Urb’s Cannabinoid Guide

As a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that may reduce inflammation, CBC—short for cannabichromene—might sound a bit like its cannabinoid cousin, CBD. But CBC does something quite unique: While it doesn’t bind strongly to our body’s CB1 endocannabinoid receptors, it does interact with the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, which may help modulate inflammation and pain perception to provide relief.

As the popular “second cannabinoid” behind THC, CBD—short for cannabidiol—needs little introduction. Non-intoxicating and gently stimulating, CBD is often used to uplift mood, relieve stress and discomfort, and get better rest. What’s more, research suggests that CBD may work in concert with compounds such as THC to potentiate or strengthen each others’ effects.

Short for cannabigerol, CBG is comparatively rare, typically found in concentrations of less than 1% in most strains. This is because CBG is the precursor to other more common cannabinoids such as THC, CBD and CBC, which develop as the plant matures. CBG may help stimulate appetite and provide relief by possessing anti-inflammatory properties.

When cannabinol—better known as CBN—was first identified in 1896, researchers thought it was the compound most responsible for the cannabis plant’s euphoric high. As it turns out, CBN is only very mildly psychoactive but may help people get better, undisturbed rest and has become a popular natural way to support better sleep.

A close relative of Delta 9 THC—sometimes known simply as THC—Delta 8 has earned itself a great deal of attention in recent years, in large part due to its special blend of effects. Generally described as milder than Delta 9, people enjoy Delta 8 to help boost mood, help them relax and relieve discomfort. Initial research suggests that Delta 8 may also help relieve nausea and vomiting.

If Delta 8 is the milder cousin to Delta 9 THC, Delta 10 is something else entirely: a mildly energizing and uplifting cannabinoid that helps people feel more focused, creative, and alert. While research is still in the early stages, comparison with comparable cannabinoids such as Delta 8 and Delta 9 suggest that D10 THC may possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and appetite-stimulating properties. 

As one of the newer compounds derived from cannabinoids, H4CBD—otherwise known as tetrahydrocannabidiol—occupies a special place. Created by adding hydrogen to the non-intoxicating cannabinoid CBD, H4CBD can be thought of as a more potent and impactful version of that already impressive compound. You can expect the same effects as CBD, but in a more potent form.

A non-intoxicating relative of Delta 9 THC, THCV—or tetrahydrocannabivarin—is quite unique. According to early clinical trials, it may act as an appetite suppressant, which has earned it the dubious nickname “diet weed.” Beyond that, research suggests that THCV may actually mitigate some of the side effects associated with THC. 

As the main cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol—often known as Delta 9 THC or simply THC—may need no introduction. The principal source of the plant’s delightful euphoria, Delta 9 is also associated with a range of therapeutic effects, from helping address common aches and pains to boosting mood and even helping us find better rest.

Another novel cannabinoid, HHC—also known as hexahydrocannabinol—is made by treating Delta 9 THC with hydrogen, which changes its chemical structure. One of its many intriguing properties is that it tends to provide a euphoric and uplifting experience with less potential for fogginess or anxiety than Delta 9 or Delta 8. HHC may also offer such benefits as pain relief, relaxation, and supporting better mood, which some people use for managing stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

While it’s the chemical precursor of Delta 9 THC, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) isn’t euphoric or psychoactive in and of itself. THCA is associated with a number of potential benefits, including powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and neuroprotective qualities. When THCA is exposed to sufficient heat, it undergoes a process known as decarboxylation, which instantly converts it into psychoactive Delta 9 THC.

Produced from the cannabinoid THCP—a highly potent version of THC—hexahydrocannabinol (HCCP) is far more potent and longer-lasting than Delta 9. Its effects aren’t dissimilar from Delta 9’s, either, with a blend of euphoria, relaxation, and a distinctly uplifted mood.

If THCA is the non-intoxicating precursor to Delta 9, THCB—or tetrahydrocannabutol—is something very different. It’s a super-potent, naturally  occurring cannabinoid that imparts many of the same effects as THC. While it only occurs within the cannabis plant in trace amounts, it binds much more readily to the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, rendering it much more potent than THC and offering an intense euphoria combined with strong relaxing effects.

Much like THCB, THCH—that’s short for tetrahydrocannabihexol—is a close relative of Delta 9 THC first identified in 2019, though it’s considered more psychoactive than its better known cannabinoid cousin. THCH is created through a process called terpenylation and may offer relief from discomfort, an appetite boost, and a euphoric experience.

While you might not have heard of THCP—that’s short for tetrahydrocannabiphorol—that’s likely to change. While it’s presently a little-known cannabinoid, many researchers believe it’s the most potent cannabinoid yet discovered, binding far more readily to our endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. How much more readily? Some estimates describe THCP as potentially being 33 times more potent than Delta 9, while offering many of the same signature effects we associate with cannabis.