Welcome back to Cannabis 101! Last time, we discussed different strains of cannabis. We discovered that the differences in strains of cannabis (indicas, sativas, and hybrids) result from unique THC and CBD profiles. Furthermore, the non-psychoactive analog of cannabis, hemp, gains its definition from the near-total absence of THC. We also touched on cannabinoids, the all-natural compounds in cannabis that have profound effects. Today, we aim to dive deeper into the exciting world of alternative cannabinoids.
What Are Alternative Cannabinoids?
We define alternative cannabinoids as any cannabinoid that is not THC or CBD. As a quick refresher, cannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally in cannabis. These cannabinoid compounds cause the high from cannabis while affecting one’s body differently than traditional marijuana. Some cannabinoids imbue one with energy, whereas others result in relaxing vibes. The most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis are THC and CBD: THC causes the classic marijuana high, and CBD relaxes the mind and muscles. When you smoke marijuana, your intake is mostly THC and CBD. However, these are far from the only cannabinoids.
Scientists estimate there might be as many as 200 cannabinoids in cannabis. Although many of these cannabinoids are similar, each one offers unique effects. The world of alternative cannabinoids explores this vast selection of lesser-known cannabinoids instead of the ubiquitous THC and CBD.
What Alternative Cannabinoids Should I Know?
You likely already know about the granddaddy of alternative cannabinoids, Delta 8. Delta 8 THC, known by its scientific name delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, was the first cannabinoid isolated from cannabis other than THC and CBD. Furthermore, the chemical structure of Delta 8 THC is incredibly similar to THC, known by its scientific name delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta 8 and THC are so similar they are isomers, meaning they share an identical atomic makeup but organize the elements in a slightly different fashion.
There are other popular alternative cannabinoids, such as Delta 10, HHC, and THC-O. As we mentioned previously, there are possibly 200 cannabinoids in cannabis. Still, one will quickly discover there are not nearly that number of products on the market; this is not due to disinterest in alternative cannabinoids. Instead, it is due to the nature of alternative cannabinoids and how they are less abundant in cannabis than THC or CBD.
Small Quantities of Trace Cannabinoids
If you have smoked marijuana before, you have consumed every cannabinoid cannabis offers. However, an overwhelming majority of these cannabinoids occur in minuscule amounts. The percentage of Delta 8 in the marijuana could be about 1%, while Delta 10 and HHC might combine for 0.1%. Even though there are only trace amounts of these alternative cannabinoids, they still subtly affect one’s psychoactive experience. However, in large quantities, these effects are quite significant. However, one cannot experience these effects without ingesting a substantial amount of a particular cannabinoid, which is impossible from smoking marijuana. Therefore, we need a way to isolate specific cannabinoids from cannabis. This extraction and isolation is the foundation of the alternative cannabinoid community.
Extraction and Isolation
After scientists discovered cannabinoids in cannabis, they quickly sought to isolate them. They succeeded with THC, CBD, and Delta 8 and moved on to other cannabinoids. Although the isolation was a watershed moment for cannabis science, it proved impossible to isolate large quantities of trace amounts of alternative cannabinoids. To make these cannabinoids into consumable products, extraction methods were a necessity.
In the early 2000s, when cannabis began to see early legalization in the United States, companies sought to develop numerous cannabis products. Cannabis edibles, cannabis drinks, and cannabis vapes sell on a remarkable scale. To achieve this end, they embraced methods to extract cannabinoids from cannabis in the form of an oil. This oil contained all of the cannabinoids from a cannabis flower, but they could easily incorporate it into various products. They began incorporating carbon dioxide and alcoholic extraction processes, safe ways to strip the cannabis flower of its cannabinoids. However, this was only the first step.
The alternative cannabinoid community knew they could use these extraction methods to obtain the required amounts of cannabinoids for alternative cannabinoid isolation. Using proprietary isolation methods, which revolve around high pressure and temperature, they succeeded in obtaining significant quantities of isolated alternative cannabinoids.
This opened up the possibility to create high-quality alternative cannabinoid products. However, some alternative cannabinoids occur in such minute quantities it is even more challenging to extract and isolate large amounts. Therefore, the relatively more abundant alternative cannabinoids became key products. Only the future will tell if the smaller alternative cannabinoids like THC-P and HHC-P will become widely available. For now, there is still a wide variety of alternative cannabinoids to enjoy.
The Effects of Alternative Cannabinoids
If you want to try some of these fascinating alternative cannabinoids, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Farma Barn, we specialize in extracting, isolating, and infusing countless alternative cannabinoids into palatable products. Unlike marijuana, which offers a consistent high, cannabinoids like Delta 8, HHC, and THC-O offer unique highs. These unique highs are ideal for those looking to change up their cannabis routine. Here are a few we think you would enjoy.
Our bevy of Delta 8 products offer a high with unparalleled energy and chill vibes. Whether you enjoy the slow-acting but lengthy high of edibles or the familiar sensation of smoking flower, we’ve got your back. Delta 8’s energetic high is perfect for those ready to go out on the town, while the lack of “cannabis paranoia” will keep you relaxed.
On the other hand, HHC offers an incredible body high. HHC products will relax your muscles and give you a superbly chill high. With HHC, you’ll want to sink into your couch and hang out for several hours. For those looking to take a load off, don’t pass up HHC.
Finally, THC-O stands out as the most unique alternative cannabinoid. Many claim it is the “psychedelic” cannabinoid, causing a high that feels almost like taking mushrooms or LSD. It is subtle in smaller doses, but with extensive smoking sessions, you will experience a truly psychedelic experience.
Now that we have learned all about alternative cannabinoids, we’re ready to move on to our next lesson. Come prepared next time with some legal lingo because we will endeavor into the world of legal alternative cannabinoids.