Many people are familiar with THC (delta 9 THC) and CBD (cannabidiol), but dozens of additional cannabinoids also need attention.
Researchers have found over 100 cannabinoids, and consumers often ask how the other cannabinoids rank up in terms of potency.
In this post, you’ll learn about the potency of cannabinoids and how to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Table of Contents
What Is Hemp Cannabinoids?
Endocannabinoid-interacting compounds are called cannabinoids. In most cases, the word refers to cannabis plant elements that affect the receptors and signaling pathways. A few of the most well-known cannabis cannabinoids are delta 9 THC, CBD, delta 8 THC, and CBG.
Our endocannabinoid systems have CB1 and CB2 receptors, which cannabinoids bind to or block. Even our thoughts, emotions, outlook on life, and other sensory perceptions—such as pleasure—are influenced by these receptor locations in the body.
What Are The Most Potent Hemp Cannabinoids?
It is tetrahydrocannabiphorol, or THCP, the most potent cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. As the strongest cannabinoid is currently available, THCP has seven carbon atoms in its alkyl side chain. Delta 9 THC, on the other hand, contains only five carbon atoms. According to some estimates, THCP has 33 times the potency of THC.
Some cannabinoids are far more potent than others, and it’s important to know the difference. The main cannabinoids in cannabis plants have been compiled into a list to help us better understand their effects. This ranking is based on personal testing and scientific study on cannabis binding capability.
THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol) Strongest Natural Cannabinoid
In terms of cannabis potency, THCP stands out as the most potent by a long shot. Delta 9 THC is up to 33 times stronger. However, we’d estimate it to be approximately in the 10X range after conducting our tests.
Although there are more potent cannabinoids out there, they aren’t found in nature and are associated with higher levels of danger than the ones found in hemp. Both hemp and marijuana contain tiny amounts of THCP.
THC-O Acetate
There is the same number of carbon atoms in THC-alkyl O’s side chain as in THC. Delta 9 THC has a hydroxy group, but this cannabinoid has an acetate group in place of that same hydroxy group.
Compared to other THC forms, THC-bioavailability O’s has been increased by a factor of 10. Increased absorption of the chemical into the blood and brain is what gives it its increased efficacy.
Delta 9 THC (Δ-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Most people are familiar with Delta 9 THC. It’s also the most common psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana plants. Therefore other cannabinoids are compared to it. You can compare the strength of all other cannabinoids on this list to this one because it serves as the benchmark.
This delta 9 THC has a considerable affinity for CB1 receptors due to the five carbon atoms that make up its alkyl side chain and the presence of hydroxyl groups.
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)
In comparison to THC, HHC is a more stable form. Chemically, it resembles THC. However, the term “hydrogenated” comes from the fact that it contains additional hydrogen atoms responsible for breaking the double bond (delta) seen in other types of THC molecules.
Delta 8 THC (Δ-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC delta 8 has a chemical structure comparable to THC delta 9. A notable distinction between THC’s delta 8 and delta 9 is that the carbon chain’s double bond is in eighth place.
Delta 10 THC (Δ-10 Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Delta 10 THC, like delta 9 THC, has a nearly identical molecular structure. THC delta 10 and delta 9 differ because the double bond in the carbon chain is moved to the tenth position, the primary difference.
Compared to delta 9 THC, delta 10 THC is only around half as strong. As a result of this product, most consumers report an increase in energy and a lift in their mood.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Three carbon atoms are missing from the alkyl side chain of THCV, although it is otherwise identical to delta-9 THC. Compared to delta 9 THC, THCV has the bare minimum number of carbon atoms in its side chain to create a psychoactive effect.
CBN (Cannabinol)
Like delta 9 THC, the alkyl cannabinol (CBN) chain comprises five carbon atoms. However, the carbon ring contains two extra double bonds, and there are two fewer hydrogen atoms than in the original.
The breakdown of THC results in CBN forming, which retains part of THC’s intoxicating characteristics.
The changes in the molecular structure of CBN may seem insignificant, yet they significantly impact the drug’s ability to bind to CB1 receptors. Delta 9 THC has a potency of around 10%.
CBD & Various Other Substances (Non-Psychoactive)
Because they’re all non-psychoactive, cannabinoids can all be grouped. The CB1 receptors are not activated by cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, CBDV, CBCV, and THCC. Hence they do not produce a high. Even at extremely high concentrations, these cannabinoids have no psychotropic effects.
However, many of them will result in some physical reactions. Users describe the effects as either “heavier” or “lighter” and “more relaxed,” depending on the user’s personal preference.
It’s CBG (Cannabigerol) time! (Anti-Psychoactive)
Several cannabinoids are non-psychoactive, but CBG is a class of its own. Studies have discovered that CBG can neutralize the psychoactive effects that other cannabinoids, such as THC.
As a result, this cannabinoid is occasionally combined with THC to lessen the “load” of psychoactive effects on users. If you’re looking to get the health advantages of THC but don’t want to get too high, this is a fantastic option.
Wrapping up with the Most Potent Cannabinoids
A cannabinoid’s potency is measured by how well it binds our endocannabinoid receptors. The more potent a substance is, the stronger the psychoactive impact.
THCP is the most potent cannabinoid, nearly 30 times stronger than delta 9 THC. Alkyl side chains have more carbon atoms, making them more easily and tightly bound to endocannabinoid receptors in human bodies.
Besides THC-O and HHC, a wide range of additional psychoactive cannabinoids, such as delta 8 and delta 10 THC, THCV, and CBN, exist. Even if they aren’t as potent, they’re still very effective.
