6 Different Types of THC: A Complete Guide (2024)

Explore 6 THC types in our 2024 guide. From Delta-9 to THCp, discover their unique effects, legal status, and top THC product at Mood Shop.

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Written by Brandon Topp

You might think THC is a well-known compound that the cannabis plant produces.

After all, people do describe it as “the part of the cannabis plant that gets you high.”

That’s only partially true. And talking about THC as a singular entity is also misleading. In actuality, there are many different forms of THC with varying psychoactive effects, legal status, and origins.

Before delving into THC, it’s worth taking a minute to have a brief introduction to the plant it derives from.

Discover a wide range of THC products at the Mood Shop today.

An Introduction To The Cannabis Sativa Plant

According to Science Direct, the cannabis plant is an “annual, dioecious herbaceous plant.”

Also known as the hemp plant, it can be used to create hemp fiber products such as paper, clothes, and biofuel.

Cannabinoids are compounds that exist in the cannabis sativa plant, expressed in the trichomes. Throughout the cannabis plant, there are known to be over 100 cannabinoids that interact with receptors in different parts of the peripheral nervous system — specifically the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors.

One of those compounds is tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as...

THC

The dictionary defines THC simply as “a crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis.”

The world of cannabis — its growers, scientists, distributors, and consumers — adds a bit more detail to THC.

There are many different forms of THC, and they’re not all psychoactive. The most popular example is Delta-9 THC.

Cannabis, THC, and The Human Body

The human body has its own endocannabinoid system with what’s known as CB2 receptors throughout.

When you consume cannabis, cannabinoids like THC latch onto the cannabinoid receptors. This connection allows us to feel the effects of THC and other side effects of the plant.

It’s actually been suggested that the mere presence of this system within our bodies implies the possibility that humans evolved to incorporate cannabis use into their lives.

The Dynamic Of THC Products

Because of slight variations in their chemical structures, different types of THC can produce different effects.

Some forms of THC derive from others through various processes.

One form of THC — Delta-9 — determines whether or not a dry cannabis product is considered hemp by federal law.

Blending different kinds of THC along with cannabis terpenes and other elements of the hemp plant, distributors can use the compound to curate an endless variety of Cannabis Indica and Sativa flowers, edibles, concentrates, and vape products.

Legal Hemp-Derived Products

Hemp was removed from the DEA’s list of controlled substances with the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The act defines hemp as “cannabis with no more than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC by dry weight.”

Also known as the Farm Bill, this groundbreaking piece of legislation opened the door for a wide variety of hemp products featuring varying degrees of different cannabinoids derived from cannabis plants.

The amount of THC in an above-board cannabis product is only limited if it’s Delta-9 THC.

As far as the rest of the THC types go, the concentration does not compromise its legal status in the eyes of the Federal Drug Administration.

Get a 10-count of these Sleepytime THC Gummies for $29 today. Subscribe for recurring shipments and save 15%.

Different Types of THC: Leading Cannabinoids

Delta-9 THC is not the only type of THC with psychoactive compounds. Its precursor also happens to be unrestricted in its relation to hemp.

Let’s go down the list and learn a little bit about the leading types of THC, cannabis goods featuring them, and more.

THCa

THCa is the acidic form of THC, and it’s a genetic precursor to other popular forms of THC.

THCa gets more potent when you heat or smoke it, and it's Farm Bill compliant.

Discover a range of Indica and Sativa flower and other products containing THCa with Mood.

Inspire creativity with 1g of this THCa Ice Queen Dab Badder for $49.

Delta-10 THC

Delta-10, like 9 and 8, is naturally present in small amounts of the hemp plant. It’s psychoactive but known to be milder than Delta-9 THC. It’s described as an “isomer of Delta-9 THC.”

An isomer is two or more compounds with the same formula but a different arrangement of atoms in the molecule and different properties.

Additionally, when Delta-10 THC is present in cannabis products, it’s often derived from Delta-9 THC.

Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as Delta-9 THC) is the cannabinoid that has the power to push a cannabis product beyond its federal legal status. However, its psychoactive effects are so solid that even legal doses can make for tasty and potent gummies and candies like you might find at the dispensary.

Grab a 10-count of these Delta-9 THC Butter Cream Caramels for just $49 today.

Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is another psychoactive cannabinoid that can be found in super small traces in the raw cannabis plant. Delivering a reputable clearer high than Delta-9 THC, it’s derived from cannabidiol (CBD) or Delta-9 THC through a process called isomerization to make edibles, concentrates, and more.

Get a 10-count of these Chillout 25mg Delta-8 THC Gummies for just $25. Subscribe and save 15%.

THCp

THCp is a cannabinoid that’s gained attention in recent years for its relatively strong psychoactive effects. Research suggests that it's actually stronger than Delta-9 THC for more intense and longer-lasting highs. It’s been said to be 33 times more active than Delta-9 due to its longer side chain and greater binding affinity to our CB receptors.

With THCp, Delta-9 THC, and Delta-8 THC, a 10-count of these Rapid Onset THC Gummies is available for $39.

THCv

Another psychoactive cannabinoid, THCv, has less intense and differing effects than Delta-9 THC. It’s known, among many things, to help boost energy. Combined with other forms of THC, it can be used to elevate and balance a wide variety of cannabis products.

These Morning Delta-9 THC Gummies feature 2mg of THCv. Get a 10-count for just $29.

Discover a Range of THC Delights With Mood

A Dynamic Hemp-Derived Vape

Mood’s signature 1g disposable vapes feature premium ceramic coils, sleek designs, and easy draw activation pulls. Also, each feature concentrates from American-grown hemp. This Kush Mintz pen comes with a dynamic and stimulating mix of THCa, THCp, full-spectrum CBD, terpenes, and HHC.

Get a 1g Hero Dose Kush Mintz Disposable Vape for $46 today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Rapid Onset Delta-9 Gummies

All of Mood’s edibles, smokeables, and CBD products are certified by third parties to ensure they meet federal health and legal guidelines. With a legal amount of Delta-9 THC, these fast-working gummies can still deliver a classic high. In addition to 7.5mg of Delta-9 THC, they also feature CBN, CBG, and CBC.

Pick up a 10-count of Rapid Onset Delta-9 THC Gummies for $29 today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Delta-8 THC Moonrocks

For those who are interested in alternatives to Delta-9 THC, this is one of the most potent examples of such you can find. Featuring a core of Delta-8 THC flower, these moonrocks come covered in THC distillate and CBD kief for a flavorful and varied cannabis concoction.

Grab an eighth of Delta-8 THC Moonrocks for just $40 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Navigating the World of THC Varieties

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, understanding the different types of THC can enhance your experience and guide you toward the products that best suit your needs.

From the well-known Delta-9 THC to the less familiar yet intriguing forms like THCp and THCa, each type offers unique effects and benefits.These varieties allow you to curate your session, whether it’s with a potent high, a mellow experience, or something in between.

At Mood, we offer a wide selection of 100% legal, high-quality, hemp-derived products to help you discover the perfect THC experience for you. Dive into the diverse world of THC and find your ideal balance today.

Prices subject to change.

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