In the post-legalisation era, Canadians are growing more and more keen to explore the many reported wellness benefits of cannabis, especially those that go beyond its strong psychoactive effects, powered by intoxicating compounds like THC.
For many, the goal is simply to potentially manage stress, improve sleep, and promote overall well-being through the responsible use of the herb.
This has led to a gradual rise in the popularity of THC alternative cannabis products featuring non-psychoactive or mildly psychoactive compounds such as CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta 8, and Delta 10 THC. These have been studied to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in the same way as THC, and produce similar effects, albeit with much less psychoactive intensity.
Curious to know what the best THC alternatives are trending in Canada this year? Here’s a guide to help you out in your endeavor. So, let’s quickly get started!
Why Consider a THC Alternative?
Delta 9 THC, the well-known psychoactive compound in cannabis, can be overwhelming at moderate to high doses, diminishing the value of its wellness properties. Plus, on heavy doses, it may cause anxiety, sedation, or mental fog, to say the least.
So, for individuals just seeking relief from stress, sleep issues, or discomfort without the extra heady experience, THC alternatives can prove to be a better choice.
Additionally, THC isn’t always legal or accessible in all Canadian provinces. On the other hand, non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD and CBG are largely available for legal and unrestricted use across Canada, providing many of the same reported benefits as THC, without running into legal troubles.
Many people also look towards THC-free options to avoid the tolerance buildup that can happen with regular THC use. Another key reason to try viable alternatives could be workplace or lifestyle restrictions. Many individuals prefer to avoid THC altogether to pass drug tests or maintain daily productivity during working hours.
What to Look for in a THC Alternative?
Depending on your wellness goals, legal restrictions, and sensitivity levels, some THC-free options will suit you better than others. Here’s what you can check before trying your ideal substitute:
- Psychoactive effects: Decide whether you want a completely non-intoxicating option (like CBD or CBG) or a mild buzz with compounds like Delta 8 or Delta 10 THC.
- Wellness benefits: If you’re looking for help with sleep, relaxation, or discomfort, different cannabinoids may fit different needs. For example, CBN is known for sleep support.
- Source and Purity: Ensure the products are hemp-derived and sourced from licensed producers. Always check lab tests for purity, potency, and THC content.
- Full-spectrum vs. isolate: A full-spectrum product may be more effective if you want the full plant effect, as it contains tiny traces of THC. Isolates are great if you’re sensitive to the compound and wish to avoid it entirely.
- Legality: THC alternatives like Delta 8 and Delta 10 are not legal across all provinces. So, always confirm the legal status of the product you’re ordering in your area.
- Product type and dosage: Oils, gummies, and capsules all offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Consider which form of THC alternative suits your lifestyle and how much control you require over dosing.
Best THC Alternatives to Try in 2025
The cannabis market in Canada is evolving quickly, and 2025 is witnessing even more THC-free ways to enjoy the herb’s benefits. Some of the most common ones have been discussed below.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is the most widely studied non-intoxicating cannabinoid. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to potentially help regulate mood, sleep, and physical discomfort. It’s a favourite for those who want to improve their well-being without a psychoactive experience.
Additionally, CBD is legal and accessible across Canada, which adds another layer of trust and safety, especially when purchased through reputable brands like CBDNorth that rely on third-party lab testing.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Often referred to as the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG is the compound from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. Early research suggests it may have properties that support neuroprotective, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
It’s typically used for focus or sustaining energy without a head high, and it’s starting to gain traction in daytime health routines.
CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN results from the breakdown of THC, and it carries mild sedative properties with little to no buzz. While it’s slightly psychoactive, it’s better known for its calming, sleep-focused qualities. Users often turn to CBN-infused products when they’re seeking a natural nighttime helper without relying on melatonin or sleep aids.
Delta 8 THC
A milder predecessor to Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC provides similar benefits of relaxation and calm, however, with mild euphoria that comes with relatively lower potency. Even on higher doses, users have reported fewer side effects, like mental fog or anxiety.
The legal status of Delta 8 THC may vary by province, but when allowed, it may offer a more manageable recreational experience than Delta 9 THC.
Delta 10 THC
Delta 10 THC adds another level of subtlety. It’s softer than Delta-8 and is often used for light energy boosts or focus, somewhat like caffeine but without the jitters. It’s mildly psychoactive but described as uplifting rather than couch-locking. Like Delta 8, Delta 10 THC’s legality also depends on provincial regulations, which users need to check before purchasing.
Best Products That Mimic THC
For Canadians looking for THC-like effects without dealing with unpredictable highs, THC-free wellness products offer a fantastic solution. At CBDNorth, we have plenty of these to make your experience enjoyable and consistent.
CBDNorth’s THC-Free Gummies
CBDNorth’s THC-Free Gummies offer a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the benefits of CBD without any THC. Made with real organic fruit juices and natural flavors, these gummies come in three tasty varieties: Organic Gummy Bears, Organic Berries, and Sour Berry by Mystic Medibles.
Each gummy contains 20 mg of high-quality CBD, with package options of 15 or 30 pieces, making it easy to manage dosage consistently. They’re also vegan, gluten-free, gelatin-free, and free from artificial additives, aligning with clean-label wellness goals.
With just 6.4 to 22 calories per piece, depending on the variety, they’re a guilt-free option for daily use. Users commonly turn to these gummies for stress relief, improved sleep, and muscle relaxation, all without the risk of getting high or experiencing THC-related side effects. Third-party lab tested for purity and safety, the bite-sized edibles provide a trusted, enjoyable gateway to the therapeutic benefits of THC alternatives in a form that fits seamlessly into an everyday wellness routine.
