Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most famous cannabinoid in cannabis. It is the plant’s primary psychoactive ingredient though less psychoactive cannabinoids like Delta 8 and 10 also exist. Due to its strong psychoactive effects, some users love it.
Research on Delta 9 has demonstrated its broad pharmacological profile. And although it’s primarily popular for its psychoactive effects, this cannabinoid has other health benefits. So, let’s explore some of the good things about Delta 9.
Key Takeaways
- Delta 9 is the most psychoactive and abundant cannabinoid in wild-growing cannabis strains.
- Delta 8, 9, and 10 are the main THC variants in cannabis.
- This cannabinoid exerts its diverse effects through the endocannabinoid system. It activates the CB receptors.
- Though there are no reported fatalities due to Delta 9 use, it’s a highly psychoactive substance whose use requires utmost care.
- Hemp-derived Delta 9 is federally legal due to the 2018 Farm Bill.
What is Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC is a complex chemical compound found in cannabis. It is psychoactive and can alter normal body functioning, causing changes to a person’s mood, behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Together with cannabidiol (CBD), they are the most dominant and well-studied cannabinoids in cannabis.
Cannabinoids exert their effects via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a system-wide network of receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and enzymes that maintain body balance and functionality. For this reason, the ECS is involved in many body functions, including sleep, pain perception, emotion, feeding, learning and memory, and reproduction, among others.
Delta 9 is shown to influence the ECS by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors. In other words, it’s a CB receptor agonist. These receptors mediate different physiological processes. For example, a common effect of Delta 9 activating the CB1 receptor is “the munchies” – an urge to eat practically anything after taking cannabis!
Most people use delta 9 for its recreational effects. These include a feeling of calmness, decreased anxiety, euphoria, and increased creativity and appetite. However, its medicinal properties have made it a potential therapeutic agent for insomnia, pain, and inflammation.
Delta 9 is the most profuse form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for the ‘high’ caused by cannabis. THC also occurs in other forms, such as delta 8 and 10, but in trace amounts.
What Are the Effects of Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 has both positive and negative effects on users. The extent of the reaction depends on the amount and form consumed.
When smoked, the effects of delta 9 kick in almost immediately and last for a short period. The effects may, however, delay when delta 9 is ingested. This is because the drug must pass through the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream.
The series of effects, however, is the same regardless of whether it is chewed, inhaled, or injected into the bloodstream. Delta 9 users report experiencing a wide range of physical and mental effects post-use. These include:
- A sense of euphoria
- Calmness
- Sedation
- Couch-locking
- Increased appetite and creativity
However, these admirable effects are linked to low doses. At higher doses, this cannabinoid can cause unwanted effects like extreme paranoia, hallucinations, short-term memory loss, altered sense of time, etcetera. This is why adhering to the ‘start low and slow’ practice is vital to avoid negative experiences.
However, every cloud has a silver lining, and Delta 9 is no different. Research shows this cannabinoid has some pretty impressive things going for it.
What Is Delta 9-THC Good For
Though Delta 9 has traditionally been used as a recreational drug, cannabis research has unveiled its hitherto unknown medicinal qualities that could benefit us in many ways. Some of its potential benefits include:
Sleep support
Delta 9’s sleep-supporting properties have scientific backing. A recent study showed that medical cannabis might benefit sleep disorders and improve sleep scores. Anecdotally, Delta 9’s ‘high’ induces sleepiness by relaxing the mind and slowing down racing thoughts. This makes it easier to fall asleep.
Anxiolytic
Delta 9’s dual effect on anxiety is widely documented in studies. It has been shown to reduce anxiety at lower doses and increase it at higher doses. This is the so-called Inverted dose-response curve typically exhibited by cannabinoids. It is also the basis of ‘more is not always better’ with cannabinoids.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is characterized by breathing-related problems during sleep. Essentially, you stop breathing, but your brain wakes you up to prevent you from dying! It happens when muscles that control breathing fail to do their job.
