Some people want to microdose, getting just enough in the background to create some positive change in their life, and other people want to pierce the veil of reality, squeegee off that third eye, and blast open the doors of perception.

Hey, different strokes for different folks. 

If you're more solidly in the psychonaut camp, you might find yourself with a pretty healthy interest in the chemical makeup of the cannabis plant. More specifically, the cannabinoids contained therein.

If you want the CliffsNotes version of this article, the strongest cannabinoid we know of is called THC-P, which can be up to 30 times more potent than run-of-the-mill D9 THC — the most common THC variant found in most common cannabis plants. That said, in order to understand this mega-cannabinoid, we need to crack open the chemistry books.

Cannabinoids 101: Understanding the What Makes Cannabis Tick

Cannabinoids are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant that can interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system is crucial for maintaining balance and homeostasis — remember high school biology? The cannabinoids you consume bind to those receptors and influence various physiological processes — everything from regulating sleep and managing pain to influencing your appetite and elevating your mood.

The most well-known cannabinoids are probably tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). There are a ton of other cannabinoids, though, which we will get into below, as well as different variants — THCa, D9THC, D8THC, etc. The effects of each cannabinoid are different, and they can have compounding or disruptive effects with each other. 

Before we talk about specific cannabinoids though, let's get an understanding of how they're classified.

The Three Buckets: Recreational, Medicinal, and Synthetic Cannabinoids

In the cannabis industry, cannabinoids are categorized into three main types based on their sources and uses — recreational, medicinal, and synthetic. Each type plays a distinct role and serves different purposes in the world of cannabis consumption.

Recreational Cannabinoids

Recreational cannabinoids are primarily used for their psychoactive effects, which include altering mood, perception, and cognition. The most well-known cannabinoid in this category is the people's champion, THC. 

THC produces the characteristic "high" associated with cannabis use, which can create feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception. Recreational use mostly focuses on the pleasurable and social aspects of cannabis.

Medicinal Cannabinoids

Ready to take your medicine? Medicinal cannabinoids are used for their therapeutic benefits or to manage the symptoms of various medical conditions. These cannabinoids can be derived from cannabis or synthesized to mimic their effects. These cannabinoids can help alleviate pain, reduce nausea, stimulate appetite, improve sleep, and a myriad other benefits. These cannabinoids are used in medical treatments due to their ability to address specific health issues without producing unwanted psychoactive effects.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

And now we put on our lab coats. Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made compounds designed to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids. They can be found in pharmaceuticals or recreational drugs and are not usually derived from the cannabis plant. These chemicals can interact with your body's receptors similarly to natural cannabinoids but may have different or more intense effects. If you've heard of "Spice" or "K2," you've heard of synthetic cannabinoids. Some of these can be dangerous, so you need to be aware of what you're consuming.

Now that you have a pretty clear understanding of how we talk about cannabinoids, let's take a look at some of the most well-understood individual types.

What Are the Different Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a diverse group of compounds found in cannabis plants, and they play a crucial role in the effects and benefits associated with cannabis use. Understanding these compounds can enhance your experience with cannabis products, from edibles to oils and beyond. Here's a breakdown of the most common cannabinoids and what they do.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana use. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, influencing your mood, appetite, and sensory perception.

It's well known for its euphoric and intoxicating effects, but THC also has therapeutic benefits. Like we said above, it can help with pain relief, nausea reduction, appetite stimulation, and managing sleep disorders. However, high doses of THC can sometimes cause anxiety or paranoia, especially in inexperienced users.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is probably the second most well-known cannabinoid. It's not psychoactive, meaning that it won't make you feel "high."  It interacts primarily with CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system and has a broad range of therapeutic potential.

It's primarily used for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and pain-killing properties. It can help with conditions like anxiety, epilepsy, chronic pain, and insomnia. And since it's non-psychoactive, it doesn't impair your cognitive function or motor skills. If you're looking for the benefits without the intoxication, CBD is for you.

Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN is a cannabinoid that forms as THC breaks down over time. It is mildly psychoactive but is less potent than THC. It's often associated with sedative effects, making it potentially useful for improving sleep quality. It can also have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties for some folks.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

Similar to CBN, CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with a unique profile, but it's usually found in lower concentrations in cannabis plants. Research is ongoing, but CBC is thought to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidepressant properties. It may also contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing the overall therapeutic potential of cannabis when combined with other cannabinoids. We'll talk about that in just a minute.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

THCV is a cannabinoid with a similar structure to THC but with distinct effects. Like CBN, it's not usually found in high quantities in normal cannabis plants. It's a potential appetite suppressant, making it the opposite of THC in regard to "the munchies." It may also have stimulating effects that can help increase your energy and focus. It's currently being studied for its possible effects on anxiety and psychosis.

Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

CBDV is a cannabinoid that is chemically similar to CBD, but it has different effects. Research is showing that CBDV might have anticonvulsant properties, which could be beneficial for conditions like epilepsy. It also shows promise for its potential effects on nausea and pain.

