What is Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC?

Hand grabbing a small marijuana plant.

If you’re familiar with cannabis, you’ve probably heard of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the most prevalent psychoactive chemical compound in the cannabis plant. In layman’s terms, THC is the thing in weed that gets you super stoned.

For a long time, most people thought there was only one kind of THC: delta 9 THC derived from marijuana. However, in recent years, several types of THC have become popular in the mainstream: delta 8 THC, delta 10 THC, and hemp-derived delta 9 THC.

But what is hemp-derived delta 9 THC? Is delta 9 the same as hemp-derived delta 9 THC? What are the benefits of hemp-derived delta 9 THC? What’s the best way to enjoy hemp-derived delta 9 THC? Where can you buy hemp-derived delta 9 THC?

Let’s take a deep dive into the wonderful world of hemp-derived delta 9 THC! But before we move on, be sure to check out our delicious delta 9 gummies!

 

Key Takeaways

  • Even though it’s in small quantities, delta 9 THC is also found in hemp.
  • Hemp-derived delta 9 is the same compound as marijuana-derived delta 9 THC.
  • Hemp-derived delta 9 products are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as their delta 9 content stays below 0.3%.

 

What is Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC?

There are two different types of cannabis plants: marijuana and hemp. The delta 9 THC we are most familiar with comes from the marijuana plant and is the most potent psychoactive chemical component found in both plants. It’s the chemical responsible for getting us high when we smoke weed, eat edibles, or vape concentrate.

A lesser-known fact is that THC can also be derived from the hemp plant. It was previously thought that the hemp plant had no psychoactive properties at all and was just used for utilitarian purposes such as making cloth, paper, and other miscellaneous means of production. However, since cannabis has been more widely legalized across the United States, cannabis scientists and researchers have been able to find that small quantities of THC can be extracted from the hemp plant as well as the marijuana plant and can be just as useful.

Even though hemp isn’t considered as psychoactive a plant as marijuana, hemp-derived delta 9 THC will still get you high. The THC found in hemp is extracted in much smaller quantities than in marijuana, meaning you’d have to consume a lot more of it to feel the same effects. But since it’s still THC, it will create a similar, pleasant psychoactive experience.

 

Is Delta 9 the Same as Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC and hemp-derived delta 9 are the same as they’re both still technically THC. However, there are some differences between delta 9 THC and hemp-derived delta 9 THC.

Delta 9 THC comes from the marijuana plant, which is what we all commonly know as weed. Weed underwent a 75-year prohibition in the United States until both Colorado and Washington State legalized cannabis for recreational use in 2012. Now, as of 2022, there are 31 states that have legalized cannabis within their borders. Marijuana is still considered illegal on a federal level in the United States, but each state has its own cannabis laws that take immediate precedence over federal laws.

In 2018, a bill was passed called the Farm Bill which legalized certain levels of THC extracted from the hemp plant. As long as the THC content extracted from hemp is 0.3% or less, it is considered federally legal and can be harvested and cultivated into hemp-derived THC products.

This cannabinoid “loophole” is what has allowed many companies to explore the possibilities of hemp-derived THC such as delta 8 and delta 9. So while technically both delta 9 THC and hemp-derived delta 9 THC are molecularly very similar, they are different because they come from two different plants and also have completely different legalities in the United States.

So, is delta 9 THC the same as hemp-derived delta 9 THC? Pretty much! The only differences are their sources and their legalities. Otherwise, their chemical compositions are identical!

 

Benefits of Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC

Some people may be thinking, “delta 9 THC is stronger than hemp-derived delta 9 THC, what are the benefits of hemp-derived delta 9 THC?” However, even though hemp-derived delta 9 THC may be a bit less potent than traditional delta 9, there are still many benefits of hemp-derived delta 9 THC.

  • Hemp-derived delta 9 THC is federally legal. Since marijuana and traditional delta 9 THC aren’t legally available in every U.S. state, hemp-derived delta 9 THC is a much more accessible option for those who are looking to get high but can’t get to a dispensary. Additionally, those who are afraid of legal repercussions can use hemp-derived delta 9 THC freely without fear of legal consequences.
  • Hemp-derived THC is less intense than traditional delta 9 THC. Some people may not think that’s a benefit, but as cannabis is more deeply explored, it’s becoming clear that cannabis and its cannabinoids exist on a spectrum. Some people want to enjoy the benefits of the cannabis plant without any psychoactive experience at all, which is what makes CBD so popular. However, others still may want to get high, but don’t want an experience quite as intense as traditional delta 9 THC can sometimes provide. Some users have described traditional delta 9 THC as being extremely strong with side effects like heightened anxiety and paranoia or feelings of overwhelming couch lock. Hemp-derived delta 9 THC provides a high somewhere on the spectrum of cannabis that is less intense than traditional delta 9 THC, but more potent than non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD.

Now that we know the benefits of hemp-derived delta 9 THC, what about the best ways or methods to enjoy it?

 

Best Way to Enjoy Hemp Derived-Delta 9 THC

Similar to traditional delta 9 THC, you can enjoy hemp-derived delta 9 THC in many different ways. However, since hemp-derived delta 9 THC is slightly less potent than traditional delta 9 THC due to its low extraction levels, the best way we’ve found to enjoy hemp-derived cannabinoids is via THC-infused edible gummies.

Since hemp-derived delta 9 THC is considered less potent than traditional delta 9 THC, enjoying it in edible form can help to increase the feelings of potency. Edibles are roughly three times stronger than smoking raw flower, which is why so many people prefer edibles to flower or vice versa. Hemp-derived delta 9 THC is best utilized in the gummy form to get the most bang for your buck.

 

Where to Buy Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC

We may be a bit biased, but here at Delta Munchies, our hemp-derived, full-spectrum delta 9 THC gummies are the best of the best. Featuring a hypnotic cocktail of 11 unique cannabinoids (including THC), you’ll be lifted into the heights of euphoria with just one bite.

Even better, our hemp-derived delta 9 THC is federally legal and available to ship straight to your door in all 50 U.S. states. For people who live in states where traditional marijuana is illegal, this is a fantastic way to enjoy THC without fear of legal repercussions.

Don’t believe us? Become a part of the Delta Munchies family and try them for yourselves!