Individual Cannabinoids and Why They Matter

What is ∆8-THC & Where Does it Come From?

The cannabis plant has a multitude of cannabinoids within it, including Delta-9-THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, and many more. A more recent, very valuable discovery in the realm of cannabinoids is Delta-8-THC. Delta-8-THC is present only in minor amounts in the plant itself, but through recent discoveries in the realm of fractional distillation, it is now possible to isolate Delta-8-THC from hemp extract. The National Cancer Institute states that Delta-8-THC is:

"An analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. [Delta-8-THC] binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system…This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9-THC], the primary form of THC found in cannabis."

What Benefits Does ∆8-THC Provide?

Delta-8-THC differs from Delta-9-THC by only a few atomic bonds, but that slight change makes a considerable difference. Delta-8-THC is less psychoactive than Delta-9-THC, but it does still have psychoactivity. Delta-8-THC provides a slightly clearer head-change compared to Delta-9-THC, while still delivering on a physical "stoning" effect and pain-relieving properties. Delta-8-THC is a great appetite stimulant and possesses anti-nausea properties as well. Delta-8 is also much less likely to cause anxiety in high doses compared to Delta-9. In fact, many people find Delta-8 to be quite helpful for anxiety.

Want to try ∆8-THC?

We currently stock 3Chi's Delta-8-THC products, with more products coming in the future. 3Chi's Delta-8 products are all made with their incredibly pure distillate, which ranges from 94-99% Delta-8-THC. We carry the following products:

Vape Cartridge 
3Chi's Delta 8 THC vape cartridge has an unbeatable uplifting feel and is currently testing at over 95% Δ8THC (950mg) with the rest being CBN, CBC, & terpenes. Our delta 8 THC vape cartridge is derived from hemp and federally legal. It comes in a 510 compatible, glass CCELL cartridge with a ceramic core and ceramic mouthpiece for the best possible performance and taste.

∆8Tincture
3Chi's Delta 8 THC tincture contains a broad spectrum hemp extract with Delta 8 THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes for maximum effectiveness. Uses MCT as the carrier oil. The terpenes give this product a plant taste, so be aware of that. NOTE: THIS PRODUCT IS NOT FOR USE IN A VAPE!

Pure Distillate
3Chi's Delta 8 THC distillate syringe is a 1 ml graduated glass, Luer lock syringe containing the highest quality 94-99% Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol on the market. It’s 100% hemp-derived and federally legal and contains 99.5% or higher total active cannabinoids. Includes a 1/2″, 14 gauge blunt tip needle for dispensing.

1:1 Delta-8-THC:CBN Tincture
CBN helps temper the energetic aspects of Delta 8 THC to bring an extremely comfortable and relaxed body-focused feeling. This blend is perfect for soothing relief and taking it easy. This is not a blend meant for activity. Do not drive or operate any kind of machinery on this product. This product could cause you to fail a drug test.

Sativa and Indica: The Origin of Cannabis

Cannabis has long been broken down into three categories: sativa, indica, and hybrid. Indica strains are believed to be physically sedating and best for nighttime use, sativa strains are believed to be energizing and best for daytime use, and hybrids are believed to be a blend of both. However, when you take a look at the chemical makeup of indicas and sativas, there's not much of a pattern to explain why one would be sedating and the other uplifting. More recently, it is believed that the differences in effect between strains comes down to the terpene and cannabinoid ratios more than the ratio of indica to sativa genetics. In reality, indica, sativa, and hybrid heritage is more useful information for those growing the plants than those consuming them. Sativa plants will grow taller with narrow fan leaves and longer flowering periods, while indica plants grow shorter with wider fan leaves and shorter flowering periods. Sativas grow better in warmer or humid climates and indicas grow better in colder or drier climates.

Terpenes

It's becoming more well understood that the noticeable differences in effects between strains have more to do with which ratios of various terpenes are contained within the flower. We're going to go through some of the most common terpenes found in hemp flower and the effects they generally provide.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common dominant terpene in cannabis. Dominant terpene being the one that is contained in the highest percentage. Strains dominant in myrcene are believed to provide a calming, relaxing effect. Myrcene like all terpenes is not only found in cannabis, but also in a multitude of other plants. These include hops, lemongrass, mango, cardamon, and verbena among others. Myrcene is a potentially valuable antioxidant.

