Looking for a legal and innovative way to experience the benefits of psychedelic substances? Look no further than Boomers Amanita Mushroom Gummies. These unique gummies are made from Amanita Muscaria extract, a completely legal magic mushroom that offers a safe and accessible option for those interested in exploring the world of psychedelics.
Celbrating 4/20, and as part of the Deal Of The Day promotion, all orders come with an automatic 50% discount. This is your chance to try Boomers Amanita Mushroom Gummies at an incredible price and experience the potential medical, spiritual, and recreational benefits that these edibles have to offer.
Boomers Amanita Mushroom Gummies – The Legal Psychedelic Alternative
Are you looking for a legal, safe, and accessible way to experience the benefits of spiritual and psychedelic substances? Look no further than Boomers Amanita Mushroom Gummies. These innovative gummies are made from Amanita Muscaria extract, a completely legal magic mushroom that offers a convenient and affordable way for individuals to explore the world of psychedelics.
The Amanita Muscaria mushroom, AKA the Fly Agaric, has a long and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years. This distinctive red-and-white spotted mushroom has been used for various purposes across different cultures, including spiritual, medicinal, and recreational applications. Amanita Muscaria has played a significant role in the shamanic practices of indigenous Siberian tribes, and in Norse and Celtic mythology, this mushroom was believed to possess magical properties and was associated with deities and supernatural beings.
Boomers Amanita Mushroom Gummies offers an easy and fun way to experience the benefits of this mushroom. Each gummy contains active ingredients such as Muscimol, Ibotenic Acid, and Muscarine, and come in convenient packaging, making them easy to transport and consume on-the-go.
The Effects of Using Boomers Amanita Mushroom Gummies
Amanita Mushrooms offer potential medical, spiritual, and recreational benefits to the users. Medically, these gummies have shown initial promise in helping alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Spiritually, they can facilitate introspection and self-exploration, allowing users to gain insights into their inner selves. Recreationally, these gummies offer a unique and enjoyable experience, with psychedelic effects that can lead to vivid visuals, enhanced sensory perception, and a sense of euphoria.
Boomers Mushroom Gummies come in a variety of delicious flavors, including Booming Berry, Cosmic Cherry, Sour Grapezilla, Apple Astronaut, Tropical Trip, and Magic Mango. Each flavor offers a unique and enjoyable experience, that might influence slightly on the effects you experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people may prefer the sweet and tangy taste of Booming Berry or Sour Grapezilla, while others may enjoy the fruity and tropical flavors of Apple Astronaut or Tropical Trip. For those who prefer a more classic taste, Cosmic Cherry and Magic Mango are great options.
4/20 Deals: 50% Off Boomers Amanita Mushroom Gummies
Celebrating this special day, we have a great 4/20 deal for you: 50% discount on all orders of Boomers Amanita Mushroom Gummies and Microdose Capsules. When buying one of these products you are entitled to get an automatic 50% discount, so choose between the 10-pack, 5 pouch display, bulk bag of 100 gummies, or a 20 box case, and stock up on Amanita Muscaria products at a great price.
In conclusion, Boomers Amanita Mushroom Gummies offer a legal, affordable, and safe way to experience the benefits of psychedelic substances. With their delicious flavors, quality ingredients, and attractive price point, these new edibles are an excellent choice for anyone interested in exploring the inner self, taking a journey of self-discovery, or just having a unique and enjoyable experience. So, order your gummies today and enjoy the potential medical, spiritual, and recreational benefits that these great edibles have to offer!
It is important to note that the legality of Amanita Muscaria mushrooms is what makes Boomers Mushroom Gummies a legal and accessible option. Unlike psilocybin mushrooms, Amanita Muscaria is not subject to the same strict regulations in several countries, which allows for the production and sale of these gummies.
While Amanita Muscaria mushrooms are legal in most states in the United States, except for Louisiana, it is important to note that regulations regarding the legality of these mushrooms may continue to evolve in the future. However, currently, it is generally safe to order Amanita products in most parts of the world, including the United States, for those interested in exploring the benefits of psychedelic substances.
Keep yourself updated with the latest trends: Subscribe to the Cannadelics Sunday Edition
Subscribe today to the Cannadelics Sunday Edition, our weekly newsletter that delivers the latest news and exclusive discounts on premium cannabis and psychedelic products right to your inbox. Sent every Sunday at 11am EST, stay informed with the top stories of the week and never miss out on an exclusive deal. Sign up now to get started!
