It’s time to start thinking beyond CBD. Today, there are more ways than ever for you to incorporate hemp-based compounds into your everyday health routine, depending on your personal needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to relax after a hectic week, get going in the morning, or stimulate yourself when you need extra focus, hemp cannabinoids can help you take on your day.
At this point, you likely have a strong grasp on what CBD is, and its benefits. CBD plays an important role in promoting balance and overall wellness. But the potential health properties of hemp extend well beyond CBD, and it was only a matter of time until new, cutting-edge cannabinoids were discovered and made available.
At Koi, we're excited to introduce new hemp cannabinoids that we believe will help you relax after a hectic day, get you going in the morning, and even stimulate you when you're in need of some extra focus.
Like CBD, each of these trailblazing cannabinoids interacts with your body’s systems. But they do so in distinctive ways, eliciting their own unique effects and benefits. Today, there are more ways than ever for you to incorporate hemp-based compounds into your everyday health routine, depending on your personal needs and preferences.
It’s time to start thinking beyond CBD. Here are new hemp cannabinoids you need to know about:
- Delta-8 THC - For an instant, uplifting mood boost
- Delta-9 THC - For powerful calming effects and uplifting relief
- Delta-10 THC - For increased drive and motivation
- THC-O - For highly-potent and immersive relaxation
- HHC - For mellowing out while keeping your mind clear
- THCV - For staying focused and energized
The Role Of The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) In Your Body
To understand cannabinoids and stress relief, it first helps to understand how they work in the body.
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Cannabinoids can calm your mind in stressful times because of their relationship to your body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. Your ECS is a cell-signaling system tasked with keeping a long list of your body’s many functions in the zone.
When something is operating outside of the optimal range, the ECS notices and sends messages to help deal with it. Let’s say your heart is beating too fast, or your blood pressure is too high. If your ECS is running as it should, it will take notice and correct the issue.
This endocannabinoid signaling system plays a key role in how we manage stress. Cannabinoid receptors are within the main parts of the brain that are responsible for our reactions to stress. And when it’s on its game, our ECS successfully senses our excessively stressed-out reactions and quickly makes adjustments to keep us centered.
So where do cannabinoids come into play? Hemp cannabinoids like CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, HHC, and THC-O bind to the endocannabinoid system’s cannabinoid receptors. They nourish your ECS by working as neurotransmitters, signaling the body to make necessary adjustments to keep many processes, including stress response, in homeostasis.
The stress response is just one of many functions that cannabinoids can help keep balanced. By activating your ECS, they support better regulation of processes like mood regulation and sleep health, which are closely linked to our stress levels.
Before diving in, it’s important to remember: With any cannabinoid, you should consult your physician before taking it. Also, effects and tolerance vary from person to person, so it’s a good idea to start with a low dose and wait at least an hour before taking another serving. Be patient, don’t overdo it, and you’ll discover an enjoyable new world thanks to these innovative hemp cannabinoids.
Delta-8 THC: For An Instant, Uplifting Mood Boost
Benefits: Has noticeable uplifting effects that promote a sense of happiness.Great for enhancing any leisurely event, such as gaming or relaxing with friends and family.
Delta-8 THC has been in the spotlight recently, and for good reason. It offers the same types of calming, euphoric sensations as its well-known analog delta-9 THC, but tends to have a milder profile and fewer side effects. It’s widely considered the middle ground between CBD and delta-9 THC.
With the caveat that everyone has unique body chemistry and delta-8 can affect you differently, delta-8 users have reported a highly enjoyable experience. Some have even shared that delta-8 helps them sleep better and promotes a healthy appetite.
Because delta-8 is only present at very low concentrations naturally (0.1% and lower), it’s most commonly produced by converting hemp-derived CBD to delta-8 THC using acids and filtration. It gets its name from the location of its double bond on the eighth carbon atom.
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Delta-8 binds with your endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors, but does so more weakly in comparison to delta-9 THC. This reduced affinity for CB1 receptors means that delta-8 produces gentler, more functional effects compared to its stronger cousin. For more information, take a look at our article where we expand more into ‘ What is Delta-8?’
