THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is probably the most well-known compound in cannabis since it’s most responsible for the plant’s classic psychoactive effects. However, it isn’t the only compound in your favorite hemp and cannabis products—in fact, there’s more than one type of THC, and they’re all gaining notoriety among cannabis fans.
But what makes these other types of THC so special, and how do they compare to their superstar sibling? Take a deep dive with us and explore the various types of THC cannabinoids, from Delta 10 and THCV to Delta 8, THCB and everything in between. By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to chart your own flight path and take off with these novel forms of THC.
The THC Family of Cannabinoids
THC and its related compounds are part of a larger family called cannabinoids, a class of compounds produced by cannabis and hemp plants. In fact, these amazing plants produce over 100 different cannabinoids—each with their own effects and benefits.
Delta 9 THC is the compound most people think of when they hear “THC.” It is the form of THC most naturally abundant in hemp and cannabis plants, and the form most responsible for the classic “high” we associate with consuming cannabis and hemp flower. Over recent years, new forms of THC have been uncovered, most of which naturally occur in the plants only in very small quantities. But these other types of THC produce effects and offer benefits of their own, and they’ve been gaining popularity.
You can think of Delta 9 THC as the head of two groups: one more potent and one less potent than their OG parent compound. The Deltas—Delta 8 and Delta 10—are the less potent siblings, offering a milder ascent and a mid-level cruising altitude as compared to Delta 9.
THCP, THCB and THCH are the stronger siblings, offering a much more potent takeoff and a higher cruising altitude than Delta 9 THC.
Then there’s the outlier in this family of compounds, THCV, that doesn’t offer the same euphoric high as its siblings, but brings some interesting qualities and effects to the table. We’ll dig into all of these compounds in this guide.
THC and the Endocannabioid System
No matter what type of THC we’re talking about, they all interface with our body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Though it was only just discovered in the 1990s, the ECS is understood to be a vital regulatory network that helps control bodily functions such as:
- Memory
- Immune function
- Pain response
- Sleep
The ECS includes several types of receptor cells, but with cannabis, the most important to know are CB1, which is responsible for the euphoric and other psychoactive effects felt with THC and its variants, and CB2, which is connected to immune response and doesn’t produce feelings of intoxication when introduced to THC.
The Deltas: Delta 9, Delta 8 & Delta 10 THC
Delta 9 may be the OG parent of this family, but Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC bring some balance to the effects typically associated with Delta 9.
What Is Delta 9 THC?
The type of THC you’re likely familiar with, Delta 9 THC is just one of cannabis’s many intriguing compounds. Depending on the conditions in which the plant was grown, and other active compounds that make up a particular strain (terpenes, for example), Delta 9 THC may deliver deep relaxation for some and buzzy creativity for others.
It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, binding to the CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system. When consumed it enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain, expressing its effects.
Is there a difference between THC and Delta 9? No. Delta 9 THC is the same as THC. The main reason to call it “Delta 9” is to distinguish it from the other types of THC in the delta family, such as Delta 8 and Delta 10.
Delta 9 THC Effects
Delta 9 is known for producing the classic effects we associate with cannabis, feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and creativity. It may also impact a person’s perception of time and can increase hunger. These effects are a result of its ability to alter the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine.
Aside from its psychoactive effects, Delta 9 THC also offers potential therapeutic benefits, and it has been researched for a wide variety of uses. Medical cannabis is available in a majority of US states, approved for use in a wide variety of chronic and hard to treat conditions.
Though THC can have different effects on individuals, the way it affects you personally will depend on numerous factors like dosage, method of consumption, and personal tolerance. Higher doses can result in more intense psychoactive effects, potentially leading to side effects like anxiety, paranoia, or dry mouth, particularly in those who are new or sensitive to it.
Shop Urb for Delta 9 THC
Want to try Delta 9? Check out our delicious Take Off Skybites, available in three different formulations backed by True-Infused Terpenes so you can customize your flight path—Create, Rest or Energy. They’re the perfect blend of sweetness and euphoria.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Sometimes thought of as Delta 9’s little sibling, Delta 8 THC typically delivers a subtler, less intense experience, making it a great candidate for those desiring a lower altitude flight.
Also known as D8 THC, this cannabinoid has gained significant attention in recent years. From a chemistry perspective, it’s a close relative to Delta 9 THC and shares a similar chemical structure, though it differs in the placement of a double bond on the molecule.
Delta 8 THC Effects
One of the key characteristics of Delta 8 THC is its milder psychoactive effect, and like other cannabinoids, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. Many describe the experience of Delta 8 as more subtle, and this reduced intensity can make it a popular choice for individuals seeking a mellower and balanced experience. However, the full effects of Delta 8 THC will be dependent on the dose, your unique metabolism, and other outside factors.
Shop Urb for Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 is a foundational compound in all of our vape formulations, lending its milder psychoactivity to our disposables and 510 cartridges for a wide range of effects. Whether you want to take off, fly high or enjoy a smooth descent, all our vapes contain the highest-quality, Pegasus-certified Delta 8 backed by independent lab testing. You’ll also find Delta 8 in our delicious Cloud 9 and Red Eye Skybites.
Check out our full Delta 8 collection.
What Is Delta 10 THC?
Compared with Delta 9, Delta 10 THC may deliver a distinctly uplifting vibe that inspires productivity and mental clarity in some consumers. Similar to its siblings, D10 THC is mostly hemp-derived and produces psychoactive effects.
