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Cannabinoids 101

Cannabinoids 101

By Cannabis 101

Cannabinoids 101

 

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring organic compounds found in the cannabis plant. These active compounds produce the drug-like bodily effects associated with weed use. They are responsible for making you feel “high,” whether it be psychoactively, through bodily relaxation or both. Cannabinoids are broken down into the following classes:

  • Cannabigerols (CBG)
  • Cannabichromenes (CBC)
  • Cannabidiol (CBD)
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
  • Cannabinol (CBN)
  • Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
  • Other Cannabinoids Including Cannabicyclol (CBL), Cannabielsoin (CBE) & Cannabitriol (CBT)

TAC, or total active cannabinoids, is a sum of all of the active compounds of a weed strain. It accounts for more than just THC and CBD, the two most well known ones.

Endocannabinoid System

The human body has its own internal endocannabinoid system that exists even without the use of cannabis products. Naturally occurring endocannabinoids in the body interact with enzymes and receptors to regulate several bodily functions.

For example, THC is a cannabinoid that activates the CB1 receptors in our brain. On the contrast, the cannabinoid CBD restricts activity in the CB1 receptors and also binds to other parts of the body, including 12 targets in the brain alone.

The Most Common Cannabinoids

△9THC (Delta 9 THC) | Tetrahydrocannabinol

Pain Relief, Increased Appetite, Nausea Relief, Antioxidant, Muscle Relaxation & Spasm Relief

THC, the most common cannabinoid present in weed, is also by far the most well-known. In addition, this compound acts as a mild painkiller, and is responsible for the head high effects of marijuana.

△8THC (Delta 8 THC) | Tetrahydrocannabinol

Pain & Anxiety Relief, Increased Appetite, Nausea Relief, Neural Protection

This variant of Delta 9 THC has shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, as well as improving appetite, with a lower psychotropic potency than that of Delta 9 THC. Along with its painkilling properties, it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and protect neurons. As a result, this makes it helpful in treatment of conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, and Multiple Sclerosis, among others.

THCa | Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

Anti-Inflammation, Slows Cancer Cell Growth, Nausea Relief, Neural Protection

THCa is the main component of raw cannabis, contained within the trichomes. THCa is converted to Delta 9 THC when it is burned, vaporized or otherwise heated up.

THCv | Tetrahydrocannabivarin Uncommon Cannabinoids

Anxiety Relief, Regulation of Blood Sugar, Appetite Suppressant

THCv is a minor cannabinoid only found in some strains. In short, THCv produces very different effects than THC, including less panic attacks, appetite suppression and bone growth.

CBC | Cannabichromene

Anti-Inflammation, Slows Cancer Cell Growth, Pain Relief, Neural Protection, Acne Improvement

CBC is known for its antifungal properties, as well as it’s ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, slow the growth of cancer cells and help bone growth. Further, the effects of CBC increase dramatically when absorbed alongside THC.

CBD | Cannabidiol The Most Popular Cannabinoids

Anxiety Relief, Nausea Relief, Muscle Relaxation, Drowsiness, Antioxidant, Pain Relief, Decrease in Seizures & Spasms

CBD has tremendous potential medical uses, especially when an ideal ratio of CBD to THC is used to treat certain conditions. On its own, CBD does not produce a head high. It is widely used to treat seizures, and research suggests that it may also help slow the growth of tumors.

CBDa | Cannabidiolic Acid

Anti-Inflammatory, Slows Cancer Cell Growth, Relieves Nausea, Reduces Anxiety

Similar to THCa, CBDa is the main component of raw cannabis containing high levels of CBD. CBDa selectively inhibits enzymes that contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of weed.

CBDv | Cannabidivarin

Anti-Convulsant

Recent studies suggest CBDv has potential for use in the management of Epilepsy.

CBG | Cannabigerol

Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Slows Cancer Cell Growth

The anti-bacterial effects of CBG can alter the overall effects of cannabis. For example, CBG is known to slowly reduce the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation, delay growth of cancerous tumor cells and promote bone growth with no head high.

CBGA | Cannabigerolic Acid

Anti-Inflammatory, Neural Protection, Slows Cancer Cell Growth

CBGa is formed when two organic compounds contained in the cannabis plant (olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate) are combined. In addition, CBGa is a crucial building block in forming THCa, CBDa, CBCa and CBG.

CBN | Cannabinol

Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Convulsant, Drowsiness

To clarify, CBN is not produced by metabolism within the cannabis plant and is instead produced as the result of the breakdown of THC. It is not psychoactive on its own, but when absorbed alongside THC and CBD, has mildly psychoactive effects. Above all, the breakdown of THC into CBN creates a powerful sleep aid, responsible for the “couch lock” feeling you may be familiar with. In addition, CBN is potentially useful in treating burns as it reduces thermal sensitivity.

Cannabinoids vs. Terpenes

Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes are not active chemicals. Terpenes makeup the smell and flavor profile of the plant and are not processed by the body the same way as cannabinoids. To sum it up, the entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids work together alongside terpenes to yield effects that are unique to that combination of compounds. It is the reason why you may have a completely different experience using two different strains with a similar TAC number.

