Haven’t tried cannabinoids before? There’s an awful lot to consider when it comes to these compounds.
How to use them, what they feel like, where to find them — it can feel overwhelming. We’ve put together this cannabinoid guide to help you get a little more comfortable.
This is not a cannabis guide to different strains of cannabis plants. Instead, it’s a cannabinoid guide covering some of the many commercially available options.
Let’s start with the basics, like where cannabinoids come from and popular options. Then, we’ll look at how to use them enjoyably and responsibly.
What are Cannabinoids?
In the simplest terms, a cannabinoid is a chemical compound found in the cannabis or hemp plant. They are biologically active, meaning they can have mental and physical effects on users.
These cannabinoids have a wide range of effects when consumed. THC-P, for example, is known to have especially potent psychoactive effects. They can produce a strong sense of elevated mood and altered perception. CBD, on the other hand, can help address issues like pain and anxiety but isn’t psychoactive.
Leafly explains that, technically, a cannabinoid is any chemical that influences the body’s endocannabinoid system. That includes endocannabinoids. These chemicals are produced within our own bodies. Like other types of cannabinoids, they interact with our cannabinoid receptors.
The endocannabinoid system is still under research. However, it’s known to regulate a variety of important biological processes, Harvard Health Publishing explains.
How are Commercially Sold Cannabinoids Made? Are These Cannabinoids Legal?
Many cannabinoids on the market today, although not all, ultimately come from hemp plants. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, these hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal on the federal level.
That stands in contrast to state-level markets for cannabis products containing Delta 9 THC. That includes recreational and medical cannabis. While legal in specific states, cannabis and the Delta 9 that comes from it remain illegal federally.
Hemp grown commercially must contain less than 0.3% Delta 9. As long as hemp comes in under this threshold, the plants themselves and their contents align with federal law.
The CBD found in these hemp plants is the basis for cannabinoids like Delta 8 and Delta 10. Scientists and technicians use a variety of processes to convert CBD into other cannabinoids.
Intended Effects and Side Effects of Cannabinoids
Why do people use cannabinoids? Their intended effects, depending on the cannabinoid, include:
- Elevated mood
- Euphoria
- A pleasantly altered sense of perception
- A sense of increased creativity or creative thought
- A relaxing or calming effect
- An energizing effect
- Increased appetite
CBD and similar cannabinoids, which are not psychoactive, have somewhat different intended effects. People normally use CBD to address common issues like anxiety, pain, and insomnia.
Side effects of cannabinoid use are unintended or undesirable. Taking a moderate approach to dosing can help to avoid these side effects, but it’s not a guarantee. These side effects include:
- Red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Memory issues
- Difficulty with complex thinking and reasoning
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased reaction times
Popular Types of Cannabinoids
Researchers have identified more than 100 cannabinoids, with the potential for more to be discovered. Each has small differences in its chemical composition. Those small differences are more noticeable in their effects on users. However, there is a baseline of similarity between all of them.
These cannabinoids are more distinct from each other than strains of cannabis, for example. The differences in their effects are more pronounced. However, it can help to think of the following cannabinoid guide as broadly similar to a cannabis strain guide.
Some popular federally legal, hemp-derived cannabinoids include:
- CBD, CBG, and similar compounds. These cannabinoids aren’t psychoactive. Instead, they offer benefits like pain relief and better sleep.
- Delta 8. This was the first cannabinoid produced on a major scale after the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill. It has similar effects as Delta 9, but the experience is less intense.
- Delta 9. Labs use CBD sourced from hemp to produce a federally legal version of Delta 9. This form of Delta 9 is very similar to cannabis-derived Delta 9 in terms of its effects.
- Delta 10. Delta 10 is also similar to Delta 9. However, as is the case with Delta 8, it offers more mild effects.
- Delta 11. Users think of this cannabinoid as having more intense effects than a same-sized dose of Delta 9.
- THC-P. This cannabinoid offers some of the most pronounced effects of any on the market.
H2: How Do People Use Cannabinoids?
What would a cannabinoid guide be without a rundown of how to use them? People consume cannabinoids in many different ways, including:
- Smoking. Smoking cannabinoid flower leads to fast-acting effects.
- Vaping. Vaping also offers fast-acting effects. It’s seen as safer because users consume vapor instead of smoke from combustion.
- Edibles. Your body processes the cannabinoids in edibles when you eat them. That tends to lead to a longer wait for effects to kick in and a longer-lasting experience.
- Tinctures and oils. Tinctures and oils can be swallowed or held under the tongue. The first option offers effects similar to edibles, while the second is more like smoking or vaping.
Finding an Effective and Safe Dose for Cannabinoids
Everyone is different when it comes to cannabinoids. What’s seen as a mild dose for one person may produce strong effects in another.
Our best advice is to:
- Look for and follow any instructions on the packaging (especially useful for edibles)
- To be extra careful, take a half-dose the first time you try a new cannabinoid or product
- Try a small amount — just a puff or two, or half of an edible. Then, wait for the effects to kick in before having more
- As you become more familiar, step up your dose slowly instead of jumping from one dose to many multiples of it.
- Learn what to do if you feel too high, before it starts to happen
Finding Consistently High-Quality Cannabinoids
Delta 8 Resellers works with only leading industry brands to bring you the best cannabinoids on the market. We know our partners have a proven track record when it comes to quality, safety, and purity.
To make things as transparent as possible, we also share the results of independent lab testing for all of our products. You can review the reports yourself before you make your purchase.
