Delta-9 101: A Comprehensive Guide to All Things Legal THC
Legal weed here in the U.S. is as popular as it has literally ever been. Not only is the industry booming, already worth multi-billions with the patchwork state-by-state nature of legal weed and projected to be worth as much as triple that in less than a decade, but it's massively popular with the vast majority of Americans and just set records for all-times sales in a calendar year. Simply put, legal weed and other legal cannabis products are having a moment.
As part of that massive growth and money-making potential, we've seen the explosion lucrative sub-genres within the wider legal weed industry like the cannabinoid-infused edibles industry, the ever-growing CBD products industry, easy to take and dose concentrates vapes, tinctures, and topicals, and the ever-popular and always trending Delta-9 THC industry.
But what exactly is Delta-9 THC? How does it differ from other cannabinoids and forms of THC out there, like Delta-8 THC? What types of recreational Delta-9 THC products are out there for customers to enjoy? What are the effects of THC and possible side-effects? And what's its legality status and place in the modern, growing, legal cannabis industry. Thankfully, we've got your back!
This article is going to break down all the questions you have about Delta-9 THC products, the science of their chemical structure and how they interact with the cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, whether or not they have similar psychoactive effects for cannabis users as other forms of THC on the market today like Delta-8 THC, and the legal status of Delta-9 THC products when it comes to both state and federal laws. So without too much further ado, let's get right into our comprehensive guide to what exactly Delta-9 THC is!
What is Delta-9 THC?
Before we dig too deeply into the history of and other varieties of THC-rich products that are available in recreational and medical dispensaries all over the country, let's first give a little intro on what Delta-9 THC is, how people use it, how it interacts with our bodies and brains when we use it, and break down exactly what the effects of Delta-9 can be, let's break down the cannabinoid compound in question and demystify it for you!
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta-9 THC for short, is the substance that makes the legal cannabis world go. It's the gas to the engine of the multi-billion dollar machine, the wind beneath the wings of an upstart industry taking flight, and driving force behind the recreational use industry as a whole and a massive portion of medical use as well! While it's true that the cannabis plants and products you'll find at pretty much every recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in the country have a massive variety of terpenes and cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN), just to name a few, Delta-9 THC is the clear star of the show!
Simply put, Delta-9 THC is the chemical compound of the cannabis plant that gets you high, eases pain and suffering for those dealing with chronic pain and qualifying conditions for medical cannabis programs, and are a core reason why cannabis is still illegal at the federal level and can be found under the Schedule I classification and the Controlled Substances list.
But how exactly does it work? What's going on in our bodies and brains when we consume it? What about the use of Delta-9 THC makes it work the way that it does?
How Does Delta-9 Work?
While it's pretty much impossible to argue that the ultra-complicated chemistry and pharmacology of how and why Delta-9 THC works the way that it does is a little bit tough to explain, it all comes down to this when you get to the root of it; Delta-9 THC is the psychoactive ingredient in pretty much any cannabis product designed to get you high.
But how exactly does it happen? Well, the answer lies in understanding your endocannabinoid system a little bit better.
When you consume Delta-9 THC-infused products, those THC molecules are looking for a home. They find one when they bind to our CB1 receptors in our brains and CB2 receptors in our guts. That binding to the CB1 receptors is what causes the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis use, while the CB2 receptors typically trigger an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect. Those health benefits associated with THC use, the pain-numbing effects from the CB1 receptors and the anti-inflammatory aspects of the CB2 receptors, are just two of the many reasons why the medical community has come around on recognizing the medical potential of the cannabis plant in the past few decades.
Will Delta-9 Get You High?
Yes, it absolutely will. Products with high amounts of THC, like certain strains of designer cannabis flower, homemade and store bought edibles like Delta-9 THC infused gummies and other cannabis-infused beverages and treats, and medical cannabis products purchased from the dispensary will all get you very, very high. But, to be fair, that kind of comes with the territory when it comes to marijuana use, right? As long as you're reading the product label and dosing yourself correctly, the high should be a pleasant one that will likely leave you only craving some munchies and a soft place to relax and watch TV for the next hour or so.
