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A Guide to Understanding Trichomes

December 1, 2021

If you’re a cannabis user, you’re probably familiar with the sugary, crystal-like appearance that appears on the flower, leaves, or bract - known as trichomes. Trichomes are produced across the cannabis plant, which holds the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes. Most people recognize trichomes as the ‘tiny hairs’ on the plant, so it’s likely that you’ve already seen them.

So, what are trichomes?

The word trichome originates from the Greek word “Tríchōma,” which means growth of hair. The actual definition is “appendages on plants, algae, lichens, and certain protists.” - These tiny outgrowths, or sources of resin, allow the production of cannabis concentrates like; shatter, cannabis oil, hash, and wax. Each trichome has a unique size, shape, and biochemical function.

Trichomes are minuscule biological cannabinoid factories found predominantly on the flowers and sugar leaves of weed, providing a variety of functions and benefits to the plant. Scientists have said that trichomes could affect leaf temperature and photosynthesis, or more complicated functions, such as pest-deterrence via their physical structures or production of compounds, as studied by George J Wagner, stating that trichomes;

“Guide the path of pollinators or affect photosynthesis, leaf temperature, or water loss through increased light reflectance as in desert species.”

What are the different trichomes?

Scientists have identified three categories of trichomes found on cannabis plants:

  1. Bulbous trichomes
  2. Capitate-stalked trichomes
  3. Capitate sessile trichomes

It is believed that trichomes function as a form of survival for the cannabis plant. The sticky resin that coats the plant provides a frontline defense against fungus, insects, and herbivores. Trichomes also play an essential role in helping cannabis grow in difficult climatic conditions.

  1. Bulbous trichomes
  2. These are the smallest type of trichomes, sometimes being as little as 10 microns wide - which is actually a fraction of the largest size. These can be found across the surface of the plant - but are too difficult to see.

2. Capitate sessile trichomes

 

These trichomes are larger than bulbous trichomes, with enough cell    numbers to form a trichome head and a very short base. These trichomes have a width of around 20-30 microns, which are not as large as the final category of trichomes, nor as easy to see.

3. Capitate-stalked trichomes

These are much larger and can be seen by the naked eye. These range from 50-100 micrometers wide typically. Capitate stalked trichomes have a stalk that is made from cells known as epidermal and hypodermic cells. On top of the stalk is the head of the resin gland, the ‘capitate.’ The ball-shaped head of the resin gland has a waxy outer cuticle layer which acts as a ‘skin.’ Inside the resin head are the cannabinoids and terpenes. These are produced by specialized cells in-between the top of the trichome stalk and the spherical resin head.

Cannabis trichomes typically appear early in the flowering stage on healthy plants. As trichome heads age, they go from being completely clear to opaque, milky white, and, eventually, amber. See below for reference;

What do the different trichome colors mean?

Clear Trichomes:

As a plant transitions into the flowering phase, noticeably the first trichomes appear. Young and immature trichomes feature a clear, translucent appearance. They maintain this appearance for the first part of this phase before their chemical composition changes significantly for the first time. This color indicates that THC and terpene production is at their peak, while CBD levels are still low. This means harvesting at this color will have a more cerebral psychoactive effect. However, it is still not ideal to harvest at this stage and should be harvested at the next.

Cloudy Trichomes:

Cloudy trichomes occur prior to harvest and indicate that cannabinoid levels have reached their maximum. This does not necessarily mean that it is an extremely potent THC strain, however, as that depends on other factors. While it doesn’t guarantee potency, it is a good indicator of when the strain has reached its production peak.

This is when most growers harvest their flowers, and it is generally considered the right time to harvest. You can also use the pistils as an indicator when more than 50% of the hairs have turned orange it means you’re at this stage.

Trichomes remain cloudy for approximately two weeks. Towards the end of this stage, they start to change appearance once again, indicating more developments in their phytochemical composition - which is why they start turning amber in color.

Amber Trichomes:

If trichomes have turned a visible amber hue, the cannabis plant has probably aged past peak potency. This trait makes trichomes a good indicator of when a plant is ready for harvest. Most growers pay close attention to the state of the plant's trichomes and try to harvest buds right when the trichomes are milky white before they have degraded to amber.

