Did you know?
There are different types of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that can be found in a cannabis plant. Two of the most commonly discussed are delta-9-THC and 11-hydroxy-THC. While both provide a psychoactive high, the effects and experiences can be quite different. This is important to understand, as many new cannabis users, or occasional cannabis users are hesitant to consume cannabis due to the fear of feeling out of control or too high.
Understanding how different forms of THC can make you feel allows consumers to find products that will work to create the type of experience they are looking for. At Evervibe, our best advice to new or occasional users is always to start low and slow. Like other industries, sometimes trial and error is needed. Think about it this way: you didn’t know that you liked a glass of Napa Valley Cab Sauv the best until you tried other types of wine, from other regions, allowing you the ability to compare.
The Buzzwords That Only Kind of Matter.
One of the biggest misconceptions in the cannabis industry is the philosophy that the most important aspect of cannabis is sativa, indica, or hybrid, and THC percentages.
A higher percentage of THC may give you a stronger high, but what does a stronger high actually mean? Are you going to be stuck on the couch for the next few hours, and is that the experience you want to have?
A sativa strain grown in Colorado could be very different from a Sativa strain grown in Massachusetts, by the same company. Why? Often growing mediums vary as every state has its own regulations. Oh, and there is no standard regulated checklist to prove that a strain is hybrid, indica or sativa.
Keeping this all in mind, one must wonder how do I find a product that will work for me? As we describe in the article below, we think one of the most important aspects is the type of THC.
What is Delta-9-THC?
Delta-9-THC is the most well-known and researched form of THC. It’s the compound responsible for the classic “cannabis high”, characterized by feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and increased sociability. This type of high is often described as more “cerebral” or “heady”, and is less likely to leave the user feeling sedated or groggy. If you are a new cannabis user ask your budtender about how different products and strains will make you feel. Budtenders are a great source of knowledge and are more than happy to help you select something that will work for you.
In addition, Delta-9-THC provides for a more immediate experience that would resemble the onset time of consuming an alcoholic beverage. For new cannabis users, this familiar experience may be a good place to start. You don’t have to wait two hours to feel the impact of alcohol, so people who are new to cannabis often consume too much cannabis while waiting to feel the full effects from an edible type product.
What is 11-Hydroxy-THC?
On the other hand, 11-hydroxy-THC is a metabolite of delta-9-THC that’s created when delta-9-THC is metabolized by the body. You can find an easy to read chart comparing the differences here. It’s known for its stronger, more sedating effects and can leave the user feeling more “body-heavy” or “groggy.” It’s also considered to be more psychoactive than delta-9-THC, which means that it can cause more intense hallucinations and distortions in perception.
Smoking vs. Edible Products
Experienced cannabis users often lean towards smoking flower. Flower is the mature part of the cannabis plant, which you can smoke. This is often smoked through rolling a joint, packing a bowl or a bong, along with a variety of other methods. This is one of the purest method of consuming cannabis and a method that will allow a cannabis user to feel the impacts immediately.
However, there are many people who simply do not want to smoke. Enter the edible market. The problem with the edible market is that it has yet to provide the same pure and immediate experience that smoking does. Many cannabis products claim that you will feel the effects in 20 minutes. From our experience, you may start to feel subtle effects, but full effects still take 45-60 minutes for these fast acting products.
A New Technology.
How about an edible that allows you to experience a high, similar to that of smoking, without smoking? Azuca TiME Infusion technology is an innovative just in time technology, which can be infused into edible products, allowing for a more consistent and controlled experience. At Evervibe, we use Azuca TiMe Infusion in our THC-infused drink mix, which provides a delta-9 high, amplifying the cannabis experience through an immediate and euphoric high, instead of bogging experiences down with a heavy, groggy high. This allows the user to continue with their daily activities without feeling sedated or drowsy.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between different types of THC such as delta-9-THC and 11-hydroxy-THC can help you make more informed decisions about the type of high you want to experience. With Evervibe’s use of Azuca TiME Infusion, you can be sure that you’re getting the best of both worlds: a consistent and controlled delta-9 high that elevates experiences, rather than disrupting them. Remember, cannabis is still a new industry to many people, you are not alone.
Our best tips for starting on your cannabis journey:
- Take the first step and walk into a dispensary – the budtenders will be more than happy to talk with you.
- Do research online. What brands resonate with you and why. Then ask the budtenders about the brands.
- We believe microdosing is a great way to start. If you are using Evervibe start with half a packet and then add more as you start to understand the impact it will have on the experiences you are trying to create.
Most important, have fun and don’t overthink it. Cannabis can be a great tool to elevate the everyday! Consume cannabis in your own way, on your own time, while partaking in experiences you enjoy. Cheers!