You can enjoy delta-8 THC in the form of delta-8 gummies, delta-8 tinctures, delta-8 vape cartridges, and more. Take note that edible delta-8 products like gummies tend to have a delayed onset compared to delta-9 THC, and effects can take anywhere between 30-90 minutes to kick in.
Delta-9 THC: For Powerful Calming Effects And Uplifting Relief
Benefits: For a sense of well-being and uplifting effects that are more powerful. Great to enjoy while relaxing at home, meditating, or attending a concert.
You know delta-9 THC as the primary active chemical in cannabis, but it’s also a naturally occurring compound in hemp. Sometimes it’s created from hemp-derived CBD through a process called isomerization.
Only recently have hemp-based delta-9 products hit the scene, opening up the doors for many more people to enjoy their elevating benefits. You can now find hemp-derived delta-9 in the form of delta-9 gummies, with more types of products likely on the way.
The uplifting and mood-boosting sensations you experience from hemp-derived delta-9 THC are generally more powerful than those of its cousins, delta-8 and delta-10. The reason behind this is delta-9’s affinity for directly bonding with your body’s CB1 receptors.
Sometimes hemp-derived delta-9 THC is combined with CBD for a more balanced experience with milder euphoric effects. Those who have used a D9 and CBD product before have reported that the two together can help to recenter and quiet a busy mind.
Hemp-based delta-9 THC products are legal in the United States, provided they adhere to the provisions laid out in the 2018 Farm Bill and contain a total delta-9 THC concentration that does not exceed 0.3%.
Delta-10 THC: For Increased Drive And Motivation
Benefits: Has energizing, stimulating, and mildly euphoric effects. Great for activating creativity and maximizing productivity.
While fresh on the scene, delta-10 THC products are already gaining popularity because of their uplifting and energizing effects that can help combat lethargy and improve focus. It’s a top choice if you’re interested in increasing drive and motivation during the day.
Delta-10 is also found only in trace amounts in hemp, so it’s commonly processed from hemp-derived CBD. It shares an identical chemical formula to its cousins, delta-8 and delta-9, but its molecular structure is arranged differently, which translates into unique effects and a new experience for you.
Delta-10 THC has an effect that you’ll likely notice and feel, but it tends to be milder in comparison to both delta-9 and delta-8. This is because delta-10 has a weaker affinity for binding to CB1 receptors. A 1988 study on delta-10 THC potency backs up those reports.
You can enjoy delta-10 THC on its own if you’re looking to activate creativity, increase alertness, and maximize productivity. Some prefer to combine it with delta-8 and delta-9 for a more elevating, full-body-relaxation experience.
Delta-10 is available in the form of delta-10 gummies and other types of products throughout the United States. Curious to learn more? Take a look at our in-depth article on what delta-10 THC is and its benefits.
THC-O: For Highly-Potent And Immersive Relaxation
Benefits: Nicknamed “the spiritual cannabinoid” because of its unique and powerful relaxation effects that stimulate deep thought and introspection. Great for meditating, listening to music, and spiritual reflection.
THC-O has quickly captured attention because of reports that it’s potentially stronger than other THC’s. It’s best for evening and nighttime use when you’re done with responsibilities for the day and in a safe place where you can truly let go. THC-O is also widely used for better sleep.
For the sake of brevity, THC-O is the acetylated version of THC. It’s created through a multi-step process that begins with the extraction of CBD from hemp. Once consumed, THC-O needs to be metabolized to activate, which means it takes 30 minutes or more for effects to kick in.
It’s the addition of the acetyl group that explains THC-O’s more powerful effects. That acetyl group makes THC-O significantly more bioavailable than other THC’s. This means that more of it is absorbed and reaches your body’s systems for greater intense cerebral and body sensations.
