Have you been hearing people talk about Delta 9 a lot recently? What even is Delta 9?
Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis plants, which means it’s the main compound responsible for the “high” often associated with marijuana. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 receptors in the brain, to create effects like euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, and increased appetite.
Delta 9 THC has been studied for its potential medical benefits, such as seizure reduction, pain relief, nausea reduction, and mood enhancement. It’s found in varying concentrations in cannabis plants, with lower levels found in hemp plants. The legality of Delta 9 THC depends on whether it was extracted from hemp or marijuana, and where you live. In the United States, Delta 9 THC derived from hemp is 100% federally legal as long as it is kept under 0.3% THC by dry weight, but state laws may vary.
In this blog we will cover the differences between marijuana-derived THC versus hemp-derived THC, the legality of Delta 9 THC in the United States, extracting Delta 9 THC from hemp plants, the possible effects of Delta 9 THC, and its potential to be used as another tool in your wellness toolbox.
What is “Hemp-Derived” Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC, or THC for short, is the abbreviation for the chemical compound tetrahydrocannabinol. The difference between marijuana-derived and hemp-derived Delta 9 THC mainly comes down to legal definitions and how much THC is naturally present in the plant. As stated before, this is the compound many think of when they think of recreational marijuana, although it is also naturally occurring in hemp plants in small amounts. Let’s dig into the distinction between THC derived from two main types of cannabis plants, marijuana and hemp.
Marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC comes from cannabis plants that have very high THC levels—often anywhere from 10% to 30% THC per dry weight of the flowers (or “buds”) of the plant. They have been bred by growers over time to yield higher and higher amounts of THC compared to their wild-growing ancestors which likely contained 5% or less of the THC compound. As of today, these marijuana plants are federally illegal in the U.S., although many states continue to legalize them for medical or recreational use.
Hemp-derived Delta 9 THC, on the other hand, comes from hemp plants, which are high in CBD but must contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight under the 2018 Farm Bill to be legal. However, there are ways to extract and concentrate Delta 9 THC from hemp and create a product that stays within legal limits but still has a significant amount of THC. For example, if a product like a gummy is hemp-derived and weighs enough, it can legally contain significant milligrams of THC per serving while still staying under that 0.3% legal threshold provided by the 2018 Farm Bill.
In short, the Delta 9 THC itself is chemically identical whether it comes from hemp or marijuana, but Hemp-derived Delta 9 THC is legally extracted from hemp plants and processed in a way that stays under the federal legal THC weight threshold of 0.3%.
The 2018 Farm Bill and the Legality of Hemp-Derived THC
The 2018 Farm Bill was a landmark piece of legislation that changed the legal landscape for hemp and cannabis in the United States. Prior to the bill, hemp was classified as a controlled substance, which made it illegal to grow or use. But the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp (which is defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight) from the Controlled Substances Act. This legalized its cultivation, production, and sale across the country. Ultimately it is what has allowed us to share our products with you.
One of the most significant outcomes of the bill was its establishment of clear guidelines for hemp production. The bill specifically defines hemp as cannabis plants with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight. This means that products made from hemp that contain Delta 9 THC can also be legal, as long as they don’t exceed the 0.3% by dry weight threshold.
The 2018 Farm Bill helped clear the path for hemp-derived Delta 9 THC, making it federally legal as long as it stays within the 0.3% THC limit. This opens the door for the legal sale of products that deliver the effects of THC for those in states where marijuana may still be illegal. This means that consumers have access to a wider range of products containing Delta 9 THC that can be legally shipped across state lines. However, state laws can still vary, so it’s important to check local regulations to know what's allowed in your area.
What is Solvent-less Extraction of Delta 9 THC?
There are multiple methods to extract the Delta 9 THC from hemp to condense it into a concentrated and versatile form. Common methods include using solvents like CO2 or butane to separate the THC compound from the plant. However, a preferred method by many due to the lack of using chemicals in the extraction is called live rosin extraction, which is also known as a solvent-less method.
This solvent-less live rosin method is excellent at preserving the cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, as well as the terpenes and flavonoids that enhance the effects, flavor, and smell of the plant, which creates a “full-spectrum” product which provides the “entourage effect”. Unlike other methods that use dried hemp, live rosin extraction uses material from the living plant that is freshly harvested or flash-frozen to preserve its living state, which is why it's called “live” rosin. This preserves most of the natural beneficial compounds in the hemp plant.
After the fresh plant material is harvested and/or flash frozen, dry ice is used to help separate the trichomes, which are the tiny, resinous glands of the plant that contain cannabinoids and terpenes. They are collected and placed into a rosin press. The rosin press uses heat and pressure to squeeze out the resin (which contains the cannabinoids and terpenes) from the trichomes. The result is a sticky, golden concentrate known as rosin. In the case of live rosin, the goal is to preserve the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes from the fresh plant material by pressing it at a relatively low temperature to avoid degrading the delicate compounds. In this final form, the live rosin can now be infused into edibles, tinctures, or other consumable products. Live Rosin is widely regarded as the most premium form of extract as it preserves the beneficial compounds without the introduction of harsh chemicals, is difficult to scale, plus it takes a lot of starting material to produce small amounts of live rosin.
