What Are All The Different Cannabinoids?

What do all these letters mean?

Hey!  Captain Kushwhiskers here again!  Ready to learn some Chemistry so you know exactly what you are putting in your body? 

Weed has hundreds of cannibinoids and they are all a little bit different.  Most are developed from CBDA, an acid that forms most of the different types of CBD and THC.  Additionally, research shows that the flavors, or "terpenes", in the plant play a part in how your body metabolizes the compounds and can alter how it affects you!  In many cases you can look at the terpenes a plant has and determine what effects that strain is known for based on the terpenes! Terpenes are the treasure map for the THC to follow!  Expect to see a terpene article soon! 

One of the most common chemicals in weed is good old Delta-9.  Where recreation marijuana is not legal, you can not sell a product that contains more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.  They didn't say anything about the other chemicals!  Many  have made laws against delta-8 and related products based on a lack of research into these chemicals and the use of solvents during the collection process.  Currently, there are no standards which would prevent the sale of products that still contained such dangerous solvents.  Pixel Potion Cafe only sources hemp distillates that are free of solvents, heavy metals, and other dangerous contaminants. 

You can check our current list to see if your state has enacted restrictions on hemp products, but you are responsible for knowing the laws in your own state.

• Delta-8 THC (TetraHydroCannabinol) is one of the first.  This is the old "diet weed" that most of the gas stations and such are selling.  It's much weaker than delta-9, roughly half the strength.  It's also less likely to have side effects such as paranoia and anxiety.
• Delta-10 THC is another one similar to delta-8 and is produced in a similar manner.  Delta-10 tends to hit more like a sativa and delta-8 is more like an indica.
• CBN (Cannabinol) is formed from the breakdown of THC and might be used to ease symptoms and side effects of some neurological conditions.  CBN has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  It is about 1/4 as psycho-active as THC and can have a slight sedative or "indica" effect.
• CBG (Cannabigerol) is thought to help reduce anxiety and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression.  CBG is described as somewhat upbeat and "sativa"-like and may have some anti-inflammatory properties as well.
• CBD (Cannabidiol) is the same one that your local pharmacies and such are selling now.  It won't get you high and there are very few side effects.  It's used for pain, epilepsy, anxiety, mood stability, and as an anti-nausea.  Some evidence suggests it can calm the negative side-effects of THC.
• CBC (Cannabichromene) is thought to be anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, an antidepressant, a pain reliever (similar to an NSAID but with fewer side effects), and even anti-tumor!  CBC interacts more with other receptors, such as the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors which may help with conditions such as neuropathy.
• Delta-9 THC is the one most commonly found in weed, specifically Indica varieties.  Sativa varieties usually have less THC and more of the other chemicals.  Indica is restful and highly psycho-active.  Sativa is more of a energetic head-high.
• PHC (Hydrox4PentaHydroCannibinol) is a new one that is based on THC-O.  It metabolizes to Delta-9 and the effects are incredibly long-lasting, often compared to an edible.
• HHC (HexaHydroCannabinol) is popular mainly because it's seen as the "most legal" but also the most stable, able to survive temperature changes and such without breaking down due to the addition of hydrogen molecules which aid in stability. It's potency sits between Delta-8 and Delta-9.  If you are new to the scene, this could be okay starter.  HHC-O and HHC-P are similar to THC-O and THC-P, tacking these extra molecules on to the end to make them stronger.
• THC-P generally means Delta-8P!  Manufacturers will usually put Delta-9P in the description if Delta-9 is the origin, generally stronger than Delta-8P.  Delta-9P is the strongest. This is basically an addition of a longer side-chain to either delta-8 or delta-9 THC, but it's been done to HHC as well. This side chain causes 30 times the bonding efficiency to the CB1 receptor responsible for psychoactive effects. Most people describe the effects as 5-10 as strong, but either way, a little bit of this stuff goes a long way!
• THC-V is the magic super-sativa!  It's not psycho-active in lower doses, so it doesn't get you high.  At higher doeses, it can give an effect that is described as a clarity of thought, it's own unique type of high. THCv is being studied for appetite suppression, improving insulin sensitivity, neuroprotective effects concerning Alzheimer's and reducing the tremors in Parkinson's.  It's also thought to be an anti-inflammatory and may be an antiepileptic and may promote bone growth!  This amazing compound occurs naturally, but in very small quantities, so it tends to be lab-made when you buy it.
• THC-O is similar to the others, but in this case it's an acetate that makes it about 3 times stronger and highly psycho-active.  This compound goes all the way back to the 1940s!  Creating it uses very dangerous chemicals and so its popularity isn't very high.  It also does not appear naturally in the cannabis plant, and as such, the DEA has scheduled this substance.  Pixel Potion Cafe does not carry THC-O or PHC products (made from THC-O)
• THC-A is a non-psycho-active compound (doesn't get you high) that is thought to be neuroprotective (may protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Nausea, Anti-proliferative (protects against prostate cancer), and when heated, turns into good old Delta-9 THC!  It's also naturally occuring and abundant and can be made relatively pure.  You can buy cannabis strains that are grown to only contain THCA and not delta-9 THC, making legally smokable flower even though the THCA turns into delta-9 when you smoke it!
• THC-M is brand new. It is basically an enhancer that improves the effects of other THC compounds.
• THC-B is pretty new.  It is a highly psychoactive compound that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant.  It was found in 2019 and has very strong effects, possibly 6-10 times stronger than regular delta-9!
• THC-JD is a weird one.  This naturally occuring THC variant is incredibly rare and much more powerful than Delta-9, somewhere around 8-10 times.  It functions as primarily a mood enhancer providing Euphoria, Happiness, and Stress relief, but seems to have very little effect on pain.

Still confused? 

• For new users, start a mild delta-8 gummy, like our Whisperbones brand.
• For managing pain without getting high, try our Health & Wellness line which is designed to give all the beneficial effects of cannabis without getting you high.
• For a legal alternative to traditional weed, we have a selection of milder THCp flower and vapes in the Captain Kushwhiskers line as well as a selection of THCp vapes.
• If you want the strongest you can get, try anything from our Starflames brand, such as the Starflames Supernova Squares, or the Starflames Girl Scout Cookies or Starflames Durban Poison vapes.

Please do not drive or operate machinery while taking any of these products!