What is CB9?
The cannabis plant has been in the limelight for a few years now, with new cannabinoids consistently being released. One of the latest additions to this growing list is CB9, a lesser-known cannabinoid that is beginning to attract interest for its H4CBD-like properties. Yet despite being similar to H4CBD, it has a more noticeable potency. CB9, or Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) 9, is a cannabinoid that is structurally distinct from more familiar cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Its chemical configuration includes a novel arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, which contributes to its unique interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Similarly to other cannabinoids of recent popularity, like THC-V, CB9 is a minor cannabinoid. These types of cannabinoids occur naturally at a very low concentration in the cannabis plant. The discovery of CB9 was facilitated by advancements in chromatography and mass spectrometry, which allow scientists to isolate and identify even trace amounts of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
What Makes the Biology of CB9 unique?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made up of endocannabinoids (naturally occurring cannabinoids in the body), primarily receptors known as CB1 and CB2, and other factors responsible for the creation and breaking down of endocannabinoids. The ECS is a crucial component of human physiology, involved in regulating various functions such as pain, mood, appetite, and immune response. These functions can be regulated up or down based on the input of cannabinoids. This is why, for example, consuming THC can make an individual hungry: it is ’turning up’ your internal system for hunger! Equally, this is why many cannabinoids have been studied for potential applications in chronic pain, psychological disorders, appetite booster and anti-inflammation.
CB9 interacts with the ECS in a manner distinct from more well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Preliminary research suggests that CB9 has a moderate affinity for CB1 receptors, primarily located in the central nervous system, and a higher affinity for CB2 receptors, which are predominantly found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. This interaction pattern implies that CB9 holds a type of balance compared to CBD and THC. CBD has an incredibly low affinity to both receptors, whilst THC has a primarily strong affinity. This gives us a general profile for the effects and potency that we can expect from CB9.
So, how potent is CB9? Previous CBD-derivatives such as H4CBD have been ranked as a little weaker than HHC. Yet surprisingly, CB9 is at a higher potency, comparable to HHC effects. User reports include that the biggest difference is likely that CB9 can be more relaxing than HHC. With this in mind, both HHC and CB9 can be said to be slightly weaker than baseline THC. It is surprising to see that CBD-derived cannabinoids are making a comeback after having been ignored for their lack of psychoactive properties. It seems that the increase in affinities to CB1 and CB2 receptors has unlocked some new potential for this family of cannabinoids.
The most stand-out feature of CB9 is most likely its psychoactive properties despite being a CBD-derived cannabinoid. This is reflected in its interesting chemical structure. Some early attempts have been made to tinker further with this structure, resulting in CB9N. However, there is still too little information available on this adjusted version of CB9 to gather much about its properties. Most likely, it will be quite similar to that of CB9, with potential changes in potency/shelf-life due to the adjustment. Unlike THC, the most well-known cannabinoid, the psychoactive effects of CB9 are more moderate. CB9 has a much more ‘balanced’ affinity to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, making it most suitable for milder psychoactive effects. CB9’s moderate potency and dual receptor affinity set it apart, suggesting it may bridge the gap between highly psychoactive cannabinoids like THC and non-psychoactive ones like CBD, potentially providing comprehensive therapeutic effects without overwhelming potency.
A CBD-Derivate Future?
The new focus on CB9 and CBD-derived cannabinoids represents an exciting change of pace in cannabinoid research. This may shift the focus of researchers to a whole new and unexplored section of cannabinoids that were previously thought completely non-psychoactive. While CBN is becoming increasingly popular, there’s very little research around its exact properties outside of user reports. This is common with many ‘new’ cannabinoids, and previously was the case with cannabinoids such as HHC. Having new types of receptor affinities, and therefore a new range of potential effects, will lead to some interesting cannabinoids in the near future!
