You’ve definitely heard of THC and CBD, but they’re not the only cannabinoid game in town anymore. That’s right—there’s a whole world of other cannabinoids and cannabinoid-infused products on the market today like CBG, CBN, delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and more.
While we’re still learning about these “minor” or “alternative” cannabinoids, we know that they all have some similarities to their more well-known cannabinoid cousins, and some unique effects as well. Read on for reviews and tips on consuming and enjoying these new-to-market cannabinoids.
Wyld Pear Gummies 1:1 Hybrid THC:CBG
Because all other cannabinoids start their lifecycle as cannabigerol or CBG, it’s known as the “mother cannabinoid”—the OG of cannabis compounds, if you will. CBG isn’t psychoactive, but it does affect the endocannabinoid system by strengthening the function of one of our naturally-occurring cannabinoids known as anandamide, or the “bliss molecule,”—involved in signaling around pleasure, motivation, appetite, sleep, and pain.
A 2013 study even found that CBG has the potential to help people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). And while more research is definitely needed on the beneficial properties and doses of CBG, increasing anecdotal evidence shows that CBG is helpful for bringing on a state of calm and wellbeing without a high, as well as for pain relief.
Now, these Wyld pear treats pack 10 mg of THC along with that CBG, so these are, without a doubt psychoactive. Wyld adds hybrid-leaning fruit terpenes—and even though terps have reduced bioavailability when ingested, their effects can still be felt. For me personally, the synergy of THC, CBG, and hybrid terpenes brings on a mildly euphoric, decently uplifting, and very, very balanced experience. Plus, they’re delicious.
10 mg of THC can feel like quite a lot for newbies—so if you’re new to cannabis, start with half a gummy.
Available at legal dispensaries in Arizona, California, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Also available in Canada!
Society’s Plant Delta-8 and Delta-10 Gummies
Yes, Society’s Plant’s yummy gummies are shippable throughout the U.S., and yes, they’re psychoactive. So, how exactly is that possible? Well, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp plants containing less than .3% THC are federally legal—as are products made or derived from said hemp. So-called “alternative cannabinoids” like delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC—which largely mimic the euphoric effects of traditional delta-9 THC—can be made using hemp-derived CBD and an isomerization process.
Now I’ll be the first to admit that I’m highly skeptical of most hemp-derived alternative cannabinoids out there, but these are different. Here’s why: Bianca Snyder, co-founder and co-owner of Society’s Plant, sources hemp for Society from her family-run artisanal hemp farm in southwest Michigan. She then partners with a reputable lab to create various delta products from her hemp-derived CBD.
Clean lab tests for all the products, as well as Bianca’s willingness to put her name and face behind them, all contribute to consumer confidence. Plus, they work—and by that, I mean that they take the edge off difficult parenting moments without impairment. More on that in a moment.
Let’s talk dosing. Society’s delta-8 and delta-10 gummies come in doses of 25mg or 50 mg per gummy because their effects tend to be milder than traditional delta-9—which typically comes in doses of 5mg-10mg per serving. If you’re new to cannabis, DON’T eat a whole Society gummy (though you’ll want to)—halves, or even quarters, are your friends.
Personally, I’ll eat one quarter of the 50 mg delta-8 gummy to take the edge off my stress and anxiety without much, or any, psychoactive effect—but if you’re really sensitive, start with less. When I eat half of the same gummy, I’m super chill, but not very productive; more than that and I’m fast asleep.
Delta-10, on the other hand, tends to have energizing effects along the lines of a classic “sativa” experience; however, because it binds to endocannabinoid receptors a bit more loosely than delta-8, many people can take a higher dose of delta-10. For instance, one quarter of a 50mg Society’s delta-10 gummy is barely noticeable for me, but half a gummy has me up and ready to do all the things while managing a household of kids at the same time.
Remember that your sweet spot will feel a little different from mine, and it takes a bit of patience to get there. Start lower and go slower than you think you should; it’s always better to have had too little than too much.
Grön Blackberry Lemonade 1:1:1 THC:CBD:CBN Sleepy Indica Pearls
By now you’ve probably heard of CBN as the new “sleepy cannabinoid”—because as anxiety, stress, and sleep issues in the general population have skyrocketed in the last few years (I mean, have you read the news?), CBN-containing products have correspondingly proliferated. CBN is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid that appears in cannabis as THC ages.
Research on the compound as a sleep aid is thus far pretty scant, but for years cannabis consumers have reported that older cannabis (presumably richer in CBN) induces sleepier effects.
Grön, a woman-owned and operated multi-state brand, specializes in solventless cannabis infusions made with full-spectrum extract sourced from their seed-to-sale operation. 1:1 products are all the rage these days, but these 1:1:1 THC:CBD:CBN gummies take the cannabinoid game to another level entirely.
I’ve certainly had more bingeable treats (they’re still pretty tasty), but I just can’t say enough about the power of a good night’s sleep to help me feel like an actual human. Yes, the soporific effects of these three cannabinoids working in concert really do the sleep trick for me. Nighty night.
Available at legal dispensaries in Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, and Oklahoma.
Smokiez Edibles Hemp-Infused Peach Gummies with CBD & CBG
These are hands-down the most scrumptious, bursting-with-peachy-goodness gummies I’ve tasted. Each treat has 25 mg of CBD, 10mg of CBG, and 4g of sugar (worth it.) CBG, or cannabigerol won’t get you high (see Wyld review above), but it engages with the endocannabinoid system and may contribute to an overall sense of balance and wellbeing.
Smokiez also makes THC gummies in addition to other cannabinoid combinations in myriad fruity flavors, but these CBD + CBG gummies are made with CBD isolate and are thus completely THC-free; that’s good news if you’re worried about passing a drug test or prefer to pass on the THC high, but personally I prefer a full-spectrum product with at least a little THC to maximize the synergistic effect.
For me, these CBG + CBD gummies bring on a subtle, but perceptible, settled feeling that’s enhanced by yoga, breathwork, or spending time in nature. They help relieve anxiety without making me sleepy. And did I mention they’re delicious?
Available online and in certain U.S. stores.
Polite Hemp Ease Your Mind CBD + CBG Tincture
Polite Hemp is an emerging, women-and-minority-led brand based in Seattle making high quality tinctures with varying combinations of CBD, CBG, and botanicals. Developed by clinicians and rigorously lab tested, I feel confident saying that these are some of the cleanest cannabis tinctures around.
The Ease Your Mind formula is all about taming anxiety—even sporting the product tagline: “chill without the pill.” CBD has been studied as an effective anxiolytic (anxiety reliever), and CBG has the same—if not more—promise as such. This tinctures doesn’t skimp on the cannabinoids, either.
With 770 mg of CBD and 550 mg of CBG per 1oz bottle (total: 1270 mg cannabinoids), you’re getting 25 mg of CBD and 17 mg of CBG per dropper. So go easy—it isn’t cheap. Start with half a dropper and titrate upwards every few days until you find your sweet spot.
Lemon balm leaf and kava, two synergistic herbs both known for their calming and uplifting effects, round out this formula. It’s a mood boost without the jitters, a relaxant that won’t put you to sleep, and a product definitely worth reaching for on days when your job, your kids, the state of the world—or all three—are doing a number on your inner peace. Ease Your Mind and other full-spectrum cannabinoid combos from Polite come in at under .3% THC and are shippable throughout the U.S.
Danielle Simone Brand is the Author of Weed Mom. Read more articles by Danielle
Comments
Woh I enjoy your content, saved to fav! .