In short, cannabinoids act as the driver of a bus, while terpenes are the wheels. The terpenes aid in the effects that are made possible by the cannabinoid content.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Today

Smyth Cannabis Co. products are made with our own hand-trimmed flower grown right here in Lowell, MA. Our 15,000 square foot cannabis growing facility is controlled to the last detail. Our flower is always properly cured and hand trimmed for quality, and we grow dozens of strains at maximum strength and efficiency. Located right off of I-495, our adult-use dispensary offers the highest quality products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more.

Whether you’re an experienced user or just getting started, our team of friendly budtenders will help you find a strain best suited for you. Visit us in Lowell or check out our menu online to see what’s available today!


It is important to note that the above information is for educational use only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Smyth Cannabis Co. does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the above information. Individual results will vary. All Smyth Cannabis Co. products are grown for recreational use and do not claim to possess any medical benefits. Smyth Cannabis Co. is a recreational-only dispensary and does not employe medical professionals. Consult your physician before using cannabis for any medical purpose.

Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 vs. Delta 10

Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 vs. Delta 10

By Cannabis 101

Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 vs. Delta 10

 

Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10 are all different versions, or isomers, of the cannabinoid THC. All isomers of THC, including Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10 will show up on a drug test.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds that make up the cannabis plant. There are between 80 – 100 cannabinoids present in cannabis, with most of them producing no psychoactive effects. The two most popular cannabinoids are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is most often used for medicinal purposes due to its calming benefits on the body that do not get users high. In contrast, THC is psychoactive. It is the compound responsible for making consumers feel “high.”

Isomerization

Isomerization occurs when the molecules of one compound are rearranged to form another. Isomers of THC are created to produce varying effects, as well as to increase THC potency. New, additional molecules are known as isomers of the original.

Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10 are all THC isomers. All THC isomers can be responsible for the same side effects: nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, cottonmouth, etc. In contrast, when it comes to the different desired results, they may all “lean” in different directions.

What is Delta 8?

The 2018 Farm Bill made certain hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. Over the counter CBD products are derived from hemp, which contains little to no THC. These products cannot contain enough THC to produce the psychoactive effects that make the consumer feel high. But as many people know, CBD cannot reach its full effectiveness unless at least trace amounts of THC are present.

Delta 8 is a completely synthetic THC molecule derived from hemp CBD. The THC molecule is formed by chemical conversion and has its double carbon bond located at the eighth chain. It is controversial because it creates THC molecules from the hemp plant, where there typically would be little to none at all. The addition of Delta 8 allows up to 0.3% THC to exist within the product, a trace amount that may allow the CBD to work better. Delta 8 is banned in 20 states and counting.

What is Delta 9?

Delta 9 is formed by heating up THCa molecules during the extraction process. The double carbon bond of finished molecules is located at the ninth chain. It is more potent than Delta 8 and believed to have more calming effects. Delta 9 is considered to be the “natural form” of THC, so it is usually referred to as THC.

What is Delta 10?

Delta 10 is derived from hemp, similar to Delta 8. The molecule’s double carbon bond is located on the tenth chain. The main difference between Delta 10 and Delta 8 are the psychoactive properties. While it is much less potent than Delta 9, Delta 10 can still get consumers high. However, the effects of Delta 10 are more cerebral, and closely resemble the high of a sativa strain. In contrast, the effects of Delta 8 are more like those of an indica strain. Delta 10 is still relatively new and rare, but several states have already banned it.

Why Go For a THC Isomer?

CBD products found anywhere besides a recreational or medical dispensary are derived from hemp, not cannabis. The hemp plant, unlike cannabis, contains little to no THC. So these products are not likely to produce significant noticeable results because as previously stated, at least trace amounts of THC must be present for CBD to be fully effective.

THC isomers such as Delta 8 and Delta 10 allow trace amounts of THC to exist within CBD products, whereas they would often otherwise contain none at all. This gives consumers living in states where marijuana is illegal an opportunity to still benefit from CBD that has been enhanced with trace amounts of THC for full effectiveness.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. For High CBD Products & More

Smyth Cannabis Co. Recreational Dispensary offers high quality flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, topicals and more. Our friendly budtenders will help you pick a high CBD product best suited for both your needs and your budget. Visit us today at our Lowell, MA dispensary to learn more about our lab tested cannabis products. Or, check out our menu to see what we currently have available for high CBD products.

Our menu rotates daily and we are constantly adding new products. So we encourage you to check back frequently to stay up-to-date!

Which Smyth Cannabis Strain is Right For Me?

By Products, Strains

Which Smyth Cannabis Strain is Right For Me?

 
Smyth Cannabis Co. products are made with our own hand-trimmed flower grown right here in Lowell, MA. Our 15,000 square foot cannabis growing facility is controlled to the last detail. Our flower is always properly cured and hand trimmed for quality, and we grow dozens of strains at maximum strength and efficiency.

Unsure which strain to choose? Take this easy online quiz for a fast recommendation!

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This questionnaire is for entertainment purposes only. This questionnaire and any of its recommended products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Smyth Cannabis Co. products are for recreational use only by adults over the age of 21.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Today

Whether you’re an experienced user or just getting started, our team of friendly budtenders will help you find a strain best suited for you. Located right off of I-495, our adult-use dispensary offers the highest quality products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more.

Visit us in Lowell or check out our menu online to see what’s available today!