Delta 9 THC is shorthand for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is perhaps the most well-known compound of the cannabis plant to date. Delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient found in the marijuana plant. It is responsible for the psychoactive effects that give you a high feeling. Delta 9 THC functions by attaching itself to the body’s natural cannabinoid receptors. These cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the brain and nervous system in the human body.
The cannabis plant contains over 400 different compounds. Of these compounds, about 65 are considered cannabinoids, with the compound THC being the most prominent cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are a class of compounds that help make up the cannabis plant, and Delta 9 THC is just one. There is much more to specific compounds such as Delta 9 THC than you might think. In this article, we will take a closer, more detailed look at everything you need to know about this most famous cannabinoid.
What is Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC is the most prominent psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant. Depending on the type of cannabis plant, either THC or CBD,(cannabidiol) is the most commonly found cannabinoid. Most generally, hemp makes more CBD, Marijuana makes more THC. It is important to have an understanding that Delta 9 THC is psychoactive. Regardless of the type of plant, it is sourced from, by nature the THC compound itself is psychoactive.
THC is created in the glands of the leaves, stems, and flower clusters that hold up the flowers of the cannabis plant.
Delta 9 THC and other forms of THC such as Delta 8 THC have many benefits for all CBD users. Although Delta 9 THC is the most potent of the varieties and may be warranted for consumers who might need more of the relaxing effects from the THC product. However, some users of cannabis-derived products may find that they prefer CBD without any form of THC at all. This is due to a personal sensitivity to THC, regardless of the type of source. The choice of product depends on personal preference.
Is Delta 9 a Natural Product?
Delta 9 THC is a 100% natural compound, found in cannabis plants grown in labs, personal gardens, and even in the wild. It is an organic compound that is found in a part of the plant regardless of human manipulation. Although there is much confusion when it comes to the extraction process. Many probable consumers wonder if Delta 9 is a synthetic compound or not. Manufacturers extract Delta 9 THC from hemp or marijuana plants to make a concentrated Delta 9 product. Most of these products have a much higher level of Delta 9 THC in them than you might find naturally in the plant. However, it is the exact same cannabinoid, just in a much higher dosage.
How is Delta 9 made?
Delta 9 in its early stage is known as cannabigerol or CBGA. In fact, most cannabinoids, including Delta 9 THC, begin as CBGA, better known as cannabigerolic acid. CBGA then turns into tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCA, in its second stage of maturity. THCA will not give you a high feeling without manipulation. In order for it to do so, it must go through a process called decarboxylation. This process helps change the chemical structure of THCA into THC. This process uses exposure to heat over time.
Adding a high temperature to the flower of a cannabis plant can instantly turn THCA into THC. Once THCA is converted to THC, it’s then time to extract the THC from the plant. The most commonly used extraction process is known as CO2 extraction. This extraction process places cannabis with CO2 under extremely high pressure and low temperature. This phase of CO2 acts like a solvent separating Delta 9 THC from the rest of the plant material for easier extraction. Next, the CO2 is depressurized this process turns the CO2 back into a gas, leaving Delta 9 behind. This makes for a quick, safe, and chemical-free extraction to create a better and more pure product for the consumer.
How Does Delta 9 Work?
Delta 9 THC works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS. The endocannabinoid system helps regulate many important functions. The goal of the endocannabinoid system is to create homeostasis. Homeostasis helps maintain the body’s equilibrium. This includes balancing hormones, satisfying hunger, and aid to relieve discomforts, just to name a few.
Inside the endocannabinoid system, there are two primary receptors. There are CB1 and CB2 receptors. Depending on which receptor or receptors a cannabinoid interacts with shows us how each cannabinoid will make an individual consumer feel.
CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system along with connective tissues and glands. When these receptors are active they can aid in memory and motor functions, decrease inflammation, and aid in an immune response.
CB2 receptors are found mostly in the peripheral nervous system. the peripheral nervous system makes up the immune system and its associated structures. When CB2 receptors are at work, they aid in the relief of inflammation.
Delta 9 THC interacts mostly with CB1 receptors. This causes a weighted interaction with the nervous system, which makes it easier to see how the mental effects of Delta 9 affect a person. Delta 9 has the ability to signal serotonin within the body. This interaction aids in creating feel-good, positive feelings after consuming Delta 9 THC.
If you compare this interaction to CBD, which heavily interacts with the body’s CB2 receptors. It shows the main reason why CBD has more of a physical effect than a mental effect. This is because the CB2 receptor primarily interacts with physical ailments.
