Category: Hemp

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Exploring Hemp and Its Potent Derivatives: Delta-8, THCP, THCA, and HHC

Hemp is a legal variety of the cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and its derivatives are federally legal in the U.S., leading to the rise of alternative cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC, THCP, THCA, and HHC.

These compounds are extracted or converted from CBD (cannabidiol) found in hemp and each offers unique effects and benefits—without the high levels of Delta-9 THC found in traditional cannabis.

Popular Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

1. Delta-8 THC

  • What it is: A milder analog of Delta-9 THC.
  • Effects: Calming, mild euphoria, less anxiety and paranoia.
  • Uses: Popular for stress relief, mild pain, and sleep support.
  • Legality: Legal under federal law, though some states have restricted it. See state regulations.

2. THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol)

  • What it is: A rare and highly potent cannabinoid discovered in 2019. [Study: Discovery of THCP]
  • Effects: Up to 30x stronger binding affinity to CB1 receptors than Delta-9 THC.
  • Uses: Intense euphoria, strong body effects—best for experienced users.
  • Legality: Technically legal if hemp-derived, but unregulated in many states.

3. THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)

  • What it is: The raw, non-psychoactive precursor to THC.
  • Effects: Non-intoxicating unless heated (which converts it to THC).
  • Uses: Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential. [Research on THCA]
  • Legality: Legal in its raw form; decarboxylation may trigger controlled substance laws depending on your state.

4. HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)

  • What it is: A hydrogenated form of THC, first synthesized in 1947. [ACS Journal: Chemistry of HHC]
  • Effects: Similar to Delta-9 with a more stable, shelf-stable structure.
  • Uses: Popular for mood elevation, mild euphoria, and relaxation.
  • Legality: Hemp-derived HHC is not explicitly banned federally, but some states are beginning to regulate it.

Are These Hemp Cannabinoids Safe?

While many users report positive effects from hemp-derived cannabinoids, the market is still evolving. Quality varies widely, and not all products are tested or regulated. Always:

Why Are Hemp Derivatives So Popular?

The growing interest in legal, hemp-based alternatives to Delta-9 THC is driven by:

  • Accessibility: Federally legal and available in many states.
  • Diversity: Each cannabinoid offers unique effects and benefits.
  • Wellness Focus: Many products are marketed as natural ways to support mood, pain, and sleep.

Final Thoughts

The hemp plant is far more than just CBD. With emerging cannabinoids like Delta-8, THCP, THCA, and HHC, users now have a range of legal, effective options for exploring the benefits of cannabis—without crossing into federally restricted territory.

As always, do your research, check product lab reports, and consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure how these compounds may affect you.

🔗 Sources:

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CBD Softgel Capsules: Benefits, Uses, and Why They’re a Convenient Choice for Daily Wellness

What Is CBD?
Cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana contain organic compounds we refer to as cannabinoids. Among these cannabinoids, the two we most commonly encounter are CBD and THC. Products derived from these plants are often associated with a “high,” or feeling of euphoria, which can be attributed to the THC compound.

When it comes to controlled medicinal uses, however, the CBD compound is used. Because the CBD compound contains almost no THC, it does not cause the psychoactive responses that make you feel high.

What Are the Benefits of CBD in Supplements?
As supplements, most forms of CBD are not evaluated by the FDA. However, research has been done regarding the benefits of CBD use. Keep in mind that although there may be scientific evidence to support positive health benefits, results may vary and medical guidance is recommended.

People who use CBD do so because they believe it:

Provides mood support
May support nervous system health
May support heart and circulatory health

What Are CBD Capsules?
CBD capsules offer a highly convenient way to consume CBD extract. They contain CBD in various concentrations, all in a small, discreet form. CBD capsules are often preferred by people who want to modulate their dose of CBD without the hassle of measuring CBD oil or applying a topical product. These capsules are a great option for those who dislike the taste or aroma of CBD oil.

Just like any other supplement or pill, CBD capsules are taken orally and absorbed in the digestive tract. For many, the simplicity of CBD capsules makes it easier to begin, or remain consistent with, a daily CBD regimen.

What Are CBD Capsules Used For?
CBD capsules are used for a variety of potential health benefits. Some common uses for CBD capsules include:

Stress relief and relaxation
Sleep support
Mood regulation
Anti-inflammatory support
Overall wellness

Individual responses to any supplement varies, but many people report positive effects from using CBD capsules to support their health and well-being.

How CBD capsules are taken also varies from person to person. They typically come in two forms: hard capsules and soft gel capsules.

What Are CBD Softgel Capsules?
CBD softgel capsules are small, consumable pills with casings made from gelatin or other dissolvable materials and a filling of CBD diluted in a carrier oil. Among all the forms available on the market, CBD softgels are among the most effective for ingesting CBD. Their simplicity and easy integration into daily routines makes them a popular choice among a wide range of people.

HEMP SOFTGELS

CBD Full Spectrum Softgels 25mg each 30-90ct 750-2,250mg

  • Full Spectrum Softgels
  • 29mg Total Cannabinoids Per Softgel
  • 27mg CBD Per Softgel
  • 30ct or 90ct Bottle
  • >750mg or 2,250mg Total CBD Per Bottle
  • Lab Tested
Price range: $19.95 through $34.95
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Formula
Featuring a filling of concentrated CBD oil, CBD softgel capsules appeal to those seeking to take CBD for various purposes. The creation process of the concentrated oil includes extracting CBD compounds using CO2. The extracted oil combines with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), hemp, coconut, vegetable, or another carrier oil.

Some formulas may also contain emulsifiers and other fatty acids, providing additional benefits, such as digestion and absorption support, or supplement appearance and stability.

Strength
CBD softgels make proper dosing easier because of the accurate measuring of the formula in each capsule. Ultimately, the strength of each dose depends on the needs of the individual. CBD softgel capsules come in low or high concentrations to help individuals find the dosage strength that provides maximum benefits.

Side Effects
As with any form of CBD, taking CBD softgel capsules comes with a low risk of side effects. These can include dry mouth, light-headedness, drowsiness, nausea, and interaction with other medications. However, CBD consumption is generally considered very safe.

Benefits
Studies have shown that a CBD softgel can potentially benefit people with anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and inflammation. CBD can also play a role in mood regulation. CBD softgel capsules have other benefits, including the following:

High efficacy rates
Ease of use
Clear dosage
Neutral taste
Targeted delivery of cannabinoids

Taking CBD in softgel form makes it easier to consume CBD quickly, and the body easily absorbs the water-soluble properties of softgel capsules.

What Are the Pros and Cons of CBD Softgel Capsules?
CBD softgel capsules are a popular way to consume CBD, but there are a few downsides.
Here are some of the pros and cons of CBD softgels:

Pros:
Convenient—Users can take CBD softgel caps anytime, anywhere. They’re discreet, easily stored in an airtight medication container, and involve no mess or extra steps for consumption.
Precise Dosage—CBD softgel capsules contain carefully pre-measured amounts of cannabinoids, so there is no need to measure or guess the dosage.
Tasteless—Unlike many other CBD products, CBD softgels have no bitter taste. In most cases, they have no taste, and users swallow them with water.

Cons:
General Effects—Because the body absorbs the cannabidiol, CBD softgels may not be ideal for people who would benefit from a product targeting a specific area, as would a topical salve.
Deferred Release—Your body won’t realize the effects of CBD capsules until they reach your stomach. As a result, they may take longer to attain their full effect than other CBD products, such as topical, sublingual, or transdermal methods.

Dosage Limitations—While the precise dosage found in CBD softgel capsules is an upside for many people, some may prefer more flexibility to increase or decrease their dose.

The Duration of Effects from CBD Softgel Capsules
The effects of CBD softgel capsules typically last between two and six hours. How long you experience the effects will ultimately depend on your body’s response, the dosage, and the formula’s efficacy.

