Frequently Asked Questions

About this page: these are the questions we get asked most about hemp-derived cannabinoids, the 2026 federal law changes, lab testing and how 420Grades works. Each answer links to the full guide where one exists. Nothing here is medical or legal advice.

Last reviewed: November 4, 2026. Hemp rules are changing on November 12 and December 11, 2026. See the 2026 hemp law explained for the timeline.

About 420Grades

What is 420Grades?

420Grades is a directory of hemp and CBD brands. Each listing is a brand-level entry that links out to that brand’s own website. The site organises brands by cannabinoid (CBD, delta-8, HHC, THCO and others) and by use case (sleep, stress, focus). See the full brand directory.

Does 420Grades sell products?

No. Nearly all listings are external or affiliate products: clicking through takes you to the brand’s own site, where the actual transaction happens. 420Grades does not manufacture, hold stock, or ship any of these products.

Do you earn a commission on links?

Yes. Many outbound brand links are affiliate links, which means 420Grades may earn a commission if you buy through them. That is how the site is funded. It is one reason we do not publish star ratings we have not earned — a numeric score attached to an affiliate link is not a review, it is a sales device.

Do you test the products you list?

No. 420Grades has not independently tested any listing. When a brand publishes a certificate of analysis, that certificate comes from the brand’s lab, not from us. Our guide to reading a COA explains how to check one yourself.

Are the listed products recommended?

No. A listing means a brand is in the catalog. It is not an endorsement, a rating, or a claim that the product is legal where you live.

How do I report an error or a dead link?

Email 420Grades@gmail.com with the page URL and what is wrong. Corrections to factual errors are the most useful messages we receive.

Cannabinoids

Which cannabinoids get you high?

The intoxicating ones sold today are delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, delta-11 THC, HHC, THCO, THCP and THCH. CBD, CBG, CBN, CBDV and THCV at low doses are generally described as non-intoxicating — though THCV becomes intoxicating at higher doses. The cannabinoid hub compares all of them.

What is the difference between delta-8 and delta-9?

They are isomers: the same atoms in a slightly different arrangement. Delta-9 is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis and has far more research behind it. Delta-8 occurs only in trace amounts in the plant, is made commercially by converting CBD, and is generally reported as milder. See delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC.

Is delta-8 natural?

It occurs naturally in cannabis in very small quantities. Commercial delta-8 is synthesized from CBD using acid catalysis, which is why regulators treat it as semi-synthetic.

What is HHC?

HHC is produced by hydrogenating THC. It occurs naturally in trace amounts, but commercial HHC is made in a lab. It is intoxicating. See the HHC guide.

What is THCO and why is it controversial?

THCO is a synthetic cannabinoid with almost no human safety data, and there are questions about whether it acts as a prodrug that the body converts into THC. It loses federal hemp status on November 12, 2026. See the THCO guide.

What is THCA?

THCA is the acidic precursor to delta-9 THC. Raw THCA is not intoxicating in the usual sense; heat converts it to THC. Federal law starts counting THCA in total THC on December 11, 2026. See the THCA guide.

Does CBD interact with medication?

Yes, meaningfully. CBD inhibits the liver enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, which can raise blood levels of some prescription drugs, including blood thinners and epilepsy medications. Talk to a pharmacist or clinician before combining them. See the CBD guide and CBD dosage guide.

Legality

What changes on November 12, 2026?

The federal hemp definition starts excluding cannabinoids that the plant cannot naturally produce. In practice that removes HHC and THCO from the hemp category.

What changes on December 11, 2026?

Two things. First, the standard becomes total THC — delta-9 plus THCA — at 0.3% dry weight. Second, a finished hemp product may contain no more than 0.4 mg total THC per container. The definition also excludes naturally occurring cannabinoids manufactured outside the plant, which captures commercial delta-8, delta-10, THCP and similar products.

Will delta-8 be illegal after December 2026?

It loses its federal hemp basis. Whether it is sold or prosecuted depends on state law and enforcement, which vary widely. See the timeline and hemp laws by state.

Is delta-8 legal in my state?

It depends on the state. Some ban it outright, some regulate it as cannabis, some apply hemp-specific testing and labelling rules, and some have no specific rule. The state-by-state guide covers eight states with primary citations; the broader delta-8 overview explains the four regulatory approaches. Neither is legal advice.

What is the difference between hemp-derived and cannabis-derived THC?

The molecule is identical. The legal treatment is not. Hemp-derived THC is regulated as an agricultural product within THC limits; cannabis-derived THC is regulated under state cannabis programmes. See the comparison.

Testing and safety

What is a COA?

A certificate of analysis: a laboratory report for one specific batch, covering cannabinoid content and contaminants. See how to read one.

What should I check before buying any of these products?

The batch number and test date on the COA, the cannabinoid content in milligrams per unit, total THC per container, the residual solvent panel (especially for converted cannabinoids), and your state’s rules.

Will delta-8 show up on a drug test?

Assume yes. Standard cannabis tests detect THC metabolites, and delta-8 produces cross-reacting metabolites. See delta-8 and drug tests and how long delta-8 stays in your system.

Can CBD make you fail a drug test?

CBD isolate should not. Full-spectrum products contain trace THC, and heavy daily use can accumulate enough to trigger a positive on a sensitive test.

How much delta-8 should I take?

There is no official dose. A common starting point for adults is 2.5–5 mg, taken once, with at least two hours before considering more. See the delta-8 dosage guide.

Using the site

How do I find a specific brand?

Use the A to Z brand directory, or open the category for the cannabinoid you want.

How do I find products by benefit rather than cannabinoid?

The catalog groups brands by use case as well — sleep, stress, recovery, focus, energy, and general wellness. These appear on the brand directory under “By use”.

Can I buy wholesale or become an affiliate?

There are pages for wholesale enquiries and affiliate enquiries. For anything else, email 420Grades@gmail.com.

Related guides

Educational information only. Not medical or legal advice.