Trichomes turning amber indicate deteriorating THC levels, so it is a fine balance of checking on them several times a day to ensure that harvest happens at the peak moment for both high THC levels and the desired couchlock effects.

What impacts trichome production?

  1. Stress training
  2. Stress training can significantly increase yields when performed correctly. Higher yields tend to mean more trichomes. The process typically involves manipulating the plant's shape to distribute hormones more evenly across the top buds, allowing the plant to make better use of the light.

    However, the process of stress training can have negative consequences, like bud discoloration, re-vegging, or hermies, so it’s an ambiguous process to say the least. However, it is usually safe as long as you save any major stress for the last week or two before harvest.
  1. Lighting
  2. The light spectrum is one of the most fundamental parts of a cannabis plant’s ability to increase trichome production. The trichomes protect the plant from UV rays, which means that the more light the plant gets - the more resin it will produce.

    Some believe that exposing cannabis buds to UV-B light for the last 2-3 weeks before harvest can increase trichome production and overall potency. The most common source of UV-B light is Metal Halide grow lights.  
  1. Temperature and humidity
  2. Temperature and humidity have a massive effect on the growth of cannabis flowers. When temperature and humidity are adjusted to induce stress, the plant may increase trichome production as a defense mechanism.
  1. Adjusting the environment
  2. Each stage of cannabis plant growth influences the production of trichomes. The glands are highly fragile and volatile, which is why ensuring that the plant is growing in the right environment should be a priority - especially in the flowering stage. The purpose of adjusting heat periodically is to avoid the trichomes and terpenes from getting damaged by heat.

    This is the general rule of thumb when altering the environment:
    Humidity below 30% – Drop the humidity of the growth space below 30% RH for the last 2-3 weeks before harvest to increase trichome production.

Temperature between 70-80°F – Make sure your temperature stays under 80°F (26°C) to ensure the potency is not being baked right off your buds.

  1. Supplements
  2. It is essential to give your plants plenty of phosphorus and potassium during their flowering stage. Boosting trichome production requires that a cannabis plant is fed the correct amount of nutrients. If a plant is deficient in nutrients, it slows down all its functions.

Genetics plays the most significant role when it comes to getting the most trichomes out of your cannabis. Genetics are crucial If you want to achieve the best and most trichomes you can, so choosing genetics that produce an abundance of trichomes is essential.

 

Related Articles
Weed Moon Rocks vs Hemp Moon Rocks: What you need to know about our Hemp Asteroids aka Moon Rocks

In the cannabis world, moon rocks are like top-notch caviar: pricey, high-quality, and an exceptionally special experience. Our Asteroids are similar to moon rocks, except that they’re made with hemp, not cannabis. This means that, while smoking moon rocks get you super-duper high, Asteroids are extremely relaxing and potentially sedating. So, what are moon rocks weed, and Asteroids?

Great as an occasional treat, Asteroids are a unique hemp product that contains a high percentage of CBD and an interesting terpene profile. They’re perfect for hemp connoisseurs who’d like a more potent experience.

Here’s what you need to know about Asteroids, and how they differ from moon rocks.

What are moon rocks?

Moon rocks are powerful little nuggets of cannabis, brimming with cannabinoids and terpenes. Essentially, they are cannabis buds that are covered in the distillate, which is a sticky substance made of concentrated cannabis oil that is incredibly potent.

Smoking moon rocks weed

After the sticky stuff is on the cannabis bud, the bud is then dusted with kief - those tiny, sticky bits of resin that are found all over a cannabis flower. Because the resin is where most of the cannabinoids and terpenes are found, kief is effective, aromatic, and flavorful.

What you have then is a cannabis bud covered with a layer of distillate and then a layer of kief, giving you an extremely potent, highly concentrated dose of cannabinoids and terpenes. Leaflyestimates that most moon rocks are around 50 percent THC, while a normal, strong bud is between 17 and 28 percent THC.

As you can imagine, moon rocks are quite pricey - but a small amount goes a long way, so it works out to be cost-effective for many buyers to buy moon rocks as they’ll only use a tiny amount at a time.

What sets Black Tie CBD’s Asteroids apart from moon rocks?

We’ve taken the much-loved moon rock and improved on it to create our one-of-a-kind Asteroids. While Asteroids are structurally the same as moon rocks, they produce a very different effect.

