What is Delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)? It is the most abundant cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It's most well-known for its psychoactive properties, also known as a "high."
Due to its interactions with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), delta-9 THC has been found to have many potential benefits, from pain relief to better sleep. Still, it remains federally illegal, and more research is necessary before we truly understand this cannabinoid’s potential.
Throughout this article, we’ll dive into everything we know about what it is and how it may help you.
Delta-9 THC directly binds to cannabinoid receptors within the endocannabinoid system (ECS). More specifically, it links to CB1 receptors, which are distributed through the brain.
It also sometimes interacts with CB2 receptors, which can reduce inflammation. Early studies even suggest that this may have some involvement with immunity, but more research still needs to be done to confirm these effects.
It is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for that “high” feeling that users are well aware of. Regular users report feelings of relaxation, euphoria, heightened sensory perception, and reduced pain.
The effects of delta-9 THC go beyond psychoactive. This is thanks to the fact that the ECS is involved in various functions of the human body, including:
Most people consume delta-9 THC for its psychoactive properties. This altered state of consciousness can be euphoric and leave you relaxed.
However, more and more people are also using delta-9 THC for its medical benefits. According to 2021 research, it may help to:
The risks of delta-9 THC depend on your consumption method. The most notable of these is smoking or vaping, which can cause bronchitis or increase your risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This is most prominent in people with a cannabis use disorder, a dependency on THC. While the compound isn’t as addictive as other substances, it still has addictive properties (i.e. withdrawal symptoms). According to a 2020 review, about 22% of people who consume cannabis develop an addiction.
Finally, teenagers and anyone under the age of 21 should avoid consuming cannabis. A 2022 review found that consuming delta-9 THC in your teenage years can lead to changes in brain development, such as memory impairment.
Another key aspect for understanding what delta-9 THC is and how it works, is understanding how it differs from other cannabinoids. Here’s a quick rundown of all the important details:
| Features | Delta-9 | Delta-8 | CBD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is it psychoactive? | Yes | Yes (milder) | No |
| Effect | Strong euphoria and altered perception | Milder, for a clearer and calmer feeling | Not psychoactive, promotes relaxation |
| Binding | Binds to CB1 receptors | Binds to CB1 | Indirectly binds to CB1 and CB2 |
| Legality (in the US) | Federally illegal (allowed in some states) | Federally legal | Federally legal |
| Potency | Most potent form of THC | Less potent than delta-9 | No intoxicating effect |
Yes and no. While this question is simple enough, it has an extremely complicated answer.
Federally speaking, any cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% THC is considered illegal. Most delta-9 products incorporate much more than this percentage and, therefore, are federally illegal.
However, states have developed both medicinal and recreational programs that legalize these products. If you’d like to learn more about your state’s laws, we highly recommend you do some research. Many of these states have specific guidelines (such as THC caps) that must be followed.
Still, to complicate things, you may notice some cannabidiol (CBD) brands releasing delta-9 THC products, available for purchase anywhere in the U.S. These are technically legal because they’re made within the federally legal THC limit. Therefore, these products are more available now than ever before.
The short answer is yes. Delta-9 THC naturally occurring substance found in some cannabis plants. It is a cannabinoid that is produced in the plant’s trichomes (found mainly within the flowers and leaves), alongside other natural chemicals, like CBD and CBN. Most hemp-derived products are made by concentrating the small amount of THC that naturally occurs within hemp plants and processing the extracted material into various products, such as oils, topicals, powders, and more.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate THC products. Therefore, it’s important to only purchase from a brand that tests its products in a third-party lab. These will be available either on a brand’s website or through a QR code on the product itself.
From there, you want to consider the type of consumption method that fits you best. Smoking and vaping are the two most popular options. This is thanks to the fact that it absorbs the quickest through the lungs, causing almost instant effects. Unfortunately, these products are only available in legalized states. If you’re not in a legalized state but would prefer a smokable, you’ll need to opt for another form of THC, such as delta-8.
Another popular product type are edibles. These always come in a delicious assortment of flavors and have longer-lasting effects. Currently, there are a lot of delta-9 THC edibles available online for purchase. One of our favorite picks is this delta-9 gummy product:
cbdMD Vibe Delta-9 THC Gummies
With 10mg of delta-9 THC per serving, these vegan-friendly and gluten-free gummies are a great option for newcomers. You can purchase them in Cherry or Blue Razz flavorings.
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Finally, you may also come across delta-9 THC beverages. These are becoming popular in legalized states, especially as more allow THC consumption in restaurants, lounges, and cafes.
Delta-9 THC has always been the most popular cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. And it will continue to as more brands find ways to get creative with their products.
While it isn’t 100% legal, more companies are finding loopholes through federal law. As a result, more products are available to you!
Yes! Delta-9 THC is commonly associated with the “high” found in cannabis and will cause intoxicating effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, more commonly found in the hemp plant. The biggest different is delta-9 THC causes psychoactive effects and CBD does not.
Delta-9 and delta-8 have very similar chemical structures, but a few minor differences change how they interact with the body. For example, while both are intoxicating, delta-8 THC is known for having milder effects compared to delta-9. With that, delta-8 also has fewer reported side effects.
Furthermore, while delta-8 THC is naturally found in cannabis, most products on the market are synthetically made through a chemical conversion process. Whereas most delta-9 THC are naturally extracted.
