An Overview of the Nine Most Powerful Cannabinoids in the Cannabis Industry
Most people are familiar with the active ingredients found in hemp and cannabis that cause psychoactive reactions, but they may not know the umbrella term for them – cannabinoids. In the standard cannabis plant, more than 100 different cannabinoids can be found and extracted. Some of these, such as THC and CBD, are household names that people are familiar with. Others, such as CBN and CBG, are less well known.
To give consumers as well as cannabis industry members some background, we’ll rank the top nine by strength, starting with the strongest and most potent. We’ll then give an overview of how to identify these cannabinoids using cannabinoid testing equipment.
#1 – THCP
THCP is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in very small levels in select strains of cannabis. Some say it is more than 30x stronger than THC while others say it’s more like 10x stronger. Whatever the case may be, THCP is at the top of the list as the strongest, most potent cannabinoid in existence.
#2 – THC-O acetate
THC-O is a non-natural cannabinoid that is reported to be 3x stronger than traditional THC. Derived from hemp, THC-O is synthesized via a chemical process that utilizes acetic anhydride, which is a highly flammable and volatile chemical. Due to the difficult process and special lab equipment required to make THC-O, it’s not widely available.
#3 – Delta-9 THC
Delta-9 THC is the most popular cannabinoid that the majority of consumers are familiar with. It also happens to be the one that’s most present in both hemp and cannabis plants, which means it’s extremely easy to extract for products. When people perform a cannabinoid analysis test, Delta-9 THC is generally what they’re looking for.
#4 – HHC
HHC is far less popular compared to Delta-9 THC, but what’s interesting is that HHC is created from THC through a process called hydrogenation. This adds a hydrogen molecule to the THC cannabinoid, effectively turning into the HHC cannabinoid. Experts report that HHC is roughly 80 percent as potent as THC.
#5 – Delta-8 THC
Although Delta-8 THC is nearly identical in molecular structure compared to Delta-9 THC, the slight difference results in about 50 percent less potency when comparing Delta-8 to Delta-9. In fact, many users report having a clear head with very minimal psychoactive effects.
#6 – Delta-10 THC
Sometimes referred to as “diet weed,” Delta-10 is slightly less potent than Delta-8. Users report an increase in focus, energy, and mood.
#7 – THCV
THCV is nearly identical to Delta-9 THC from a molecular standpoint, but features just three carbon atoms. The end result is that THCV is roughly 25 percent as potent.
#8 – CBN
CBN forms as THC breaks down, which means that it retains some potency, although not much. It’s reported to be about 10 percent the potency of Delta-9. In fact, some users report not feeling any effects when imbibing it.
#9 – CBD
CBD is the second most popular cannabinoid featured on this list. It’s widely available in many states because it’s non-addictive and causes no impairment. In fact, many users of CBD do so for its holistic effects. Currently, CBD is being used to treat conditions and issues such as anxiety, pain, insomnia, and even cancer symptoms.
How Do Growers and Cultivators Tell Which Cannabinoids Their Products Have?
Currently, those in the cannabis industry must rely on third-party cannabis testing labs to check the potency and cannabinoid status of their products. They can also check for things like impurities. However, this third-party testing process comes at a cost.
First, there’s the financial cost of lab testing, which eats into the operation’s bottom line. The second issue is that third-party cannabis testing labs are often backlogged, which means it can take weeks before a sample’s test results are determined. Finally, third-party labs use environmentally harmful solvents to perform their tests.
Get Your Own Cannabinoid Testing Equipment from Elite Robotics
The great news for growers, cultivators, and investors is that there’s a new wave of cannabis testing equipment that’s in development from Elite Robotics. Our products allow for growers and cultivators to have cannabis testing labs capable of delivering reliable cannabinoid analysis tests. Additionally, the testing equipment from Elite Robotics is eco-friendly.
Elite Robotics currently has two products as part of its Cannabot lineup. The first product is a containment device that hermetically seals samples until they’re ready to be tested. The second product is the analyzer, which tests cannabis samples and provides accurate cannabinoid readings and purity levels.
Learn more about our cannabis testing equipment or become an investor by contacting Elite Robotics at (805) 987-6217. Or send us a message directly using our contact form.