Instead of cannabis flower and cannabis-based distillate and kief, we make Asteroids from hemp-based ingredients, creating a non-intoxicating, low THC version of moon rocks. This means that Asteroids are low in THC and high in CBD. You will like smoking moon rocks Asteroid because the light smoke moon rocks will have new sensations.

When creating Asteroids strain, we took care to avoid certain problems that usually pop up with moon rocks. There are two major problems with combining distillate and rolled in kief on a bud. Firstly, the concentrate unlike kief (distillate) sometimes seeps into the bud and loses its ability to properly bind the kief to the bud, and the kief falls off before it even reaches the customer. Secondly, after a week or two, the kief and oil mix and create black-looking spots on the exterior, which are less than appealing. Since few people smoke moon rocks weed as an everyday event, chances are the rocks moon will start spotting before you use it up.

Our cannabis flower Asteroids do not include typical cannabis distillate or hash oil. Instead, we use a binding hash oil agent that we call Iso-Glue. Iso-Glue is CBD Isolate that has been slowly heated so that it becomes sticky. We liberally coat the hemp buds in Iso-Glue. Once the buds are sufficiently coated, we hand-pack the buds with CBD kief. Once the Iso-Glue cools off, it hardens to create a layer of crystalized isolate, binding the kief to the weed flower.

Our most recent batch of cannabis products Asteroids are made with quality Chem Dawg hemp flowers that are coated in Iso-Glue and and then hand packed with Blueberry Pie kief. Cannabis bud Chem Dawg is a great weed strain for relaxing and socializing, and weed bud has notes of hops, cinnamon, pine, wood, and chamomile. Blueberry Pie is also used for relaxation and reportedly for pain management.

Overall, our cannabis smoke flower Asteroids have dominant aromas and substantial effects. Thecertificate of analysis, compiled by an independent, third-party lab, notes that the makeup of Asteroids cannabis products is not high THC Δ9 0.29% and 32.92% Total CBD.

In short, Asteroids are different from moon rocks weed because:

  • Asteroids are high in CBD and low in THC. This means that the asteroids cannabis will not be intoxicating, although it will likely make you feel relaxed and perhaps sleepy.
  • Asteroids flower are a little less sticky than normal moon rocks, as the Iso-Glue dries and hardens while distillate does not.
  • As CBD is often used for medicinal purposes, Asteroids might be a better choice than moon rocks for people looking for those benefits.
  • While black spots appear on moon rocks after a while, they will not appear on our Asteroids.
  • Medical Kief often falls off moon rocks, but it binds far better on the Asteroids because of the Iso-Glue.

Whether you choose Asteroids or smoke moon rocks is up to you. It depends entirely on how you want to feel and what you want out of the experience. If you live in a legal state, you can always opt for both!

How will Asteroids affect my body?

As with all hemp products, the effects of Asteroids differ from person to person. Generally, people use smock Asteroids to relax after smoking join. It has a very sedating effect and can be used to help you fall asleep.

People who regularly use cannabis for medical reasons and want a high dosage of CBD might enjoy the potency of the Asteroids. Some people might use to soothe anxiety, while others might use it for pain relief.

Because Asteroids contain some THC, you might feel that it produces a minute high feeling. However, unless you smoke a large amount of it, you shouldn’t feel very high.

How do I use Asteroids?

As with moon rocks, Asteroids are smoked. You can break it up, just like any other flower, and smoke it in the form of a joint, pipe, bong, or vape.

Usually, it takes 2-15 minutes for the effects to fully kick in. Many people often experience the effects for several hours, which makes it a popular aid for sleep. It is possible that you’ll feel groggy the next day. For that reason, you should clear some time out of your schedule if you want to try it for the first time.

Tips for smoking Asteroids for the first time

New to smoking Asteroids? Here are a few ways to make the most of your experience.