Limonene

High-limonene strains are believed to provide relief from anxiety and stress. Limonene on its own smells quite citrusy and fruity, but like all other terpenes, this smell can change when in combination with others. Other plant sources of limonene include citrus rinds and juniper. Suggested benefits of limonene also include mood elevation as well as antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is, interestingly enough, the only terpene known to interact with the endocannabinoid system in the brain. This allows it to provide anti-inflammatory effects. Caryophyllene has a spicy to somewhat woody aroma, and other plant sources include black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Caryophyllene has been suggested to be helpful for anxiety and/or depression, so seek out strains high in caryophyllene when looking to relax.

Humulene

Humulene is a terpene found in cannabis as well as hops. It has a fresh, herbal scent. Humulene has the same chemical formula as caryophyllene, but they differ slightly in structure. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. Strains high in humulene share many of the relaxing properties of those high in caryophyllene.

Pinene

Pinene, as you may guess from the name, has a distinct pine-like smell. Pinene is the most common terpene in the plant world and can be found in a multitude of plants including all varieties of pine, as well as rosemary, dill, and basil. Strains high in pinene are generally believed to be uplifting and focusing. Pinene has been suggested to be useful for asthma and inflammation. 

Many people are already very familiar with CBD and THC, but there are many other cannabinoids with their own distinct benefits. Cannabinol (CBN), one of the minor cannabinoids present in the hemp plant, is a relatively new frontier in the hemp industry. CBN is non-intoxicating, and produces some amazing synergistic effects when mixed with some of the other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant.

Where is CBN Found?

CBN is found in very low amounts in freshly farmed hemp. CBN is created through the oxidation (breaking down) of THC, which means that the more oxygen the hemp has been exposed to the higher concentration of CBN. This being the case, CBN is found in the highest concentrations in aged hemp plants.

However, as a consumer there are tons of companies extracting and isolating CBN to create all sorts of CBN dominant products. We will list a bunch of our favorites below that are a great starting point for anyone wanting to delve deeper into what CBN has to offer.

Potential Benefits of CBN

While not much research has been done on the effects of CBN on the human body, here is a list of some of the studies currently going on and some of the potential benefits being found.

• Studies have shown potential antibacterial properties for CBN, as well as the other 5 major cannabinoids. This was best shown to have potent antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MRSA). With more research, we may see CBN being used to fight off certain antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
• Preliminary studies on rodents have shown CBN's potential to delay onset symptoms from ALS. This could be the beginning to a new chapter of medicine for fighting against ALS and other degenerative diseases.
• CBN was shown to increase the amount of food the subjects ate in another rodent study, suggesting it could have uses as an appetite stimulant. This is particularly interesting for consumers look for an alternative to THC. Since CBN is non-intoxicating, it could be an alternative to THC for users who was to increase their appetite without any sort of psychotropic effects or "head high".
• Another rodent study suggests that CBN may be able to decrease inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. While more research needs to be done, this could be another interest to consumers who are looking for bodily relief without needing to consume anything intoxicating. 

Is CBN a Sedative/Sleep Aid?

One common misconception about CBN is that it is heavily sedating or will help you sleep. CBN by itself is not terribly sedating by itself, and will not help you sleep in pure form. When CBN is mixed with THC, the synergistic effect between the two compounds amplify the effects of each individual compound. The amplification of the CBN creates a strong strong sedated and drowsy feeling.One thing to consider, is this synergy also boosts the effects of the THC as well, and will amplify the psychotropic effects of the compound. 

For users looking to amplify their THC high, using a small amount of CBN in your normal regiment can go a long way in getting more from your THC.

For users looking to unlock the sedating and drowsy feelings of CBN, using a small amount of THC with your CBN products can amplify the effects of the CBN without creating a strong intoxicating head high from too much THC.

Want to try CBN? Check out these products:

 Vaporizer: Broad Spectrum CBD:CBN Disposable Vape by Lift (4:1)

This disposable vape pen by Lift CBD has 250mg of total cannabinoids with a 4 to 1 blend of CBD to CBN (200mg:50mg). This is the only CBN vape that we could find under $50 that we felt lived up to the quality we expect for our store. 

Tincture: Broad Spectrum Comfortably Numb CBN Tinctures by 3Chi

3chi is one of the market leaders in isolating the individual cannabinoids and creating blended products widely unavailable elsewhere. This tincture is a pure CBN tincture that is perfect for anyone looking to add CBN into an existing hemp/cannabis regiment with as little variables as possible. They also offer it in  1:1 blends of CBN:CBD or CBN:D8 THC for those looking for a pre-made blends of everything you need!

Topicals: Full Spectrum CBN Salve By NTRL (Nature's True ReLeaf)

NTRL just released this full spectrum CBN salve a week ago, and we couldn't have been more excited to get it in stock! High in CBN, as well as all the other cannbinoids in the hemp plant, this salve is the ultimate option for consumers looking for a topical to promote skin health and limit inflammation.

