What is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC) is viewed as the most controversial cannabinoid that exists in cannabis. But, when we take a closer look, we see that this compound is extremely valuable thanks to its numerous properties that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Now that delta 9 products are starting to emerge on the hemp market, a whole new audience of people are finding that the cannabinoid has a lot to offer to their daily routines.
So, what separates delta 9 from the over 100 other cannabinoids present in the hemp plant?
The Origin and History of Delta-9 THC
Although humans have been observing the psychoactive properties of cannabis for thousands of years, it wasn’t until 1964 when we finally discovered delta 9 THC, the chemical compound responsible for the intoxicating effects of marijuana. While delta 9 is the dominant cannabinoid in marijuana, in the hemp plant, it’s present in only 0.3% of the plant’s chemical composition. It is because of this trace amount that naturally occurs in hemp that explains why the hemp plant is non-psychoactive, while marijuana produces notable intoxicating effects.
Is Delta-9 THC Psychoactive?
Delta-9 THC is psychoactive, making it responsible for the high associated with marijuana due to its high occurrence in the plant. Like we just mentioned, the delta 9 in hemp exists in such a trace amount that it does not give the plant any psychoactive potential. However, delta 9 is one of the most popular psychoactives in the world, with a long and rich history of being used in many cultures throughout history precisely for this effect.
The ‘high’ associated with delta-9 THC is commonly described as both euphoric and calming, and many find that their body relaxes after taking it. Depending on how much is taken, delta 9 can interfere quite a bit with mental clarity, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you ask its avid users, who find that the high can act as a brief escape from their daily stress.
Can Delta-9 THC Cause a Failed Drug Test?
Whether you’re consuming delta 9 from hemp or marijuana, a failed drug test is almost certain. Delta-9 THC is metabolized by THC-COOH, an enzyme that ends up in the urine. Drug tests are looking for this enzyme, rather than the cannabinoid itself. Keep in mind that if you’re consuming the hemp plant in the form of flower or a full spectrum hemp extract, you will almost certainly not fail a drug test, since the trace amount of THC naturally occurring in hemp simply isn’t high enough. But, delta 9-specific products contain higher concentrations of the cannabinoid, and thus are likely to cause a positive test result.
What are the Effects and Properties of Delta 9?
The therapeutic properties of delta 9 THC have been studied for decades, and because of the cannabinoid’s rich array of benefits, we have a thriving medical marijuana industry throughout the country. Delta 9 is the cannabis derivative with the most clinical data behind it to support the idea that it has major therapeutic value.
Delta-9 THC is a cannabinoid, and all cannabinoids in cannabis work directly with the endocannabinoid system. This complex system is in charge of regulating individual processes of the body by sending cannabinoids to cannabinoid receptors tasked with balancing the efficiency of adjacent bodily processes. Cannabinoid receptors are located in every bodily system, and there are two overall classes of these receptors:
- CB1 receptors in the nervous system.
- CB2 receptors in the digestive and immune systems.
Delta 9 generally spreads itself evenly between both types of receptors, which is why its effects are so diverse and extensive.
An influx of data has gone into analyzing the potential benefits of delta-9 THC. The most well-established benefits have been reported around the globe, ranging from news outlets to online sources, and even from hemp users themselves.
Potential Benefit #1: Anxiety and Stress Relief
Delta 9 is known for its unique effects on the brain’s neurotransmitters which can balance the secretion of cortisol, the key hormone involved in stress response. Delta-9 therefore has the potential to help reduce both stress and anxiety.
Potential Benefit #2: Help with Sleep
The balancing effect on neurotransmitters also allows delta 9 to have potential as a sleep aid, as it may offer sedative-like effects and allow cortisol to be more suppressed at bedtime to support healthy sleep.
Potential Benefit #3: Mood-Lifting Properties
Delta 9 is commonly referenced as a potential aid in the treatment of depression, which comes from its possible regulatory effect on serotonin levels along with the euphoria that is associated with its high.
Potential Benefit #4: Nausea Relief
Many people use delta 9 to treat nausea, as the cannabinoid offers antiemetic properties that are valuable to those who struggle with this symptom.
Potential Benefit #5: Stimulated Appetite
For thousands of years, delta 9 has been used as an appetite stimulant, and it can even increase the pleasure involved in eating food. Delta 9 seems to have the potential to regulate the function of appetite that belongs to the digestive system.
Potential Benefit #6: Pain Relief
Marijuana is commonly prescribed for pain conditions, as delta 9 has the potential to offer analgesic properties that reduce the nervous system’s pain response. Researchers have suggested that delta 9 may be able to address pain that is difficult to treat with conventional methods.