Anecdotal stories from those with experience have described THC-O as “relaxing,” “happy inducing,” and “immersive.” Some have shared it takes you to a different headspace, where you can be introspective. Because of the potency of THC-O products, you’ll want to start with a smaller dose and wait until the effects are felt before increasing your intake.
THC-O is available in the form of THC-O gummies, THC-O vape cartridges and other products. You can learn more about THC-O by visiting our ‘What is THC-O?’ article.
HHC: For Mellowing Out While Keeping The Mind Clear
Benefits: Takes the edge off while keeping you clear-headed. Great for sparking creativity, hanging with friends, or getting lost in a book.
Another hemp cannabinoid with its popularity on the rise is HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol. What draws most to HHC are its unique effects. Those who have used HHC report that it offers a pleasant, mild relaxation sensation, without causing any cerebral fogginess. This could make it a top choice for those times when you’re hoping to take the edge off while staying mentally present.
Some people prefer HHC due to the fact it has THC-like effects despite not being a form of THC in any way. Instead, it’s created from isolated hemp-derived CBD through a multistep refinement and distilling process.
While HHC products have resulting effects that you’ll likely feel, it’s generally regarded as less potent than delta-8 THC. HHC has shown to have binding affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid receptors, suggesting it could have unique wellness benefits that have yet to be discovered.
HHC is available as HHC gummies, HHC vape cartridges, as well as other types of products, with more forms likely arriving in the future. Check out our ‘What is HHC?’ article to learn even more about this distinctive compound.
THCV: For Staying Focused And Energized
Benefits: Offers increased energy and enhanced focus. Great for tackling to-do lists and keeping up with day-to-day responsibilities.
THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid with a unique array of well benefits. While THCV is far from newly discovered, only recently have THCV-focused products been made available, as most hemp plants contain only trace, undetectable amounts of the compound.
For most, THCV is recognized for providing energizing feelings of euphoria that drive motivation and focus. For that reason, it’s a popular daytime choice for whenever functionality is important.
THCV is also celebrated by some for its healthy appetite support. While research is still in very early stages, one theory is that THCV actually blocks the endocannabinoid system’s appetite-stimulating CB1 receptor from binding with other compounds to potentially curb cravings.
While THCV is a not-too-distant cousin of THC, you’re not likely to experience any euphoric-type effects when used at lower doses. At higher doses, however, it can behave much like its THC cousins and produce noticeable uplifting, yet clear-headed, effects.
THCV products are hard to find, but you can find THCV in the form of THCV gummies. Discover more about this rare gem of a cannabinoid by checking out our article on THCV benefits.
How Can Cannabinoids Improve Your Mood
One happiness-boosting behavior to consider is adding cannabinoids to your daily routine. Cannabinoids are a type of hemp-derived compound that support balance in the body. By promoting healthier serotonin levels, sleep habits, and energy levels, they might just give your mood the little jump start it needs.
Below, discover how hemp cannabinoids like CBD can help your mood, and serve as a little pick-me-up when you’re dealing with disappointments and frustrations.
Serotonin Receptors And Cannabinoids
Whenever you’re feeling happy and in the groove, you can thank the effects of serotonin. Serotonin is one of our naturally-occurring feel-good hormones, and it impacts every part of our bodies.
The scientific name for serotonin is 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Occurring throughout the body, it sends messages related to mood regulation and other functions by interacting with serotonin receptors, also known as 5-HT receptors.
But serotonin isn’t the only substance that interacts with serotonin receptors. CBD and serotonin receptors communicate, and other cannabinoids bind to the receptors too.
Research shows a connection between cannabinoids and serotonin. By attaching to serotonin receptors, cannabinoids can act as a type of serotonin antagonist, increasing serotonin levels building up in the brain.
There’s also evidence that the endocannabinoid system, of which cannabinoids like CBD and delta-9 THC play a crucial role, is partly responsible for regulating the serotonin system.
So while cannabinoids like CBD don’t directly influence serotonin levels, they promote the systems that do. With an efficient serotonin system and healthy serotonin levels, you’re much more likely to experience greater feelings of well-being and happiness.