Cannabis has been a popular substance for centuries, mainly for its psychoactive effects, but also for its medical benefits. Two of today’s most popular psychoactive cannabinoids found in cannabis are Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC. While they may sound similar, they have distinct differences in their chemical structure, psychoactive effects, medical benefits, and legality. Delta-8 THC vs Delta-9 THC: what are the main differences between the two?
Delta-8 THC vs Delta-9 THC:
I. Introduction
In recent years the popularity of both Cannabis and hemp have been growing steadily. Both plants contain a range of compounds known as cannabinoids, which have various effects on the body, both medical and recreational.
Two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis are Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC. While Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that is found in small amounts, Delta-9 THC, on the other hand, is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC have distinct differences in their chemical structure, psychoactive effects, medical benefits and legality, which we will explore in this article.
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally both in hemp and in cannabis plants. However, it is a rare cannabinoid that could be found only in small amounts, usually less than 1% of the total cannabinoid content. Delta-8 THC is created when Delta-9 THC oxidizes, and it is also produced through a process called isomerization, which converts CBD into Delta-8 THC. As it is a rare cannabinoid, most of the Delta 8 we are using today, is hemp-derived, which really means, it was converted from CBD and remain legal, as a result of the farm bill loophole.
Delta-8 THC is known for its ability to induce a milder psychoactive effect than Delta-9 THC. It is believed to be less potent than Delta-9 THC and can provide a more relaxed, calm experience. It is also known for its potential medical benefits, including pain relief, reduced anxiety, and increased appetite.
III. What is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, but also found in smaller numbers in hemp. It is responsible for the desirable euphoric “high” usually associated with using cannabis. As Delta-9 THC is naturally produced by the cannabis plant most of Delta 9 products found in the market today are not using synthetic cannabinoids. However, recently we have seen many Delta 9 products that are hemp-derived, which means that the have started their journey as CBD and converted into THC.
Delta 9 THC becomes psychoactive through a process called decarboxylation, which occurs when the cannabis is heated, such as when it is smoked or vaporized. This is another nice loophole, that allows THCA products to be legally sold, as they only converted to Delta 9 THC when heated. However, as you need to heat it inorder to use it, these legal safe products, are as potent as regular THC is…
Delta-9 THC is known for its potent psychoactive effects, which can include altered perception, increased heart rate, and impaired coordination. It is also associated with a range of potential medical benefits, including pain relief, reduced nausea, and increased appetite.
Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are two similar cannabinoids with some key differences in their chemical structure, psychoactive effects, legality, and medical benefits. However, when it comes to products, you can easily find both Delta 9 and Delta 8 coming in a variety of products, such as vapes, gummies, tinctures, edibles, disposables, carts, dabs, flower, capsules, etc.
Chemical structure
The main difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC is in their chemical structure. Delta-8 THC has a double bond on the 8th carbon atom, while Delta-9 THC has a double bond on the 9th carbon atom. While it sounds like a small variation, as we can see below, this difference in the placement of the double bond results in some notable differences in their effects on the body.
Psychoactive effects
It is safe to claim that in most cases and for most people Delta-8 THC is less psychoactive than Delta-9 THC, meaning that it has a milder and more relaxing effect on the body. Delta-8 THC is often described as providing a more clear-headed and focused high, with less anxiety and paranoia than Delta-9 THC. Some users have also reported feeling more energetic and creative after using Delta-8 THC. However, as the variety of products in the market is evolving, it is now very common to find blended products, featuting many cannabinoids, which makes it harder to back-up such claims.
On the other hand, Delta-9 THC is more potent and can induce a more intense high, sometimes causing anxiety, paranoia, and even in very rare cases, hallucinations in some users. Delta-9 THC can also cause physical effects such as dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, and impaired coordination. For all trhat matters, when people discuss ‘Cannabis’ or ‘THC’ they usually refer to Delta-9 THC.
The legality of Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC is a complex and constantly evolving issue. As a result of the 2018 farm bill, Delta-8 THC is legal at the federal level, but some states have banned it, while others have not yet made a decision. In contrast, Delta-9 THC remains illegal under federal law, but has been legalized for medical or recreational use in some states. All that said, a new Farm Bill loophole allows hemp-derived Delta-9 THC to be sold ‘legally’…
As a result, in the US, the legality of Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC is largely determined by the source of the compounds and not by its psychoactive abilities. This might be change soom, in 2023 Farm Bill, coming sometime this year.
