Delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most abundant cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It's most famous 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, delta-9 THC 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 delta-9 THC 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. In turn, this creates the following psychoactive properties:
Still, 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:
Therefore, delta-9 THC’s benefits go beyond giving you a “high.”
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, delta-9 may help treat:
Still, delta-9 THC isn’t for everyone. Some users may experience paranoia or panic attacks, depending on the dose and their biological makeup. Others may experience the following:
If you consume too much cannabis, you may become confused or dizzy. Furthermore, in rare cases, some people experience hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting.
Luckily, these side effects only occur when you’re “high” on delta-9 THC. Therefore, if you are experiencing a bad time, remember the effects are temporary, try to relax, and stay hydrated.
It’s worth talking to a doctor before consuming delta-9 THC if you hope to use it for a medical condition.
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 delta-9 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.
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 products, available for purchase anywhere in the U.S. These are technically legal because they’re made within the federally legal THC limit. Therefore, delta-9 THC is more available now than ever before.
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. This is thanks to the fact that delta-9 THC 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 favorites is:
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.