  • Choose a safe, comfortable place to smoke in. There is always a risk of being uncomfortable or sleepy, so it’s best to do it in a place like your home. If possible, there will be no loud distractions (like a roommate having a party) or annoying intrusions (like someone bugging you to run an errand). You want to be able to chill and enjoy the effects.
  • Block out enough time. Because you might be very sleepy, even the next morning, it’s a good idea to have the evening and morning to yourself. This way, you can sleep in and allow yourself plenty of time to relax.
  • Keep comforts on hand. You can’t be sure exactly how Asteroids will affect you until you try them, but you could try to anticipate what you will need. That way, you’re not running around and looking for things when you’re meant to be relaxing. If you’re chilling, you might want your favorite snacks, a relaxing playlist, a bottle of water, some cozy blankets, and a laptop ready for Netflix or video games. If you’re smoking to get creative, keep your art supplies or journal nearby.
  • Start with a small amount. It bears repeating: Asteroids are extremely strong and all you need is a tiny bit to get high. Once you’ve had a small amount, wait at least half an hour for the effects to kick in. If you want a more potent effect, you can have a little bit more.

If you’re looking for a great treat, a potent dose of CBD, or a unique gift for a hemp enthusiast, Asteroids are a great choice. With a high percentage of cannabinoids and a pleasant terpene profile, they’re fantastic for occasional use, whether recreational or health-related.

FAQ

What are moon rocks weed?

The moon rocks weed is a THC megazord. It's basically cannabis buds dipped or sprayed with hash oil, then rolled in kief. The primary benefit of moon rocks is their high concentration of THC, which averages over 50%. Despite moon rocks' relatively newness, the market already has a variety of them, including hemp varieties high in CBD and those without THC.

How to smoke moon rocks weed?

The moon rocks weed aren't complex, but smoking them requires a little more work than smoking flowers. It is not possible to roll a joint with smoke moon rocks because they're too sticky. Grinding the moon rocks will significantly clog up your grinder and all of the kief coating will likely be removed. In addition, the dense texture of this flower requires holding a flame to the bowl for longer than you would with a dry flower. It is better to use hemp wick rather than inhale the butane from a lighter.

What type of weed are those moon rocks weed?

Girl Scout Cookies was the first strain which moon rocks used. There are many strains of moon rocks available today. It is even possible to make your own. You can choose quality buds of either Sativa, Indica, or a blend of the two. The buds are then sprayed/dipped in pure hash oil and then infused with kief. There are no additives or fillers in moon rocks weed.

How potent are moon rocks weed?

There is no doubt that moon rocks weed contains a large percentage of THC. The majority of moon rocks contain more than 50% THC since they combine flower and two concentrates. Since each type of product has its own potency, there is wide variation between products when it comes to potency. Moon rocks are also usually coated with several layers of concentrated concentrate, making them powerful. First-time smokers should avoid a bowl of moon rocks because of their potency.

 

September 5, 2024
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What is HHC and why should you be careful?

The cannabis plant is home to over 200 cannabinoids and terpenes that have potential health benefits. Following the wild success of delta 8 THC as a legal alternative to the more controlled availability of delta 9 THC, the cannabis industry has sought other less-known cannabinoids to compete in the diverse cannabis marketplace. One of the newest, semi-synthetic cannabinoids called hexahydrocannabinol, usually shortened to HHC.

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a cannabinoid that was first discovered in the mid-1940s. In 1944, the American chemist Roger Adams created HHC when he added hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC. This process is known as "hydrogenation." HHC is found in limited quantities in the hemp plant. Although HHC is a naturally occurring compound, it is hard to obtain sufficient amounts to make products. But by certain production processes, companies can convert CBD into HHC to make a wide variety of products.

While HHC has been around for years, it has not been often discussed by cannabis users until recently.. HHC is a minor cannabinoid; it occurs naturally in cannabis, but in amounts too small to make extraction cost-effective - this means that for companies to sell this cannabinoid, they’re going to need to make it in a lab. HHC does, however, have one major legal advantage over delta 8 and delta 10: it isn’t THC.

So how is HHC made?

As mentioned above, Roger Adams is the first person to discover HHC using the process known as ‘hydrogenation’. There are a couple of different methodologies to hydrogenate delta-8 into HHC, but Hydrogenation is simply treating a compound with hydrogen, which causes a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another compound or element, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel, palladium, or platinum. This is done in order to reduce or saturate organic compounds.

Adams originally applied this technique to THC derived from marijuana plants, but since the 2018 Farm Bill came into effect, legalizing cannabis crops with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, more manufacturers are applying the hydrogenation of cannabinoids to CBD to produce HHC.