Delta 9 THC Dosing
You can figure out your ideal dose of Delta 9 THC by better understanding the potency of the psychoactive compound in a certain product.
Since the concentration of Delta 9 THC can not exceed 0.3% in a product, it is likely to assume that each product contains very little quality of Delta 9 THC. This can be misleading, and you could possibly end up taking a higher dose of this compound than is needed.
The effect you experience depends on more than the concentration of Delta 9 in a product alone. The ultimate experience you will get varies with the amount of Delta 9 THC and other cannabinoids, especially Delta 8 THC present in the final product.
The potency of Delta 9 found within a product mainly depends on two important factors.
- The overall strength of the entire product in milligrams.
- The milligram strength of the Delta-9 compound within the product.
Most manufacturers specifically mention the THC quantity users will get from each individual dose of their Delta 9 gummy.
Any product that offers a mixture of Delta 9 and Delta 8 THC will be more potent than a product that only contains Delta 9 THC or Delta 8.
Gummy products containing 10mg of Delta 9 THC per piece are relatively strong, depending on the individual, and we suggest all users begin with 5 milligrams at a time and only increase the dose 1 hour after taking the initial dose.
Everyone will have a different starting dosage. The ideal dosage suitable to meet your individual needs varies from product to product, and person to person.
Your body’s response may be different from someone else you know who takes Delta 9 THC. You can find an appropriate amount of Delta 9 THC that works best for you by experimentation.
We suggest you use the trial-and-error method to find the optimum Delta-9 dose for yourself. Experimentation with the serving size, to see how much makes you feel your best is key, and keep in mind that less is the rule of thumb.
Increase your intake after a minimum of 1 hour to avoid overdosing; otherwise, you could possibly end up with unwanted side effects such as paranoia and mental fog. Read the product serving size instructions and start slow; only use half or a quarter of the recommended dose.
How does Delta 9 THC make you feel?
For most cannabis consumers, the intensity level of Delta 9 THC is much different than that of CBD users who take an internal oil with THC included in the formula.
Delta 9 THC is a psychoactive substance. A psychoactive substance is considered any substance that you may put into your body that has the ability to affect your central nervous system functions, such as brain function, mood, cognitive function, coordination, vision impairment, feelings of hunger, and other functions.
Some consumers report that Delta 9 THC may help with appetite. Although research to prove this theory is almost impossible with such a low THC content by dry weight in Delta 9 products. Anecdotal evidence of this is what we have to go on until there is more thorough scientific lab testing available to prove all of the Delta 9 THC benefits when used in a CBD formulation that is produced from the hemp plant.
Whether you’re looking for a good, relaxed time or for great wellness benefits, Delta-9 THC has many positive effects to offer. This powerful cannabinoid can produce euphoria, relaxation, and experience enhancement.
Delta 9 THC is often used to aid in the treatment of various ailments. Among other benefits, it can help improve the quality of your sleep, reduce nausea, enhance mental well-being, stimulate your appetite, and reduce discomfort.
All in all, consumers report feelings of euphoria, improvement in mood, and relaxation, reduce nausea, improve quality of sleep, and lessened feelings of discomfort.
Will Delta 9 Get You High?
Not only can Delta-9 THC get you high, but it’s the reason that marijuana products give you a high in the first place! Although Delta-9 products have to comply with specific legal restrictions, such as carrying less than .3% dry weight THC, they still have potent psychoactive properties.
The overall effects of Delta-9 can vary based on a number of factors, such as the dosage is taken and the way the compounds interact with your personal endocannabinoid receptors. While most people report positive effects, such as feelings of euphoria and relaxation, some users also report negative side effects, such as increased paranoia or restlessness.
It is best to start out with a low dosage of Delta-9 so that you can get a better sense of how it interacts with your body. If you have never taken Delta-9 before, you may want to begin with a small 5 mg dose, and wait at least one hour before increasing your dosage, to ensure you are satisfied with the results.
Of course, people don’t just use Delta 9 because it can give you a high, euphoric feeling. It can also aid in relieving anxiety, help elevate your mood, and help effectively relieve chronic pain, discomfort, and nausea. Some people find it to be relaxing, while others say that it gives them a boost of energy. Since there are different strains of THC, you can seek out products that will give the effect you are personally looking for.
Can you pass a drug test?
