The growth of delta 9 THC products has directly impacted hemp production and has caused a stir among cannabis consumers. According to Forbes, it can cost approximately $250,000 annually to operate a cannabis dispensary. Find out what is delta 9 THC, its benefits, legality, and risks of using the cannabinoid.
What is Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC is a cannabinoid that is extracted from the hemp plant. Cannabis plants are cultivated widely throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world. The recent surge in interest in products containing delta 9 THC and delta 8 THC has led to an increase in the harvest of the Cannabis Sativa plant.
Medical marijuana has several potential benefits. Delta 9 THC is the primary chemical compound that is derived from hemp and cannabis plants. It induces psychoactive effects on its users that give people a high after being consumed. Delta 9 THC products are sought after by millions of people for being a safer alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.
Most strains of cannabis plants contain a high concentration of delta 9 THC in them. The increased availability of delta 9 THC in the cannabis plant has led to many people using it interchangeably with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The psychoactive properties of delta 9 THC, along with its health benefits, have made the substance favorable among cannabis users. Delta 9 THC products are easily available to purchase in stores compared to synthetic cannabinoids such as THC-O.
The chemical structure of delta 9 THC makes it less soluble in water. It can be used in organic solvents and alcohol to form oil that has a vast number of therapeutic benefits.
How is Delta 9 THC extracted?
Delta 9 THC is the main ingredient in marijuana that produces psychoactive effects in people. Unlike other cannabinoids, delta 9 THC is found abundantly in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Delta 9 THC is a naturally occurring chemical with plenty of potential benefits. Despite its psychoactive properties, delta 9 THC is federally legal in most states in the U.S.
Decarboxylation method
Hemp-derived delta 9 THC is easier to extract and produce compared to other cannabinoids. Generally, cannabis is harvested and turned into cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). After gathering an adequate amount of CBGA, these chemical compounds are converted into tetrahydroncannabinolic acid (THCA).
It is then processed through decarboxylation to release carbon dioxide from the composition. The residue left behind from the production process after decarboxylation forms delta 9 THC compounds that are used to manufacture oils, vape juices, and other such products.
Isomerization method
Many farmers use the isomerization method to produce hemp-derived delta 9 THC. Through this technique, cannabidiol (CBD) is dissolved in a solution containing strong acids. The compounds of CBD are processed further to form delta 9 THC.
Although the isomerization method is cheaper, the extraction process requires proper chemical equipment and a certified laboratory to avoid contamination. Older marijuana plants are used for extraction since they contain higher concentrations of cannabinoids than younger marijuana harvests. CBD products made from this method contain delta 9 THC that provides psychoactive effects, along with wellness benefits to CBD users.
How does Delta 9 THC work?
Cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, such as delta 9, work on the body’s endocannabinoid system. Cannabis products made from industrial hemp and marijuana can contain high concentrations of delta 9 and delta 8 THC. Consuming THC products with delta 9 can produce similar psychoactive properties to smoking marijuana.
However, marijuana smokers may inhale potentially harmful chemicals that do not have the same properties as delta 9. The high from delta 9 can be the deciding factor for people who indulge in marijuana use. Most products that include delta 9 in their content engage with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
Delta 9 has a direct impact on the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. These receptors are mainly responsible for improving your sleep quality and regulating your appetite. The psychoactive substance reacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors to treat nausea and also helps in pain relief.
Benefits of Delta 9 THC
Marijuana has been used for recreational purposes for thousands of years. Cannabinoid compounds such as delta 9 and other forms of THC are used to treat medical conditions. Many users of cannabis prefer vapes, tinctures, and other such products for medicinal purposes over prescription medications.
Here are a few benefits of delta 9 that make the cannabinoid molecule amazing for your diet.
1. Delta 9 can reduce anxiety.
Anxiety is a common condition that can be treated using delta 9. It can help people improve their emotions and manage their anxiety. First-time users of THC can start with a low dose of delta 9 to decrease feelings of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
2. Delta 9 can treat inflammation.
Products that contain delta 9 can be used to treat inflammation in the body. Most users of delta 9 use the cannabinoid to help reduce muscle soreness, joint aches, and physical discomfort. Delta 9 oils, e-juices, and such products are typically manufactured for medical use.
3. Delta 9 can increase your appetite.
People with a low appetite can use delta 9 to increase their food intake. The consumption of THC gummies and other edibles can speed up your metabolism rate without any negative effects.
4. Delta 9 can reduce seizures.
The cannabinoid has been known to reduce the severity of seizures in many rare forms of epilepsy. The regular use of delta 9 in people affected with epilepsy has helped them decrease the frequency of seizures.