Efficacy Of Cannabinoids To Increase Energy Levels
The more energetic you are, the better you feel. We’ve all experienced that mental lull that comes when we’re tired.
Could hemp cannabinoids help?
Some cannabinoids appear to help you get up and go, especially when used in the right amount and at the right times.
CBD, for example, gives some people awakening effects shortly after taking the cannabinoid, which suggests it could potentially be a wakefulness-promoting agent. But people can and do react to CBD differently. Others have shared they feel more relaxed with CBD and prefer to take it in the evenings.
It may all come down to how much you take. In 2017, scientists collected evidence suggesting that lower servings of CBD provide an energy boost, while higher servings produced more of a relaxing result.
And CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid to consider for energy, either. If more noticeable energizing effects that encourage drive and motivation sound good to you, then you may want to turn to delta-10 THC, a fresh form of THC made from hemp. Delta-10 is known to give a useful jolt to keep you uplifted through the day.
Further reading: Discover more about delta-10 THC by reading our educational article exploring ‘What is Delta-10?’
CBD Relief And Its Improvement In Mood And Mental Well-Being
Changes in our day-to-day can boost feelings of happiness, but they can also cause us to get down. Internal and external factors can swing our mood one way to another, but we feel better when we’re able to adjust to these fluctuations quickly.
That’s where CBD and other cannabinoids come in.
Cannabinoids offer this natural relief and promote balance, contributing to better mental well-being. Recent studies have underscored the ability of CBD to improve mental well-being. Delta-8 THC users constantly tout how good using the compound makes them feel.
Hemp cannabinoids support this centering by keeping our endocannabinoid system functioning at an optimal level. This is why there is thought to be a connection between cannabinoids and stress relief. And it’s one of the many reasons CBD has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, as new research explores its potential health benefits.
A well-running endocannabinoid system plays a key role in how we feel and our mental well-being. It responds anytime our cells become out of balance and ensures things return to balance or homeostasis. Mentally and physically, a well-operating endocannabinoid keeps us centered. And in turn, we feel better.
Cannabinoids And Sleep
You know you’re not yourself when you’re tired. You’ve experienced it first-hand – sleep and mood are closely regulated. Poor or inadequate sleep leads to negative moods, irritability, and anger. Regular good nights of sleep are key to making happy moods more stable and improving your mental health.
Many factors play a role in how well you sleep. Sleep schedules, sleeping environment, caffeine or alcohol intake, stress, eating habits, and exercise routines are some of the external factors that affect your quality of sleep.
Cannabinoids can have a positive impact on your sleep health as well. Better sleep is arguably the number one reason people incorporate cannabinoids into their routine. Many people have found CBD helps with sleep, and there is plenty of literature exploring cannabinoids and their positive influence on sleep.
How Cannabinoids Help With Better Sleep
Cannabinoids promote healthier sleep habits by supporting the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, regulates sleep and many other functions.
Once absorbed in the body, cannabinoids interact with the system’s cannabinoid receptors. How they interact with the receptors and their effects vary depending on the cannabinoid.
By nourishing the endocannabinoid system, these cannabinoids contribute to healthy sleep behaviors. One of the signs of a well-running endocannabinoid system is regular nights of quality sleep.
There are hemp cannabinoids that promote relaxation, which can ease you into a more restful night. The benefits of CBD encourage a sense of calm by promoting the endocannabinoid system. Other cannabinoids can have more powerful relaxing effects, such as delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, and THC-O.
Some cannabinoids like CBD, delta-8, and THC-O can help you fall asleep faster. It doesn’t have to be one or the other, either. These cannabinoids can also be combined to boost sleep quality and duration.
Learn More About Hemp’s Cannabinoids
There is more to learn if you’re interested in hemp and all of its cannabinoids, and you can always count on Koi CBD to keep you up on all the latest.
If you have any particular questions or comments about these new hemp cannabinoids, visit the Koi blog or contact Koi customer service and we’ll be happy to assist you.