When it comes to HHC specifically, Hydrogenation modifies the structure of delta 9 THC by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms, which changes its molecular weight and makes it more stable. According to chemist Mark Scialdone;

“A major benefit to hydrogenation is that it offers stability at the molecular level, assisting with both shelf life, and resistance to heat.”

It should be said, though, that the acronym “HHC'' is also used in scientific literature to refer to dangerous synthetic substances like 9-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol and 11-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol. All those Greek letters and super-long hyphenated chemical names are surefire signs that these forms of HHC are synthetic.

What Are The Effects Of HHC?

First, it’s important to note the different types of HHC that are available on the market. There are at least 10 types of HHC:

  1. HHC — Hexahydrocannabinol (CAS# 6692-85-9)
  2. 7-OH-HHC — 7-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS 64663-39-4)
  3. 8-OH-iso-HHC — 8-hydroxy-iso-hexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
  4. 9α-OH-HHC — 9α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS# 52171-85-4)
  5. 7-9α-OH-HHC — 7-oxo-9α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
  6. 10α-OH-HHC — 10α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
  7. 10α-ROH-HHC — 10aR-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
  8. HU211 — 1,1-Dimethylheptyl-11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol (CAS 112924-45-5)
  9. HU243 — 11-Hydroxy-3-(1′,1′-dimethylheptyl)hexahydrocannabinol (CAS 140835-14-9)
  10. HDHHC — 3-Dimethylheptyl-11-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS 140835-18-3)

HHC has very similar effects to delta-9 THC—it's a psychotropic compound that produces feelings of euphoria, changes in perception, altered cognition, as well as other potential properties. When it takes on other forms, it becomes slightly more complicated. Many users report the effects of HHC are similar to that of delta 8 THC in terms of being more heavily weighted towards relaxation than stimulation. HHC is more potent than delta 8 but slightly less potent than delta 9 THC.

We've seen a sudden ride of THC isomers—variants of the notorious delta-9 THC molecule, as people look for a legal means to experience the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Popular THC cannabinoid analog isomers include delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC derived from hemp crops. Although HHC isn’t technically a THC, it does produce similar effects—if you use enough of it. When it’s produced in the lab, an HHC batch is a mix of active and inactive HHC molecules. The active HHC binds well with your body’s cannabinoid receptors; the others don’t.

A study published in 2010 found that HHC’s effects lasted a long time in rats. Overall, apart from the limited research outlined in this section, there is nothing else to link HHC with the benefits claimed by manufacturers. Certainly, there are no studies on humans that provide any insight.

Is HHC Legal?

Although HHC is not the same as THC, it is potentially illegal if deemed synthetic. The FDA’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) states that synthetic cannabinoids in hemp are illegal, while naturally-occurring ones are permitted. It is true that HHC occurs naturally in hemp and cannabis but only in tiny amounts. HHC manufacturers make it in a lab via a chemical process designed to create more of it.

With the rise of delta 8, hexahydrocannabinol was recognized as yet another form of “legal THC” capable of being sold to the masses. No matter how much marketing material you read, however, delta 8 and HHC will never be equitable. One is a synthetically derived cannabinoid while the other is a natural substance.

We wouldn’t be surprised if HHC starts getting attention from the DEA, as we suspect that considering the need to synthetically create it - HHC falls under the Federal Analogue Act, which automatically classifies analogs of Schedule 1 drugs as Schedule 1 drugs themselves. If the DEA agrees, HHC could have a very short market span.

Is HHC Safe?

As it stands, HHC is rarer and more difficult to derive than delta 8, the HHC market is smaller and less competitive, resulting in comparatively inferior products. Because hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is still very new, there aren't very many studies available that investigate its potential effects and safety - which is enough to tell us that as it stands, it is not particularly safe.

With the limited research on HHC, we highly suggest that you stick to the better known cannabinoids with ample research surrounding it like CBDV which we have done extensive research into and offer safe, legal products containing this cannabinoid.

HHC seems to be following a very similar and dangerous route to THCO, another synthetic cannabinoid taking the industry by storm. We can only hope that the search for something stronger and different does not take priority over the search for something more beneficial and well-researched.

