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.

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The days of an outdated and frankly inaccurate cannabis classification system are finally over. The market has blurred the lines between quality and craft cannabis for far too long - leaving customers and cultivators with no real roadmap to identify the range and spectrum of the medicinal possibilities contained within cannabis and the unique entourage effects possible from the diversity that it offers.

Experts consider Cannabis Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid the three main subspecies - the issue is that people have used the THC potency of strains to determine superiority. Measuring potency and the effects with this method is a long-outdated classification system, especially when it does not provide accurate labels for customers and budtenders alike. The words “Indica” and “Sativa” were introduced in the 18th century to describe different species of cannabis, but modern research has led to more information that we will share throughout this article.

Historically, this is how cannabis has been defined;

Strains

Cannabis Sativa

Sativa is supposedly uplifting and cerebral, enhancing creativity and productivity. Indicas provide what has been called a “body high,” while Sativa’s deliver more of a “mind high.” Unfortunately, Sativa plants require longer to grow and yield less medicine (flowers) than Indica varieties. Sativa’s smell sweet, fruity, or spicy. This difference in the aroma results from terpenes, the molecules within the plant that are cousins to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. While these chemicals sometimes provide stunningly pungent odors, their greatest benefit to patients is their medicinal efficacy.

The problem with the general ‘idea’ of what a Sativa does, is that there is no accurate spectrum representing an understandable visual for growers and customers to understand easily.

Cannabis Indica

The typical example of Cannabis Indica is a more compact, thick-stemmed bush than its cousins, usually reaching a height of fewer than two meters. The foliage is generally a dark shade of green, some examples appearing to have almost blue or green-black leaves. These leaves are composed of short, wide blades.

Most Indicas are supposedly a rich source of the cannabinoids THC, CBD, and CBN. While Cannabis Sativa often produces a higher proportion of THC than its other cannabinoids, Cannabis Indica usually contains significant levels of all three. Indicas tend to have more body-centered effects than Sativas – enhancing physical sensations, which is not accurately measured either.

Cannabis Hybrids

Typically, a Hybrid is a cannabis plant with Indica and Sativa characteristics. Because cannabis has been cultivated for centuries, most modern strains are hybrid. Pure Sativas and pure Indicas are rare, so most cannabis you'll find these days is a hybrid.

Hybrid strains typically develop either Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, or evenly balanced phenotypes. Strain descriptions usually list it that way or display the split as a percentage. Remember that the terms Indica and Sativa strains are most useful for cultivators in determining growth characteristics like how tall plants will grow or how long their flowering cycle will be. Effects share no apparent connection with today's cannabis plants' physical structure, hence why the classification system is largely outdated.

So why is this a problem?

According to SC labs (SC Labs is a company that offers comprehensive solutions for cannabis and hemp testing) co-founder, Josh Wurzer;

“The problem is that there is little standardization when it comes to defining and determining terpenes”

Measuring the superiority of cannabis is confusing, and frankly, the classification system is completely outdated. It no longer only comes down to the strain. The days of just searching out the highest THC totals are rapidly receding. Research has proven that terpenes are at the base of the entourage effect, where previously, it has been considered ‘minor’ information. Cannabis growers and breeders have been assigning labels to cultivars primarily based on aroma profiles and purported effects rather than genetic ancestry or overall chemical similarity. Cultivators, processors, retailers, and consumers could benefit from greater standardization when evaluating product quality and distinguishing label claims.

Because cannabis is a widely used substance increasingly being legalized for medicinal and recreational use, Cannabis’s genetic and chemical variation must be accurately quantified and communicated. Using strain labels like Sativa and Indica are used to describe a cultivar’s morphology, aromas and/or psychoactive effects. However, whether these labels capture meaningful information about Cannabis's genetic and chemical variation is incredibly unclear. This leaves room for inaccuracy and uncertainty in a world growing in popularity faster than any other industry.

In this study, the inaccuracy of reporting is clear;

“This is consistent with previous studies indicating that cultivar names were not reliable indicators of a sample’s genetic or chemical identity”

The study shows that the genetic structure of cannabis explained only 37% of the variance in labeling, meaning that Sativa–Indica labels do not accurately reflect genetic relatedness. When the study looked at the correlation of Sativa and Indica terpenes and cannabinoids, Sativa content was positively correlated with the concentrations of bergamotene and farnesene. While on the other hand, there were significant positive correlations between Indica labeling and three sesquiterpenes: guaiol, γ-eudesmol, and β-eudesmol. This shows that it goes far beyond mere classification, and it really comes down to far more than simple labels.

