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What is Delta 9 THC?

What is Delta 9 THC?
Image by Alissa De Leva from Pixabay

It might sound brand new, but Delta 9 THC has been around for quite some time. If you’ve heard the term “THC,” then you’ve heard of Delta 9 THC – because they’re the same thing! Companies all over the US are creating Delta 9 THC + CBD products for their customers with the help of the 2018 Farm Bill (more on this below). The cannabis sativa plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are what affect your body after consumption. The commonly known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – also known as Delta 9 THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) – and CBD (cannabidiol). When people feel “high,” that’s due to the psychoactive effect that Delta 9 THC provides.

Delta 9 THC History

Historians note that the use of the cannabis sativa plant started thousands of years ago. Delta 9 was first completely isolated by Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni in 1964. They also discovered its psychoactive properties. In 1965, Professor Friedhelm Korte from Germany found that when THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is exposed to heat, it creates THC.

Is Delta 9 legal?

Yes, but with a catch. The legality of this cannabinoid depends on how much of it is in a product and what type of plant it was sourced from. The 2018 Farm Bill allows for the legal cultivation of hemp plants on the federal level. It also says that products created from hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC. Companies that sell hemp-based CBD products can combine Delta 9 THC in their products if they keep the THC within the legal limits outlined in the Bill.

Delta 9 THC Benefits

Delta 9 THC is known for giving users a euphoric sensation – feeling “high.” Those using Delta 9 THC note that it helps with aches and pains, relaxation, promoting deeper sleep, helping alleviate nausea, and improving their overall mood. There are many other ailments that people use Delta 9 THC to help with, such as depression, seizures, PTSD, and even IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Anxiety, depression, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, PTSD, and seizures. Some people have also found that it helps alleviate anxiety from minor to extreme cases. If you’re new to Delta 9 THC and aren’t familiar with how it will make you feel, we highly advise starting with a smaller amount – half a serving size is standard – and adjusting your dosage as desired. 

How long does Delta 9 THC last?

A few things impact how long you’ll feel the effects of Delta 9: How you consumed it, the amount you consumed, and additional biological factors like how fast (or slow) your body metabolizes it. Smoking or vaping Delta 9 THC is typically the quickest way for effects to kick in, which usually happens after 15 to 30 minutes – lasting on average from two to five hours. After eating edibles such as gummies, chocolate, or cookies, the effects are set in one to two hours and can last up to eight hours. Ingesting tincture usually takes one to two hours to kick in, lasting up to five hours. Because everyone is unique, it’s important to remember that these are rough estimates – your experience might be different than what’s noted here!

What’s the difference between Delta 9 THC and CBD?

Delta 9 THC will get you “high,” and CBD will not. To expand on this: Delta 9 THC and CBD come from the same cannabis sativa plant and share a similar compound structure. However, CBD has no euphoric properties, so it will not leave users feeling high. Since Delta 9 does have these properties, it gives users the psychoactive effect of feeling high. 

Let’s take it a step further: There are many different variations or strains of the cannabis sativa plant. Certain strains carry varying levels of each of these cannabinoids. The 2018 Farm Bill that we mentioned earlier considers cannabis sativa plants that contain less than 0.3% THC as “hemp plants.” These plants are then cultivated to extract CBD and Delta 9 THC since the federal legal limit of Delta 9 that can be used is no more than 0.3% THC. Other variations of the plant contain higher levels of THC and less CBD, but these are used for products and flowers found at medicinal and/or recreational dispensaries. It’s best to always check local state laws to see what is legal around these products in your area.

There is still much to be discovered regarding Delta 9 THC. Still, thanks to legislation such as the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, researchers can continue their studies, and consumers can enjoy federally legal CBD + Delta 9 THC products. If you want to try Delta 9 THC products for yourself, head over to CBD Infusionz and check out their Delta 9 Gummies!

Featured Image by Alissa De Leva from Pixabay