Everything you need to know about CB9, the newly isolated cannabinoid in cannabis!

What exactly is CB9?

CB9, sometimes called Cannabinoid 9 (especially in the United States), is a cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant, particularly Cannabis L strains. Sativa and Cannabis Indica. We are on a distillate which presents a fairly unique molecular structure, halfway between CBD and THC.

If we were to make a comparison with the cannabinoids that we already know, CB9 could be the cousin of HHC, this controversial cannabinoid which was banned by the Ministry of Health in 2023, under the impetus of the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products.

CB9 is a product of nature, not laboratories. Indeed, no chemical manipulation in vitro is necessary to obtain it, since it is found naturally in the cannabis plant, undoubtedly in the continuation of a cascade of chemical reactions with CBD and THC as precursors and under very specific temperature and humidity conditions, which science is barely exploring.

What differentiates CB9 from other cannabinoids we know?

In reality, the molecular structure of the 140 cannabinoids discovered so far by the scientific community is relatively similar, with some small differences on the side chains which impact:

• The degree of affinity with the “CB 1” and “CB 2” receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS);
• The dominant effect: soothing, energizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, painkiller, anti-nausea, etc. ;
• The presence or absence of psychotropic effects (or “high” effect);
• The intensity of psychotropic effects, if any;
• Taste and organoleptic properties.

Similar structures = comparable effects

Obviously, with molecular structures that are 70 or 80% similar, all cannabinoids have fairly comparable effects, with a soothing and relaxing action, fairly marked anti-inflammatory properties, and an antioxidant action. and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

Even THC, which is the molecule responsible for the intoxicating and psychotropic effect of cannabis, is not without benefits. This is also why certain countries have authorized certain medications containing THC (notably France).

And the CB9 in all this? We remain within the same spectrum of effects, with a soothing, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving cannabinoid... but psychotropic, at least to a certain degree. Nothing new under the sun at this level.

CB9, a cannabinoid that does not crystallize

But this mysterious cannabinoid has a rare property in the world of cannabinoids: it does not crystallize, that is to say, it does not form crystals and it remains in the liquid or viscous state whatever the storage or transport conditions. This is what it implies:

• CB9 integrates very easily with other components, without major chemical risk. Producers will be able to easily create low-cost CB9 oils, topicals, e-liquids and edibles;
• CB9 does not need additives or anti-crystallizing agents, which will promote pure and fairly refined products... if it is one day legalized (unlikely in France);
• Healthcare stakeholders who wish to experiment with CB9 drugs, particularly for the management of pain that is resistant to usual treatments, will have a certain ease in handling and storing this resistant molecule.

What do consumers who may have consumed CB9 say?

CB9 is mainly available on the American and Japanese underground market, according to the testimonies of hemp regulars on Reddit.

The first feedback from the field on CB9 indicates that this natural cannabinoid has moderately psychotropic properties, a bit like HHC, accompanied by relaxing and soothing effects, like all known cannabinoids.

Unlike THC, which can sometimes cause intense euphoria followed by episodes of anxiety in the event of an overdose, CB9 seems to be limited to a measured psychotropic effect without an acute peak and without a "crash". However, we remain with a psychotropic molecule which will probably be banned by the legislator as soon as it crosses the borders of the national territory.

CB9 vs. CBD vs. THC: let’s compare these three cannabinoids!

CB9 is therefore located somewhere between CBD and THC. It seems to take up most of the virtues of cannabinoids, although with a moderate psychotropic effect which makes its legalization very unlikely, at least in France. Here is a comparison table between CB9, CBD and THC: