Same letters, different 3D shape. cis-Δ9-THC is a stereoisomer of Δ9-THC, and stereochemistry is not a cute detail. It changes receptor fit, potency, and the confidence level of any claim you see online.
Infographic · What It Is · Why The cis Part Matters · Natural Vs Synthetic · Chemical Identity · Vaporizing Notes · Faq · Sources
cis-Δ9-THC Infographic
What It Is
Delta-9-cis-tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-Δ9-THC) is a stereoisomer of Δ9-THC. It shares the same molecular formula (C21H30O2), but the 3D arrangement differs from the better-known trans isomer that dominates most cannabis chemotype discussions.
Why The cis Part Matters
Δ9-THC has stereogenic centers, meaning it can exist as multiple stereoisomers. cis-Δ9-THC is not “another name” for Δ9-THC. It is a different 3D configuration, and that can change how strongly it interacts with cannabinoid receptors and other targets.
Natural Vs Synthetic
cis-Δ9-THC has been identified in certain cannabis materials and discussed in the scientific literature as a naturally occurring component in some contexts, while also being produced synthetically for research, forensics, and analytical reference standards.
- Natural occurrence: reported in specific cannabis varieties and contexts in the literature.
- Synthetic availability: commonly sold as a reference standard (often racemic mixtures in lab catalogs).
- Takeaway: it can be both. Your job is to verify which compound you are actually talking about.
Want the bigger picture view: Cannabinoids Hub.
Chemical Identity
These anchors keep pages accurate and keep copycats from turning chemistry into fan fiction.
Verify fast: PubChem: delta9-CIS-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (CID 12831993) · Cayman Chemical: (±)-cis-Δ9-THC reference standard
Vaporizing Notes
There is no single, universally reliable consumer temperature that isolates cis-Δ9-THC in a dry herb session. Flower is a matrix. Cannabinoids, terpenes, acids, and byproducts ride together.
Practical Stepped Session Strategy
- Warm Up: 365 to 375°F
- Main Extraction: 385 to 400°F
- Finish Only If Needed: 405 to 410°F
For the fundamentals behind the method: Vape Vs Combustion: The Art Of Vaporizing .
Faq
Is cis-Δ9-THC The Same As “Regular” Δ9-THC?
No. Most consumer references to Δ9-THC are talking about the trans isomer. cis-Δ9-THC is a different stereoisomer. Verify identity using CAS and PubChem records.
Is cis-Δ9-THC Natural?
It has been reported in cannabis in the scientific literature and is also produced synthetically for research and reference standards.
Is There A Best Vaporizing Temperature For cis-Δ9-THC?
Not reliably. Use a stepped temperature approach for consistent extraction, and avoid chasing one number.
Where Can I Find More Elev8 Cannabinoid Pages?
Use the hub: Cannabinoids.
Sources
Every item below is a live link.
- PubChem: delta9-CIS-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (CID 12831993)
- PubMed: cis-THC natural occurrence and chirality (Schafroth et al., 2021)
- ACS Journal Of Natural Products: Δ9-cis-THC natural occurrence, chirality, and analysis
- Frontiers In Natural Products: synthetic approaches to cis-THC
- Cayman Chemical: (±)-cis-Δ9-THC reference standard
- Wikipedia: Cis-THC overview and identifiers
- Elev8: Vape Vs Combustion
- Elev8: Cannabinoids hub