What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9 THC or delta 9) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Though it’s most commonly known as the psychoactive ingredient in the marijuana plant, which is not legal on the federal level, delta 9 THC is legal when derived from hemp. 

Hemp is a variant of the cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. The THC derived from hemp is chemically the same; this is purely a legal distinction. 

What Are the Effects of Delta 9 THC?

As hemp-derived delta 9 THC is the same cannabinoid found in cannabis, the effects are similar – you will feel a euphoric, relaxing high. 

Delta 9 THC tends to render a head-focused experience. 

Delta 9 THC vs. Delta 8 THC

Delta 9 and delta 8 vary in several different ways. 

Both cannabinoids naturally occur in hemp, however, delta 8 only occurs in very small amounts. Because of this, delta 8 is produced synthetically to be used in products. 

Delta 9 is roughly twice as powerful as delta 8. It tends to be relaxing, whereas delta 8 is more uplifting. The effects of delta 9 are concentrated in the head, while delta 8’s effects are spread evenly across the mind and body.

What Are the Benefits of Delta 9 THC?

Research suggests delta 9 THC has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits and uses:

• Stress & Anxiety: Research on delta 9 for anxiety shows that it may either be beneficial or detrimental, depending on how much you take. A study by the Yale School of Medicine found that delta 9 may exert anxiety-reducing effects at smaller doses. Larger doses may cause anxiety. 
• Pain & Inflammation: Delta 9 may promote physical relaxation, and research suggests it may have physically soothing properties. A 2018 study from the Sagol Brain Brain Institute in Tel Aviv, Israel, found that delta 9 rendered significant benefits for people dealing with discomfort.
• Sleep: Through its euphoric, relaxing effects, delta 9 may promote restful sleep. In 2022, three researchers from Australia conducted a study in which they found that medical cannabis improved both duration and quality of sleep.
• Appetite: A study by the Cleveland Clinic done in 1994 found that delta 9 may have appetite-stimulating properties.
• Nausea: 2011 research from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, found that THC may have antiemetic (anti-nausea) properties.

Delta 9 THC: Safety & Side Effects

Research suggests delta 9 THC is safe, and that it is well-tolerated in most people. 

However, you may experience the following side effects after using delta 9:

• Anxiety
• Dry mouth
• Memory loss
• Difficulty thinking and speaking
• Red eyes
• Delayed reaction time
• Heart rate increases
• Increased appetite

Types of Delta 9 THC Products

There are several types of delta 9 THC products you can buy. Here’s a bit about each:

• Edibles – Delta 9 edibles, such as gummies, candy, and brownies, offer a great-tasting way to get your daily dose. Gummies, in particular, allow for fixed-dose delivery, as each piece will contain the same amount of delta 9 THC. 
• Capsules –  Capsules provide an alternative to edibles. They’re a quick, tasteless, fixed-dose form of delta 9. 
• Vapes & Flower – Inhalable products, such as vapes or flower, offer a high-potency way to take delta 9. Inhalable delta 9 products are able to bypass the digestive system and go straight to your lungs, allowing for a more potent experience.
• Oils/Tinctures – Delta 9 oils are a highly potent delivery method. Oils are taken under the tongue and absorbed through the blood vessels in your mouth, therefore bypassing the digestive system.A delta 9 oil is a good option if you want to take a very precise dose. Using the metered dropper that comes in most products, you can measure your dose nearly down to the milligram.
• Topicals – Delta 9 topical products are applied externally to the specific areas of your body where you’re looking for relief. The delta 9 in topicals will reach endocannabinoid receptors near the surface of your skin, but it won’t reach the bloodstream, which means you won’t feel high.

Is Delta 9 THC Federally Legal?

Yes. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, which has been extended through 2024, delta 9 THC is federally legal as long as it is derived from the hemp plant. However, delta 9 is illegal in some states.