At this point, you likely have a strong grasp on
what CBD is, and its benefits. CBD plays an important role in promoting balance and overall wellness. But the potential health properties of hemp extend well beyond CBD, and it was only a matter of time until new, cutting-edge cannabinoids were discovered and made available.
At Koi, we're excited to introduce new hemp cannabinoids that we believe will help you relax after a hectic day, get you going in the morning, and even stimulate you when you're in need of some extra focus.
Like CBD, each of these trailblazing cannabinoids interacts with your body’s systems. But they do so in distinctive ways, eliciting their own unique effects and benefits. Today, there are more ways than ever for you to incorporate hemp-based compounds into your everyday health routine, depending on your personal needs and preferences.
It’s time to start thinking beyond CBD.
Here are new hemp cannabinoids you need to know about:
- Delta-8 THC - For an instant, uplifting mood boost
- Delta-9 THC - For powerful calming effects and uplifting relief
- Delta-10 THC - For increased drive and motivation
- THC-O - For highly-potent and immersive relaxation
- HHC - For mellowing out while keeping your mind clear
- THCV - For staying focused and energized
Before diving in, it’s important to remember: With any cannabinoid, you should consult your physician before taking it. Also, effects and tolerance vary from person to person, so it’s a good idea to start with a low dose and wait at least an hour before taking another serving. Be patient, don’t overdo it, and you’ll discover an enjoyable new world thanks to these innovative hemp cannabinoids.
Delta-8 THC: For an instant, uplifting mood boost
Benefits: Has noticeable uplifting effects that promote a sense of happiness. Great for enhancing any leisurely event, such as gaming or relaxing with friends and family.
Delta-8 THC has been in the spotlight recently, and for good reason. It offers the same types of calming, euphoric sensations as its well-known analog delta-9 THC, but tends to have a milder profile and fewer side effects. It’s widely considered the middle ground between CBD and delta-9 THC.
With the caveat that everyone has unique body chemistry and delta-8 can affect you differently, delta-8 users have reported a highly enjoyable experience. Some have even shared that delta-8 helps them sleep better and promotes a healthy appetite.
Because delta-8 is only present at very low concentrations naturally (0.1% and lower), it’s most commonly produced by converting hemp-derived CBD to delta-8 THC using acids and filtration. It gets its name from the location of its double bond on the eighth carbon atom.
Delta-8 binds with your endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors, but does so more weakly in comparison to delta-9 THC. This reduced affinity for CB1 receptors means that delta-8 produces gentler, more functional effects compared to its stronger cousin. For more information, take a look at our article where we expand more into ‘
What is Delta-8?’
You can enjoy delta-8 THC in the form of
delta-8 gummies,
delta-8 tinctures,
delta-8 vape cartridges, and more. Take note that edible
delta-8 products like gummies tend to have a delayed onset compared to delta-9 THC, and effects can take anywhere between 30-90 minutes to kick in.
Delta-9 THC: For powerful calming effects and uplifting relief
Benefits: For a sense of well-being and uplifting effects that are more powerful. Great to enjoy while relaxing at home, meditating, or attending a concert.
You know delta-9 THC as the primary active chemical in cannabis, but it’s also a naturally occurring compound in hemp. Sometimes it’s created from hemp-derived CBD through a process called isomerization.
Only recently have hemp-based
delta-9 products hit the scene, opening up the doors for many more people to enjoy their elevating benefits. You can now find hemp-derived delta-9 in the form of
delta-9 gummies, with more types of products likely on the way.
The uplifting and mood-boosting sensations you experience from hemp-derived delta-9 THC are generally more powerful than those of its cousins, delta-8 and delta-10. The reason behind this is delta-9’s affinity for directly bonding with your body’s CB1 receptors.
Sometimes hemp-derived delta-9 THC is combined with CBD for a more balanced experience with milder euphoric effects. Those who have used a D9 and CBD product before have reported that the two together can help to recenter and quiet a busy mind.
Hemp-based delta-9 THC products are legal in the United States, provided they adhere to the provisions laid out in the 2018 Farm Bill and contain a total delta-9 THC concentration that does not exceed 0.3%.
Delta-10 THC: For increased drive and motivation
Benefits: Has energizing, stimulating, and mildly euphoric effects. Great for activating creativity and maximizing productivity.
While fresh on the scene,
delta-10 THC products are already gaining popularity because of their uplifting and energizing effects that can help combat lethargy and improve focus. It’s a top choice if you’re interested in increasing drive and motivation during the day.
Delta-10 is also found only in trace amounts in hemp, so it’s commonly processed from hemp-derived CBD. It shares an identical chemical formula to its cousins, delta-8 and delta-9, but its molecular structure is arranged differently, which translates into unique effects and a new experience for you.