There are several ways for cannabis consumers to ingest an enjoy their Delta-9 THC-infused products. We'll break each one of them down in further detail below:
Inhalation
The most popular and widespread form of Delta-9 THC ingestion, and cannabis consumption in general, is still smoking. Despite vapes, edibles, tinctures, concentrates, and a vast amount of other forms of legal cannabis gaining a foothold in the ever-developing U.S. legal cannabis market, puffing on a joint or sparking up a bong rip is the most popular way to do so by far.
While it obviously presents clear downsides, like lung and cardiovascular health, smoking also gets the activated cannabinoids like Delta-9 THC into your bloodstream the quickest, for powerful and rapid relief.
Topical
The legal cannabis industry has now developed to the point that we don't really need to smoke to get all of the benefits of cannabis. Instead, science has come so far that you can reap those benefits just from applying a Delta-9 THC-rich to the surface of your skin.
This form of medical cannabis is particularly helpful for those dealing with muscle and nerve damage, helping to ease the pain thanks to the THC-rich cream they're applying to the spot.
Edibles
If you're looking for a powerful, long-lasting time with Delta-9 THC, go with an edible. The THC will take long to adsorb into your system, but when it does it will hit you like a truck.
It's important to be careful with this form of Delta-9 THC consumption because it's easy to mix, make a mistake, and take three times your normal dose without ever knowing it. For those who are looking to navigate the legal cannabis world for the first time, the idea of taking too much can be a very bad time. That's where Delta-8 becomes useful, which you can also purchase from the Kandy Girl website.
Sublingual Dosages
Just a fancy way of saying "under your tongue," sublingual dosage of THC-rich cannabis products like tinctures, lozenges, sprays, and other forms of dissolvable strips are a great ways to quickly and easily dose your THC. Not only is this form of consumption one of the most discreet that we've covered, it's also one of the most precise. There's no guess work involved, just reading the outer packaging should give you everything you need to know already. Each strip typically contains about 10 mg of Delta-9 THC, which packs a mighty punch. If you take those 10 mg and feel it's not enough after about a half hour, take another one. Repeat that process until you get the desired effects!
How Does Delta-9 Make You Feel?
Being high on Delta-8 THC is usually a very pleasant, euphoric, and care-free experience as long as you're not taking too high of a dose.
Here's a brief list of some of the feeling someone who consumed an appropriate doses of Delta-9 THC will likely experience:
- euphoric
- relaxed
- amused
- giggly
- creative
- hungry
- more sensitive to light, color, sound, touch, taste, and smell
What are the Side Effects of Delta-9?
Too high of a dose of Delta-9 THC, however, can be problematic for many users. Those who consume too much Delta-9 THC can have the following side-effects:
- anxiety
- confusion
- delusions and hallucinations
- high blood pressure
- nausea and vomiting
- panic
- paranoia
- psychosis
- racing heartbeat
It's important to note, however, that these issues are rare and only really happen is if the dose is far, far too high. Most people feel great and have a wonderful time with an appropriate dose of Delta-9 THC. And with more and more people getting involved in the legal cannabis industry as more states legalize both recreational and medical use, many question the legality of Delta-9 THC and the products it can be found in.
Why is Delta-9 Legal?
While it might seem like an annoying, obtuse, and less than helpful answer, Delta-9 THC is technically both legal and illegal depending on where you are at the moment.
If we're going by federal law, any product containing more than .03 percent Delta-9 THC is considered federally illegal. According to certain state laws, however, that's not the case.
So far a grand total of 18 states and U.S. territories have legalized cannabis use recreationally, with another 37 states approving some form of medical cannabis program. That means that those in recreational states can buy products with THC concentrations higher than the federal limit without fear of legal consequences aside from state-level possession and consumption limits and those with medical cards have the same type of access.
And with more and more states proposing legislation to legalize and create medical or recreational use programs of their own within state borders, the closer we're getting to legal weed and cannabis-infused products chock full of Delta-9 THC being universally available from coast to coast here in the U.S.
How is Delta-9 THC Legal?