Symptoms of epilepsy have decreased significantly in people after ingesting delta 9 for their treatment. The minor cannabinoid has also been effective in getting rid of mental fog from seizures.
5. Delta 9 can improve the quality of your sleep.
Irregular sleep patterns and insufficient hours of sleep can affect the way people go about their daily routines. People can use delta 9 products to improve the quality of their sleep and manage their insomnia. Many cannabis consumers have also claimed that the wellness benefits of using delta 9 include getting longer hours of undisturbed sleep.
Is Delta 9 THC legal?
Legalized hemp production has given rise to the rampant use of many cannabinoids, including delta 8 THC. Cannabinoids derived from hemp plants contain less than 0.3% of THC in them. These chemicals are less prone to drug abuse than cannabinoids derived from marijuana.
Although delta 9 has a similar structure to delta 8, delta 9 has a higher THC content. As per the Controlled Substances Act, delta 9 is one of the controlled substances restricted on a federal level in the U.S. It has more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, making delta 9 illegal along the state lines.
The raw form of delta 9 is legal for recreational purposes in the following states in the U.S.:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
What are the risks involved in using Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 is an active ingredient in most cannabis products available on the market. It has been instrumental in revolutionizing the hemp space around the world. According to the British Journal of General Practice, a medical professional might suggest the use of cannabis to treat several medical conditions.
Chemicals such as delta 9 and CBD are safer than synthetic cannabinoids. However, there are some adverse effects that are associated with the long-term use of delta 9. The frequent use of delta 9 can negatively affect your cognitive capabilities, such as memory formation and learning abilities.
The psychoactive properties of delta 9 may also induce paranoia, resulting in increased levels of anxiety. Many people have claimed that the combination of delta 9 and CBD in products have significantly reduced the risks of using cannabinoids in their daily routine. CBD users prefer trace amounts of delta 9 in their diet to prevent feelings of psychosis.
Difference between Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC
Delta 9 and delta 8 THC are cannabinoids that have identical chemical structures. These two variants of THC are naturally found in cannabis plants. Delta 9 has higher than 0.3% of THC in its content, while delta 8 has less than 0.3% of THC.
Compounds of both delta 8, and delta 9, activate the CB receptors in the central nervous system. Delta 9 provides a more intoxicating effect on its users due to its stronger psychoactive abilities compared to delta 8 THC.
Legality
As per the 2018 Farm Bill, delta 8 is legal on a federal level across different states in the U.S. The delta 9 variant of THC is federally illegal. The sale of delta 9 products is restricted in most states in the U.S. However, delta 9 can be used for recreation and medical treatments.
Dose
Most cannabis users take lower doses of delta 9 as it has a higher potency for intoxication. If you’ve recently started using delta 9, you can take anywhere between 10-30 mg. You can increase the dosage based on how you feel.
Delta 8 is a milder THC variant that induces lesser intoxicating effects on its users. The recommended dose for beginners is 15-60 mg per day. THC products with delta 8 have decreased chances of causing adverse effects on people.
Drug-testing
A standard drug test is more likely to turn positive for Delta 9, due to the higher concentration of THC. Unlike delta 9, compounds of delta 8 might not end up triggering a positive result on a drug test.
Difference between Delta 9 THC and CBD
CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is widely available in hemp plants. Unlike delta 9 THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive substance. CBD products do not induce any high or intoxicating effects on people.
Delta 9 THC works mainly on the CB receptors in the brain. CBD products do not activate any of the CB receptors that usually engage with delta 9. Many cannabis consumers opt for CBD products that contain delta 9 and delta 8 in them to reduce their anxiety and alleviate their pain.
Legality
Delta 9 is an illegal substance across most regions of the U.S. and throughout the world. CBD is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is legal as it contains less than 0.3% of THC. As a result, CBD products can easily be purchased from local shops, supermarkets, and online stores. Unlike delta 9 products, CBD products can also be shipped across different states in the U.S.
Dose
Products containing CBD oil are best-sellers in the cannabis industry. If you’re using CBD to treat anxiety, you might need at least 300 mg to feel relaxed and calm your senses. A lower dose of 50 mg can be sufficient to relieve yourself of pain using CBD.
Delta 9 products such as vape juices and edibles can be fun to consume. If you’re using a vape pen to inhale e-liquids, you’ll need about 15 mg of delta 9 to feel its effects. Cannabis lovers who prefer delta 9 candies can eat a slightly higher dose of 30 mg to get high.
Drug-testing
Drug tests do not detect CBD compounds in their results. However, consuming products that contain CBD and delta 9 THC in them can display a positive result, causing you to fail a drug test. Make sure you check the ingredients for THC and other cannabinoids on the label before you consume cannabis products.