As we have seen, Delta-8 THC can be derived from hemp or cannabis, while Delta-9 THC is mainly found in cannabis, but also can derived from hemp. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived products were legalized at the federal level, as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. This includes Delta-8 THC, which can be extracted from hemp. This opening has allowed a whole new market of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC which legality is constantly under quiestioning. However, this market is booming now so anyone can get any products they want, as long as it is coming from hemp…
This means that Delta-8 THC, and in some cases, Delta-9 THC products that are derived from hemp and meet the requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill are legal at the federal level. However, some states have tried to ban it on a state level, while others have not yet made a decision on its legality. It is important to note that until 2023 Farm Bill will address these matters, the legality of THC at the state level can vary widely, and consumers should always check their state’s laws before purchasing or using Delta-8 THC or Delta-9 THC products.
Delta-8 THC vs Delta-9 THC – Legality
Ignoring the Delta 9 loophole, Delta-9 THC remains illegal under federal law, although several states have legalized it for medical or recreational use. However, it is still illegal to possess, sell or use Delta-9 THC products at the federal level, regardless of whether they are used for medical or recreational purposes. As discussed earlier, this is only true unless it is hemp-derived, or unless the new farm bill will decide to make some clear order here.
It is important to note that the legality of Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC is a complex issue, and it is important for consumers to do their own research and understand the laws in their state before purchasing or using these products. Good luck with that…
Like Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC has shown potential in the treatment of various medical conditions. Some studies have suggested that Delta-8 THC may have antiemetic, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects, making it a potential treatment for nausea, pain, and anxiety. Additionally, Delta-8 THC has been found to stimulate appetite and can be used to combat the loss of appetite and weight loss associated with some medical conditions.
As the medical benfits of using cannabis is a huge field of study, we will devote a seperate article to it. However, when all debates are gone one thing remains true, which is the question is it good for you or not… My personal opinion is that if Delta-9 THC or Delta-8 THC have clear medical benefits (or even medicinal benefits) for you, this should be your decision whether or not to use it. However, under current regulations, nost people in the world are still denied this right and this is sad, especially when everyone see the huge medical benefits this plant is bringing us. Just be responsible when using it and act with caution.
As we can see in the article below, even Israel, the homeland of medical cannabis program, is now trying to restrict the access of medical cannabis to new patients.
V. Delta-8 THC vs Delta-9 THC: Which is Right for You?
For the best deals on Delta-8 THC, De;ta-9 THC, HHCand even on legal psychedelics, check our Deal of the day section, with new exciting opportunities on legal psychedelics and premium cannabis products.
If you’re looking to stay updated on the latest cannabis and psychedelic trends, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, the Cannadelics Sunday Edition. You’ll receive a weekly digest of the best stories and news from the world of cannabis and psychedelics, as well as exclusive discounts on premium products. To get our newsletter, simply put your email below:
After comparing and contrasting Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC, you may be wondering which one is right for you. The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a milder psychoactive effect and don’t want to experience the anxiety or paranoia associated with high doses of Delta-9 THC, products with low to medium levels Delta-8 THC may be a better option. Delta-8 THC has been reported to have a more relaxing and calming effect than Delta-9 THC, while still providing the euphoria and pain relief associated with cannabis use. It also has less of a “couch-lock” effect, meaning that it is less likely to make you feel lethargic or sedated.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a stronger psychoactive effect, or if you have a high tolerance to cannabis and want a more potent product, Delta-9 THC may be a better choice. Delta-9 THC is more widely available and has been studied more extensively than Delta-8 THC, which means that there is more information available about its effects and potential benefits.
It’s worth noting that the assumptions above are not written in stone and that today’s products are usually high-potency blends, so either you try for yourself to find what is right for you, or you look into the labels and start following how each compound and terpenes is affecting you. If you plan to use it for medical and not for recreational, it might be a smart move to consult a medical proffessional, as this is your health after all.
Whatever you do start low and grow slow, be responsible and use it with caution. Also. last but not least, have fun, as it is cannabis after all…
VI. Everything might change with the 2023 Farm Bill
The 2023 Farm Bill is currently being constructed, and it is expected to bring changes to the legal status of hemp. A farm bill is an omnibus law that addresses a wide range of agricultural and food programs, and it is renewed every five years. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp, and the Domestic Hemp Production Program established hemp as an agricultural crop that can be eligible for USDA farm programs if it complies with USDA regulations. However, the 2018 bill did not legalize CBD for internal and medical uses, or synthetics like THC-O, which no longer fit the legal definition of hemp.
