The Cannabinoid Cheat Sheet: CBD, Delta-8, & THCA Explained | Dr. Danielle
The Somatic Glossary: A Guide to Your Nervous System
You shouldn't need a chemistry degree to find relief.
If you are standing in the wellness aisle feeling overwhelmed by acronyms like THCV, HHC, and Delta-8, you are not alone. I created this guide to translate the science into sensation.
Use this "Cheat Sheet" to match the molecule to the moment—whether you need to power through a deadline, unwind after a chaotic day, or get the deepest sleep of your life.
🟢 Tier 1: The "Work-Safe" Zone
Vibe: Productive, Sharp, Calm. Psychoactive Level: None (0/10). Drug Test Risk: Safe (Broad Spectrum) / Low Risk (Full Spectrum).
CBD (Cannabidiol)
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The Translation: "The warm cup of herbal tea."
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The Feeling: It doesn't add a sensation; it removes the noise. It turns the volume down on background anxiety and systemic inflammation. You won't feel "different," just regulated.
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Best For: Daily maintenance, general anxiety, "holding it together."
CBG (The Mother Cannabinoid)
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The Translation: "The clear-headed morning walk."
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The Feeling: Often called the "gut-brain" connector. It supports physical comfort and mental clarity without sedation.
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Best For: Morning aches, stomach issues, focus without caffeine.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
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The Translation: "Somatic Espresso."
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The Feeling: A rare cannabinoid that acts like a stimulant. It cuts through brain fog and suppresses appetite, giving you clean, cognitive energy.
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Best For: The 2 PM slump, "Mom Brain," and curbing snack cravings.
🟡 Tier 2: The "Decompression" Zone
Vibe: Relaxed, Floaty, "The Shift." Psychoactive Level: Mild (3-5/10). Drug Test Risk: FAIL (These will show up on a test).
Delta-8 THC
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The Translation: "The Light Beer / Wine Spritzer."
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The Feeling: About 50-70% as potent as traditional cannabis. It offers a soothing body relaxation and a gentle mood lift without the paranoia often associated with stronger stuff.
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Best For: Transitioning from "Work Mode" to "Home Mode."
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)
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The Translation: "The Happy Buzz."
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The Feeling: Users describe HHC as more "heady" and uplifting than Delta-8. It feels less heavy on the body and more social.
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Best For: Socializing, creative hobbies, watching a movie, laughing.
🔴 Tier 3: The "Deep Release" Zone
Vibe: Heavy, Sedated, Euphoric. Psychoactive Level: High (8-10/10). Drug Test Risk: FAIL (These will show up on a test).
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
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The Translation: "The Shapeshifter."
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The Feeling: In its raw form, it is non-psychoactive. But as soon as you heat it (vape or smoke), it converts instantly into pure Delta-9 THC. It is the "real deal" legally disguised.
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Best For: When you need the maximum strength effect of traditional cannabis.
Delta-9 THC
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The Translation: "The Heavy Blanket."
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The Feeling: The gold standard for deep release. It engages the entire endocannabinoid system to lower pain perception, induce a dream-like state, and force a hard reset on the nervous system.
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Best For: Severe insomnia, chronic pain, and "Red Alert" stress days.
🧬 The Strain Guide: Sativa vs. Indica
When shopping in the Deep Release zone, you'll see "Strains." Here is how to choose.
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☀️ Sativa: Think "Sun." Energizing, cerebral, uplifting. Good for cleaning the house or creative projects.
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🌙 Indica: Think "In-Da-Couch." Heavy, body-focused, sedating. Good for pain and sleep.
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⚖️ Hybrid: The middle path. A balance of both.
👩⚕️ Dr. Danielle’s "Safety First" Note
"Start Low, Go Slow." Your nervous system is unique. If you are new to the 'Yellow' or 'Red' tiers, start with 1/4 of a gummy or one puff. You can always take more, but you cannot take less.
Note: Products in the Yellow and Red tiers WILL cause you to fail a standard drug test. Do not operate machinery while using them.