The contrasting aromas that have been associated with Sativa (that is, sweet) and Indica (that is, earthy) were key discriminators in a sensory evaluation of Cannabis cultivars and mediated customers’ perceptions of potency and quality.

What is the solution?

Simple; replace the three vague classes with six elaborate and detailed classifications instead. On February 16th, – SC Laboratories, Inc., (SC Labs) announced that it has licensed Napro Research LLC’s proprietary data visualization tool PhytoFacts®. Clients testing cannabis through the lab will now have access to this game-changing reporting format and algorithm that provides a visual profile of each strain’s chemical makeup. This new report format is intuitive and helps budtenders and consumers identify the right strain for their desired effect. As mentioned above, the terpene profile proves to be far more important than the breed of cannabis, which means that companies like SC Labs are putting an end to the days of simply seeking out the highest THC percentage. Science has converged to finally prove that terpenes are at the root of the entourage effect that consumers are seeking.

Always looking to level their playing field and eliminate as much bias as possible, SC labs' owners partnered with the event organizers of Emerald Cup and NAPRO research to help reframe the conversation regarding what defines “quality” in cannabis. The Emerald Cup is widely believed to be the World Series of Cannabis competitions as it is rooted in Humboldt County. The partnership is intended to help revolutionize the collective understanding of the true role of terpene content.

The new classification system focuses on sorting flower entries by primary terpene content, leveraging a combined decade of research into Cannabis phytochemistry between  PhytoFacts® coupled with a powerful database of over 250,000 terpene tests and aggregated by SC Labs, going back to their launch of terpene testing on Cannabis in 2013 as you can see below.

What are the new classes?

‘Jacks + Haze’ Class

• Mostly ‘Sativa’-leaning varietals
• Tasting notes – Fruity, Pinesol, Haze
• Effects – Energizing, Cerebral, Artistically Inspiring
• Common Cultivars – Classic Trainwreck, Jack Herer, Durban Poison, Super Lemon Haze
• Terpenes Profile: Terpinolene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene

‘Sweets + Dreams’ Class

• Mostly ‘Indica’-leaning varietals
• Tasting Notes – Fruity, Sweet, Woody, Hoppy, Herbaceous
• Effects – Relaxation, Couch Lock, Analgesic
• Common Cultivars – Blue Dream, Tangie, Forbidden Fruit, Grandaddy Purple, Purple Urkel, Grape Ape, Cherry AK, God’s Gift, Purple Punch
• Terpenes Profile: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene

‘Tropical + Floral’ Class

• Mostly ‘Indica’-leaning varietals
• Tasting notes – Sweet, Floral, Tropical Fruit
• Effects – Calming, Soothing, Relaxing
• Common Cultivars – Super Skunk, Hawaiian, In the Pines, Dream Queen
• Terpenes Profile: Ocimene, Myrcene

‘OGs + Gas’ Class

• True ‘Hybrid’ varietals
• Tasting Notes – Gas, Fuel, Sweet, Citrus, and Pepper
• Effect – Uplifting, Stimulating, Analgesic, Relaxation
• Common Cultivars – Classic OG Kush, Chemdog, Sour Diesel, Gorilla Glue
• Terpenes Profile: Any combination or shifting codominance of Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene

‘Exotics’ (Rare Terpene Combinations) Class

• True ‘Hybrid’ varietals
• Tasting notes – varied based on chemistry of entry
• Effect – varied based on chemistry of entry
• Common Cultivars – rarest terpene profiles entered into the Emerald Cup Competition

‘Desserts’ Class

• True ‘Hybrid’ varietals
• Tasting Notes – Deserts, Doughs, Citrusy & Spicy
• Effects – Stimulating, Racy, Uplifting, Comforting
• Common Cultivars – Classic Bubba Kush, GSC, Gelatos, Cakes
• Any shift in codominance of Caryophyllene & Limonene

How We’re Using The New System

Because of the reliability and shift in the right direction, Black Tie CBD has made use of the latest testing for our ‘ChemDawg’ strain, as you can see below;

As you can see from the report produced by PhytoFacts®, there’s immense detail about the aroma & flavor, identifying the spectrum of profiles in depth. The particular aroma and tastes lean far more towards earthy with some sweet and fruity profiles. Similarly, the entourage effect is highlighted, giving the budtender or end-user a clear idea of its effects. The relaxation and comfort of the strain are highlighted, with lower energy levels. The report is easy to understand and interpret, and above all the classification is distinct without being confusing.

This goes to show how important terpenes really are, and how the entourage effect varies depending on multiple facets which are not usually shown - including highlights of b-Caryophyllene (3.943 mg/g), Myrcene (3.767 mg/g), Terpinolene (2.605 mg/g). The relevance of highlighting terpenes matters significantly because terpenes have also been identified as a new frontier in cannabis medicine. Until recently, the spotlight has been focused almost exclusively on the therapeutic qualities of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, but as our understanding of terpenes grows more sophisticated, it’s becoming apparent that these aromatic compounds are medicinal powerhouses too.