Difference between Delta 9 THC and HHC
Hexahydrocannabinol or HHC is a hydrogenated variant of THC. It is an analog of THC that does not have a double bond, having hydrogen atoms instead. HHC was first discovered by Roger Adams in 1944. It is a psychoactive cannabinoid that is milder than delta 9 THC.
Marijuana plants can contain up to 30% of delta 9 in them. HHC is available in much lesser concentrations, yielding less than 1% from the harvested marijuana.
Legality
HHC is legal in most states under the 2018 Farm Bill. It is a hemp-derivative with minute traces of THC, making it legal for sale and use in more than 30 states in the U.S. Despite its legal status, HHC can provide people an intoxicating effect, similar to delta 9.
Dose
The potency of HHC is stronger than delta 8 THC. Although HHC can produce visual and auditory sensations in the body, its effects are less severe than delta 9. Moderate consumers of cannabis usually take between 15-30 mg of HHC as a low dose is adequate to make its users feel its effects.
Delta 9 products such as e-liquids and oils can be stored for a couple of months without losing their potency. HHC is a much more stable form of THC that is usually synthesized in a laboratory and can last longer when stored in a dry and clean place. Products such as vape juices and distillates containing HHC can be stored for more than a year without reducing their potency.
Drug-testing
HHC has trace amounts of THC in its content. A standard drug test might not detect HHC molecules as it has an altered chemical structure that does not metabolize in the same way delta 9 THC does.
Although results are inconclusive, HHC is less likely to turn positive on a drug test. However, it is recommended to avoid any cannabinoids with THC before taking a drug test.
Difference between Delta 9 THC and THC-O
THC-O or THC-O acetate is a synthetic cannabinoid. It is derived from hemp and produced in a laboratory using a process called acetylation. Most users of cannabis consider THC-O to be 3 times stronger than regular THC.
In order to synthesize THC-O, CBD is converted into delta 8 THC. Acetic Anhydride, a highly inflammable substance, is added to the solution to form an acetate, namely THC-O. The manufacturing process of THC-O is dangerous to perform at home and must be conducted in a laboratory with precautions. It is also one of the main reasons why you should buy THC-O products from a trusted source.
Legality
THC-O is a legal substance that can be bought and used in most states in the U.S. The consumption of THC-O is protected by the 2018 Farm Bill, making it legally safe.
Dose
THC-O is much stronger than delta 9 THC. If you’re a regular consumer of delta 9 THC and take 60 mg a day, you should start with a dose of 20 mg of THC-O to feel the effects of the acetate without getting overwhelmed. It can take 30-60 minutes to feel the high from THC-O products.
Vape juices and edibles that contain THC-O may lose their potency when exposed to oxygen, heat, humidity, and light. The decreased shelf life of THC-O may require you to use these products within a few weeks of purchase to feel their full effects. Exposing THC-O products to oxygen can decrease feelings of euphoria and relaxation in your body.
Drug-testing
Delta 9 THC and THC-O are THC derivatives that can cause you to fail a drug test. Both of these cannabinoids have a high percentage of THC in them, making it easier to detect and display a positive result while testing for drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – delta 9 THC
Here are a few queries that are commonly asked within the cannabis industry about delta 9.
How does delta 9 feel?
High doses of delta 9 can produce visuals and sounds that might be new to their senses. Vaping or smoking delta 9 can provide its users with a calmness of mind and relaxation of the body. It is used widely for stress relief and to eradicate pain.
Many people who use marijuana products containing delta 9 consume them to eliminate mental fatigue. It is known to reduce anxiety and boost your mood throughout the day. However, the constant use of delta 9 can build tolerance in your body and make its effects milder. You can also increase the dosage of delta 9 to amplify its effects.
What is the legal age to buy delta 9?
The specific laws that regulate the sale of delta 9 products can vary from state to state. In general, you must be at least 21 years or older to buy and use delta 9 products.
Where can I buy delta 9 products?
There is a wide range of products that contain delta 9, such as vapes, oils, tinctures, gummies, topical creams, and dry herbs. You can buy these products from local smoke shops, medical marijuana dispensaries, and online stores.
Online stores have thousands of vape devices and e-liquids that are filled with delta 9. You may be required to produce a proof of identity to verify your age to make a successful purchase.
Does delta 9 interfere with other medications?
Medical researchers have claimed that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can interfere with prescription drugs. Taking high doses of cannabinoids can affect the way enzymes work in your body and restrict the actions of pharmaceutical drugs during medical treatment.
Research suggests that common medications can overlap with cannabinoids. Hemp extracts such as CBD and THC can have a direct impact on the time it takes to break down the chemicals in your body.
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