CBD Softgel Caps to Improve Sleep
One of the most common uses of CBD softgels is to get a better night’s rest. CBD can help improve sleep quality and support calm at bedtime, making falling and staying asleep at night easier. Many CBD softgel capsules are specially formulated as sleep aids with the addition of sleep-promoting ingredients like melatonin.

What Are the Best CBD Softgel Capsules?
To find the best CBD softgel capsules, look for clearly labeled, third-party-tested formulas made with natural ingredients. High-quality CBD softgels always contain premium ingredients that enhance absorption without solvents or other additives.

Look for products with natural, organic ingredients from reputable sources, products that have been scientifically tested, products that are clearly labeled, and products with high manufacturing standards and quality control.

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Myrcene: The Terpene with Cytotoxic Effects on Cancer Tumors

Myrcene functions as a sedative, an analgesic, a systemic anti-inflammatory, an antibiotic, and a cancer cell antagonist.

Of the 200 aromatic terpenes possible in an individual strain (or cultivar) of cannabis, myrcene is the most common. Also known as β-myrcene, this delicate and naturally occurring molecule conveys an earthy, fruity, and musky aroma (depending on other terpenes present).

Also found in hops, lemongrass, parsley, and wild thyme, myrcene composes an average of 30-65 percent of the essential oils in a particular strain of cannabis. Myrcene is employed in many industries outside of cannabis and hemp, including fragrances, food flavoring, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

The Details

Myrcene is most common in cannabis strains such as Blackberry Kush, Mango Kush, and White Widow. A 1997 study conducted in Switzerland revealed that myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis, sometimes composing up to 50 percent of the terpene volume in an individual sample of cannabis.

Working both alone and in conjunction with other terpenes and cannabinoids, the terpene functions as a sedative, an analgesic (pain killer), a systemic anti-inflammatory, an antibiotic, and a cancer cell antagonist (meaning it reduces the size of tumors).

The molecule may also offer benefits for those suffering Type 2 diabetes, having demonstrated improved glucose tolerance in obese mice in research studies. When consumed in potent doses, myrcene’s analgesic effects are similar to the pharmaceutical sedative phenobarbital. For those suffering osteoarthritis, this terpene has proven to be a powerful anti-inflammatory.

The percentage of myrcene present in an individual strain of cannabis, as measured in its weight by volume, indicates whether it is categorized as an uplifting sativa strain or a more sedative indica variety. According to leading authorities, including Steep Hill Labs in Berkeley, California, cannabis strains containing more than 0.5 percent myrcene are categorized as an indica or indica-dominant, while those sporting less than 0.5 percent of this terpene are considered a sativa or sativa-dominant strain.

Myrcene is responsible for the age-old urban legend that consumption of mangos before smoking cannabis amplifies the psychoactive effects of its infamous molecular cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This legend is actually true; cannabis consumers who eat a fresh mango before smoking or vaporizing flowers — or consuming a concentrate — will cause an increase in the potency of the effects of the THC.

Research on Myrcene

The fact that cannabis is considered a Schedule 1 drug by the federal government of the United States has squelched much research that might otherwise have been conducted into the hundreds of helpful terpenes and cannabinoids present in the plant. However, much research has been conducted into terpenes and cannabinoids, both in the U.S. and outside its borders.

A March 2015 osteoarthritis study published in the journal European Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated that myrcene is a significant anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic (preventing the breakdown of muscle mass). The study concluded that myrcene slowed and, in some cases, even halted the destruction of cartilage involved in this type of arthritis.

A January 2011 study conducted by cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo entitled “Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-terpenoid Entourage Effects” and published in the British Journal of Pharmacology concluded that myrcene diminishes inflammation and that it is “analgesic in mice” and “a recognized sedative…employed to aid sleep.” The study also cited the ability of myrcene to act “as a muscle relaxant in mice” and causes sleep, especially when consumed in strong doses.

SOURCE : https://cannabisaficionado.com/myrcene/