Cannabis is a broad and complex topic. Many have a basic understanding of THC. Still, how much does an average consumer know about the plant and its potency?

It all starts with the Cannabaceae family of plants, cannabis, and hemp being among these species. This plant genus also includes Humulus lupulus (hops) and a wide variety of trees. Cannabis and hemp plants are part of modern-day society in countless ways. These plants can be used to make clothing, cat litter, insulation products, etc. Cannabis and hemp are used in several nutritional and wellness products. Learn about the most potent cannabinoid of all time in this article from The Hemp Doctor.

Plant Anatomy Basics

Like many other plants, cannabis and hemp have a root system, woody stem, branches containing fan leaves, sugar leaves, seeds, and flowers (or cola). The female plant has reproductive organs known as their stigma and pistil (a hair-like substance). It also has small, tear-shaped leaves referred to as bracts that protect and produce the flower. The flowers and leaves are covered in a sticky substance called trichomes, where all the chemical compounds exist. These alien-like appendages contain over 500 different substances. The largest group of compounds are cannabinoids, including delta 9 THC (or D9) and cannabidiol (CBD). The remaining compounds contain non–cannabinoid phenols, flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, etc.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS): A Biological Network

In the late 1980s, scientists discovered the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, in humans and animals. This complex network comprises neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids) and cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). The ECS system regulates and maintains many of the body’s physiological and cognitive processes. Compounds in cannabis and hemp interact with these receptors to produce a range of effects. It is difficult to say what each person might experience because everyone’s tolerance of these substances is different. Other factors include genetics and product potency, etc.

Furthermore, compounds consumed together can enhance the effects compared to using only one, such as CBD isolate. For consumers who want to experience optimal results, we recommend choosing products classified as full or broad spectrum. The current market in the US is very restrictive, so the product formats available are limited. At this time, consumers can purchase D9 in edible formats like gummies, hard candy, cookies, and chocolate.

THC: The Most Potent Component

Before we look deeper into the subject of potency, let’s start with a clear definition. Potency is defined as a substance’s total strength or concentration. The potency of the compounds found in cannabis and hemp is often shown in mg/g or as a percentage.

What is the most potent cannabinoid?

Among all the chemical compounds, D9 is one of the more abundant cannabinoids and is one of the most potent. It is also the primary psychoactive chemical with a reputation for having intoxicating effects. However, the potency of D9 sourced from hemp is much lower by law than cannabis. There are several other THC analogs, each of which has similar psychoactive properties.

What factors affect the potency of THC?

Several variables can affect the potency of the compounds found in cannabis and hemp. The strength depends on the plant’s genetics (lineage), growing conditions, harvesting methods, etc. Besides, the flowers near the top of the plant will have a higher potency than those near the bottom. Another factor affecting potency is time, as cannabinoids like THC are known to degrade.

Pro-tip: Properly storing your cannabis and hemp products will help maintain their potency. Always keep D9 edibles sealed in their original packaging, away from heat and direct sunlight.

Are products with higher THC potency better?

It’s a misconception that more THC is better. Consumers often mistake high THC for value, but there is much more to consider. When purchasing D9 or other hemp-derived products, look for retailers with regularly tested formulations. Lab testing will determine the potency of the product and can detect the presence of unwanted contaminates, pesticides, mold, etc. The Hemp Doctor provides consumers access to lab results for each product because full transparency is our priority. See the lab reports here.

How do you know what D9 product is right for you?

Selecting hemp-derived D9 comes down to personal preference. Few retailers have dried flower or concentrates featuring D9 due to federal regulations; find out why in this previous article. When trying edible products, start with a small dose and wait up to an hour before taking more.

2018 United States Farm Bill

Retailers must comply with existing FDA requirements and standards to sell legal hemp products to adult consumers in the US. This means that the industrial hemp used in the formulations can only contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC. Although federal law permits hemp products, they may not be legal in some jurisdictions due to state-specific regulations. It’s essential to learn what local laws apply in your area. To ensure our products meet these standards, we have each batch tested in-house and by a third-party laboratory.

Typically, D9 sourced from hemp will produce milder intoxicating effects than the effects felt from D9 sourced from cannabis. At this time, D9 is considered safe for consumption when purchased from a compliant retailer such as The Hemp Doctor. Now that we have explored the subject of cannabinoids and their potency, you can shop like a pro!

Five times more bioavailable! Using our proprietary Nano-Emulsion Technology, our formulations provide maximum absorption for fast and effective results. How does this affect you? It means you need to use less of our product to get the same degree of effect compared to similar products on the market. Why wait? Shop now for full and broad spectrum products from The Hemp Doctor.

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