So, these are the primary cannabinoids you're going to find in cannabis plants. Their ratios as well as the presence of other compounds in the plant are going to determine the kind of effect they'll have when you consume them altogether — like you would when smoking plant material.

The Entourage Effect and What It Means for You

No, we're not talking about Turtle and crew. We're talking about a term used to describe the interactions between various compounds in the cannabis plant that work together to produce a more complex and beneficial experience than any single compound alone. The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts if you will.

This concept is pretty important for understanding how cannabis works and why so-called "full-spectrum" products may offer more benefits than isolates. But that's a different story for a different article.

So, what exactly is the entourage effect? It's a theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals in cannabis interact in a way that enhances the overall therapeutic effects of the plant as a whole. Rather than isolating individual compounds, the combined effect of these various substances can lead to a more balanced or enhanced experience. There are three primary factors at play here.

The first we already know — the cannabinoids. Like we said above, each cannabinoid has its own unique effects, but when used together, they can create a more comprehensive therapeutic profile.

The next are terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its flavor and scent. They also have their own therapeutic properties and can influence the effects of cannabinoids. Common terpenes include myrcene, which is a sedative; limonene, which can be mood-enhancing; and pinene, which studies show is memory-boosting.

Finally, we have all the other phytochemicals. Cannabis contains various other compounds, such as flavonoids and lipids, that may also play a role in the overall effect of the plant. Mix 'em all up together, and you get an understanding of why different cannabis products can have such wildly different affects. 

Alright, alright. We hear you. Enough with the botany lesson. Let's talk about what we came here to discuss — the strongest cannabinoids known to man.

Getting Acquainted with THC-P

When it comes to the "strongest" cannabinoid, we're using psychoactive potency as the barometer. And the winner is…

Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P)!

That's a mouthful, but studies show THC-P is about 30 percent more psychoactive than Delta-9 THC, which is the most common THC variant found in most cannabis plants. Don't get too excited though. THC-P is only found in trace amounts in most plants and it's difficult to extract and accumulate, which means it's a little harder to source.

What makes it so potent? It's structure, for one. THC-P has a unique chemical structure compared to THC. Namely it contains a longer alkyl side chain, which allows it to bind more effectively to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which are located mainly in the brain and central nervous system. This so-called "heightened affinity" can lead to more intense psychoactive effects like altered perception and heightened sensory experiences.

Since it was only discovered in 2019, THC-P isn't as well understood as other cannabinoids, and very limited research has been done on it compared to THC and CBD. Most of what we know about THC-P comes from preliminary studies, so that means its long-term effects, its safety profile, and its full range of benefits — and drawbacks — are still under investigation.

With that in mind, if you're looking for a powerful psychoactive experience, our recommendation is to just increase the potency of the edibles you're taking. Lucky for you, we offer several high-dose options for people looking to take things to the next level.

First, we have to point out our 100mg gummies. These pack enough wallop to get even experienced users where they want to go. If you're not a seasoned traveler, we definitely recommend cutting this product up into its four 25mg quadrants.

We'd also recommend our 50mg brownie bites. Delicious and decadent, these treats are great for munching all day to keep your buzz going or taking a serving all at once to really push through.   

Finally, our 25mg sample pack is good for people who want to modulate their experience while swimming in the deep end. Like all of our products, these are precisely dosed and tested so you can double up or cut them in half to dial things in perfectly.

Before we go though, we do want to offer some pointers for folks looking to step things up a bit.

Tips for Taking High-Dose THC Edibles

While we're all about having a great time, it needs to be said that taking high-dose THC gummies requires careful consideration and preparation to ensure you have a positive and safe experience. Things can get pretty intense pretty quickly, so here are some pointers to help you navigate these high seas.

Know Your Tolerance

Before you think about taking a high-dose THC edible, it's important to understand your tolerance level. If you're new to THC or have a low tolerance, starting with high doses will almost absolutely lead to overwhelming effects. Begin with a lower dose and gradually increase to gauge your sensitivity.

Plan Ahead for Onset and Duration

Be patient! THC edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to produce effects, and higher doses may take even longer to manifest fully. Do not make the mistake of eating additional edibles until you feel the full effects of the initial dose. Trust us, it's gonna do something. Also be aware that high doses of THC can lead to prolonged effects, lasting up to eight hours — sometimes more. Plan your day and ensure you're in a comfortable environment where you can relax and manage the effects.

Consume in a Safe Environment

In that same vein, ensure you're in a safe, familiar environment when consuming high-dose THC edibles. Being in a comfortable and secure space can help you manage any potential anxiety or discomfort. If possible, take your edibles with a friend who is familiar with cannabis. They can provide support and reassurance if things start to go wonky for you.

Final Thoughts on Powerful Cannabinoids and Their Consumption

As is true with most things in life, moderation is key. If you want to increase your horizons with cannabis a little, just make sure you're doing so in a safe and responsible way. High doses of THC can lead to some pretty profound effects, but you're not going to enjoy them if you push yourself too far. Know your limits, take things slow, be safe. Ultimately, it's important to relax and enjoy yourself. 

That said, Godspeed to you, intrepid psychonaut!