September 4, 2024
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What Is Hemp Derived Delta 9, and is it legal?

The hemp-derived cannabinoid market continues to grow and evolve despite lingering questions over federal legality and numerous state laws that try to keep pace.

You may have seen or even tried products with a few milligrams of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that were marketed as 2018 Farm Bill-compliant, and if you know anything about the restrictions of the industry; then you’ll know that there are a plethora of laws making THC illegal in multiple states. While delta-9 is the cannabinoid that distinguishes hemp from its federally illegal counterpart, marijuana - companies are still selling Delta-9 products.

So what makes some products ‘compliant’ and some illegal? To begin, we need to go over what exactly Delta-9 is, as well as the difference between cannabis-derived, and hemp-derived THC.

Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC). It is a cannabinoid molecule in marijuana (cannabis) that's long been recognized as the main psychoactive ingredient—that is, the substance that causes people who use marijuana to feel high.

Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC are the only compounds in the marijuana plant that produce psychoactive effects. Because Delta-9-THC is much more abundant than Delta-8-THC, the psychoactivity of marijuana has been attributed largely to the effects of Delta-9-THC.

The Effects Of Delta-9 THC

The main differentiation between Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC is the effects they both provide, which is also the deciding factor for customers. This cannabinoid interacts with the CB1 receptors that are located in the brain, responsible for many processes in the mind such as decision-making, memory, and others.

This powerful compound is said to provide effects such as excitement, euphoria, anxiety, perceptual and visual alterations, restlessness, and others. The effects can be very intense for some users, while others enjoy the outer-worldly experience.

Hemp Vs Cannabis

Although hemp and cannabis look similar, from a functional and chemical perspective, they are distinctive. The term “hemp” is used to describe cannabis that contains 0.3 percent or less THC content per gram on a dry weight basis. Legally, “marijuana” refers to cannabis that has more than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight. THC content can vary among cannabis plants. Some strains are bred to be higher in THC than others.

According to federal law, cannabis—with 0.3% THC content or higher—is classified by the DEA as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical use. CBD products sourced from cannabis, even those with 0% THC, are illegal at a federal level by virtue of their plant origin. Industrial hemp, on the other hand, is no longer considered a Schedule I controlled drug. Following the 2018 farm bill, hemp was reclassified as an agricultural commodity.

There is no significant difference between hemp delta-9 and regular delta-9, aside from the source. The chemical itself is absolutely identical. The distinction between the delta-9s comes purely from the source, with hemp delta-9 coming from hemp and “regular” delta-9 coming from a standard cannabis plant.

Hemp-Derived THC and the FDA

The 2018 Farm Bill explicitly preserved the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The FDA currently prohibits THC or CBD products from being sold as dietary supplements or as food additives, though the agency is actively investigating whether a pathway should exist for certain CBD ingestible products through the agency’s rulemaking process.

Hemp-Derived THC and State Law

At the state level, the 2018 Farm Bill permits states to implement their own regulatory scheme for the production of hemp so long as the plan is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Is Hemp-Derived Delta-9 Legal?

The confusion surrounding its legality comes from the 2018 Farm Bill, but in a sense there is no cause for confusion at all. The Farm Bill legalizes “hemp” at the federal level, and provides the following definition for hemp:

“The plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.”

Again, state law requires a state-by-state analysis to determine whether a product is legal. There is no “one size fits all” solution and, depending on where a product is sold, there may be labeling, testing and other restrictions to satisfy before a hemp-derived product may be sold legally. To date, states that have enacted state regulations have focused on hemp-derived CBD – not THC or the so-called “novel” cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN and THCA.

Hemp delta-9 is Farm Bill compliant whenever it meets the requirement that it isn’t higher than 0.3% in concentration. Since hemp-derived Delta 9 is legal, you can find it in local dispensaries or even better, online! Like the products that we offer here at Black Tie CBD.

Our Delta-9 products:

Chill Delta 9 THC Microdose Tincture + Terpenes - Pineapple (Indica)

Want to Microdose THC? We have the perfect product for you. Our fast-acting Delta 9 Tinctures contain 5.5 mg of Pure Delta 9 THC plus terpenes in each dose.