By now, almost everyone knows about the main compounds found in the hemp plant, THC and CBD. What not too many people realize, is there are hundreds of other compounds in the plant with therapeutic properties, including CBG (cannabigerol). CBG is not often found in high amounts, but it is important to learn what is is and what it can do for many reasons.

Where does CBG come from?

CBG is only present in trace amounts (<1%) in most strains of hemp, and is considered a minor cannabinoid.

Hemp plants produce cannabigerolic acid (CBGa). With the help of specific enzymes, this precursor molecule breaks down or "directs" it towards one of the main cannabinoid lines: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa), cannabidiolic acid (CBDa), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCa). Once these acids are exposed to heat or ultra violet (UV) light, they turn into the cannabinoids we all know, THC and CBD. Due to the nature of this process more THC present means less CBD/CBG, and vise versa. Below is a chart showing the normal paths of cannabinoids as they are created from CBGa. 

Recently, breeders have been working on ways to optimize the CBG contents of their hemp plants. This is being accomplished by cross-breeding and genetic manipulation of the plants to produce a higher total CBG. Scientists have also pinpointed the exact time during the hemp life cycle during which the plant has the highest amount of CBG. This allows the plants to be harvested at the optimal extraction time for this new compound. 

Potential Benefits of CBG

While there is much research to still be done, it has been determined that CBG interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as other specific physiological systems. This activity has led scientists to believe that CBG could be potentially useful for many medical uses.

• Endocannabinoid receptors are exceptionally high around the eyes. CBG reduces introacular pressure and is a powerful vasodilator, which could make it particularly effective in treating glaucoma

• During an animal study, CBG was shown to decrease the inflammatory action of IBS and inflammatory bowel disease.

• In a recent study done in 2015, CBG was shown to protect neurons in mice with Huntington's disease from degeneration, which has led scientists to believe CBG has nueroprotective properties 

• Evidence from a study done in Europe shows the potential for CBG as an antibacterial agent, specifically against MRSA microbial strains. CBG has been used to treat skin infections sine the 1950s, but the science behind the effectiveness wasn't understood until now

• In a very recent study, a form of purified CBG with THC removed was shown to be a potential appetite stimulant. This could lead to a new non-psychotropic therapeutic options to combat cachexia, the sever musle and weight loss associated with late stage cancer and other diseases.

Can CBG get you high?

While there is currently not extensive research on the exact effects of CBG, it has been shown to be non-psychoactive like CBD. Early research on CBG show that it could be an important and useful compound for consumers looking for the medical benefits from the hemp plant without the "head high".

Want to try CBG? Check out these products:

Hemp Flower: CBG Greenhouse Flower 

This strain is grown in a light deprivation greenhouse, and has a light "frosted" look and orange hairs. Great for day time use, and smokes perfectly smooth.

Tinctures: Full Spectrum CBD + CBG Tinctures by Hyve CBD (20:1)

 Hyve CBG tinctures take everything you love about a normal full spectrum CBD tincture, and infuse extra CBG for anyone looking for the specific benefits of cannabigerol

Edibles: CBD:CBG Soft Chews by NTRL (5:1)

NTRL CBG Soft Chews are thr perfect way to try CBG for the first time. Each gummy contains 25mg of total cannabinoids, 20mg of CBD and 5mg of CBG. They come in bags as small as 5 pieces, making this one of the cheapest ways to try CBG. They also come in two amazing flavors, blue razz and orange creamsicle!

Pure CBG: Pure CBG Isolate Powder Crystal by Hemp Hop

This is CBG in its purest form. This can be used to manufacture or mix your own CBG products and blends, or it can be used as an additive to any current Hemp or Cannabis product for a bit of added boost!

Full Spectrum/Whole Plant Extract

Full Spectrum is a whole plant extract. This means the oil contains multiple cannabinoids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, proteins, terpenes, and flavonoids. Having all of these components allows you to get the most out of the entourage effect, meaning this is the most effective option. Full spectrum oils also have trace amounts of THC, 0.3% or less, which means that can show up on drug tests from continual use. 

Broad Spectrum Extract

Broad spectrum oils typically have no or non-detectable THC. Hence the name “broad” instead of “full”. A broad spectrum oil can be 2 or more isolates blended together or a blend of whole plant extracts. These whole plant extracts are mixed together until THC is not present or non-detectable like Pinnacle’s Kokoro line. Broad spectrum is the way to go if you are worried about THC content.

CBD Isolate