THE CURIOUS CASE OF CANNABINOID CONFUSION

It’s a wild world of acronyms out there. Here’s our cannabinoid cheat sheet so you can quickly grab the right drink for the right moment.

WORDS Danielle Guercio

Scientifically speaking, we know more than ever about weed. So why are we all still largely living in confusion when it comes to cannabinoids?

First up, let’s clarify what we are even talking about here. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants, including marijuana and hemp, that have various different properties. They stimulate and modulate the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for partial regulation of various cognitive and emotional processes in the human central nervous system. Basically, the ECS can potentially signal hunger, body temperature, mood and other core functions. It’s kind of a big deal.

But even considering that enormity, and the possibility for better understanding and supporting it all through research, progress has been somewhat slow. Sure, there has been some movement in the almost 40 years since the first medical cannabis laws passed, but because the plant is still on unsure ground with the federal government, significant headway wasn’t made until 2018, when the Farm Bill to legalize hemp passed. With that legislation, which allowed the cultivation, use and distribution of hemp-derived products in the U.S., a huge cannabinoid loophole was born.

While there’s a legal distinction between medical and recreational cannabis (colloquially considered cannabis) and hemp plants, the scientific one is always being relitigated. Some say they’re cousins, others dish that they’re just two cultivars of the same plant. Both produce cannabinoids, although psychoactive and intoxicating THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) tends to be prevalent in cannabis plants, whereas non-intoxicating CBD (cannabidiol) is more dominant in hemp.

That being said, for all the attention we pay to the most popular two cannabinoids, THC and CBD, there’s actually hundreds in existence, and still new ones being discovered. Additionally, THC and CBD alone have many different forms.

Some cannabinoids are rare or otherwise show up as minor components in the chemical makeup of either plant. These are getting new studies and scrutiny every day, and some could have promising medical or recreational applications.

Now, producers are also using hemp cannabinoids to make cannabis ones, and all manner of deeply complex in-betweens. Confused yet? Us too.

So, what does this all mean for the consumer and a future full of cannabis beverages?

Ashley Manning, cofounder and COO of the Cannabis Research Coalition, has the cannabinoid landscape well mapped after many years supporting the plant and its culture.

When asked about what takes a cannabinoid from discovery to drink, Manning questions, “Was its popularity driven by a proven scientific finding? Additionally, is this cannabinoid repeatable, sustainable and safe? Sometimes a particular harvest yielding high concentrations of a specific cannabinoid can lead to increased availability and interest.

“For instance, the THCA trend wasn’t an accidental discovery. THCA is the raw form of cannabis before it is combusted (smoked). Legal language typically addresses THC regulation, not THCA, which led to its rise in popularity as a trendy cannabinoid. On the other hand, cannabinoids trending due to medical research, like those helping to prevent seizures, are driven by proven scientific findings.”

While some cannabinoids are prevalent and others more rare, many are now popping up in new and exciting infused beverage options—let’s drink them in.

D9 THC – Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC is the most talked about, the most consumed and potentially the most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis plants. It is a naturally occurring, psychoactive and intoxicating compound. THC is a minor cannabinoid in hemp, but abundant in medical and recreational cannabis plants. Starting as THCA, or tetrahdrocannabiniolic acid, the curing or concentrate-making process converts it over to delta-9 THC, as does smoking, vaping or cooking. Delta-9 THC can also be synthesized from other cannabinoids or derived from plants.
Try: Ayrloom, Brez or Trail Magic

D8 THC – Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol

While small amounts of delta-8 THC occur naturally in hemp plants, the bulk of what we see made with this cannabinoid on the market today is a synthesized product made from CBD or other starting compounds. Knowing your source is key to a safe product no matter what cannabinoid you’re consuming—look for what’s called a COA or certificate of analysis on a producer’s website for more information.
Try: Flora Hemp Spirit

THCV – Tetrahydrocannabivarin

Like CBDV, THCV is one of those -varin cannabinoids again. Currently being studied for its attention-assisting potential and a penchant to modulate appetite, THCV is a promising minor cannabinoid that is also being grow-tested to increase yields—and access.
Try: PBR High Seltzer Daytime Guava, Keef Cola Cranberry Lime or Magic Cactus

CBN – Cannabinol

Cannabinol, a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid, occurs naturally in hemp and cannabis, but can also be created by degrading THC with heat or time. CBN is known as “the sleepy cannabinoid,” and is often included in nighttime beverages for its potential to help you knock out, in the chillest of ways, at night.
Try: Happi Nightcap or Surplus Knockout

CBG – Cannabigerol

Cannabigerol is another rare but soon-to-be-spotlit cannabinoid on the scene. CBG is often coined the “mother of all cannabinoids,” due to the fact that other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Like THCV, CBG is getting the research treatment for neurological conditions and immune-modulating potential.
Try: Tune Up Peach Mango or Upstate Elevator Supply Co Strawberry Tangerine Seltzer