Cannabinoids are essential parts of the cannabis world, as a lot of products are made with specific cannabinoids to achieve a desired effect. But there is a distinct difference between synthetic and natural cannabinoids, and here’s how those differences can affect you.
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are lab-made cannabinoids, synthesized to mimic the natural cannabinoids. While these substances are designed to be chemically similar to naturally derived cannabinoids, they are not the same thing.
Natural Cannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids, also known as natural cannabinoids, are part of the Cannabis sativa plant. There are over 100 different types of naturally derived cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, with many of them still being researched and discovered.
THC and CBD, also known as Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol, are the two most common cannabinoids. THC is the most abundant psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for delivering intoxicating effects, while CBD is the most prominent nonpsychoactive cannabinoid. Minor cannabinoids include Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabichromene (CBC), among others.
How do Cannabinoids Work?
When they enter the body, cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is located throughout the body. The endocannabinoid system consists of a network of receptors responsible for several bodily functions. The onset and duration of effects vary depending on the method of consumption. Smoking and vaping cause an almost immediate onset but shorter duration, since the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream through the lungs, while edibles have a longer onset and longer duration due to absorbing cannabinoids through the digestive system.
The chemical structure of natural and synthetic cannabinoids might be similar, but the difference between them is that the synthetic ones are more potent and deliver dangerous levels of psychoactive effects.
How are Cannabinoids Used?
Cannabinoids are used in various products, with a specific purpose and method of consumption in mind. The most common ways to consume natural cannabinoids include:
- Smoking: Consuming ground flower in joints, pipes, or bongs, offering a fast onset of effects.
- Vaping: By using various types of vapes, offering a fast onset of effects and easy use.
- Dabbing: Consuming highly potent and flavorful cannabis extract with appropriate tools for a fast onset of effects.
- Edibles: Consuming cannabis infused foods, beverages, oils, and capsules, offering long-lasting duration of effects.
- Topicals: By using cannabis infused lotions, creams, and transdermal patches
Products with synthetic cannabinoids are not standardized and regulated, so their forms may vary. They can be found as vapes and vape oils, edibles, and flower enhanced with synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabis is far more potent and dangerous compared to natural cannabis.
Effects and Risks
Products containing synthetic cannabinoids can cause serious health issues due to the lack of licensing and safety regulations, as stated by NIDA. They are designed to mimic the effects of cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, but they are unpredictable and unreliable when compared to the effects of natural cannabinoids.
Natural cannabinoids are more regulated and are generally considered safer than synthetic ones. Natural cannabinoids are less likely to cause unpredictable effects and health issues, especially with proper dosing.
Legality
Cannabis is not federally legal in the US. Each state has its own laws and regulations when it comes to cannabis consumption. For adults over the age of 21, medical cannabis is legal in 40 states, while recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states in the US. Most products made with synthetic cannabinoids are considered illicitly made and are considered designer drugs under the names K2 or Spice.
To ensure safe cannabis use, always purchase products from licensed and established sellers to avoid health risks. Find your nearest dispensary and explore the selection of available cannabis products.