasons THCv is popular is that the ‘high’ lasts less time. According to some research, THCv may function as an antagonist to delta-9 THC, lowering the effects of intoxication in those who take traditional medical marijuana.
5. THCp
Tetrahydrocannabiphoral (THCp) is an extremely rare and powerful cannabinoid found in tiny levels in just a few cannabis strains. THCp is distinguished by its capacity to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human body more quickly and strongly.
THCp has more psychoactive effects and a significantly higher likelihood of severe impairment than delta-9 THC, among other differences. THCp can be manufactured in a lab, but it is found naturally in the cannabis plant.
If you buy a product containing THCp, keep in mind that the intoxicating ingredient in this type of THC is incredibly stronger than in regular cannabis. THCp’s medical benefits may be outweighed by the danger of harm or uncomfortably high euphoric effects.
6. THCo-Acetate
Tetrahydrocannabinol acetate (THCo) is created by chemically altering delta-9 THC with acetic anhydride. Because THCo is an acetate ester, which doesn’t occur naturally in the cannabis plant, it differs from other kinds of THC. As a result, THCo is a completely synthetic cannabinoid.
If you ask a doctor about THCo, they will most likely advise you against it for this reason. The toxicity of THCo and its long-term adverse effects remain unknown. As a result of its high potency, some persons who have used THCo have reported unanticipated side effects. Researchers are unsure why the body’s endocannabinoid system responds to THCo so differently.
The euphoric effects and physical damage that THCo can produce are severe. Many users have reported that THCo induced unpleasant mind-altering effects, similar to a hallucinogenic experience. THCo, on the other hand, is not classified as a psychedelic substance.
Cannabis specialists generally warn against using THCo. Because of its tremendous potency, the chemical is popular among recreational users. However, many experts believe that the chemical compounds may pose major health hazards as compared to ingesting naturally-occurring hemp-derived CBD and THC for medical purposes.
Acetic anhydride may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) at greater dosages and with long-term use. Some states are enacting legislation to regulate hemp-derived THC products and prohibit synthetic cannabis products, also known as “fake weed,” such as THCo.
THC and the Law
Technically, THC is classified as a prohibited substance under Schedule 1 of the federal prohibited Substances Act, which implies it can be abused and is not currently used for medical purposes. Schedule 1 also includes an explicit description that “all parts” of the marijuana plant are outlawed, which certainly includes THC.
This is where things get a little more difficult.
THC is derived from cannabis plants, which include hemp and marijuana. Although the plants are siblings, they are not identical, therefore their flowers, leaves, and stalks have somewhat distinct genetic make-ups. Hemp has a naturally low Delta 9 THC content, whereas marijuana has a significantly higher percentage of the psychoactive component.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, only hemp derivatives with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC are authorized for sales and consumption in the United States. All extracts, isomers, cannabinoids, salts, salts of isomers, and acids are examples of derivatives.
However, the federal law’s extensive definition of a hemp plant becomes somewhat complicated. The bill expressly states that the 0.3% is calculated on a “dry weight basis,” which can be difficult to apply to liquid products such as hemp-extracted oils. Despite this, the law typically legalizes most THC analogs, with the exception of Delta 9, which can only be found in less than 0.3% of any product.
Final Word: Different Analogs in the Same Family
As you can see, there are several THC analogs outside the psychotropic Delta 9 that is often addressed. Some people love THC while others avoid it, yet there is no doubting THC’s ability to alter the body. The more users learn about THC analogs, the less fearful they will be of them. Perhaps skeptics will recognize the benefits that this harmonious chemical can provide to the mind and body.