Delta 10 THC Effects
One of the defining features of Delta 10 THC is its uplifting and energizing characteristics, with many consumers reporting feeling focused, creative, and alert after consumption of it. Unlike Delta 9 THC, it’s said to provide a more clear-headed and less foggy experience, which has made Delta 10 THC popular among those seeking a cannabis product that promotes productivity.
Shop Urb for Delta 10 THC
Get ready for an uplifting takeoff with Urb’s vapes featuring Delta 10. For an all-in-one disposable solution reach for our Aerovape 710 Clarity model, or grab a Flight Fuel Clarity cartridge for your 510-threaded battery.
Check out our full Delta 10 collection.
High Potency Alternatives: THCP, THCB and THCH
With the recent discovery of THCP, THCB and THCH, frequent flyers can reach all new altitudes with Delta 9’s more potent siblings.
What Is THCP?
Only just isolated by Italian scientists in 2019, THCP, short for Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a relatively new and highly sought-after cannabinoid. Notably, it’s been found to have a structure and properties that make it much more potent than THC when it’s introduced to the endocannabinoid system. It is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis, though only in trace amounts.
THCP Effects
The heightened potency of THCP has intrigued cannabis enthusiasts and researchers alike. Preliminary studies suggest that it may have a higher affinity for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, which can lead to more pronounced psychoactive effects. By some estimates THCP may be 30 times more potent than Delta 9 THC. Because THCP is so new, research is still ongoing to explore other THCP effects and benefits.
Shop Urb for THCP
Soar to new heights with the potent power of THCP. You’ll find it in our Mile High Aerovape 420 Max disposables, our Mile High Flight Fuel cartridges, and in our Mile High Skybite and Red Eye Skybite gummies.
Check out our full THCP collection.
What Is THCB?
Another high-potency variant of THC, THCB was also first isolated in 2019 by the same team who discovered THCP—it’s a new and exciting addition to the ever-growing lineup of THC types.
THCB—also known as Tetrahydrocannabutol—is another naturally occurring minor cannabinoid that’s similar to THCP in that it binds more strongly to your CB1 and CB2 receptors than THC, though it’s not as potent as THCP.
THCB Effects
Research on THCB is limited, but many fans of this rare cannabinoid have reported more potent effects, with THCB imparting strong feelings of euphoria with intense relaxation throughout. THCB is usually recommended to those with higher tolerances.
Shop Urb for THCB
For a potent lift, reach for our Mile High Aerovape 420 Max. This handy all-in-one vape device combines hemp-derived THCP and THCB with flash frozen live resin and our Pegasus-certified Delta 8 THC.
Check out our full THCB collection.
What Is THCH?
Another 2019 discovery, THCH—or Tetrahydrocannabihexol— is on a roll with THCB and THCP. It’s another naturally occurring cannabinoid, though it occurs in very trace amounts and like THCP and THCB it is typically synthesized from other more abundant cannabinoids for use in cannabis products. THCH interacts with the endocannabinoid system and strongly binds to the CB1 receptors.
THCH Effects
THCH, like THCB and THCP, is believed to be much more potent than THC due to its impactful relationship with our CB1 receptors. Because it’s so new, research is still limited and its effects and potential benefits are still being uncovered. Fans of THCH report that it helps them with relaxation and sleep, with longer lasting effects as compared to THC.
Shop Urb for THCH
Ready to wind down? Try THCH with our Aerovape 710 Relax disposable vapes or in our Flight Fuel Relax 510 vape cartridges. Smooth and flavorful, these vape formulations also include THCP, Delta-8 and live resin to ease you into a sweet landing.
Check out our full THCH collection.
THCV
A naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp and cannabis plants, THCV is an outlier in the THC family since it’s markedly different from its siblings.
What Is THCV?
Another relative of Delta 9 THC, THCV—or tetrahydrocannabivarin—has been gaining notoriety over recent years, and while it’s a THC relative with those three specials letters in its name, THCV is does not produce that classic high we associate with THC—it’s only very mildly intoxicating.
THCV Effects
According to early research, THCV may act as an appetite suppressant, which earned it the nickname “diet weed.” Instead of binding to it like THCH, THCB, and THCP, THCV blocks the CB1 receptor, which is related to appetite. It may also mitigate some of the side effects associated with THC and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Shop Urb for THCV
Chock full of THCV, THCB, Delta 10, and H4cbd, Flight Fuel Clarity runs at medium strength while your spirits soar high.
Check out our full THCV collection.
Get Ready for Takeoff With Urb
While THC is the most popular cannabinoid, it’s not the only star of the show. There are many different types of THC, and each one imparts somewhat different effects. As the classic Delta-9 THC makes room for its extended family, cannabis lovers now have access to lower potency options with Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC, or higher potency options with THCP, THCB and THCH. Then there’s THCV, a THC sibling that brings some non-intoxicating balance to the family.
Want to try some of these novel and exciting cannabinoids for yourself? Browse our full suite of first-class products infused with THC variants, hemp-derived CBD, and much more. Whether you prefer discreet vapes, irresistible gummies, or premium indoor-grown THCA flower, we can deliver all your favorite products right to your door. If you’re unsure about local cannabis laws, head to our Shipping Restrictions page to see if we deliver to your state.
Want to know more? Visit our blog, where you’ll find in-depth articles on hot topics like HHC vs Delta 8 and everything you need to know about smoking hemp.