Several studies have highlighted Delta 9’s ability to improve sleep apnea. For example, a 2013 study showed that THC reduced incidences of sleep apnea in humans. However, such findings are very preliminary, and more work is needed to determine its efficacy in treating apnea.
Pain and inflammation management
A few studies have shown that Delta 8 may help treat neuropathic pain. Its ability to activate both CB receptors is thought to play a vital role in its pain-relieving property. The CB1 receptor is mainly expressed in the central nervous system, while the CB2 receptor predominates the peripheral nervous system.
In the brain, the CB1 receptor mediates functions like pain perception. On the other hand, the CB2 receptor is generally involved in immune system functions and anti-inflammatory responses. You can see why Delta 9 may affect pain and inflammation.
Neurogenesis
Further, emerging studies suggest that Delta 9 might promote neurogenesis. This is the process through which the brain develops new neuronal connections during learning. Consequently, this cannabinoid may contribute to better cognitive performance.
Delta 9 also appears to positively affect nausea and vomiting. As such, it’s portrayed as a potential treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Delta 9?
Just as with any other drug, delta-9 might have some adverse effects on long-term users. How you react to Delta 9 depends on your tolerance and the dose consumed. It is common for first-time users to experience adverse reactions chiefly because they are not accustomed to it.
Seasoned users rarely get side effects unless they take more than their usual dose. For this reason, it is advisable to take Delta 9 THC in small amounts. If taken in large quantities, Delta 9 is likely to cause diverse side effects. Some of the common side effects are:
- Feeling uneasy, unhappy, or dissatisfied (dysphoria)
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Sedation
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Heightened anxiety
But since commercially legal Delta 9 is derived from hemp, its levels are too low to cause psychoactive effects. This is because the 2018 Farm Bill limits its concentration to 0.3% or less in hemp products.
Overall, Delta 9 is a highly psychoactive substance with good and bad sides. Hemp-derived Delta 9 may not be a controlled substance per se, but the same compound from marijuana is illegal. Delta 9 is essentially the same compound regardless of its source, and due diligence is needed when using it.
In addition to its short-term drug effects, evidence is mounting that chronic marijuana use may have long-lasting effects on the brain and body. The mental effects are more profound in adolescents whose brains are still developing. These include:
- Brain development problems
- Psychiatric disorders, e.g., depression, schizophrenia, etc.
- Addiction
Other adverse long-term consequences associated with chronic cannabis use include:
- Respiratory issues
- Higher risk of testicular cancer
- Cyclic nausea and vomiting
- Pregnancy-related risks
While there are no reports of death due to chronic cannabis use, frequent cannabis use can lead to serious unwanted side effects. Subsequently, we constantly urge for caution and moderation to avert such possibilities.
What Is the Difference Between Delta 8, 9 and 10
Delta 8 and 10 are THC variants, with Delta 9 typically considered the bona fide THC. Though all three are THCs, they have subtle differences.
To begin with, Delta 8 and 10 are minor cannabinoids that naturally occur in cannabis in trace amounts. Comparatively, Delta 9 is the most dominant cannabinoid in landrace sativa strains appearing in levels well above 5%. In modified strains, Delta 9 levels can hit and even exceed 20%.
Because they occur in low concentrations, Delta 8 and 10 are mainly synthesized from hemp CBD. That’s because hemp is federally legal in the US. Delta 9, however, exists in enough concentrations, making its extraction from cannabis matter easy.
Another key difference between these THC variants is potency. Delta 9 is, by far, the most potent variant. It is thought to be twice as strong as Delta 8. There is little research on Delta 10’s potency, but it’s anecdotally considered weaker than Delta 8 and 9. Researchers contend that the location of a double bond might be responsible for these differences in potency.
