How many different types of THCs are there on the market? (Which is the strongest?)

Many cannabis users are very familiar with Delta 9 THC and the effects it has on our bodies and minds. At a basic level, the average cannabis user realizes that the main psychoactive compound in cannabis is THC – it’s responsible for the high you get after using cannabis.

What many consumers don’t realize, however, is the number of THCs that exist. So in this article, we will briefly talk about 15 different THC compounds. Although there are more THCs, these 15 are the most common. Let’s start!

THCA – Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

THCA is the natural THC present in all raw marijuana plants. However, once raw cannabis is heated, THCA releases its carboxylic acid group and converts to delta-9-THC. This entire process is called decarboxylation.

THCA is found everywhere in a cannabis plant. It is present in the leaves, flowers and stems. The psychoactive effects of THCA itself are minimal, so don’t expect much from it. However, some chew on the stems and leaves for a relaxing effect. However, once decarboxylation occurs, the mind-altering psychoactive effects come into play

Delta 3 to 7

“Delta” is a term used in chemistry to denote the position of a double bond on a carbon chain molecule. When it comes to THC, there are many variations. For example, in the popular Delta 9, the double bond is on the 9th carbon chain. This means that the position of a double on a carbon chain results in a completely different type of THC.

This means that Delta 7 THC, Delta 6 THC, Delta 5 THC, Delta 4 THC, and Delta 3 THC are synthetic isomers of Delta 9 THC. These isomers were formulated in the lab between the 1940s and 1970s to create different versions of THC that could medically benefit patients. In addition, different variants were created to address issues such as stability and durability.

Delta 8, 9 and 10

The most common type of THC is Delta 9. When people talk about THC more often, they are referring to Delta 9 THC. This is because it is the primary psychoactive compound present in cannabis plants.

But what happens when Delta 9 ages? Well, when Delta 9 THC is broken down and oxidized, we get a large amount of CBN (a cannabinoid) and a small amount of Delta 8 and other travel compounds and cannabinoids. This oxidation gives Delta 8 a more stable property, resulting in it having more medical uses compared to Delta 9. However, Delta 8 THC is naturally available in tiny amounts in cannabis plants, so it is often synthesized in the laboratory.

Delta 10 THC is a fully synthesized cannabinoid discovered by accident. The delta-10 THC trend started in California when Fusion Farms accidentally produced crystals that were slightly different from the usual cannabinoids. Therefore, the newly synthesized THC was named Delta-10 THC.

11-Hydroxy-THC

On closer inspection, 11-hydroxy-THC is not a cannabinoid. It’s more of a metabolite that our bodies create when we consume THC in a certain way. When plant-based THCs like delta-9 or delta-8 THC are eaten, the body digests and metabolizes them, courtesy of the liver. The resulting metabolite formed is 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent tetrahydrocannabinol than Delta 8 and Delta 9.

This entire process is called first-pass metabolism, which is why taking cannabis products orally has longer and more intense effects than smoking. Because of this, Delta 8 edibles are just as potent as Delta 9 edibles, but similar things cannot be labeled vape or flower products.

THCV, THCP, and THC-O

Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV, is a naturally occurring THC analogue. It comes from the breakdown of CBGVA, a precursor cannabinoid, into tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA). One interesting thing about THCV is its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and its effects on weight and appetite.

Meanwhile, tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is a distinct type of THC analogue known as a homologue. Homologues are molecules that belong to a series of compounds that differ from one another by one reaction unit. In this case the alkyl side chain is the repeating unit. While Delta 9 THC has a 5-member alkyl side chain, for a total of 5 carbon atoms, THCP has a 7-member alkyl side chain.

THC-O

THC-O-Acetate is a byproduct of a specific type of decarboxylation known as LTA decarboxylation. This decarboxylation process differs significantly from the usual light- or artefact-induced decarboxylation process. LTA decarboxylation uses lead tetraacetate, a very toxic compound, to stimulate oxidative decarboxylation leading to the formation of acetate ester.

THC-O does not occur naturally and can only be produced using this process. To that end, THC-O is a synthetic delta-9 analogue. Although it has gained some popularity, it is important to note that this is a compound that is present in any quantity in the cannabis plant.

Just discovered – THCB and THC

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabihexol or Tetrahydrocannabihexol and Cannabidiol (CBDh) was discovered by the same group of Italian scientists who first isolated CBDP and THCP. These phytocannabinoids were discovered in 2020 and found to be a hexyl delta-9 THC homologue. Instead of an alkyl side chain like most THCs, THCh contains an n-hexyl side chain.

The same applies to THCB (tetrahydrocannabutol). Although little information is available about this THC, it is also a delta-9 THC homologue, but the main difference is that the alkyl side chain is replaced with a butyl side chain.

So which THC is the strongest?

The answer to this question is not easy. The reference to the strongest THC depends on a few factors. Is it about consumption methods or product types? If you need the strongest smokable THC, the answer would be THC-I. The downside is that the THC is entirely synthetic and its long-term effects remain unknown.

On the other hand, if you need a naturally occurring THC, THCP would be the strongest. Unfortunately, it occurs in trace amounts, so you won’t find much of it in raw bud. Luckily, THCP usually comes in concentrates, so you can just buy that. However, if you enjoy eating edibles, 11-Hydroxy-THC is your best bet, as it is a very potent metabolic form of delta-8 and delta-9 THC. But if you don’t like edibles, you won’t have 11-hydroxy-THC.

Conclusion

There is certainly no shortage of cannabinoid strains in today’s market. However, many of these THCs are not available pharmaceutically or commercially, but it is a pleasure to know that different variants of psychoactive compounds are being discovered all the time.

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