Delta-10 THC has an effect that you’ll likely notice and feel, but it tends to be milder in comparison to both delta-9 and delta-8. This is because delta-10 has a weaker affinity for binding to CB1 receptors. A
1988 study on delta-10 THC potency backs up those reports.
You can enjoy delta-10 THC on its own if you’re looking to activate creativity, increase alertness, and maximize productivity. Some prefer to combine it with delta-8 and delta-9 for a more elevating, full-body-relaxation experience.
Delta-10 is available in the form of
delta-10 gummies and other types of products throughout the United States. Curious to learn more? Take a look at our in-depth article on
what delta-10 THC is and its benefits.
THC-O: For highly-potent and immersive relaxation
Benefits: Nicknamed “the spiritual cannabinoid” because of its unique and powerful relaxation effects that stimulate deep thought and introspection. Great for meditating, listening to music, and spiritual reflection.
THC-O has quickly captured attention because of reports that it’s potentially stronger than other THC’s. It’s best for evening and nighttime use when you’re done with responsibilities for the day and in a safe place where you can truly let go.
THC-O is also widely used for better sleep.
For the sake of brevity, THC-O is the acetylated version of THC. It’s created through a multi-step process that begins with the extraction of CBD from hemp. Once consumed, THC-O needs to be metabolized to activate, which means it takes 30 minutes or more for effects to kick in.
It’s the addition of the acetyl group that explains THC-O’s more powerful effects. That acetyl group makes THC-O significantly more bioavailable than other THC’s. This means that more of it is absorbed and reaches your body’s systems for greater intense cerebral and body sensations.
Anecdotal stories from those with experience have described THC-O as “relaxing,” “happy inducing,” and “immersive.” Some have shared it takes you to a different headspace, where you can be introspective. Because of the potency of
THC-O products, you’ll want to start with a smaller dose and wait until the effects are felt before increasing your intake.
THC-O is available in the form of
THC-O gummies,
THC-O vape cartridges and other products. You can learn more about THC-O by visiting our ‘
What is THC-O?’ article.
HHC: For mellowing out while keeping the mind clear
Benefits: Takes the edge off while keeping you clear-headed. Great for sparking creativity, hanging with friends, or getting lost in a book.
Another hemp cannabinoid with its popularity on the rise is HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol. What draws most to HHC are its unique effects. Those who have used HHC report that it offers a pleasant, mild relaxation sensation, without causing any cerebral fogginess. This could make it a top choice for those times when you’re hoping to take the edge off while staying mentally present.
Some people prefer HHC due to the fact it has THC-like effects despite not being a form of THC in any way. Instead, it’s created from isolated hemp-derived CBD through a multistep refinement and distilling process.
While
HHC products have resulting effects that you’ll likely feel, it’s generally regarded as less potent than delta-8 THC. HHC has shown to have binding affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid receptors, suggesting it could have unique wellness benefits that have yet to be discovered.
HHC is available as
HHC gummies,
HHC vape cartridges, as well as other types of products, with more forms likely arriving in the future. Check out our ‘
What is HHC?’ article to learn even more about this distinctive compound.
THCV: For staying focused and energized
Benefits: Offers increased energy and enhanced focus. Great for tackling to-do lists and keeping up with day-to-day responsibilities.
THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid with a unique array of well benefits. While THCV is far from newly discovered, only recently have THCV-focused products been made available, as most hemp plants contain only trace, undetectable amounts of the compound.
For most, THCV is recognized for providing energizing feelings of euphoria that drive motivation and focus. For that reason, it’s a popular daytime choice for whenever functionality is important.
THCV is also celebrated by some for its healthy appetite support. While research is still in very early stages, one theory is that THCV actually blocks the endocannabinoid system’s appetite-stimulating CB1 receptor from binding with other compounds to potentially curb cravings.
While THCV is a not-too-distant cousin of THC, you’re not likely to experience any euphoric-type effects when used at lower doses. At higher doses, however, it can behave much like its THC cousins and produce noticeable uplifting, yet clear-headed, effects.
THCV products are hard to find, but you can find THCV in the form of
THCV gummies. Discover more about this rare gem of a cannabinoid by checking out our article on
THCV benefits.
Learn More About Hemp’s Cannabinoids
There is more to learn if you’re interested in hemp and all of its cannabinoids, and you can always count on Koi CBD to keep you up on all the latest.
If you have any particular questions or comments about these new hemp cannabinoids, visit the
Koi blog or contact
Koi customer service and we’ll be happy to assist you.
