Hemp is one of the most complex plants on earth, producing well over 400 chemical compounds. About 80-100 of these compounds are cannabinoids, some of which have been shown to possess therapeutic properties.
As the use of Hemp for recreational and therapeutic purposes increases, researchers seem to continuously discover new, exciting cannabinoids in the hemp plants. In this guide, you will discover the newest cannabinoids on the market and their potential benefits.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds naturally produced by henp plants. When consumed, cannabinoids interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) by binding to the cannabinoid receptors. They bind to the receptors in a similar way as your body’s endocannabinoids, producing a range of wanted and unwanted effects on the mind and body.
Each cannabinoid produces unique effects, with some being more potent than others. In addition, not all cannabinoids induce an intoxicating high or euphoria. Some cannabinoids like CBD and CBDa are non-intoxicating and generally well tolerated by the body.
The most abundant and popular cannabinoids today are Delta-9 THC and CBD. All other cannabinoids are considered minor cannabinoids as they occur in very small amounts in the plant. Read on to discover the newest cannabinoids on the market.
What Are the Newest Cannabinoids?
Delta-8 THC
Although Delta-8 popularity has grown dramatically within a short time, this cannabinoid is not a recent discovery. It was first isolated in 1965 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, a.k.a ‘The Grandfather of hemp,’ at the same time when he discovered regular THC.
Delta-8 THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid naturally produced by the hemp plants. Because it occurs naturally in minimal amounts, most Delta-8 products are made by synthetically converting hemp-derived CBD. It offers relatively similar effects to Delta-9, except they are much less potent.
THC-O
Also known as THC-O acetate, THC-O is not a recent discovery. In fact, THC-O studies started as early as 1949 and were mainly done by United States army scientists. Even so, this cannabinoid only entered the consumer spotlight in the last few years.
THC-O is not a natural cannabinoid, meaning it is not obtained from hemp in the same way as CBD. Instead, this psychoactive cannabinoid is made in the lab by altering the molecules of hemp-derived CBD. THC-O is said to be three times as potent as Delta-9 THC and is reported to produce psychedelic effects with feelings of relaxation.
HHC
Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the hemp plant. Although it only recently became popular, this cannabinoid was first synthesized in 1947 by an American organic chemist, Roger Adams. Today, HHC is touted as one of the best new cannabinoids on the market.
Because it occurs in very minimal amounts in the plant, manufacturers typically make concentrated amounts of HHC by combining THC with hydrogen molecules. This process is referred to as hydrogenation. HHC binds to the CB1 receptors, producing a pleasant euphoria and relaxation.
Other New Cannabinoids On the Market
- THCP: Short for tetrahydrocannabiphorol, THCP is the most powerful naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp plants. It was first introduced to the hemp world on 30th December 2019 and has since become a highly sought-after product.
The cannabinoid is thought to be 5-10 times more powerful than Delta-9, 10-20 times stronger than Delta-8, and 40 times more potent than THCV. It produces similar effects to Delta-9, only they are more potent with an intense and intoxicating high.
- CBDP: Otherwise known as cannabidiphorol, CBDP is a minor cannabinoid that was recently discovered by a team of Italian scientists. CBDP is thought to produce similar effects and benefits as CBD.
But unlike CBD, CBDP possesses a side chain with extra carbon atoms, allowing it to bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors with more affinity. This results in more potent therapeutic effects, making CBDP a popular alternative to THC.
Final Thoughts
Hemp is one of the most complex plants on earth. It naturally produces more than 400 chemical compounds, 100 of which are identified as cannabinoids. As researchers continue to study this versatile plant, new and even more potent cannabinoids are being discovered. In the above guide, you will find out what are the newest cannabinoids on the market and their potential benefits.