420 Mg Delta 9 THC Syrup For Zen - Strawberry (Hybrid)

Looking to find Zen? Find Zen with our Strawberry Hybrid infused Delta 9 Fast Acting Drink Additive/Syrup. This 420 mg bottle comes with approximately 21 servings of 20 mgs per dose. 20 mg Delta 9 THC per serving Fast absorption within as little as 15 minutes.

250 Mg Euphoria Delta 9 THC Gummies - 10 Mg Each (Sativa)

Want to experience5 Euphoria? Our blend of Sativa terpene-infused Delta 9 THC gummies will have you headed to a state of Euphoria! Terpenes include Alpha Pinene and Limonene. Our Delta 9 THC Gummies are 100% Hemp Derived.

 

September 4, 2024
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The Entourage Effect - What is the Entourage Effect in Cannabis

The Entourage Effect is a concept you may have come across when researching CBD products. In fact, one of the reasons why many people opt for full-spectrum CBD instead of pure CBD is because of the entourage effect.

Understanding the entourage effect will help you understand how CBD affects your body. This will enable you to choose CBD products that affect your body the way you desire.

If you’ve shopped for CBD products, you’ll have noticed that they fall into three main categories:

1) CBD isolate, which is pure CBD.

2) Full-spectrum CBD, which contains high amounts of CBD as well as small amounts of the other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant, as well as flavonoids and terpenes.

3) Broad-spectrum CBD, which is full-spectrum CBD with some components removed, usually THC and CBD.

The type of CBD you choose depends on your needs. Many people opt for CBD isolate if they only want pure CBD. But what’s the benefit of full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD? Why does it matter whether there are other cannabinoids in the product?

In essence, the magic of full-spectrum CBD and THC is in the entourage effect.

What is the Entourage Effect of CBD and THC?

The entourage effect is the theory that all compounds in the cannabis plant and hemp plants are more beneficial when taken together.

The Cannabis plant and hemp plants contain dozens of cannabinoids—perhaps as many as 120. The most well-known cannabinoids and terpenes are CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Every cannabinoid seems to work differently, and research suggests each one has a different effect on the body. Cannabinoids affect various parts of our body, from our skin and digestive system to our brain and heart.

In addition to cannabinoids, there are flavonoids, which affect the flavor and color of the bud, and terpenes, which affect the bud’s aroma and may have beneficial health entourage effects.

The entourage effect is the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together. In other words, when CBD and THC are in the presence of other cannabinoids, their effect is more potent and more beneficial than when you take each cannabinoid individually. It is also believed that terpenes and flavonoids also add to the entourage effect.

One example of the power of the entourage effect is how CBD tames the effect of THC. THC, which gets you high, can have some side effects. For example, some people find that it makes them anxious. A 2019 study shows that CBD seems to offset some of these side effects, thus “balancing” the not-so-great effects of cannabis and THC without reducing its benefits and entourage effect.

Another example of the entourage effect in action is Sativex. Sativex is an FDA-approved medication, often used to treat pain in people with multiple sclerosis. Sativex combines CBD and THC, as researchers found that they soothe pain better when they’re used together.

A 2011 study also suggests that, when terpenes and cannabinoids are taken together, they could have a more potent effect in treating:

  • Pain and inflammation
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Epilepsy and other seizure conditions
  • Cancer
  • Fungal infections

Further research conducted in 2018 found that certain flavonoids and terpenes could have beneficial properties, such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The authors suggested that these compounds, when combined with cannabinoids and terpenes, could have a more potent and beneficial effect.

With all this in mind, it’s no wonder why so many people opt for full-spectrum CBD and THC. However, it’s important to remember that high doses of THC can show up in a drug test—so be cautious when opting for high-THC products.

What do Other Cannabinoids Do?

