May 11, 2022

Jen Hight

Cannabis, Delta 9

Delta 9 THC: A Comprehensive Guide

It’s no secret that the cannabis industry is thriving. Not only is this visible in the 2021 cannabis sales, which reached over 20 billion dollars, but also in the staggering anticipated growth in future decades. And to add another layer to the cake, the cannabis industry also created over 100,000 jobs nationwide in the process. Cannabis is, without a doubt, one of the hottest topics today and as more states continue to legalize and decriminalize weed, it may continue becoming a significant part of US economic growth. This didn’t just happen overnight though. Cannabis was once grown and cultivated by American colonists. This all changed when people discovered that the plant could be used for medicinal purposes. Over the decades, cannabis became infamous for its psychoactive properties. In 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act was signed, which made the plant illegal for recreational use. Since then, cannabis remained in the hot seat as the country saw the start of the War on Drugs in the 1970s, a global campaign dedicated to reducing the illegal drug trade, led by the US federal government that still continues today.

Following years of research and various studies conducted, bans on cannabis lifted, and it’s now legal in several states. Legal cannabis products are becoming more and more in demand and now, there are many cannabis and hemp products to choose from. This ranges from CBD products to cannabis-derived compounds like Delta-8, and even the main active cannabinoid, THC, also known as Delta-9 THC.

Table of contents:

• Key Takeaways
• What is Delta 9 THC?
• Will Delta-9 get you high?
• What is the difference between CBD and Delta-9?
• What is the difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9?
• What are common Delta-9 products?

Key Takeaways

• The cannabis industry has seen tremendous growth, with sales reaching over $20 billion in 2021 and creating over 100,000 jobs, signaling its significant contribution to the U.S. economy and its potential for future growth as more states legalize it.

• Delta-9 THC, a major cannabinoid from the cannabis plant known for its psychoactive properties, has a long history and is now one of the most sought-after compounds in the cannabis market, used both medicinally and recreationally in certain states.

• Using Delta-9 THC can lead to a “high” experience, influenced by factors like usage amount, the user’s tolerance, and the strain of cannabis (Indica or Sativa), emphasizing the importance of responsible usage and awareness of its potent effects.

• The legal landscape of Delta-9 THC varies across states, with some allowing recreational and medicinal use while others have restrictions. It’s crucial for users to stay informed about their local laws and ensure the quality and purity of products through certifications and lab analyses.

What is Delta 9 THC?

The cannabis plant is filled with over 100 cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are groups of chemicals that have different structures and produce different potential effects when used.

The major four cannabinoid acids include CBGA, THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. These are most commonly extracted and used to make various products. THCA is one of the most popular of the bunch due to its abundant presence in the cannabis plant. In fact, it’s the compound that most people are referring to when they mention marijuana or weed.

THCA has many names, including tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, and Delta-9 THC. The name Delta-9 is in reference to the chemical makeup of the acid, which includes a double bond that forms on the 9th carbon chain of the molecule. Most commonly referred to as Delta-9 or THC, this compound has a long history.

In the 1960s, THC was first discovered and isolated by chemist Raphael Mechoulam. Over the decades, Delta-9 THC has become very popular and is used medicinally and recreationally.

Delta 9 THC products are among the most sought-after products in the market, followed by other synthesized cannabinoids like Delta 8 THC, Delta 10, and THC-O. Some popular Delta-9 THC products in the market include Delta-9 gummies, vape cartridges, and Delta-9 flowers.

Delta-9 THC is a psychoactive substance characterized by its potent effects. Delta-9 is known to produce psychoactive effects, which may lead to psychosis for some. Psychosis is a mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality. Because of this range of potential effects that come with Delta-9 THC, it should always be used in smaller amounts and with caution.

Learning more about how Delta-9 THC metabolizes in the body may increase the chances of having a more positive experience with it.

Will Delta-9 Get You High?

The term “high” is a word that describes a physical and mental state experienced once a certain substance has been used. Delta-9 THC is renowned for its potent effects. Using Delta-9 THC will most often result in a high. However, this experience may look and feel differently for everyone.

Delta-9 THC highs are often categorized by two sibling cannabis plants – Sativa and Indica. These are two different types of cannabis leaves that produce different potential effects when used.

Sativa, Indica, and hybrid are three categories to consider when determining the effects you desire when seeking a Delta-9 THC product to try.

The Legal Status of Delta-9

Delta-9 THC is not exactly in the green as it pertains to legality throughout the U.S. Delta-9 THC can only be sold and used in select states. Before we dive into the legal details, we have to mention the two common uses of Delta-9 products— recreational and medicinal use.

