What Are Synthetic Cannabinoids? Understanding the Risks and Vermont's Legal Stance
Updated: 08/24/26
As the cannabis market evolves across the country, consumers are encountering an expanding array of products labeled as "cannabinoids." While many Vermonters know natural compounds like Delta-9 THC and CBD, a growing number of products available online contain synthetic cannabinoids. These substances, often marketed as legal alternatives, pose significant risks—and importantly, many are not legal to purchase in Vermont.
Synthetic Cannabinoids Defined
Synthetic cannabinoids are human-made chemicals typically designed to mimic THC's effects. Unlike natural THC, which interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system predictably, synthetics often bind to the same receptors with much higher potency and different chemical structures. This can lead to unpredictable, severe reactions. Without rigorous quality control, dosage and purity remain unknown.
What is EPN (Euphorinol)?
EPN, or Euphorinol, is a fully synthetic compound not found in nature. Marketed online under names like "Ghost Hit" or "Super Sativa," and often sold as disposable vapes, it promises intense euphoria and potent relaxation without any negative consequences. Despite appealing descriptions, it is unknown if EPN could pose health risks. Its production is currently unregulated, and data about its safety profile is virtually non-existent. EPN is not legal to purchase in Vermont, as synthetic cannabinoids are banned in the Green Mountain State.
What is HHC?
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) is a semi-synthetic compound created by hydrogenating natural CBD or THC. While it occurs in trace amounts in cannabis, commercial HHC is almost entirely lab-created. The hydrogenation process isn't standardized, meaning batches can vary wildly in purity and may contain residual solvents. HHC has been banned in Vermont, along with other semi-synthetic compounds like Delta-8 THC.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is mostly made by chemically converting CBD in a lab, as it exists only in trace amounts naturally in the cannabis plant. Marketed as a "milder" alternative to consumers who buy Delta-9 products, D8 THC carries significant risks from potential residual solvents or residual acids if improperly purified. Delta-8 THC is not legal to purchase in Vermont.
What is THC-O?
THC-O Acetate is created by chemically modifying THC or CBD with acetic anhydride. Often marketed as three times more potent than when you buy D9 THC, there are concerns about whether vaporized acetic acid residues are harmful to the lungs. Vermont has banned the sale of THC-O in the state.
What is K2? What is Spice? What is Synthetic Cannabis?
When discussing synthetic cannabinoids, it is essential to distinguish between regulated hemp products and substances like K2 and Spice. Unlike the live rosin vape cartridges and THC gummies found in licensed Vermont dispensaries, K2 and Spice are untested drugs often sold in unlicensed smoke shops. K-2 and Spice are typically sold in the form of loose, dried plant materials sprayed with potent synthetic chemicals and sold as "synthetic marijuana.”
These products are not cannabis; they are unregulated street drugs. The synthetic compounds sprayed onto the plant matter are often designed to bind to cannabinoid receptors with significantly higher potency than natural THC, leading to unpredictable and extreme physiological responses. Furthermore, manufacturers frequently alter the chemical formulas of these sprays to evade existing drug laws. Consequently, the specific chemical composition of any specific product can vary drastically from batch to batch, making the potency and safety profile almost impossible to determine.
The health risks associated with K2 and Spice are well-documented and severe, ranging from acute psychosis and kidney damage to violent behavior and seizures. In Vermont, as in the rest of the US, K-2 and Spice are illegal.
Pharmaceutical Cannabinoids
FDA-approved medications like Dronabinol (Marinol), Nabilone (Cesamet), and Nabiximols (Sativex) undergo rigorous clinical trials and manufacturing standards. Dronabinol and Nabilone are fully-synthetic cannabinoids, and Nabiximols is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. These are prescribed by doctors and dispensed through licensed pharmacies.
Safety First in Vermont
When searching for THC vape carts, disposable cannabis vapes, or any other cannabinoid products, remember: "legal to buy on the internet” doesn't always mean "safe." The unregulated market for synthetic and semi-synthetic compounds is filled with unknowns. If you choose to buy cannabis products, industry experts generally recommend those derived exclusively from cannabis and hemp plants. And you can ask your budtender to see the COAs — certificates of analysis — which are the third-party laboratory tests for potency and contaminants.
Find a Licensed Dispensary Near You
If you’re ready to shop Vermont marijuana, head on over to our dispensary map. From the greater Burlington area in northern Vermont to the Brattleboro area in southern Vermont, you can buy Sunset Lake Cannabis at licensed cannabis retailers throughout the Green Mountain State.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. Cannabis and hemp regulations vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding health concerns and verify current regulations with your local cannabis or hemp control board. In Vermont, visit the Vermont Cannabis Control Board website for authoritative guidance. Being "legal to purchase" does not guarantee product safety—unregulated compounds may carry unknown health risks. Individuals assume all responsibility for complying with applicable laws and assessing personal health risks.
