July 13, 2021

What are the Different Types of THC?

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Key Takeaways

There are multiple types of THC compounds, including Delta-9, Delta-8, Delta-10, THC-A, THC-V, and THC-P, each having distinct chemical structures, effects, and legal statuses; Delta-9 is the primary psychoactive component, whereas others like Delta-8 and THC-P offer milder or stronger psychoactive experiences.
Legal status of THC compounds varies, but hemp-derived cannabinoids, including compliant Delta-9 THC (0.3% or less), Delta-8, and others are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill; however, state laws differ and some forms like marijuana-derived THC remain federally illegal.

If you're new to the world of cannabis, you've likely been taken aback by the sheer diversity of this plant's many "types."

Whether you're looking at cannabis through the eyes of the law or from the perspective of a high-minded enthusiast, there are lots of classifications to keep track of.

So before we tell you the types of THC, let's give you a run-down of all of these classifications to avoid any confusion.

Cannabis 101

Legally, there are two variants of cannabis, hemp and marijuana. These are technically the same species, but the 2018 Farm Bill separated them based on their respective concentrations of Delta-9 THC. Hemp is cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, and marijuana is cannabis with greater than 0.3% THC.

Then, there are three core terms used to classify cannabis strains: indica, sativa, and hybrid. Again, all cannabis is the same species: Cannabis sativa L. But based on a strain's terpene profile and effects (sleepy, uplifting, or somewhere in between), these labels are used to describe it.

Next, you get down to the compounds: aromatic terpenes, colorful flavonoids, and perhaps the most important, cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis that are primarily responsible for the effects you feel when you consume any cannabis product. With these, you'd think it's as simple as non-psychoactive CBD or psychoactive THC, but as it turns out, THC is not just one compound but a family of related cannabinoids.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's give the lowdown of all the different types of THC and their effects.

What is THC?

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound found in cannabis. There are many different variations of THC, and each THC compound has a specific molecular composition.

How does THC Work?

THC's effects come from its interaction with a network in the human body known as the endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short. The ECS is a vast network of chemical messengers and receptors that work together to regulate vital functions like sleep, hunger, and pain perception.

The messengers, endocannabinoids, are naturally occurring compounds that your body produces to activate CB1 and CB2 receptors which are found everywhere from your brain to your skin.

So, how does this relate to THC? THC comes from cannabis and not your body, so it's a phytocannabinoid rather than an endocannabinoid. Still, the chemical structure of THC is strikingly similar to an endocannabinoid called anandamide. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter, which means it interacts with the CB1 receptors primarily located in your brain. This interaction usually produces feelings of pleasure, which is why it's called the "bliss molecule."

The similarity between THC and anandamide allows the body to recognize THC when you consume it. In response, THC alters the brain’s communication between neurons in much of the same ways as anandamide, bringing about a pleasurable "high." Of course, there are indirect effects on other areas of the ECS, which cause varying effects on functions such as hunger or sleep.

Types of THC

Woman's hand holding a fresh bud of cannabis, aka marijuana or weed

Six major types of THC that naturally occur in cannabis plants:

Delta-9 THC: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Delta-8 THC: Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Delta-10: Δ-10-Tetrahydrocannabinol
THC-A: Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid
THCV: Tetrahydrocannabivarin
THCP: Tetrahydrocannabiphorol

Let’s break down the individual effects, chemical structures, and other important details for all the THC types.

1. Delta-9 THC

Out of all the THC compounds, Delta-9 is the most well-known among enthusiasts because it is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. Usually, whenever someone mentions just "THC," it’s intended to mean Delta-9.

Also known as: Delta-9, D9, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, ∆9-THC, ∆9, Δ9
Occurrence: Natural in both hemp and marijuana in different concentrations, most abundant form of THC in cannabis

Legality of Delta-9 & Delta-9 Products

One of the most notable aspects of Delta-9 is that it serves as the “barometer” of cannabis legality.

Delta-9 THC is legal on a federal level, just with a few significant restrictions: it has to be derived from hemp (not marijuana), and the Delta-9 THC in a product cannot exceed 0.3% of the product's dry weight.

This is because, again, U.S. law defines hemp as Cannabis sativa L. with a 0.3% or lower concentration of Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. Marijuana (which is still a controlled substance) is any form of cannabis or consumable product with a Delta-9 THC concentration higher than this amount.