CBDNorth’s CBD Oil
CBDNorth’s lineup of CBD oil in Canada offers three tailored formulas designed to support different wellness goals, all crafted with Canadian-grown hemp, organic MCT carrier oil, and rigorous third-party testing.
The Premium Full‑Spectrum CBD Oil combines CBD with minor cannabinoids like CBDV, CBG, and THCV (plus trace THC under 0.3%) to leverage the entourage effect, making it a robust choice for overall relief from stress, inflammation, and discomfort.
Available in 500 mg (16.7 mg CBD/mL), 1,000 mg (20 mg CBD/mL), and 2,000 mg (40 mg CBD/mL) variants, this oil is suited for holistic wellness needs.
Those seeking a completely THC-free experience can opt for the THC‑Free CBD Isolate Oil, delivering pure CBD with no risk of psychoactive effects or tolerance buildup, ideal for workplace safety or strict legal contexts.
For targeted sleep support, the Sleep Complex CBN Oil combines CBN with melatonin for evening use while still remaining THC‑free. Each oil comes in a convenient dropper bottle, allowing for precise daily dosing and flexible routines, whether taken sublingually or added to food and beverages.
What is the Strongest THC Alternative?
If you’re wondering which THC alternative packs the most punch, CBD is often regarded as the most accessible and well-researched option, especially when considering all-around wellness benefits and legal accessibility. While it doesn’t get you high, CBD has shown potential to support stress reduction, discomfort relief, and better sleep when used consistently.
And since it doesn’t impair cognitive function or cause significant side effects, it’s much easier to fit into everyday life. Full-spectrum CBD oils, which include minor THC traces along with the full cannabinoid and terpene profile, often combine to deliver holistic wellness benefits, also termed as the entourage effect.
That means you get a more complete health experience that’s still gentle and manageable. For those who prefer something closer to THC’s feel, Delta 8 might offer a mild high, but when you’re aiming for the strongest long-term wellness support, CBD remains the best choice.
Is It Safe to Use THC Alternatives?
When used responsibly and sourced from licensed Canadian providers, most THC alternatives are generally well tolerated. Non-intoxicating compounds like CBD, CBG, and CBN have been reported to have only minor side effects, such as dry mouth or drowsiness, at excessive doses. Since the effects are dose-dependent, they are likely to subside as your body adapts to the concerned cannabinoids.
Mildly psychoactive options like Delta 8 or Delta 10 can cause a “high,” but still tend to be milder than Delta 9 THC. It’s best to start at lower doses and increase their intake slowly only after assessing their effects on your body. Regardless of the product, the safest option must include third-party lab tests, clearly list its cannabinoid content, and be manufactured in a facility and via a process that complies with Health Canada guidelines.
Legal Status of THC Alternatives in Canada
Under Canada’s Cannabis Act, non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN are legal when produced by licensed suppliers and sold through regulated channels. These products must comply with strict standards for THC content, labeling, and purity, ensuring safe and transparent use.
Choosing reputable Canadian brands like CBDNorth helps ensure these legal requirements are followed, so consumers can shop confidently.
Specifically, CBD was federally legalized in October 2018 for both recreational and medical use under the Cannabis Act. All CBD-containing products must be manufactured and sold by licensed retailers, clearly labeled for THC/CBD content, and tested for quality and safety .
CBG and CBN, as minor cannabinoids, fall under the same regulations. They are permitted when derived from licensed cannabis and comply with capped THC levels; however, Health Canada has recently tightened rules, applying THC-equivalent limits (e.g., ≤10 mg per edible) to the combined amount of THC plus any intoxicating cannabinoids, which now includes CBN.
On the other hand, intoxicating cannabinoids like Delta‑8 THC and Delta‑10 THC are treated similarly to Delta-9 THC by regulators. These substances bind to CB1 receptors and produce psychoactive effects, making them subject to controlled substance regulations. Licensed producers must follow the same strict rules as delta‑9 THC regarding their packaging, potency, and sales.
Final Thoughts on THC Alternatives
There’s never been a better time to try a THC alternative cannabis product in Canada, be it to relax, sleep better, or ease daily stress without the intense high. This is because the evolving post-legalization cannabis market has introduced a range of such legal, well-researched options featuring effective compounds like CBD, CBG, and CBN, along with gentler psychoactive picks like Delta 8 or Delta 10.
With trusted brands like CBDNorth, you can shop THC-free CBD products and other alternatives confidently, knowing you’re getting high-quality, lab-tested products that comply with Canadian regulations. For your first purchase, you get a flat 15% off. Additionally, you can save more with free shipping on every order over $99.
FAQs About THC Alternatives
Most THC alternatives like CBD, CBG, and CBN are non-intoxicating and won’t produce a high. However, compounds like Delta-8, Delta-10, and HHC can cause mild psychoactive effects, though generally less intense than Delta-9 THC. The experience depends on the cannabinoid and dosage used.
Yes, it’s possible. Delta-8 and HHC are chemically similar to Delta-9 THC and can trigger positive results on standard drug tests since they leave THC metabolites in the user’s body after consumption, exactly what drug tests respond to.
CBD is widely considered the most natural and well-researched alternative to THC. It’s derived directly from the cannabis plant, has no intoxicating effects, and supports wellness areas like anxiety, inflammation, and sleep. When sourced from licensed Canadian providers, it’s also fully legal and regulated for safety.
Most non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN are generally well-tolerated for daily use, especially when taken in appropriate doses. However, it’s important to buy from licensed, third-party tested sources and consult a healthcare provider if combining with medications or managing specific health conditions.
Traveling within Canada with THC-free cannabinoid products like CBD is generally allowed if purchased from a licensed retailer. However, international travel is more complex. Laws vary by country, and even CBD may be prohibited in some places, so always research international regulations before packing these products for travel outside Canadian borders.
