Key Takeaways
- Delta-9 THC is derived from hemp and is popularly extracted using solvents like ethanol or carbon dioxide.
- This cannabinoid binds to CB1 receptors in your brain, triggering the release of dopamine. That’s what gives you that high feeling and the euphoric sensation when you take THC edibles or smoke a preroll.
- You can legally take Delta-9 THC, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized products containing less than 0.3% THC (by dry weight).
Chances are that you’ve heard of THC or even experienced its buzzy high first-hand, and if so, that means that you’ve experienced Delta-9. It’s scientifically known as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and unlike most marijuana-derived cannabinoids, Delta-9 THC is derived from hemp.
This makes most people wonder: “Is Delta-9 real weed?” The short answer is yes!
So what really is Delta-9 THC, and how is it extracted from hemp? Is it legal to consume? What kinds of benefits does it have? Get answers to all your questions right here.
What is Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Although other forms of THC do exist, like Delta-8 THC and Delta-11 THC, Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form.
To put it succinctly, that high sensation you feel is because of Delta-9 THC. But how does it happen?
How Does Delta-9 THC Make You Feel High?
The difference between THCA and Delta-9 is that, by itself, THCA is non-psychoactive thanks to the extra carboxyl group in its molecular structure. This prevents THCA from binding directly to cannabinoid receptors in your brain.
But when THCA is heated through smoking, vaping, or baking, Delta-9 THC is created. Whether you inhale it through a preroll or vape, or eat it in the form of Delta-9 gummies and edibles, Delta-9 binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain.
THC tells your brain to release dopamine for that floaty, happy, warm feeling. You’ll feel that signature relaxed euphoria and a heightened sensory perception.
Fears and anxiety tend to melt away, too, since THC turns down the activity in the amygdala, where fear is processed.
How Is Delta-9 Extracted From Hemp?
Extracting Delta-9 from hemp is a long process that begins by first selecting high-quality hemp flower and drying it to a moisture level below 10%. It’s also ground up to create more surface area for the solvent to work.
These are two solvent-based extraction processes that most labs use:
Ethanol Extraction
Hemp biomass is mixed with food-grade ethanol, which draws out cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant matter. It’s an efficient method that dissolves the desired compounds, which can then be filtered from the plant material and purified.
CO₂ Extraction
Naturally occurring phytocompounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, are “pulled” from hemp biomass using pressurized carbon dioxide. This is also called Supercritical CO₂ Extraction, since it involves pushing carbon dioxide into a supercritical state where it behaves like a gas and a liquid at the same time.
This unique pressurized state allows it to act as a solvent, dissolving compounds while also penetrating materials.
How Strong Is Delta-9?
Delta-9 binds to CB1 receptors in your brain pretty strongly, but here’s how it compares in strength to other THC variants, like Delta-8 and Delta-11:
Delta-8 THC |
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Delta-9 THC |
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Delta-11 THC |
Although it has milder effects,Delta-8 can affect Delta-9 tolerance, either maintaining it or slightly increasing it. This is because they both interact with the same CB1 receptors. That’s why it’s not a good idea to use Delta-8 as a way to reset your tolerance. Nonetheless, there are plenty of Delta-9 benefits that make it a popular choice among users.
Benefits of Delta-9 THC
Pain Management
One of the most well-known benefits of Delta-9 THC is its potential to help manage chronic pain and provide therapeutic benefits. This cannabinoid can also offer support for inflammation and aches.
Anti-Tumor Effects & Palliative Care
The benefits of Delta-9 as an anti-cancer treatment are being studied. But beyond that, many patients often use it for palliative care, since it is FDA-approved to manage nausea from chemotherapy, and symptoms such as appetite loss and pain.
Mental Health & Well-Being
Many users who rely on Delta-9 THC for mental wellness experience decreased stress, improved mood, and better relaxation.
Appetite Support
Delta-9 THC may support a better appetite, especially for patients dealing with cancer-related weight loss.
Sleep Improvement
Plenty of people struggling with insomnia tend to use Delta-9 as it helps them fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer.
The cherry on top of all these benefits is that Delta-9 THC is federally legal. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalizes hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, you can legally buy THC gummies online.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Delta-9 and Delta-11?
- The main comparison between Delta-11 vs. Delta-9 THC is their potency. Users experience Delta-11 as 2 to 3 times stronger than Delta-9.
- Even in terms of duration, Delta-11 takes longer to set in, and the high can last longer.
- While Delta-9 is extracted from hemp, Delta-11 is highly processed since it occurs naturally only in trace amounts.
Is Delta-9 real weed?
The short answer to the question, “Is Delta-9 real weed?” is yes! The source plant being hemp changes its legality, but it doesn’t change the cannabinoid and the experience you get to enjoy from it!
How long does a Delta-9 high last?
How long a Delta-9 high lasts depends on the form you’re taking it in, your tolerance levels, and how much of it you take.
On average, the high from Delta-9 edibles and tinctures can last 6 to 8 hours. Vapes and THCA prerolls might produce a high sensation for 2 to 4 hours. If you’re not feeling it, the wise move is always to wait 20-30 minutes before taking another puff or eating another gummy.
Will Delta-9 test positive?
Yes, Delta-9 THC shows up on drug tests, and it’s the main cannabinoid that these tests look for.
