Glossary
We’ve gathered all of the terms that we’ve been asked about in the past and put them all in one place!
Definition
Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant that bind uniquely to receptors in the body called endocannabinoid receptors. The most well-known cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. However, there are many cannabinoids (at least 66 that are known) and each have their own benefits and similar effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis and hemp. Hailed as a cure-all for variety of medical conditions and pain symptoms. Cannabinoids such as CBD interact with this system, mimicking natural compounds (called endocannabinoids) produced by the body. In the human body, CBD influences cannabinoid receptor activity and encourages production of the body’s natural endocannabinoids. Interestingly, CBD also affects activity beyond the endocannabinoid system and can also interact with opioid, dopamine, and serotonin receptors.
Cannabinol (CBN) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. When THC components found in the cannabis plant age, they break down. This leads to the formation of a less potent cannabinoid called CBN. It’s about 25% as effective as THC, which makes it a mild chemical. CBN has shown to have sedative properties that could relieve conditions like insomnia. Since some avoid THC (another well-known appetite stimulant) due to its intoxicating effects, CBN could potentially offer an alternative for those seeking the munchies without the high—but more research is needed.
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant. It is similar to the THC found in a majority of cannabis products, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. However, delta-8 is much less potent than regular THC. While the effects of Delta 8 vary for each person, Delta 8 users often feel a strong buzz, characterized by increased feelings of pleasure and lower sensations of pain.
Delta 9 THC, short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, refers to the primary chemical compound responsible for cannabis’ euphoric effects. In short, this is the THC most people are aware of– the “traditional” THC, if you will. THC is the most abundant cannabinoid naturally occuring in cannabis. Although THC is often regarded as being merely recreational, it may actually provide an array of medical benefits, including relief of nausea and vomiting, insomnia, appetite loss, and inflammation.
Delta 10 products are infused with this highly popular, sativa-like cannabinoid. Delta 10 is said to have similar effects as Delta 9 THC, but with less of the psychotropic effects.
Hexahydrocannabinol, also known as HHC, is one of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids that can be derived from hemp and cannabis plants. Like THC, HHC gives many users an enjoyable, euphoric feeling after consumption. The 2018 farm bill protects HHC as a hemp-derived product and there are also anecdotal reports of HHC not appearing on drug screens, but more research is needed.
HHC-O is the acetate version of HHC, a naturally occurring cannabinoid that acts as the hydrogenated form of THC, well-known for its similarities to delta-9 THC and amplified HHC affects.
Live Resin is a form of hemp concentrate produced using fresh flower rather than dried or cured plant material. This method retains the terpenes lost during the drying and curing process. Live resin is considered a top-shelf or connoisseur-level product due to the more potent flavors from the preserved terpenes.
THC-O’s appeal lies in its potency. Research has found that it’s roughly three times stronger than conventional THC. As such, it has been called “the psychedelic cannabinoid” for its borderline hallucinatory effects. THC-O is converted from Delta 8 THC when acetic anhydride is added to the delta-8 THC molecules, resulting in THC-O acetate.
THC-P is similar to THC-O in that it is a much more potent version of conventional THC. How much more potent is THC-P, you ask? How about THIRTY THREE TIMES more potent. Yes, THC-P is believed to be as much as 33x as potent as THC. We think of THC-P as a little cannabinoid “multiplier” or “power-up”. It enhances the cannabinoids it lives with.
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp and cannabis plants. Hemp-derived THCA flower refers to the dried and cured flower of the hemp plant that contains high levels of THCA. THCA is the raw, acidic form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. However, in its raw form, THCA does not produce psychoactive effects.
Hemp-derived THCA flower can be used for a variety of purposes, including the production of tinctures, oils, and other products. It is also sometimes consumed raw, either by smoking or through the process of decarboxylation.In addition to its lack of psychoactive effects, THCA has been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits, including reducing inflammation and pain and increasing appetite.
Known for its purported appetite-curbing and energy-boosting properties, delta 9 tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is fast becoming one of the latest cannabinoids on the market. THCV is similar to THC in molecular structure and psychoactive properties, but it provides a variety of pronounced and altogether different effects. For example, in contrast to THC, THCV may dull the appetite.