Potential Benefit #7: Neuroprotective Properties
Another common qualifying condition for medical marijuana patients is epilepsy, as delta 9, like many cannabinoids, seems to offer neuroprotective properties that may be able to balance neurological function by protecting neurons and neural pathways.
Potential Benefit #8: Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Delta 9 has been shown time and time again to boast powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can be useful in treating both pain and inflammatory conditions that affect the body.
Is Delta-9 THC Legal?
In 2018, the United States passed the Farm Bill, which legalized the hemp plant at last. This allowed hemp and all of its derivatives to be sold legally throughout the country, with one stipulation: no hemp product may contain more than 0.3% delta 9 THC By dry weight.
We said earlier that the amount of THC that is present in the hemp plant is so trace that it’s non-intoxicating. However, companies have managed to produce delta 9 products that are fully protected under federal law. The way in which they’ve done this is by creating products that contain 0.3% delta 9 by dry weight, in large portion sizes so that a single serving still provides enough milligrams of delta-9 THC to offer active effects. For instance, a 4-gram delta 9 edible contains 12 milligrams of delta-9 THC, which is enough of a concentration for the cannabinoid’s noted properties to be fully felt in the body.
Is Delta-9 THC Safe?
Generally speaking, delta-9 THC is considered to be a safe cannabinoid for the human body because it’s nontoxic to humans, and because it is not associated with any major side effects, nor any real withdrawal effects. However, delta 9 is intoxicating, which means that it may lead to dangerous circumstances. For example, driving after taking delta-9 can be dangerous due to its potential for impairment, along with operating heavy machinery.
Because delta-9 THC, like many cannabinoids, may suppress CYP3A4 levels in the body, you should speak to your doctor if you are taking any medications. CYP3A4 is an enzyme that breaks down many commonly prescribed medications and suppressing it can cause medications to accumulate in the body, which can become dangerous over time.
Although delta 9 is not known to cause any serious side effects, it may cause temporary effects in sensitive individuals, including:
- Dizziness
- Grogginess
- Sleepiness
- Temporarily reduced blood pressure
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Anxiety/paranoia (from getting too high)
What Kinds of Delta 9 Products are There?
Delta 9 THC can be isolated and concentrated, and used to produce all kinds of product types. But, due to the fact that laws require that delta 9 be present in only 0.3% of a product, you’re likely only to find delta 9 edibles, at least for the time-being. Edibles allow us to easily consume a fairly large serving size so that the 0.3% of delta 9 in them can be consumed in a strength high enough to offer effects that we want from the compound.
We said earlier that a 4 gram edible can legally contain 12 milligrams of delta 9. Let’s say that 4 gram edible is a chocolate bar. It’s not hard to consume an entire chocolate bar in one sitting, since eating chocolate never gets tedious. But, consuming 4 grams of, say, a delta 9 tincture in one sitting, can be a daunting task by comparison, since it requires applying a very large amount of oil below the tongue, which is far more tedious.
Can Delta-9 THC Be Taken with Other Cannabinoids?
Short answer, yes, Delta 9 THC can be and often is taken with other cannabinoids, such as CBD. Cannabinoids within the hemp plant do not interact negatively with one another, since they all come from the same source. If you already have a routine with another cannabinoid, that does not mean that you can’t find space for delta 9 in your day-to-day regimen.
Note: If you decide to take more than one cannabinoid, it is best to still speak with your doctor first.
What is the Ideal Delta-9 THC Dosage for Beginners?
If you’re new to delta-9 THC, we recommend starting with a relatively low dose since the effects can be quite strong until a tolerance has been developed. We recommend starting with 5mg per serving, to see how this affects you. Delta 9 products come with dosing instructions on the label which are easy to follow.
As you begin to build a tolerance to the effects of delta 9 THC, you can start to take higher serving amounts if you wish. But, we recommend building it up gradually, in small increments.
Rogue Shop Has Your Delta-9 THC Needs Covered!
Delta-9 THC may have unfairly gotten a bad rap over the last several decades, but the medical community is finally taking its therapeutic value seriously. If you wish to incorporate delta 9 into your routine, now you can legally thanks to the hemp-derived delta-9 products that are federally compliant yet fully capable of giving you the effects for which the cannabinoid is well-known. At Rogue Shop you can rest easy knowing that you’re only getting premium-grade, lab-tested delta9 made with the finest ingredients and highest quality standards possible.