Natural Vs. Synthetic THC: Which Are You Really Consuming?

Here’s a surprising fact: Not all THC is created equal. That’s especially true in recent years as we’ve watched the cannabis market pump out all sorts of new and exciting products.

But when it comes to the product’s root, THC, consumers are entitled to know where it came from, how it was “made,” and how it might affect them. While traditional cannabis products come straight from the plant, many newer alternatives use synthetic processes to create their compounds.

The difference between natural and synthetic THC isn’t just about marketing—it’s about safety, effectiveness, and the overall quality of your experience. Let’s dive into what you should know about the THC products you’re consuming.

There are a few key differences to know when determining the differences between synthetic and natural THC. Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that synthetic does not equal “fake.”

In order to create a synthetic, human-made version of THC, it often starts with CBD isolate. So the foundation of the product is still coming from hemp, but it’s the chemical conversion that consumers should know about. CBD isolate is converted on a molecular level to Delta-9 THC. However, this process can use unwanted compounds, which may make the product less pure.

Natural THC is extracted directly from the cannabis or hemp plant in various ways. While some extraction methods preserve the plant’s original cannabinoids and terpenes better than others, natural hemp-derived THC products will produce a better entourage effect than synthetic THC products. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Natural THC:

• Uses gentle extraction methods
• Includes full spectrum of plant compounds
• Is extracted directly from hemp or cannabis

Synthetic THC:

• Often involves chemicals
• Usually lacks a proper entourage effect
• Is chemically converted from CBD isolate

There are many ways to identify the quality of a product without seeing or trying it. But it takes some knowledge of where to look.

Third-Party Lab Testing: This has to be the most entry-level way of checking a product’s quality. If a product isn’t third-party lab tested, it’s either tested by the brand/company itself (which may introduce some biased results) or wasn’t tested at all. Look for comprehensive test results that show cannabinoid content and screen for contaminants.

Extraction Method: Was your product used in a solventless or solvent-based extraction process? We strongly believe that companies must be transparent about how they process their products, as it makes all the difference in your final product.

Ingredient Lists: Just like the food you eat, the fewer + recognizable ingredients, the better. For a weed product, it indicates that the product is more natural and doesn’t use unnecessary ingredients/fillers.

Certifications: USDA organic certifications are a clear sign that the product is natural and of good quality. Although, that’s pretty rare for THC gummies. So when you find it, lock it in.

Company Transparency: We encourage our readers to look behind the brand and know who they’re purchasing from. Do they openly share about sourcing and processing? Do they have any control over the supply chain? Do they use third-party lab testing? These are essential elements that consumers are entitled to know.

I’ll leave you with this. The best THC products don’t need synthetic processes or artificial ingredients to be effective.

While it’s pretty fun to experiment with new cannabinoids and synthetic versions of THC, some consumers would rather stay on the natural side. And rightly so. They provide all the benefits you’re looking for while giving you peace of mind about what you’re consuming.