That means an edible with even a 0.31% Delta-9 THC concentration on a dry weight basis would be classified as marijuana. So whether or not a product is legal really comes down to how much of its weight is made up of Delta-9.

When derived from marijuana, you can find Delta-9 THC in various mediums such as raw flower, edibles, concentrates, et cetera. But unless you have a medical card or live in a state where its recreational use is allowed, marijuana isn't legal. Due to its Schedule I status on a federal level, many banks and credit card companies won’t let clients use cards to purchase marijuana.

On the other hand, hemp-derived Delta-9 is legal on a federal level. You can purchase it online with a credit card, and get it delivered straight to your door, all the while not having to worry about breaking any laws.

The catch is that the range of consumption methods is much narrower because their legality depends on the "dry weight" concentration of Delta-9. This form of THC can naturally be found in full-spectrum CBD products, but you can also enjoy hemp-derived Delta-9 THC in the form of edibles and gummies, drink mixes, or seltzers.

But don’t let the 0.3% threshold dissuade you from hemp-derived Delta-9. 0.3% is only a proportion, not a set amount. Farm Bill-compliant hemp-derived Delta-9 edibles can range from containing 5 milligrams to 100 milligrams apiece.

2. Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound naturally found in cannabis plants, albeit in relatively small amounts. It is the most common form of hemp-derived THC sold in the United States.

Also known as: Delta-8, D8, Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, ∆8-THC, ∆8, Δ8
Occurrence: Natural in both hemp and marijuana in small amounts (minor cannabinoid)

Legality of Delta-8

Hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 were made legal on a federal level through the 2018 Farm Bill. Because this legislation only set limits on the Delta-9 THC concentration (0.3% or less on a dry weight basis), Delta-8 THC can be found in a wide range of concentrations and mediums.

Federal legality means Delta-8 can be shipped across state lines, ordered online with most credit cards, and even taken on a plane (as long as the airline allows it). The caveat to federal legality, of course, is varying regulations of this cannabinoid between states. Always check with your state laws before purchasing any hemp-derived THC products.

Delta-8 Products

That being said, in most states, you can legally purchase Delta-8 in the form of:

Edibles
Tinctures
Flower
Vapes and carts
Pre-rolls
Concentrates
Topicals

Effects of Delta

Regardless of the consumption method, Delta-8's effects are said to be similar to that of Delta-8, but significantly milder. This is due to the fact that Delta-8 THC is an isomer of Delta-9 THC. However, it has a lower binding affinity for CB1 receptors than Delta-8, which means its effects are relatively less intense.

Learn More >>> What is the Difference Between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC?

Please note that “milder” doesn’t necessarily mean that a person cannot get overwhelmed with Delta-8. If you've never consumed Delta-8 before, it’s always best to start with a small serving to first see how your body responds. Only after the effects have set in (which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the product) should you decide whether you want to increase the amount.

3. Delta-10 THC

Delta-10 is one of the emergent cannabinoids that came from the widespread legalization of hemp. Its name comes from the fact that a Delta-10 molecule has a chemical bond on its tenth carbon chain (you can probably guess where the bonds of Delta-9 and Delta-8 are).

Also known as: Delta-10, D10, Delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol, ∆10-THC, ∆10, Δ10
Occurrence: Natural in both hemp and marijuana in small amounts

Like Delta-8, many consider Delta-10 to fall on the “milder” end of the THC spectrum. But remember, any THC, no matter how mild others may say it is, should be enjoyed responsibly.

Delta-10 is said to offer a more sativa-oriented experience, but one should note that these are subjective speculations.

The cannabinoid naturally appears in the hemp plant but is usually sourced from synthetic processes.

4. THC-A

THCA, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis. It is the acidic precursor to psychoactive THC similar to how CBDA is the acidic precursor to CBD.

5. THC-V

THCV, which stands for Tetrahydrocannabivarin, is better recognized by the moniker "diet weed," for its alleged effects on appetite.

THCV is structurally similar to Delta-9 THC but with two significant differences: one, it has a shorter side chain, and two, it doesn't "come" from the same compound. THC and CBD are the natural byproducts of CGBA (cannabigerolic acid) or THCA synthesis, while THCV is the natural byproduct of CBGVA (cannabigerovarin acid) synthesis. After CBGVA is exposed to light or heat, it will convert to THCV.

THCV Effects

Both of these factors mean that despite being in the THC "family," THCV has little to no psychoactive effects and may even mitigate the psychoactive effects of Delta-9 THC.

This is at least true when taken in moderation. Research suggests that when taken in larger amounts, THCV would activate both CB1 and CB2 receptors, resulting in more prominent effects similar to Delta-9. However, keep in mind that findings related to all cannabis compounds are relatively new. More evidence is required to substantiate any claims made regarding reduced appetite or effects.

THCV Products & Legality

THCA derived from hemp is federally legal and can be found in products like gummies and vapes. Some edibles may even feature a microdose of THCV in a blend of other cannabinoids to offer a unique synergy similar to what you'd find in a real cannabis plant.

6. THCP

THC-P stands for "tetrahydrocannabiphorol" and was discovered as early as 1942. As a minor cannabinoid, THCP occurs naturally within cannabis plants, but is sometimes synthesized from another natural compound such as CBD due to its scarcity.

In a structural sense, THC-P is very similar to Delta-9 THC, with the main difference being the amount of carbon atoms on its alkyl side chain. THC-P has seven carbon atoms on its chain, while Delta-9 THC contains five carbon atoms on its chain. So essentially, THC-P molecules have longer side chains and interact with the endocannabinoid system differently.

THCP Effects

Because of its slightly different molecular makeup and stronger affinity toward the CB1 receptor, THCP is thought to have more powerful psychoactive effects than THC. This could lead to a more intense experience, so is not recommended for those with a low tolerance for psychoactive cannabinoids.

Research suggests that THCP is up to 33 times more active with the CB1 receptor than THC. This stronger affinity means it tends to have much more potent effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and contentment.

THCP Legality

THCP is legal on a federal level when derived from hemp. Just like Delta-8 or any of the other alternative compounds we've covered, there is no limit to the concentration of THC-P in a product because it is a separate cannabinoid from Delta-9 THC.

THCP Products

This potent cannabinoid can be found in a variety of products, from potent THCP vapes to THCP edibles. Although the consumption method will affect the onset time of effects and how long they last, THCP will generally be more intense than other cannabinoids, so always consume responsibly.

Bonus: HHC

HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol. While not technically a type of THC, HHC is included here because it is essentially a hydrogenated form of THC. HHC is a naturally occurring cannabis compound but wasn't discovered until chemist Roger Adams added hydrogen atoms to Delta-9 THC in 1944.

This process, which is known as hydrogenation, is also used when turning vegetable oil into margarine. However, most modern methods for producing marketable amounts of HHC start with CBD instead of THC.

Also known as: 11-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol
Occurrence: Natural in both hemp and marijuana in small amounts

HHC Effects

The effects of HHC vary from other forms of THC due to HHC's unique chemical structure. For example, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9. THC have chemical bonds on their eighth or ninth carbon chain, respectively. HHC molecules do not have this chemical bond and instead have two more hydrogen atoms.

Consequently, HHC binds to cannabinoid receptors with a lesser affinity than Delta-9. While still psychoactive, the intensity of HHC's effects will be markedly lesser than Delta-9. Many enthusiasts who have tried HHC have reported that it offers uplifted, energized, or euphoric feelings.

However, as stated before, please keep in mind that cannabinoids can affect everyone a bit differently.

HHC Legality and Products

HHC, when derived from hemp, is legal on a federal level in various forms. HHC mainly comes in vapes, but several other mediums, such as gummies, are also available. With no limit on the concentration of HHC in a product, there are numerous ways to enjoy its uniquely mood-lifting properties.

Recap and Conclusion

As you can see, each different type of THC offers a unique experience for cannabis enthusiasts. Of course, the exact nature of their effects is not fully understood, as hemp was only recently legalized. Scientific research into less-known cannabinoids is still in its infancy, and we are only just beginning to grasp the endless opportunities that cannabis has to offer.

With that being said let's quickly review what we've covered in this guide:

What are the different types of THC?

The six main types of THC include Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, THC-A, THC-V, THC-P, and Delta-10 THC. HHC a cannabinoid that is noted for its structural similarity to Delta-9 THC.

Is all THC the same?

Each THC compound is chemically different and has varying effects on the human body.

Which THC is legal?

All naturally occurring, hemp-derived cannabinoids are federally legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill. However, state laws vary. Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is legal in all 50 states at compliant concentrations of 0.3% or less.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.