The industry has taken advantage of this confusion and created other products, such as delta-8 THC, HHC, and hemp-derived Delta-9 THC. As the new farm bill is constructed, it is expected that new policies will be put in place to clarify the legal status of hemp, including CBD and other cannabinoids, and to address any other issues created by the 2018 Farm Bill.
Delta-8 THC vs Delta-9 THC – Farm Bill
Once we will see what is the new legality of hemp-derived psychoactive products, we will see what products are going to be legally available in 2024.
VII. Hemp vs Cannabis
As we have seen, the legality of these psychoactive products is mostly determined by the source of the compounds and not by its psychoactive abilities. As both products can be made from either cannabis or hemp, it might help to stop and see the key differences between the two.
Hemp and cannabis are two varieties of the Cannabis plant, but they differ in their chemical composition, physical characteristics, and uses. The main differences between hemp and cannabis are:
Chemical Composition: Hemp and cannabis contain different levels of the cannabinoids THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which are the two main active compounds found in the Cannabis plant. Hemp contains very low levels of THC, which farmers are trying to be less than 0.3%, while cannabis can contain much higher levels of THC, up to 30% or more. CBD levels can also differ between the two plants.
Physical Characteristics: Hemp and cannabis also have different physical characteristics. Hemp plants are tall, narrow, and have fewer branches, while cannabis plants are shorter and bushier with more branches and leaves. Hemp also has thinner leaves and can grow in a wider range of climates than cannabis.
Uses: Hemp and cannabis have different uses. Hemp was always grown for industrial purposes such as making paper, textiles, and building materials, as well as for its seeds, which are used in food and beauty products. Hemp is an amazing plant with many potential uses, such as Hemp plastic for example, with over 50,000 when last counted. CBD can also be extracted from hemp and used for medicinal purposes. Cannabis, on the other hand, is primarily grown for its psychoactive effects and is used for recreational and medicinal purposes.
In summary, the main differences between hemp and cannabis are their chemical composition, physical characteristics, and uses. Hemp contains very low levels of THC and is often grown for industrial purposes, while cannabis contains higher levels of THC and is used for its psychoactive effects.
In conclusion, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are two different cannabinoids with distinct chemical structures, uses, medical benefts and psychoactive effects. While Delta-8 THC is a newer and less studied compound, it has been usually reported to have a milder psychoactive effect than Delta-9 THC and may be a good option for those who are looking for a more relaxing and less potent cannabis experience. Delta-9 THC, on the other hand, is the more widely known and widely used compound, and has been studied more extensively for its potential medical benefits.
It’s important to note that both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC can have side effects, and their use should be approached with caution. As with any cannabis product, it’s important to ‘start low and grow slow’ to find the right level of effect. That way you wll also avoid from wating medicine… It’s also important to purchase products from reputable sources and to ensure that they have been third-party tested for purity and potency.
Ultimately, the choice between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC depends on your individual needs and preferences. By understanding the differences between these two compounds, you can make an informed decision and choose the product that is right for you.
The world on Cannabis and Psychedelics is constantly changing. To make some order in this caos, we have created a special newsletter: The Cannadelics Sunday Edition, sent directly to your inbox every Sunday at 11am EST.
Join the Cannadelics Sunday Edition and stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments in the cannabis and psychedelics industries. Our weekly newsletter offers a hand-picked selection of industry news and research, along with exclusive insights into innovative products.
As a subscriber, you’ll be at the forefront of industry trends and breakthroughs, and also get our exclusive promotional codes and discounts on our top-tier products, ensuring you get the best deals and savings.
Sign up for the Cannadelics Sunday Edition now to stay informed and save more on premium cannabis and psychedelics products.
Most edibles recipes use CBD oil or butter but are there alternatives? Cannasugar is another ingredient that you could try cooking with. So what is cannasugar exactly? As you could probably tell by its name, it’s sugar infused with cannabis. To make this special sugar you first use alcohol to draw out CBD from the […]
Delta 8 THC is one of the most popular products in the recreational cannabis market today. It’s a legal alternative to THC that offers users a mild but fun and uplifting high. But did you know that Delta 8 also has numerous medical benefits, many of which have been studied and proven through scientific research?
