Cannabis connoisseurs know that the world of weed is just as vast as fine wine. From trichomes to terpenes, a lot goes on inside your favourite flower. That’s why many stoners want to discover the strongest cannabinoids to amplify their smoke sessions.
Discovering the chemicals that make up your strains can unlock an entirely new way to approach cannabis. Knowledge is power—and power is understanding the most potent cannabinoids! We’re going to dive deep into this dank world to figure out the role they play in your buzz and how to pick the best for your needs.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the trichomes of marijuana. They start life as cannabinoid acids, becoming activated by heat in a process called decarboxylation. That means every time you light up your bong, you’re changing your weed’s molecules. Decarbing cannabis is how the strongest cannabinoids become psychoactive. That’s some stoner science!
There are over 100 cannabinoids that we currently know about, with THC and CBD being the most well-known. However, they only scratch the surface when it comes to the most potent cannabinoids.
Synthetic & Natural
The strongest cannabinoids can be either natural or synthetic. Natural cannabinoids come organically from the marijuana plant. These are the cannabinoids that we’re most familiar with, as we’ve observed their effects ever since humans took their first hit from a pipe thousands of years ago.
Synthetic cannabinoids are a newer addition to the 420 family. These compounds come from the lab, and they can mimic or bolster the effects of the most potent cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids are often used in vape cartridges or as infusions due to their lab-made lack of flower.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps manage and balance many bodily functions, like mood, sleep, and pain. Within the ECS, there are two receptors, CB1 and CB2. Cannabinoids produce their effects by binding to these receptors, creating the cerebral and physical effects associated with being high.
As we learn more about the ECS and the strongest cannabinoids, we see that the receptors they bind to determine the unique qualities of each different marijuana strain. CB1 receptors are responsible for memory, motor control, and the psychoactive “high” feeling. CB2 receptors avoid psychoactive feelings and instead manage pain and inflammation.
How to Measure the Most Potent Cannabinoids
Determining the strongest cannabinoids isn’t as simple as measuring an amount or percentage of chemicals. Different factors combine to dictate how each strain interacts with your ECS, giving your pre-roll its desirable effects.
The most potent cannabinoids are excellent at binding to your CB1 and CB2 receptors and strongly affect the receptors once they’re bound. They’ll also have a high bioavailability, meaning more cannabinoids enter your system. Even if certain cannabinoids are potent, that doesn’t mean they’ll be long-lasting, so duration time also plays a big role in finding the strongest cannabinoids.
The Strongest Cannabinoids
Now that we know a little more about what goes into the most potent cannabinoids, let's take a look at some of the strongest chemicals found inside the frosty trichomes. Knowing to look for these when you're at the dispensary will help you elevate your high and ensure it's tailor-made for the exact results you want from your smoke session.
THC-P
THC-P is one of the strongest cannabinoids. Its molecular structure makes it incredibly effective at binding with ECS receptors, which is why it’s approximately ten times more potent than average THC.
Because of its strength, THC-P is best as a complement to other cannabinoids. Seasoned stoners will love its intense euphoric feelings, making it an excellent cannabinoid for a deeply blissful night at home.
THC-O
THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid based on THC, but minor changes to its structure make big results. It's one of the most potent cannabinoids because of its incredible bioavailability—the amount of the chemical that enters the body.
With more THC-O available in our bloodstream, its potency increases. This ushers in a formidable high as the body metabolizes it into the psychoactive THC. Smoke sessions infused with this cannabinoid are sure to be legendary thanks to a potency three times higher than average THC.
THCJD
By binding to the ECS nineteen times more effectively than the average cannabinoid, THCJD is incredibly potent. However, the high isn't overwhelming thanks to its sedative effects. These effects are thanks to the cannabinoid being synthesized from CBD, a cannabinoid that primarily binds to the CB2 receptors.
THCJD is celebrated for its big body high. After this cannabinoid, you'll blissfully float away with a mellow buzz—while staying firmly locked into the couch!
THCh
Smokers who like their buzz on the trippier side will love THCh. It isn't considered one of the most potent cannabinoids due to its strength, but is instead celebrated thanks to its long lasting effects.
Users claim the high from THCh leans heavily on the psychedelic side. We recommend dabbling in this cannabinoid when you're enjoying a visually stunning film or seeing live music. Then sit back and enjoy the show!
THC-B
If you're looking for a heavy yet balanced buzz, reach for products with THC-B. Slightly less potent than other synthetic options, it's great for casual smokers who want to dabble in the most potent cannabinoids.
Puffs of THC-B produce a relaxing, creative high that avoids mental fogginess. and mental clarity. The psychoactive effects are mild and last just long enough to make the high suitable for more adventurous smokers.
Delta-9 THC
The Delta-9 name comes from THC derived from hemp. Origins aside, it’s the same THC as that from cannabis. Whichever way you slice it, this is the OG cannabinoid and serves as a baseline for our understanding of marijuana’s effects.
Delta-9 makes our list of the most potent cannabinoids due in part to new, less potent options like Delta-8 and Delta-10 becoming popular. Delta-9 THC is the psychoactive high stoners know and love. If you're relatively green to the world of cannabis, this is precisely where you should start.
The Final Word on the Strongest Cannabinoids
As you can see, there’s a lot more to the strongest cannabinoids than meets the eye. From binding abilities to bioavailability, the subtle differences in their molecular makeup can send every smoke session in delightful new directions. The more you know about the inner workings of your bud, the better you can tailor your strains to match your mood!
Every 420 in Canada starts at The Joint. We are your one-stop cannabis store for premium products at unbeatable prices. Visit any of our convenient locations to chat with a knowledgeable budtender. Feeling lazy? Shop our online menu for same-day shipping. Order now!