β-Caryophyllene: β-Caryophyllene is generally the most common sesquiterpene in cannabis, and the most abundantly produced terpene in Nature. Over the last decade, it has gained scientific attention after discovering that it can directly activate cannabinoids receptors. Basically, the β-Caryophyllene terpene acts as a cannabinoid.

This is the terpene that contributes to the ever-so-slight spicy flavor, but mainly to the earthy profiles as well as the relaxation quality of this strain.

Myrcene: Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in modern commercial cannabis. Myrcene has many therapeutic benefits. Like other terpenes, myrcene is believed to have potential anti-inflammatory, potential anti-tumor, sleep-supportive, and other health benefits.

Myrcene characteristically gives our cannabis strain a mildly sweet flavor profile and provides scent notes that are spicy, earthy and muskiness - and also contributes towards that relaxing and calm effect that was mentioned.

Terpinolene: Terpinolene, a terpene dominant in about one in ten cannabis strains, is recognized for its woody smell combined with floral citrus notes. In addition to its fresh aroma, terpinolene is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Terpinolene is considered more multidimensional in comparison to other cannabis terpenes.

These combined effects and profiles of terpinolene are why there are more fruity aromas and comforting effects. The combination of all three highlighted terpenes should indicate the importance of a more accurate and science-backed classification system to ensure that all effects, aromas and profiles are accounted for.

Without having to handle the substance, users and budtenders can now have a true discourse about the desired flavor, fragrance, and potential effects of cannabis. Consumers may now finally buy cannabis online with ease thanks to the new classification system and PhytoFact® information.

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Sometimes the most minor of molecules are the ones with the greatest impact. Such appears to be the case with CBG—the “first” cannabinoid that develops in cannabis. This seemingly insignificant cannabinoid is actually responsible for the creation of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids catching the attention of scientists and consumers the world over.

Usually found in concentrations of <1% in most hemp plants, it’s no wonder this compound hasn’t received as much attention as others. However, that is quickly changing as more information is being unveiled about this once-overshadowed cannabinoid.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at CBG and the role it plays in the production of other cannabinoids. We’ll also explore its unique effects on the body, and how it differs from other hemp-derived cannabinoids.

What is CBG?

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a phytocannabinoid. Unlike endocannabinoids, which are produced by the body, phytocannabinoids are sourced from plants like cannabis. CBG is what's known as a non-intoxicating cannabinoid—it doesn’t get you high.

CBG: a not-so-minor cannabinoid

By the time cannabis is harvested, dried, and processed, it usually contains only trace amounts of CBG (below 1%). Hence, it is generally labelled a “minor” cannabinoid.

However, CBG—or rather, its acidic form, CBGA—is actually the first cannabinoid acid to develop in the cannabis plant. As such, it is sometimes referred to as the “stem cell” of cannabis. It is found in its highest concentrations in flowering cannabis plants. The acidic form is simply CBG with an extra carboxyl group—the “A”.

As plants continue to grow, enzymes convert CBGA into either THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), or CBCA (cannabichromenic acid).

Following harvest, plants are usually dried and processed. The heat or UV light used in these scenarios breaks down these acidic cannabinoids into their non-acidic counterparts, such as THC, CBD, and CBC. This phenomenon is known as decarboxylation—the removal of a carboxyl group.

Decarboxylation also produces many other cannabinoids (at least 100), all of which originally stem from CBGA.

Most of the cannabis strains on today’s market are bred to be high in THC and/or CBD; and the more THC or CBD present in a plant sample, the less CBG. Hence, strains usually contain only small amounts of CBG.

However, some breeders are experimenting with crossbreeding, genetic manipulation, and even unique harvesting patterns to create strains that contain higher levels of this cannabinoid.

Bedrocan BV Medical Cannabis in the Netherlands, for example, has began harvesting some of its plants earlier to create a final product with higher levels of CBG.

What are the effects of CBG?

As we mentioned earlier, CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Therefore, it does not interact with the endocannabinoid system in a way that interrupts mental faculties. However, just like any other cannabinoid, CBG does interact with the endocannabinoid system in a variety of ways.

CBG has been shown to increase appetite in two rat-based studies conducted by researchers at the University of Reading (UK) in 2016 and 2017.

Some studies also suggest that CBG may inhibit the growth of some tumours, while others show it may have neuroprotective effects. A 2014 study published in the PLoS One medical journal also claims that some CBG-derived products could suppress the body’s immune response.

