What Are Alt Cannabinoids (and What Are They Good for)? Here’s What Experts Say
- By Taneia Surles, MPH
- June 14, 2024
You’re likely familiar with cannabidiol or CBD. You might take CBD to manage a health condition or for relaxation purposes. But, as you may or might not know, CBD does not produce the high you get from taking THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) (1).
However, there is a group of cannabinoids that may cause mind-altering effects—some you may or may not want. Alt cannabinoids are the latest talk of the town, but what are they, and are they safe to consume?
About the Experts
Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, is a licensed social worker, clinical director, and plant medicine formulator at Cannectd Wellness. Kaplan is an expert in cannabis and cannabinoids for medical use.
Jacek Szymanowski, a PN Certified Nutritionist and health coach with Torokhtiy is an expert in the practical use of cannabis and cannabinoids.
What Are Alt Cannabinoids?
“Alternate cannabinoids are synthetically derived cannabinoids made and modified from CBD and other cannabinoids in hemp plants,” says Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, a licensed social worker, clinical director, and plant medicine formulator at Cannectd Wellness.
So, what’s the difference between CBD and alternative cannabinoids?
“Alt cannabinoids are the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, which means it changes how your brain works and makes you feel high,” says Jacek Szymanowski, a PN Certified Nutritionist and health coach. “CBD is the primary non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound in the cannabis plant. Since it is non-psychoactive, it doesn’t make you feel high.”
As a side note, since 2023, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has considered any synthetic cannabinoids, including alt cannabinoids, to be illegal since they don’t naturally develop from hemp plants. However, some states have legalized some alt cannabinoids thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp cultivation (2).
Most Popular Alt Cannabinoids
Delta-0
TL;DR: Alt cannabinoid with possible (though often debated) psychedelic effects.
Also known as THC-O or THC acetate, delta-0 is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid derived from the hemp compound delta-8 (3).
According to a 2023 research article, delta-0 may produce low or moderate changes in cognitive function, such as an altered sense of time, difficulties concentrating, and hallucinations (3).
Side effects? Aside from the psychological effects of delta-0, users may also experience nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and gastrointestinal problems (4).
Delta-8
TL;DR: Diet weed? Sort of.
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 THC, is a psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. While it is naturally found in small amounts of the hemp plant, most of the alt cannabinoid available is synthesized by converting hemp-derived CBD into delta-8 (5). It’s popular, widely available, and provides what many describe as a milder high than a traditional marijuana high.
“Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the most popular alt cannabinoids on the market,” Szymanowski says. “Delta-8 has a double bond between the 8th and 9th carbon.”
Side effects? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that delta-8 may cause hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness (5).
Delta-9 THC
TL;DR: Your classic THC high.
“Delta-9 is regarded as the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in the cannabis plant,” Szymanowski says. “The double bond in Delta-9 is between the 9th and 10th carbon.”
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa. Like delta-8, there’s not a significant amount of delta-9 in the hemp plant, so most of this alt cannabinoid available for sale has been synthesized from CBD (6).
Side effects? Research reveals that delta-9 may cause disconnected thoughts, delusions, hallucinations, panic reactions, and alarming changes in perception. The long-term effects of this alternative cannabinoid on a person’s cognitive function are unknown (7).
Delta-10
TL;DR: Like Delta 8, but energy-promoting instead of relaxing.
Similar to delta-8, delta-10 THC is found in small amounts of the Cannabis sativa plant and is converted from CBD to be sold to consumers (8).
“The double bond in Delta-10 is between the 10th and 11th carbon,” Szymanowski says. “Unlike Delta-8, which produces a more lethargic experience, Delta-10 produces a more upbeat and refreshing experience.”
Side effects? Taking delta-10 can cause similar effects as delta-9. “Delta-10 is similar to Delta-9 even though it only produces a mildly intoxicating effect,” Szymanowski adds.
HHC
TL;DR: Mild relaxation with a side of possible euphoric feelings.
HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that has existed since the 1940s. It is popularly sold as a mixture of isomers or compounds similar to the structure of delta-9, which derives from CBD (9).
The research on HHC is limited, though. Very early research suggests it may have potential in the treatment for colon cancer and ocular hypotony and improve heart health (9), but those studies are not close to being definitive.
Side effects? Unlike other alternative cannabinoids, HHC seems to provide more pleasant side effects than harmful ones, such as relaxation and euphoria (10).
THC-P
TL;DR: Little-known alt cannabinoid that may produce the strongest “high” on the market.
THCP, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is one of the lesser-known synthesized cannabinoids deriving from THC. According to research, this alt cannabinoid is the main compound that gives the Cannabis sativa plant its intoxicating attributes (11).
“THC-P is known to have a 30 times stronger effect than delta-9 THC found organically in cannabis,” Kaplan says.
Side effects? THCP may cause decreased motility of all or part of the gastrointestinal tract, analgesia (loss of sensation of pain), trances, seizures, and decreased rectal temperature (11).
The Bottom Line
Is the hype around alt cannabinoids worth it? Possibly, but with no regulation and little research on the long-term effects, you may want to stick with CBD for now.
“Based on our observation, the negative social, emotional, and psychological effects are too risky to consider this an alternative to any cannabis use,” Kaplan says.
References
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022). CBD: What You Need to Know.
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Center for U.S. Policy (2023). DEA Concludes Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC-O are Controlled Substances.
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Kruger, et al (2023). THC-O-Acetate: Scarce Evidence for a Psychedelic Cannabinoid
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National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information (n.d.). Tetrahydrocannabinol Acetate.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2022). 5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol: Delta-8 THC.
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Johnson, et al (2023). Potency and Safety Analysis of Hemp Delta-9 Products: The Hemp vs. Cannabis Demarcation Problem.
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Carlini (2004). The Good and the Bad Effects of (-) Trans-Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC) on Humans.
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ARA Medical Cannabis Institute (n.d.). What is Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC and are They Safe to Use?
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Nasrallah, et al (2023). Studies Pertaining to the Emerging Cannabinoid Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).
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Ferretti (2023). A Survey Study of Individuals Using Hexahydrocannabinol Cannabis Products: Use Patterns and Perceived Effects.
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Citti, et al (2019). A Novel Phytocannabinoid Isolated from Cannabis Sativa L. with an In Vivo Cannabimimetic Activity Higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol.
