The booming business of cannabis has kept on a steady course in recent years. CBD, in particular, has helped drive this growth with wide-range benefits and enormous potential. Science seems to open up new doors for its use while consumers continue to learn about and experience these positive effects every day.
While CBD still gets the majority of attention, there are other cannabinoids you may not be aware of that possess other intriguing possibilities outside of the current cannabis paradigm. These compounds aren’t necessarily new – they have always existed within the plant. But the power and potential they exhibit have only recently begun to be uncovered. Let’s dive into a closer look at these new cannabinoids on the block.
A Quick Background on Cannabinoids
If you have used any cannabis or hemp-derived product, you are likely aware of the most well-known cannabinoids found within these plants – CBD and THC. While these are the two big players, there are more than 100 other currently known cannabinoids, and continued research and science could lead to more being discovered in the near future.
These cannabinoids are the compounds that unlock the power of hemp. From ants to elephants to you and I, every animal has an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is made up of receptors within the brain and body of organisms that bind to cannabinoids. Our bodies can create endocannabinoids naturally but can also interact with the phytocannabinoids found within hemp and cannabis.
The cannabinoids that we will take a look at below are all plant-derived phytocannabinoids – but the ‘phyto’ is commonly dropped within the industry, and we all assumed that these compounds come from the plant. Synthetic cannabinoids are also a new realm of scientific development, but that’s a topic for another day.
Each cannabinoid seems to display unique properties when isolated, but they also tend to work with one another to enhance benefits and effects. This is known as the entourage effect and follows the line of thinking related to whole-plant medicine.
New Cannabinoids
Of the 113 or so currently known cannabinoids, only a fraction have been thoroughly studied. With ongoing research and scientific progress made possible by the ease of long-held regulations surrounding hemp and cannabis, a better understanding of these ‘other’ cannabinoids is emerging. In the current scientific world, these lesser-known compounds are called minor cannabinoids. Several of these are worth examining in more detail because of the intriguing possibilities surrounding their use and application.
Delta-8
Delta-8 is currently one of the most talked about minor cannabinoids in the industry. The full name for this compound is delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. If you already know a bit about cannabinoids, you’ll notice that this is very similar to THC, scientifically known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta-8 is a slight variation of THC. It can cause effects similar to its compound cousin but appears to be less potent.
The effects of consuming delta-8 can be similar to consuming TCH including euphoria, mood enhancement, and the like. Expect a subdued ‘high’ feeling that cannabis consumption has been associated with for centuries. Delta-8 is far less potent than regular THC, and the psychotropic effects it can induce are less intense and inebriating. Delta-8 can act as a pain reliever while displaying anti-nausea and anti-anxiety properties.
Delta-8 is found in small quantities with hemp and cannabis plants and often extracted to form a very pure form of the compound. It is also fairly potent so dosing considerations should begin at small levels to gauge intended effects and benefits.
Consumers of delta-8 should always look out for a third-party Certificate of Analysis that indicates the product is as advertised in its chemical makeup and doesn’t include any harmful chemicals or pesticides. Delta-8 products should also be purchased from a licensed retailer in locations where it is legal to help ensure quality and legitimacy.
Anyone selling or producing delta-8 products should always observe all local and federal laws relating to food and drug manufacturing. This includes using facilities that are in line with cGMP regulations and meeting GRAS notification requirements. Considerations should also be taken to meet compliance regulations for labeling and advertising. Producers should also implement safeguards to only allow sales to individuals over the age of 21 and never claim that a delta-8 product will cause a ‘high’ or euphoric effect.
THCV
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV, is another minor cannabinoid that is also related to THC. From a scientific perspective, THCV is a naturally occurring analog of THC. THCV appears to display little psychoactive effect in smaller doses, which is advantageous for its use over THC. Being lesser known, the research into THCV is still ongoing, so its full range of effects and benefits are not yet completely understood.
THCV benefits include appetite suppression, neuroprotective properties, anti-inflammatory use, and as treatment for seizures. It is also of interest because it may be a viable treatment to aid in the management of obesity and type-2 diabetes. New benefits and uses are still possible as more research occurs.
We do carry a THCV gummy formulated specifically for appetite suppression, stamped with the AuthentiKola Pharmacist Authenticated Cannabinoids™ seal.
Proper dosing of THCV is not yet thoroughly understood. The cannabinoid mainly exists within certain strains of cannabis and hemp and products derived from these. Isolated versions exist but are not readily available.
Delta-10
One even lesser-known cannabinoid than the two already discussed above is delta-10. This compound has a unique discovering story. It has only been recently discovered, in part thanks to a fire retardant that was used in the area of an outdoor cannabis farm in California. Delta-10 is an exciting new discovery in the hemp industry, but its effects and potential uses are not entirely understood.
Being another close relative to THC, similar effects can be expected, although this compound also appears to be less potent. One of the only studies involving delta-10 shows that it seems to have limited psychoactive properties in pigeons anyway. With a lack of science, it’s difficult to assess any specific benefits, effects, or dosage recommendations as of yet.
Delta-10 is a prime example of just how quickly the realm of cannabinoid science is evolving. Just discovered in 2020 basically by accident and already displaying potential beneficial uses, one wonders how many other cannabinoids are out there yet to discover.
Final Thoughts
The hemp industry is expanding rapidly, leading to new changes and developments on a seemingly daily basis. The new cannabinoids that have been uncovered in recent years demonstrate just how exciting the current age of advancement and exploration truly is.
The possibilities these compounds exhibit is paving the way for future breakthroughs in medicine and science while at the same time highlighting the vast potential hemp-derived products truly have. As research grows right alongside popular demand, more opportunities to learn about the cannabinoids mentioned here and potentially many more are sure to follow.
If you are interested in Delta-8 or Delta-10 visit any of our sister stores, The Kind Life Hemp Dispensary, or reach out to us by email or on social media.