To learn more about Delta 8 THC from a medical and recreational standpoint, and for exclusive deals on Delta-8 THC vapes, gummies, flowers and other products, subscribe to the Delta 8 Weekly Newsletter
What is Delta 8 THC?
Before we talk about the medical benefits of this cannabinoid, let’s talk about what exactly Delta 8 THC is, and how it’s different from the more well-known, Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally occurring, minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Although it’s structurally similar to Delta 9 THC, there are some major differences as well.
For example, Delta 9 THC is the cannabis plant’s most abundant psychoactive compound, whereas Delta 8 is only found in trace amounts. As a matter of fact, Delta 8 is not even produced by the enzymes in cannabis, rather, it is created when Delta 9 THC oxidizes and slowly degrades into Delta 8. Further degradation of Delta 9 would create the cannabinoid CBN (cannabinol).
When it comes to the chemical difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9, it all comes down to one molecule. In chemistry, “Delta” refers to the double bond in a compound’s molecular structure. Delta compounds have more electrons and will interact with the body in a different way than single bond cannabinoids. The difference between the Delta THC analogues comes down to where the double bond is located on their chain of carbon atoms. Delta 9 has this bond on the 9th carbon chain, and Delta 8 THC has the double bond on the 8th carbon chain. It seems like a small difference, but it can be significant.
Similar to its more dominant counterpart, Delta 8 THC is a partial agonist for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, although it seems to have a stronger affinity for CB1. This means there are effects to be felt in numerous different parts of the body, despite having weaker psychotropic potency. The National Center for Biological Information (NCBI) describes delta-8 THC as follows: “An analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.”
What Medical Conditions Could Be Treated With Delta 8 THC
Insomnia
Inadequate sleep can have a profound impact on one’s health. In the short-term, it can affect mood and judgement, the ability to learn and retain information, and it can increase the possibility of an immediate accident or injury. Over a longer period of time, lack of sleep can lead to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and even early death.
Extensive research tells us that activation of the CB1 receptor leads to better, longer, and more restful sleep, and keeping in mind that Delta 8 THC directly stimulates the CB1 receptor, one can easily come to the conclusion that Delta 8 is good for sleep. REM sleep is an important part of our circadian cycles because it stimulates parts of the brain that are essential for learning new things and forming memories.
Anecdotal evidence leads to the same conclusion with many users claiming that Delta 8 THC helps them fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. They also report feeling more refreshed and well-rested when waking up.
It’s believed that Delta 8 THC’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties play a major role in its ability to function as a sleep aid. There is a strong connection between pain and sleep. Obviously, someone who is experiencing a lot of pain will have trouble getting comfortable and thus, have difficulty falling asleep. But the relationship goes even deeper – as lack of sleep increases the perception of pain. Breaking the pain/lack of sleep cycle is incredibly difficult, and having a good night’s sleep with both REM and deep sleep stages is key to making improvements.
Cancer
While I’m not saying that smoking some delta 8 flowers or popping a few gummies will cure cancer, studies have proven that pharmaceutical products with highly concentrated doses of certain cannabinoids will do the trick.
This was first observed in 1974, in none other than Israel, where a study meant to focus on the immune system inadvertently found that Delta 8 THC alone significantly slowed tumor growth in mice. When combined with CBN (cannabinol), tumors actually began to shrink in as little as 3 weeks.
“Mice treated for 20 consecutive days with delta8-THC and CBN had reduced primary tumor size. CBD showed no inhibitory effect on tumor growth at 14, 21, or 28 days. Delta9-THC, delta8-THC, and CBN increased the mean survival time.” Antineoplastic activity of cannabinoids – PubMed (nih.gov)
Another study in 1995 on children with leukemia, showed a high rate of efficacy for treating the cancer, while also controlling side effects like nausea and vomiting caused by more conventional forms of treatment. The study was conducted at Shaare Zedek Hospital, Bikur Holim Hospital and the Hebrew University located in Jerusalem. The creators of the study, led by Raphael Mechulam, noted that “at the same this research was occurring, there had been 480 successful treatments of cancer with delta-8 THC.”
Anxiety
If you’re prone to anxiety, the mild and uplifting high you get from Delta 8 THC might be just what you need. Delta 8 THC offers all the medicinal effects of THC, and even some minor psychoactive effects, without the paranoia that often comes with Delta 9. The carefree high that comes with weed is often dampened by the anxious, nervous high some people experience.