You’ve heard of THC and CBD, but what are the other cannabinoids called? And more importantly, what do they do?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Along with CBD, THC is one of the most well-known and well-studied cannabinoids. THC is the part of cannabis that gets you high. But THC might be able to do more than that. Research suggests that it might also have the following properties:

  • Anti-pain. Like CBD, THC could be used to treat pain, according to research. Dronabinol has been shown to reduce pain, which is another reason why it can be helpful for HIV/AIDS patients.
  • THC might be able to improve sleep quality. A 2017 review of studies note that some evidence suggests it makes you sleep worse, while other studies suggest THC could treat insomnia.
  • PTSD treatment. Since THC reduces the amount of time we spend dreaming, it might be able to help PTSD patients who struggle with nightmares.
  • One side effect of the cannabis plant is the “munchies”- THC can make you hungry. Dronabinol, a synthetic version of THC, is an appetite-stimulant given to HIV/AIDS patients who have a low appetite.
  • Anti-nausea. THC could reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. In fact, over 30 studies suggest that synthetic THC can treat CINV.

THC remains an interesting cannabinoid, and there’s a lot we still don’t know about it. It’s still being studied further by researchers. Future research will help us understand the effects of cannabis and THC better.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBG is fast gaining popularity, with some calling it “the new CBD”. CBG is the “mother cannabinoid” - every other cannabinoid comes from CBG. It’s also the most expensive cannabinoid to produce.

While the research on CBG is still in its infancy, research has identified quite a few potential benefits of CBG. For example, it may have the following properties:

  • A promising 2015 study showed that CBG seemed to protect neurons in mice with Huntington’s disease. The study concluded that CBG should be tested for its potential to treat other neurodegenerative diseases, too.
  • Anti-inflammatory. A murine study showed that CBG seemed to reduce the inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Anti-bacterial. Some research suggests that CBG might be able to kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which causes staph infections.
  • Anti-cancer. A 2014 study showed that CBG slowed the growth of colon cancer cells in mice.
  • Mood-boosting. Studies suggest that CBG increases the “bliss molecule,” anandamide, which improves your mood. It also might work as a GABA reuptake inhibitor, which can help reduce anxiety.

Not sure where to get CBG products? Check out our 5000mg CBG capsules, our CBG hemp flowers, and our CBG kief.

Cannabinol (CBN)

When THC is exposed to carbon dioxide for a long period of time, it becomes CBN. For this reason, more mature cannabis tends to turn into CBN. There are a number of potential benefits of CBN, although they are mostly conducted on rats and mice, and all need to be studied further.

These potential properties include:

  • One lab study suggested that CBN could kill MRSA bacteria, which causes staph infections.
  • Anti-inflammatory. A rodent study conducted in 2016 showed that CBN reduced inflammation in rats with arthritis.
  • Appetite stimulant. A study suggested that CBN increases the appetite—it made rats eat more food, and eat for a longer period of time.
  • Another study conducted on rodents found that CBN delayed the onset of ALS in rats.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

There are relatively few studies on CBC. However, the studies that are out there are quite promising. CBC might be able to treat:

  • Pain and inflammation. As with most cannabinoids, CBC seems to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, according to a 2011 study. Another study showed that CBC and THC together reduce inflammation.
  • A 2016 study suggests that CBC could treat acne.
  • A 2010 study suggested that, together with THC, CBC might be able to treat depression.
  • A 2006 study found that CBC is the second-most-potent cannabinoid at slowing the cancer cells, second to CBG. Unfortunately, this hasn’t been studied in humans.

CBC shows a number of potential benefits, but these all need to be studied further before we fully understand its effects on humans.

While these aren’t the only cannabinoids there are, they’re the most well-studied and possibly the most important. Future studies will probably uncover the importance of many other cannabinoids which could be harnessed to treat certain health conditions.

How to Benefit from the Entourage Effect and full spectrum CBD

One of the simplest ways to benefit from the entourage effect is to look for products that are “full-spectrum.” We have a range of full-spectrum items including but not limited to, full-spectrum CBD tinctures, and a broad-spectrum tincture option for those who don’t want to ingest THC.

Hemp flower is, by definition, full-spectrum. As it’s not processed and the form isn’t changed, we don’t remove any of the natural cannabinoids found in the bud. Our high-quality flowers allow you to make your own potent extracts and concentrates - and, of course, you can smoke them if you prefer.

Full-spectrum CBD doesn’t just come in the form of buds and tinctures. Our edibles and topical CBD, for example, also contain full-spectrum CBD. Experiment with different forms of CBD products until you find a product that you enjoy using.

Understanding the entourage effect can equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the best CBD products for your needs. Remember to speak to your doctor before using CBD to treat any particular ailment.

September 4, 2024
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