Dr Bonni Goldstein, a medical doctor specialising in medicinal cannabis, claims that CBG can inhibit GABA neurotransmission in the brain, as well as affect pain, inflammation, and more.

“When GABA [uptake] is inhibited, you actually have muscle relaxation and you have anti-anxiety effects, so it [CBG] appears to promote similar effects that CBD Oil has. It also appears to have antidepressant and some modest antifungal properties” said Goldstein in a video for WeedMaps.

In 2013, researchers from the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Naples Federico II (Italy) tested the effects of CBG on an experimental model of experimental Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The researchers found that CBG has potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).

Unfortunately, because CBG has been overshadowed by cannabinoids THC and CBD, not a lot of research has gone into fully understanding this cannabinoid and its effects. However, that is slowly changing as people begin to realise the potential and importance of this compound.

CBG vs CBD. What is the difference?

Despite originating from CBG Oils, CBD Oil is completely distinct from CBG in both chemical structure and concentration within cannabis plants.

Because it is only found in trace amounts in dried plant material, it is only recently that manufacturers have begun to focus more attention on optimising CBG levels in products like CBD oils, supplements, and salves. It’s clear that CBG is an essential cannabinoid, but it’s yet unclear exactly how to use it to our benefit.

CBG (cannabigerol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the many chemical compounds present in cannabis which can be used as medication. While they share similarities, there are important differences between them.

The main difference between CBG vs CBD is how the chemicals interact with our brain's cannabinoid receptors.

The cannabis plant contains at least 85 cannabinoids. These are chemical compounds which have an effect on the body by bonding with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The most widely recognized and well studied of these chemicals is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is famous for being the main psychoactive component of cannabis, producing the high that gives the plant its medical and recreational effects.

However, there are many other less famous cannabinoids which also produce a range of effects on the brain. Two compounds which we will be focusing on in this article are cannabidiol (both CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). While both CBD and CBG can be isolated from the cannabis plant, the main difference between them lies in how they interact with cannabinoid receptors.

As a result of this difference in action on cannabinoid receptors, CBD and CBG produce different effects when isolated from each other and when combined together in a full spectrum cannabis extract or both CBD product.

CBG vs CBD: What is the difference in effects?

The primary difference between CBD and CBG comes from their unique interaction with cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are found all over the body and brain, and modulate pain, inflammation, stress responses, mood etc. The way these chemical compounds interact with our cells is what gives them both their therapeutic and psychoactive effects.

Cannabinoid receptors are made up of many subunits. To date, scientists have identified two subtypes that play the largest role in our experience of cannabinoids: CB1 and CB2.

CB1 is mostly found in the brain, but also present in some other parts of the body. It has been linked to memory formation, reward seeking behavior, motor coordination, pain sensation, and more. CB2 is primarily found in the immune system where it regulates inflammation.

CBG vs CBD: What Is The Difference In How They Interact With Cannabinoid Receptors?

A 2010 study published by a group of scientists from Italy took a detailed look at the structure-activity relationships of CBG, CBD and THC.

The study found that both CBD and CBG interact strongly multiple cannabinoid receptors including the serotonin 5HT1a receptor. However, they differ in how they interact with cannabinoid receptors, mainly with respect to their effects on the endocannabinoid system (the biological system responsible for processing cannabinoids).

For example, CBD has no effect at all on the CB1 receptor, while CBG does. This is because CBD lacks affinity for CB1 due to an extra carbon atom in its molecular structure.

There was also found to be more CBG binding sites than CB2 binding sites throughout many parts of the brain and body, indicating that it's able to affect many different processes via its interaction with cannabinoid receptors.

CBG vs CBD: What Are The Benefits Of Each?

There are many differences between the effects CBG vs CBD produce, which also affects their therapeutic benefits. However, both CBG and CBD have potential uses as medication.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

This cannabinoid is famous for its non-intoxicating nature. It's this quality which has made CBD useful in treating children and people who can't tolerate the 'high' associated with THC and other cannabis compounds.

Also, CBD has been found to be an effective anticonvulsant, effectively treating seizures and epilepsy. This has been demonstrated in both animal and human studies.

Another study found that CBD reduced psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations which are often difficult to treat. These promising results show that CBD could be a useful medication for people with psychosis resulting from conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

While CBG has been found to be non-psychoactive it does appear to improve the effects of THC. This is because, like CBD, it can modulate and reduce the negative side effects such as anxiety and paranoia that THC causes in some people.

As a result of this 'boosting' effect on THC, CBG appears to increase the pain relieving qualities of THC. This could make CBG useful in strains of cannabis used for medical benefits and purposes.