Studies show that the endocannabinoid system, mainly the CB1 receptor, is centrally involved in regulating anxiety and depression. When the CB1 receptor is blocked, increased anxiety often occurs. Many people successfully utilize CBD (cannabidiol) to relieve their anxiety, but for many others it’s just not strong enough.
According to the National Cancer Institute, “this phytocannabinoid displays anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) qualities similar to delta-9 THC.” There is little in the way clinical research investing delta-8 THC’s potential to reduce anxiety, however, anecdotal evidence suggests that delta 8 products provide a nice, calm, focused, and stress-free high.
There are many more medical ailments that Delta 8 THC can be used for, but these are some of the more studied and most frequently cited uses for this cannabinoid. If you want to learn more about Delta 8, make sure to subscribe to the Delta 8 Weekly Newsletter where you will find more interesting articles and exclusive deals on flowers and other products.
At this point we all know there are different ways to consume cannabis. The most common way is to simply light it up, but these days, more people are vaping, dabbing, drinking infused drinks, using skin creams, and of course, eating it. In fact, one of the strongest forms of marijuana, is the kind that comes when its eaten, and this explains the ultimate power of edibles. Plus, without causing the same kind of damage as smoking, eating cannabis edibles is becoming very popular.
If you’ve ever eaten a ‘special’ brownie, you know that it’s not like smoking a joint. There is no immediate feeling of anything, and when the high does kick in, sometimes 1-3 hours after ingestion, it doesn’t quite feel the same either. That’s because the compound producing the effects is not the same as the one in the dry flower of a joint. It’s a little bit different, and significantly stronger.
A lot goes on in the world of legal cannabis. Sign up to our newsletter so you’re up-to-date on all things cannabis-related.
What is 11-hydroxy-THC?
Much like the name implies, its simply a form of THC. In standard cannabis consumption, when the plant is lit on fire and inhaled (or vaped and inhaled), the THC – which becomes what it is through a decarboxylation process from the heating – has this chemical structure: C₂₁H₃₀O₂. This chemical structure is not found in an actual living cannabis plant in high amounts, but instead starts as this: C22H30O4which is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCA. As stated, this compound is transformed into delta-9 THC by a heating process which creates a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group (COOH), hence the name decarboxylation.
The explanation above leads to delta-9 THC, but that’s not what we’re talking about. What we’re talking about is what happens when delta-9 THC is ingested. When cannabis is smoked, THC is taken in through the lungs, transferred to the bloodstream, and then onto the brain, and the rest of the body. When cannabis is eaten, it goes directly to the bloodstream where it is absorbed, and then to the liver, the rest of the body, and the digestive system where its broken down even further. A part of this whole process is that delta-9 THC (C₂₁H₃₀O₂) is transformed into 11-hydroxy-THC (C21H30O3). As you can see from the chemical formulations, it’s not a huge difference. But one of the things we know about chemistry is that slight tweaks in chemical formulas can mean entirely different compounds that do entirely different things.
Essentially, the way that cannabis is taken plays a huge role in what cannabinoids are in the body, and in what concentrations. And this effects general potency, and how a person will feel.
How does it feel different?
To say that delta-9 THC always has the same effect is obviously not true. Just the idea of indica vs sativa demonstrates the different effects of different cannabis strains with the former being known for making people relaxed and tired, while the latter is known for a more cerebral, sometimes even energizing, high. And this doesn’t even account for the terpenes involved, or any other compound that causes an effect on its own, or is part of a synergistic cannabis effect. So, to simply say that delta-9 THC and 11-hydroxy-THC make a person feel differently is certainly true, but in a much more profound way than simply looking at the results of different cannabis strains when smoking.
Nick Jikomes , the primary researcher for the publication Leafly, put it this way: “The real difference between edibles and smoking or vaping is that with edibles, a much larger fraction of Delta-9-THC makes it to the liver first. There it gets converted to 11-hydroxy-THC,” He goes on, “So in other words, if you smoke or vape, the ratio of 11-hydroxy-THC to Delta-9-THC is quite low, and if you take an edible it’s much higher.”