According to the federal Farm Bill, you can legally consume and possess delta 9 products that contain less than 0.3% THC dry weight. While this law protects you when consuming and possessing delta 9 products, it does not have the same legal effects on drug screenings. Even in states where marijuana is legal, you can still be tested for THC. Testing positive for Delta 9 THC could have a negative impact on your employment, court case, or sports organization. Yes, Delta 9 does show up on a drug test.
Are there any side effects?
With every positive effect, there is, of course, a chance for a negative effect. Delta 9 THC is not without negative side effects. While most reported effects are positive, they can also be harmful or concerning to other consumers. This is why each Delta 9 experience is unique to each individual consumer.
The most commonly reported side effects of this cannabinoid include anxiousness, paranoia, foggy memory, the possibility of headaches, and disorientation or lethargy. However, many of these reported side effects come from those users who consume large amounts of the product.
To counteract these possibilities, using a Delta-9 THC product that also contains CBD, can help reduce the negative side effects of THC, keeping you calm and relaxed.
Delta 8 Vs. Delta 9
Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are getting an extreme amount of attention in the cannabis world. Delta 8 THC effects are almost identical to those of Delta 9 THC. However, Delta 8 THC is much milder, being only approximately 30% as potent as Delta-9. This makes Delta-8 THC gummies a great alternative if you find the effects of Delta-9 THC to be too intense for your personal liking.
Since there is so much Delta 9 THC in cannabis plants, it’s easy to naturally extract it from hemp. Not only is it one of the most abundant psychoactive compounds in the cannabis plant, but it is also the most potent compound. Whether it is inhaled, ingested, or placed under the tongue, it can have a fast and dramatic effect on users.
Is Delta 9 THC Legal?
Hemp products have a long history. Tens of thousands of years ago, hemp was one of the first plants used to make fiber. The United States banned industrial hemp production in 1970, but in recent years, hemp production was once again legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill.
Although both Delta 8 and Delta 9 were legalized to an extent by the 2018 Farm Bill, they are still quite different legally speaking. Delta-9 THC is federally legal only in quantities below 0.3% dry weight THC. But Delta-8 THC is federally legal in all quantities. In fact, this Delta-9 THC limit of 0.3% by dry weight is what determines whether something is a marijuana product or a hemp product. If a product contains more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it is, by definition, a marijuana product that is federally illegal. If it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it is, by definition, a hemp product and federally legal.
In December 2018, Congress came up with the 2018 Farm Bill. President Donald Trump authorized and signed it into law. This Bill was pivotal for the cannabis industry, because not only did this bill legally separate marijuana and hemp, but it also legalized the sale, distribution, and production of hemp-derived products on a federal level. According to federal law, a hemp product can contain up to 0.3% of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
Before this Bill was signed, a few states had legalized hemp and hemp-derived products, but after this bill, legislatures around the country revised their hemp policy to align with the new federal law. However, some states have banned or made it illegal, no matter the dry weight.
What States is it Legal?
Hemp-derived delta-9 THC products are legal in 48 states. These states are essentially following the Farm Bill Act when it comes to delta-9 products and has no substantial legal challenges in progress. This means that Delta 9 is limited to 0.3% dry weight, but that is all the restrictions. The only states that have banned the possession and use of Delta 9 which contains 0.3% dry weight are – Idaho and Washington.
Takeaways
Thorough research has shown Delta 9 THC to be an effective cannabinoid for both recreational purposes and medicinal purposes. The majority of states have legalized Delta 9 THC to varying degrees when derived from hemp, and on the federal level, hemp-derived Delta 9 is legal as long as these products contain less than .3% THC by dry weight.
It does have psychoactive properties and has the ability to produce a high effect. Delta 9 products have the capabilities to aid in many ailments, most usually with little to no side effects if taken in moderation. Learn about yourself and your dosage by starting off with a low dose.
Always check your state laws on this product because there are ever-evolving legalities on this product.
Precautions
USE RESPONSIBLY. DO NOT DRIVE OR OPERATE ANY MACHINERY WHILE USING THIS PRODUCT. DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN THE AMOUNT RECOMMENDED.
Consult a physician before using this product.
Do not use if pregnant, nursing, or if you have any diagnosed or undiagnosed health conditions.
Must be 21 years or older to purchase or use.
This Delta 9 THC may affect blood pressure, heart rate, and/or intraocular pressure in some people. If you have any known or unknown heart, blood pressure, eye, eye pressure, or similar/related issues, do not use this product unless recommended by a doctor.
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