Delta 9 THC and the Human Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and enzymes in the body that help regulate various physiological processes, including mood, pain, appetite, and immune function, in order to maintain balance or homeostasis within the body. Delta 9 THC interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system. When THC binds to CB1 receptors, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, leading to feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and bliss.
Delta 9 THC's interaction with the endocannabinoid system influences other functions like mood, memory, pain perception, and appetite. By mimicking the body's natural cannabinoids, THC can also affect the CB2 receptors, which helps reduce inflammation and pain. This connection between THC and the endocannabinoid system is what gives cannabis its potentially wide-ranging benefits like easing discomfort and mood enhancement, and helps explain why the plant has such a profound impact on both the mind and body.
Possible Effects of Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC
Since Delta 9 THC is the same compound whether it is derived from hemp plants or from marijuana plants, it can have the same euphoric and intoxicating effects depending on the serving size. Our primarily CBD products contain small levels of Delta 9 THC, where it is enough to contribute to the wellness benefits of CBD but not enough to be intoxicating. With products that have higher levels of Delta 9 THC, you start to experience the psychoactive effects - you might feel more relaxed, uplifted, or even giggly. There may be an altered perception of time feeling slower or faster than usual, and your surroundings may seem more intense or colorful. Some experience enhanced sensory perceptions like a greater appreciation for music, food, or touch. This can contribute to the overall enjoyable experience for those using it either medicinally or recreationally.
Many people use Delta 9 THC to unwind and relieve stress. It can help reduce feelings of stress and tension and promote a calm, relaxed state of mind, especially when paired with the calming properties of CBD (cannabidiol). In fact, combining CBD with THC can make the high from THC less intense and create a smooth and balanced euphoria. For those who are sensitive to the psychoactive effect of THC, the entourage effect of adding CBD to the mix can create a calmer reaction that lessens the chance of paranoia or anxiety.
Possible Health and Wellness Benefits of Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC
Hemp-derived Delta 9 THC could be as helpful for your wellness as CBD. Though it’s not necessarily for everyone, it may really improve quality of life for others . It has the potential to help with chronic pain or inflammation by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which can reduce pain signals and boost how you feel overall. This effect could be even better when paired with CBD, which also helps reduce inflammation.
THC has also been used for a long time to help with nausea, vomiting, and to promote appetite, especially for people going through chemotherapy or dealing with digestive problems.
Many people also report Delta 9 THC helps them sleep better, especially if they struggle with insomnia. It can help you relax, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. For some, THC might give a nice boost for creativity or even improve focus during workouts. Finally, and one of our favorite benefits, it can also have a mood-boosting effect, helping some people feel more positive and less stressed, especially when combined with CBD. Too often it is overlooked, but stress kills! Unwinding and mentally calming down is critical to maintaining wellness. All in all, Delta 9 THC could be a natural and helpful addition to your wellness routine.
Important Things to Consider
Serving Size is Key: Since Delta 9 THC can be intoxicating, it’s important to be cautious with your consumption. Start low and go slow, especially if you're new to THC or hemp products. 5mg of THC is often considered a “beginner dose” in many states with legalized marijuana, with some people needing less and some needing more. Since the reaction to THC is varied and subjective, it is always better to start with the lowest possible serving size and increase as needed. In some cases, Delta 9 THC can take up to 2 hours to activate and be fully felt. Give ample time before consuming more to avoid accidentally taking too much.
Legal Status: While hemp-derived Delta 9 THC is federally legal, local laws can vary, so always check your state’s regulations before purchasing. We cannot ship Delta 9 products to some states that have hemp-derived Delta 9 THC restrictions, such as California. Only adults 21 and older should purchase and consume products containing Delta 9 THC. Always keep Delta 9 THC products out of reach from children.
Side Effects: While Delta 9 THC can offer benefits, it may also cause side effects like dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, or paranoia, especially at higher doses. Refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery while using Delta 9 THC, and always consult with your medical provider if you are pregnant or taking prescription medications..
Testing for Safety: Due to the popularity and availability of hemp-derived CBD and THC, it is crucial to ensure that any hemp-derived Delta 9 THC product you purchase comes from a company with rigorous third-party testing standards to ensure the product has no contamination and actually contains what the label states. At Flora Sophia Botanicals, we use a third-party state-accredited testing lab and are transparent in providing these test results (LINK) to ensure the safety and purity of every product offered.
Conclusion
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC. It will continue to rise in popularity, and can be a beneficial part of your wellness routine, both safely and legally. With that said, we are now offering BLISS Live Rosin Delta 9 THC + CBD Gummies, the ultimate fusion of relaxation and euphoria. Crafted with Hemp-Derived Delta 9 Live Rosin THC and CBD from premium Oregon grown hemp, these gummies deliver a smooth, balanced experience designed to help you unwind, de-stress, and enjoy every moment. Try hemp-derived THC gummies today!