THC gets into the bloodstream through the alveoli of the lungs when smoked. As an oil-soluble compound, it doesn’t break down well in the blood, since blood is water based. Instead, it very quickly binds to endocannabinoid receptors, and is barely metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract. Conversely, when eating THC, not only does the saliva start breaking it down immediately (as it’s the first part of the digestive process), but once it gets to the stomach it goes through the digestive tract, unlike smoked THC. Once there, it binds to a glurononide compound to create 11-hydroxy-THC which is more water soluble. A more water-soluble compound is generally better at crossing the blood-brain barrier and getting through the body in general, leading many to believe that this is at least part of what makes 11-hydroxy-THC more potent, and explains the overall power of edibles.
It takes longer to go through this process which is why edibles don’t kick in for sometimes 1-3 hours (which can also depend on what a person has eaten that day). However, unlike smoking THC, for which effects can be felt nearly immediately, but which peak within about 30-60 minutes before tapering down for another few hours, 11-hydroxy-THC can cause a high of 4-6 hours, sometimes even more, before tapering off. In that sense, the power of edibles far exceeds the power of smoked THC.
So, now we know that eating it means having higher concentrations of 11-hydroxy-THC, but what does this mean to how a person feels? In 1973, a study was done that compared the two compounds. The researchers found that when equivalent 1 mg doses were given intravenously to casual smokers, there was a quicker and more potent overall reaction with 11-hydroxy-THC. This could imply that 11-hydroxy-THC is actually a much more potent compound, and possibly the reason for THC’s psychoactive effects in general.
What other research?
Other research has been done into 11-hydroxy-THC. Take this study from 1972, which also involved intravenous use of 11-hydroxy-THC. Much like the subsequent study already mentioned, it was found that within 2-3 minutes of injection, a psychologic peak was reached, which showed to be of greater intensity than after administration of regular THC.
Another study had more ambiguous results. For this study, participants were given either a slow infusion of delta-9 THC, or a slow infusion of 11-hydroxy-THC. Participants were asked to self-report when they started feeling effects, and when they felt sufficiently high. The results showed that the 11-hydroxy-THC group generally stopped their infusions sooner indicating getting high faster, however, the delta-9 group reported possibly feeling higher. The conclusion of the study was that both compounds are equally potent and capable of producing the same psychological and physiological effects.
There have not, unfortunately, been a large amount of studies done into the medical benefits of 11-hydroxy-THC. Two of the more prevailing pieces of information we know are that it lasts longer than delta-9, and is quite possibly more potent. Just these two pieces of information are useful though, as it means eaten THC can give longer coverage of effects, and a possibly greater medical effect since concentrations are higher. As more cannabinoids and compounds of the cannabis plant are studied, 11-hydroxy-THC will also likely have its time in the spotlight. And as more comparison studies are done, we’ll be able to get a better idea as to the ultimate power of edibles vs smoking.
Can it be dangerous?
One of the things associated with the power of edibles is the ability to overdo it. When smoking, if a person wants to increase their high, they can take another toke, and then wait a minute to see how it feels. With eaten THC, since it takes so much longer for effects to be felt, it’s easier to overdose on it. Plus, while most smokers are aware of about how much they’ll get out of a puff of cannabis, edibles can be made with different formulations and have unexpected amounts of THC, making it easier for a person to take more than their body can comfortably handle.
Of course, one of the best things about a THC overdose is that while it might cause some discomfort, and might even make a person think they’ll die, no one actually does from ingesting too much THC. You might not feel great for a while, but unlike with oxy and fentanyl, you’re going to be just fine. I remember eating a cookie a few years ago and really thinking I was going to need to go to the hospital. It felt like a panic attack and something else all rolled into one. In the end, the symptoms went away, the intensity subsided, and I was fine, even though for a little while it felt pretty bad. This happens to many people.
Conclusion
The power of edibles seems to come mainly from the fact that THC is metabolized into a more water soluble compound when eaten. Answers might not be airtight on this subject, but thousands of years of people consuming cannabis as a food medicine tells us there’s got to be something to it.
Who knows, maybe we’ll find out in the future that 11-hydroxy-THC is actually the most potent cannabis-related compound there is, and maybe we’ll find out it can do all kinds of stuff that we just don’t know about yet.
Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, your all-in-one spot for cannabis-related news. Keep stopping by to stay up-to-date, and sign-up to our newsletter so you never miss a beat.
The world is getting wise to the truth about weed. As we are becoming aware of the benefits of cannabis, smart people are getting curious about it. When you take a plant with so much healing potential and then study its possibilities, you can learn some incredible things. As the research continues, a new cannabinoid […]
