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What you will learn in this post:
Cannabinoids are critical compounds found in cannabis plants. These compounds are crucial in determining a plant's effects and the likely outcome consumers can expect. Depending on the source, anywhere between 80 and over 400 cannabinoids have been identified as of July 2023.
While the figure gets disputed from time to time, it's certainly clear that we continue to find new cannabinoids. And in a more emerging fashion, we seem to be synthesizing cannabinoids at an increasingly higher frequency.
THC-X is one of the more recent entries to the cannabis marketplace. The cannabinoid is reported to deliver a heady, euphoric high at about 50% of the potency of delta-9 THC, leading to some comparisons to other cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-10 THC.
But is that actually the case? Is THC-X similar to other new cannabinoids on the market? Or is it even a cannabinoid?
What is THC-X?
THC-X, also known as delta-X, is reportedly made by combining three patent-pending delta-8 THC esters, that is if you believe THC-X is an actual cannabinoid.
You can buy THC-X from a range of brick-and-mortar stores and online shops. Sold in various types of vape setups, delta-X products are often sold by retailers selling other delta-9 THC alternatives. Edibles are available as well. If the popularity of the cannabinoid continues, we may one day see additional products, like topicals or tinctures, possibly reaching the market.
Here's the thing: many consumers aren't sure about THC-X just yet. Key pushback on the product centers on it not being a clinically recognized cannabinoid. Nor is there any information about it beyond some branded content. Online searches typically pull up just a few excerpts, often coming from the few companies selling delta-X products. This lack of info leads many to believe it may be a marketing ploy rather than a new cannabinoid.
According to some retailers, THC-X is a psychotropic cannabinoid with similar effects to delta-8. Its primary properties seem to include stress relief without feeling overwhelmingly high. THC-X has not been widely considered a medical product.
With little verification of the THC-X "cannabinoid" beyond some branded products, many remain skeptical. Because it has similar effects and a similar name, some have suggested that delta-X is just a branding term for delta-10 THC. With nothing new to push, it is alleged by some that THC-X is nothing more than a new way to feature an already-known product.
What are the Effects of THC-X
Very little is known about THC-X at this point. If you go off of anecdotal reports, the effects tend to be closer to delta-10 than delta-8. This claim may serve as evidence for why THC-X is just delta-10. However, with claims not being verified at this time, we can say that delta-X and delta-10 seem to have similar psychoactive and physical effects.
Using that as our base point, the standard effects of delta-X may include:
- Mellowing
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
- Energizing
Adverse side effects may include:
- Anxiety
- Dry or cottonmouth
- Dry or red eyes
- Increased appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Memory loss
- Slightly declined cognitive function
- Slowed reaction times
Be aware before consuming any new products, particularly those not naturally found in and extracted from cannabis, be it THC-X, delta-8 THC, or delta-11 THC. Each person experiences cannabis differently. While delta-X is often considered a milder high or psychoactive experience, some may not feel this way. This is particularly true for those with lower tolerances or anyone who hasn't had cannabis in recent memory.
THC-X vs. Other Cannabinoids
With many new cannabinoids hitting the market, use the following to catch up on favorites and emerging cannabinoid products:
| Cannabinoid | Effects |
| THC-X | Believed to be roughly 50% the potency and impact of THC. Reported to produce effects that include euphoria, energy, and relaxation. |
| THC | Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. It helps produce various effects, including euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception, and numerous other outcomes. |
| Delta-8 | Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is a synthetically produced cannabinoid that is only found in miniscule amounts as a degraded product of delta-9 THC. It produces milder psychoactive effects than delta-9 THC. The cannabinoid has been linked to various reported outcomes, including relaxation, euphoria, and increased appetite. |
| Delta-10 | Emerging in just the past two or so years, Delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol is believed to produce euphoria, relaxation, and some energy boost. Unlike THC or delta-8, delta-10 remains relatively unstudied, helping cloud its possible ties to THC-X. |
| THC-P | Another newer entrant that emerged around 2021, tetrahydrocannabiphorol reportedly binds to the body’s CB1 receptors 33 times more effectively than THC.1 As such, it is believed that THC-P may deliver similar effects as delta-9 but with improved potency. However, significantly more research is needed to verify any early findings or claims. |
Staying Safe With THC-X
Trying the newest cannabis product is always an exciting time. But, with so much recent development, it becomes hard to be sure about the new hot products hitting sales shelves.
While some stand by the quality and effects of THC-X, there are zero lab studies to back up any of the claims. Because of that, there are just a few anecdotes and product branding to go by. For some, that will be more than enough to get them to try delta-X products. Others may wait a little while longer for more information.
If you find yourself in the first camp, do your best to ensure you are buying and trying from reputable retailers and manufacturers. Look for analysis certificates like any other THC or CBD product.
Try to buy from retailers with trusted names. The allure to buy the first product you see may be strong, but hold off if that happens to be a gas station or some random smoke shop. Stick to retailers and manufacturers with quality reputations, ideally that you've dealt with before.
Some will tell you that your best bet is to steer clear of THC-X altogether because it isn't regulated. That certainly is a fair argument. While THC-X is currently legal, you never know what could happen with US lawmakers in the future.
With much uncertainty around THC-X, it is best to use caution and your best judgment. That's especially true if you are a medical patient. Always speak with a medical professional whenever possible before making any decisions. And, if you're looking to try THC-X (maybe delta-10) for recreational purposes, use common sense and make sure you are buying from trusted sources.
References
- Citti C, Linciano P, Russo F, et al. A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Scientific Reports. 2019;9(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56785-1
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
