THC is potentially the most popularcannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Known for its intoxicating and psychoactive effects, THC is the primary substance that gets you high. Nevertheless, THC isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. 

This guide explores five alternatives to THC. Use the following information to learn about the other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that are often sold in concentrated amounts: some that produce mild intoxication and some that have no psychoactive effects. These alternatives give you free rein to design a comfortable cannabis experience that works best for you when THC isn’t compatible with your lifestyle. 

Why would someone want a THC alternative?

While THC is the most well-known and frequently praised cannabinoid in the marijuana plant, it’s not for everybody. THC is known for its intoxicating effects, and depending on what strain you’re consuming, its psychoactive elements can range in intensity. 

However, not everyone is seeking those intense highs. Instead, many consumers want to reap the calming benefits of other cannabinoids without the sometimes anxiety-inducing intoxication associated with consuming marijuana. In those cases, it might be wise to seek a THC alternative, most of which produce a milder high without compromising the relaxing effects.

Many retailers make products with concentrated levels of these different cannabinoids. These products include synthesized flower,vape cartridges, gummies, and otherforms of concentrate like wax. 

5 alternatives to THC

If you’re looking for an alternative to THC that mimics the experience of smoking weed, it is worth looking into the other cannabinoids in the plant. These cannabinoids produce a wide range of effects: from mild intoxicating highs to calming pain relief. Smoke shops sell products with concentrated levels of these cannabinoids. When using these products, you can reap the benefits of the cannabis plant without significant psychoactive effects. 

Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THCis a cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant. This cannabinoid produces psychoactive and intoxicating effects similar to Delta 9 THC, the most well-known psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana. Because Delta 8 is found in such trace amounts in the plant, CBD is often chemically altered to synthetically enhance the Delta 8 cannabinoid. These synthetically- made cannabinoids can then be made into flower, gummies, cartridges, or wax. Because the high produced by Delta 8 is milder, consuming this cannabinoid is perfect for those who aren’t seeking an intense high. However, the science around Delta 8 THC is fairly new, and consuming high levels of this cannabinoid may produce adverse effects like nausea and vomiting. Because of these adverse effects, Delta 8 is being removed from many smoke shop shelves across the nation. If you choose to purchase Delta 8 products from your local head shop, use caution when consuming. 

CBD 

BesidesTHC, CBD is the most well-known and widely used cannabinoid. This cannabinoid is produced naturally in the cannabis plant and has numerous medical uses. Known for its potential to reduce anxiety and muscle pain, CBD produces no psychoactive effects. These features make CBD popular for potentially helping to relieve symptoms related to multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and arthritis. CBD exists in just about every form of consumption: users can purchase CBD flower, cartridges, gummies, and other forms of concentrate, like wax, from smoke shops and dispensaries. CBD is the only cannabinoid that is federally legal. 

CBN

Cannabinoil, or CBN, is a natural cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Though it can be produced synthetically, CBN forms when THC is exposed to heat, air, or light. When cannabis ages, THC degrades into CBN, which is less potent in producing psychoactive effects. Though research surrounding CBN is in itsearly phases, it can potentially be used to relieve chronic muscle pain and may be used as a sleep aid for those suffering from insomnia. CBN is manufactured in a number of forms, from gummies to concentrate cartridges. Though CBN is illegal federally as a stand-alone substance, it can be found in smoke shops in states where marijuana is recreationally legal, like Colorado. 

HHC 

When THC goes through hydrogenation, it becomes hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC. Essentially, this process adds a hydrogen molecule to THC, diluting its psychoactive effects. As a result, this synthetically-produced cannabinoid is ideal for those who are seeking a less potent high. Though HHC flower is very rare, many retailers make HHC gummies and cartridges. Like CBN, HHC is not legal at the federal level. However, products with this cannabinoid can be purchased at smoke shops in states where marijuana is recreationally legal. 

CBG

Cannabigerol, or CBG, is the mother of all cannabinoids: CBG is the first cannabinoid that grows in the plant, and it’s the substance from which other cannabinoids are produced. When isolated, like CBD, CBG had no psychoactive effects. Instead, it is most often utilized to promote relaxation and pain relief. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Because CBG can be derived naturally from the hemp plant, this substance is federally legal, and CBG products like gummies and cartridges can be purchased in most smoke shops across the nation. 

To sum it up

If you’re looking for an alternative to THC that mimics the experience of smoking weed, there are multiple options on the market. Whether you’re looking for mild psychoactive effects and intoxication or calming pain relief, you can find products with concentrated amounts of other cannabinoids that work best for your cannabis needs. 

FAQ

What are alternative cannabinoids? 

If THC isn’t your jam, cannabinoids like CBN, HHC, CBG, and Delta 8-THC can be consumed for a less psychoactive high without compromising relaxing effects. 

Is Delta 8 safer than THC?

The research surrounding Delta 8 THC is in its early stages. As such, it’s important to use caution when consuming this cannabinoid. Though its psychoactive effects may be milder, that doesn’t necessarily mean Delta 8 consumption is safer. 

What’s the difference between HHC and THC?

Hexahydrocannabinoil, or HHC, is a synthetically produced cannabinoid made by adding a hydrogen molecule to THC. Its psychoactive effects are less potent than THC, meaning HHC can be used for a milder, more manageable high.