Despite their lower potency levels, Delta 9 and 10 may are still psychoactive and can alter the mind. That said, users claim the “high” of Delta 8 and 10 are mild and energetic. As such, these two novel THC varieties might be therapeutically significant for relieving stress and anxiety.
It’s also worth mentioning that Delta 9 content is the benchmark for testing the legality of hemp products. The 2018 Farm Bill stipulates that hemp is legal if it contains 0.3% or less of Delta 9 on a dry weight basis. It’s a provision that gives a carte blanche to manufacturers concerning including Delta 8 and 10 in their products.
So, many hemp products also combine Delta 8 and 9 to enhance the “entourage effect.”
Be that as it may, some states are now considering reviewing the legality of THCs like Delta 8. They cite insufficient research on their potential side effects as the basis for this move. So, for now, it’s fingers crossed!
Is Delta 9 Safe to Use
Delta 9 is a psychoactive substance, so there’s no doubting the effect it can have on you. It appears to be perfectly safe and beneficial in low to moderate amounts. But people respond differently to psychoactive cannabinoids, so Delta 9’s safety is subjective.
It’s also worth noting that the form in which you consume Delta 9 matters greatly. Edibles might take longer to kick in, but their effects last longer than inhalables or sublinguals. The latter two forms (low doses, please) may be ideal for newbies who still need to assess how their bodies respond.
Edibles may be suitable for seasoned users who understand and can handle the effects of Delta 9. If you are unsure about the correct dose, speak to a cannabis expert.
Is Delta 9 Legal
Yes, hemp-derived Delta 9 is federally legal per the 2018 Farm Bill. However, this is subject to the condition that it doesn’t constitute more than 0.3% by dry weight in cannabis/hemp or hemp-based products.
That said, cannabis laws are rapidly changing in the US. Currently, hemp is legal in nearly all 50 states, but others, like Idaho, are yet to ratify the 2018 Farm Bill. This means hemp is prohibited in such states. Marijuana-related crimes carry stiff penalties, so research cannabis laws in your state to ensure you remain compliant.
Overall, marijuana remains illegal at the federal and state level though some states have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Where to Find Delta 9 And Other Cannabinoids Online
This is why it is advisable to purchase hemp products like Delta 9 gummies from reputable online sellers like Botany Farms, Melee Dose and Delta Munchies.
Be sure to look for companies that manufacture their own products, which makes them likely to be high-quality and safe. You also want to keep an eye our for brands that provide more information about their products. For example, do they attach a certificate of analysis (CoA) to each product on its website?
Check out our picks for the best Delta 9 THC Gummies below:
Now, Delta-8 can take you higher with grape!. With new Chill Plus Delta-8 Vape Cartridges in Grape Ape, you can embrace the carefree, soothing pleasure of this exciting new cannabinoid while experiencing the ultimate hybrid strain with our all-new Grape A Lion's Mane, often known as the "Mushroom of the Mind," is high in beta-glucans, which help the brain operate properly. Beta-glucans are carbohydrates present in the cell walls of fungi, bacteria, and plants that have medicinal properties.Cordyceps mu Vibin' Premium 300 MG Delta 10 Tincture Perfect for on-the-go use Measured dropper 300mg Delta 10 THCFlavor Profile Sour Blueberry OG - Hybrid Mix between Sour Diesel and BlueberrySuggested Use Measure the desired amount of Delta 10 THC tinctur Galaxy Treats 2500mg Delta-8 Gummies - 2500mg of Delta-8 THC - 20 Count - 125mg per Gummy - 3 FlavorsAre you coming or not?Up into the galaxies of course!Perfect we got your ticket right here, it's in the form of a sweet little treat.This treat is the Gal
Chill Plus Delta-8 Vape Cartridge - Grape Ape - 900mg (1ml)
JGO Shrooms Permatrip Blend / Delta 8 Tincture 1500mg
Delta Extrax Vibin' Premium 300mg Delta 10 Tincture
Galaxy Treats 2500mg Delta-8 Gummies (3 Flavors)