Physicians prescribe medical marijuana to patients with various conditions and use it to aid with various treatments. There is preliminary evidence that indicates cannabis may reduce certain side effects of chemotherapy but it is not guaranteed and the FDA has not approve the use of cannabis for medical usage except for a few specific drugs. Various forms of medical cannabis include tinctures, lozenges, capsules, dermal patches, and edibles.

Recreational use of cannabis is simply defined as enjoying these products in social settings, and as a way to chill out. Recreational use of THC products is not typically done with the help of a medical professional, so it is important to use these products safely. Recreational use is most common in the form of dried bud, vapes, and edibles like THC gummies.

There are some states that have legalized both recreational and medical marijuana or cannabis-derived products and some that only legalized the use of medical marijuana. In some states, cannabis products can be used with certain restrictions.

In 2018, Congress signed the Farm Bill which legalized cannabis products that contain no more than 0.3% THC which has led to an influx of various products made with other cannabinoids like CBD and Delta-8. Products with these cannabinoids are more widely available when compared to Delta-9 THC due to their overall greater potency.

Check your local state regulations on these products to learn If your state permits Delta-9 THC products and the details on any restrictions.

What is the difference between CBD and Delta-9?

If you often hear of CBD and THC products, you might be wondering how they differ. Both of these cannabinoids are found in cannabis and are characterized by their potential supportive effects. However, cannabidiol (CBD) is found more abundantly in hemp, while THC is found more abundantly in marijuana. This makes them differ substantially in the effects they produce because hemp is naturally low in THC. In other words, CBD products are not associated with any type of high.

What is the difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9?

Some cannabis enthusiasts have been comparing Delta-8 and Delta-9 products, hoping to discover which of the two offers better effects. Both of these cannabinoids share similar structures that differ in the location of a double bond in the molecular structure. This small difference makes these two cannabinoids differ drastically from each other.

Before we dive into some key differences between the two, let’s talk about the similarities they share. These are two different types of cannabis leaves that produce different potential effects when used. Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 are also enjoyed recreationally, in similar forms like gummies and vape cartridges. Despite having similarities, there are differences between the two.

Delta-8 THC is an isomer of Delta-9, but it is also often made synthetically by converting CBD to produce mass amounts. Delta-8 products contain no more than 0.3% THC, so these products may produce a high that is often described as smooth, minus potential psychoactive effects that often come with Delta-9 products.

If you are wondering which of the two is better, this depends largely on the effects you desire. If you want to experience the full effects of cannabis, Delta-9 is the way to go! If the effects of Delta-9 THC are a bit too potent, Delta-8 is an alternative.

Be sure to check for any regulations on either of these cannabinoids with your state laws.

Related Article: What Is The Difference Between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?

What are common Delta-9 products?

One of the best things about Delta-9 THC is the number of products to choose from. Most places that sell Delta-9 THC will offer a variety of products that cater to the preferences of all cannabis lovers. Here are some of the most common forms of Delta-9 THC in the market today.

Gummies

Gummies are one of the most popular methods for using THC. They’re essentially like fruit snacks but infused with Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 gummies often have a gelatin base with some sort of natural flavoring and sweetener– adding some zest to the punch that Delta-9 THC brings to the table. ATLRx is a leader in the cannabis industry that offers the best Delta-9 gummies. Their gummies are made with top-tier THC and come in three different amounts. Each jar also comes in assorted flavors including watermelon, blue raspberry, orange-mango, green apple, and pineapple. Potent and delicious!

Tinctures

THC tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts that are used sublingually through a 1ml dropper. To use a tincture, you suction the dropper top to draw out the extract and place it under your tongue to experience the effects. Tinctures are a quick and easy way to get your desired hit of Delta-9.

Edibles

Edibles are snacks and candies infused with Delta-9 THC distillate. These products are enjoyable because they don’t feel far off from any other everyday item. This is an option that’s best for those that like a deliciously discreet way to enjoy Delta-9.

Flower

Flower refers to dried, green flower buds made through a drying and curing process of marijuana leaves. The flower is most commonly enjoyed by smoking joints were pre-rolls which are joints that have been previously prepared upon purchase or even using smoke bowls. Dried flower is one of the most original ways to use THC.

Vapes

Vapes are electric devices composed of two parts— a battery and a cartridge. There are various types and styles of vapes but these devices contain distilled Delta-9 THC and flavor which turns into vapor when heated. Vapes are among the most effective methods for using THC.