As long as you're within the borders of a state that has legalized recreational cannabis, have a medical cannabis card in a state that has established a program of their own, and are over the legal age to buy cannabis products in the particular state, Delta-9 THC rich products are perfectly legal. This is despite the official stance by the federal government that cannabis products containing more than .3 percent Delta-9 THC are illegal in every way, shape, and form.
There is a legal loophole when it comes to legal Delta-9 THC, however! Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA for short, allows for any hemp-derived products containing less than .3 percent THC to be sold legally in stores as supplements, just like CBD oil industry! That means that as long as you're purchasing Delta-9 gummies or other infused products that are derived from the hemp plant and contain no more than .3 percent THC, it's perfectly legal. That's why top-notch Delta-9 brands like Kandy Girl are able to sell and ship their products from coast to coast without fear of breaking the law! With vegan options and delicious flavors like peach rings, watermelon slices, grape, and strawberry, along with disposable vapes, they have options for everyone no matter if you live in a legal state or not!
Delta-9 isn't the only semi-legal form of THC that you can get on the open market today, however! There's also Delta-8 THC, a similar but not quite the same compound as Delta-9 THC that legal cannabis users everywhere will have the choice to enjoy.
What is the difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9?
While the names of these two different varieties of THC might be similar, there are actually some key differences that legal cannabis aficionados will need to know before heading to the store to grab some for themselves. To understand the differences between these two different types of THC, however, you'll first need to get a better understanding of what exactly Delta-8 THC is. So let's cover the basics, shall we?
What is Delta-8 THC?
This cousin to the THC we all know and love is very similar to Delta-9 THC in many ways, with a few key differences that throw a wrench into things.
While Delta-8 THC does produce a similar high to standard Delta-9 THC, it's often described as milder and less intense for users. Often referred to as "diet weed" or "marijuana-lite," the high, euphoric feelings you'll get from won't be as intense as with standard Delta-9 THC but neither will the potential paranoia, anxiety, or possible negative side effects typically associated with cannabis use. Simply put, it's a milder form of the standard Delta-9 THC that you're already used to, like training wheels for weed.
Is Delta-9 Stronger Than Delta-8?
Yes, Delta-9 THC is much stronger than Delta-8 THC. Not only does Delta-9 THC naturally appear in cannabis plants in higher doses than Delta-8 THC does, but it's just more powerful.
The high from Delta-8 THC just doesn't pack the same punch as Delta-9 THC does, frequently being described as a euphoric, "fuzzy" type of high without the major extremes on both ends of the spectrum.
For many, Delta-8 THC-infused products are great intros to the legal cannabis space. They allow people to experiment with their proper dosage without worrying about negative side effects of taking too much. Then, when those new consumers build up their tolerance a bit and get a feel for how much they can comfortably take at a time, they can graduate to top-notch Delta-9 THC infused products like the one's Kandy Girl offers on their website.
Is Delta-9 or Delta-8 Better?
When you're talking about something as nebulous as the term "better," it's all about breaking down your individual needs. If you're looking for an intense, powerful high that will last a long time and really toast you, go with Delta-9 THC-rich products. If you're looking for a more mellow high that will be tough to take too much of and have a bad time, then a dose of Delta-8 THC is likely best for you!
At the end of the day, it all depends on what you're looking for, what you need, and whether you're willing to roll the dice on your dosage. If you're an experienced cannabis user who knows their limits and their way around a dispensary, then grab some Delta-9 THC gummies or other infused products. If you're a newbie looking to get your feet and figure out exactly what and how you like your cannabis experiences, opt for Delta-8 THC instead. When you're deciding what's better, it's all about your individual needs!
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Delta-9 THC is a versatile and useful cannabinoid that has a massive amount of practical, recreational, and medical uses. Researcher have spent decades digging into Delta-9 THC and the way it impacts those who use it, with research showing clear benefits to those suffering with seizures, inflammation, chronic, nerve, or muscle pains, psychosis or mental/anxiety disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, nausea, migraine, and depression, just to name a few.
Regardless of what you're looking for, a top-notch Delta-9 THC brand like Kandy Girl will have what you need on their website. Since hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is totally legal, these products and be shipped everywhere in the U.S., no matter if you're living in a legal state or not.