When asking ‘is delta 9 real weed,’ one is essentially asking if Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, is the same as THC and whether it is natural or synthetic likely due to the prevalence of other 'Deltas' like Delta-8 and Delta-10. No its not something cooked up in Walter Whites trailer.
Yes, Delta-9, Delta-9 THC, and THC are all the same thing. Its the same weed you are familiar with – it’s the compound naturally found in the cannabis plant that has been consumed for its effects on consciousness and mood for centuries. In this article, we will dissect its chemical properties, effects, and legality to provide a comprehensive understanding of Delta-9 THC.
Key Takeaways
Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for the ‘high’ and is differentiated from similar cannabinoids by its chemical structure C₂₁H₃₀O₂.
Researchers have recognized Delta-9 THC may have therapeutic benefits for nausea, appetite stimulation, pain relief, inflammation, and certain mental health conditions, though companies are not allowed to use certain medical claims when advertising products as specific health claims have not been approved by the FDA.
While federally illegal in the United States, the 2018 farm bill legalized Hemp (which is the same plant as cannabis) as long as it has <0.3% THC by dry weight. State laws for Delta-9 THC vary significantly, with some states legalizing it for medicinal and/or recreational use, and others maintaining its illegality.
Table of Contents
What is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (C₂₁H₃₀O₂), is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, it is chiefly responsible for the intoxicating effects or the ‘high’ experienced during marijuana use. It is the most common and extensively studied form of THC found in both cannabis and hemp plants, underlining its central role in the cannabis ecosystem.
Research primarily focuses on Delta-9 THC due to its prevalent psychoactive effects and the well-documented impact it has on users. The molecule’s structure, defined by its chemical formula (C₂₁H₃₀O₂), differentiates it from other similar cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC, and it’s this structure that plays a crucial role in its psychoactive effects.
Is Delta 9 natural or synthetic?
Delta-9 THC can be both natural and synthetic, depending on how it is obtained/processed. It is naturally occurring in cannabis and hemp plants, but it can also be synthesized using chemical processes. There is also a synthetic product called delta-9 THC-O acetate, with limited research on its risks. We use 100% natural hemp extract.
Chemical Structure and Properties
The chemical structure of Delta-9 THC, defined by the formula C₂₁H₃₀O₂, is what sets it apart from other compounds in the cannabis plant and drives its psychoactive properties. In its natural state within the cannabis plant, Delta-9 THC exists predominantly in a carboxylic acid form, known as THC-A.
This precursor compound transforms into its psychoactive counterpart through a process known as decarboxylation, which involves heating the plant material.
A crucial aspect of Delta-9 THC’s chemical properties is how it casually interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Think of Delta-9 THC as a kind of a friendly visitor that drops by the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in this system, not fully unlocking their potential but still managing to influence them, affecting various brain functions such as appetite, memory, and mood. Interestingly, Delta-9 THC derived from both hemp and marijuana binds to the same receptors, debunking the myth that hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is less effective.
Psychoactive Effects
The psychoactive effects of Delta-9 THC are as diverse as they are intriguing. These effects can range from changes in perception, such as an altered sense of time and euphoria, to more uplifting and enjoyable experiences like enhanced sensory perception and a sense of relaxation.
The intoxication experienced from Delta-9 THC is primarily attributable to its binding to CB1 receptors in the brain, which triggers the release of dopamine and activates the mesolimbic pathway, leading to a variety of psychoactive outcomes.
Interestingly, not all cannabinoids have psychoactive effects. For instance, CBD, another popular cannabinoid, does not produce a ‘high’ and is known for its potential therapeutic properties without the intoxicating effects of THC. The effects of Delta-9 THC are also highly dose-dependent, with higher doses increasing the likelihood of dysphoria and discomfort.
This sensitive balance underscores the importance of careful dosing, particularly for medical users, to achieve therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse effects.
Origins: Cannabis Sativa Plant
Cannabis, humankind’s longstanding companion, has been used and cultivated for at least 6,000 years, demonstrating its enduring presence in various cultures. The cannabis sativa plant is a complex organism that naturally synthesizes and accumulates a host of compounds known as cannabinoids, including Delta-9 THC. These cannabinoids accumulate as cannabinoid acids in cannabis plants and convert to their 'active' forms upon heating of the plant material, in a process called decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation of Delta-9 THC
Decarboxylation is a critical chemical reaction that activates the psychoactive potential of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, particularly Delta-9 THC. In its raw plant form, THC exists as THC-A (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), a non-psychoactive precursor.
Decarboxylation occurs when cannabis is exposed to heat, light, or prolonged storage, which removes a carboxyl group from THC-A, converting it into the psychoactive Delta-9 THC that is responsible for the 'high' associated with cannabis. This process involves heating the cannabis at a controlled temperature, typically around 220 degrees Fahrenheit for a duration of 30 to 45 minutes in an oven, although the exact time and temperature can vary.
This heating process is why cannabis is usually smoked, vaped, or baked into edibles; it's the heat that transforms THC-A into the potent Delta-9 THC, thus unlocking its full effects on the human endocannabinoid system.
Hemp vs 'weed'
It’s important to understand the difference between hemp and marijuana, in fact, they are both simply legal descriptions. The scientific name that encompasses both of these terms is Cannabis Sativa L. or Cannabis for short.
Hemp and Marijuana are only differentiated by their Delta-9 THC content. This is a purely legal definition, hemp is defined as having 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC, whereas weed or marijuana contains more than 0.3%. These values were determined completely arbitrarily and created an imaginary line in the sand that has caused great confusion to this day.
The legal implications of this differentiation is significant. Under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, industrial hemp farming and products became federally legal in the United States as long as the Delta-9 THC content does not exceed 0.3% by dry weight.
Marijuana-derived Delta-9 THC is still illegal at the federal level but legal in some states, unlike hemp-derived products which have been nationally legalized. Consequently, the THC content in marijuana is significantly higher than in hemp, which is legally constrained to contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. But when you pack that THC into something like a edible it packs the same punch.
Medical Research, Applications and Benefits
As we delve deeper into the world of Delta-9 THC, it’s important to discuss its potential therapeutic benefits. The FDA has approved a number of cannabis derived drugs including Epidiolex (cannabidiol), and three synthetic cannabis-related drug products: Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone).
These drugs are derived from cannabis and approved to treat things like chemotherapy-induced nausea and for stimulating appetite in HIV/AIDS patients, demonstrating it has some recognized medical applications.
Beyond these FDA-approved uses, Delta-9 THC has been acknowledged for its potential therapeutic benefits in various other medical conditions. These include potential benefits for pain, as it has been shown to help reduce inflammation and improve sleep patterns. However, enough research has not been done in order to officially approve the use of cannabis substances outside of the approved drugs listed above.
Pain Relief and Inflammation
Delta-9 THC has shown promising results in potentially helping people with chronic pain across various conditions, according to this article on PubMed. "...pain intensity improved significantly during delta 9-THC treatment. Opioid doses were reduced and patients perceived THC therapy as effective with tolerable side effects".
Beyond potential pain relief benefits, According to this Future Science article titled "Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs", Delta-9 THC may assist in suppressing inflammation. This may be due to its interaction with CB2 receptors, which are predominantly present on immune cells. These properties point to Delta-9 THC’s potential as a beneficial compound in managing pain and inflammation for chronic condition patients but more research is needed.
Potential Short-Term Side Effects
Delta-9 THC consumption may lead to some of the following side effects:
Anxiety
Dry mouth
Increased appetite
Memory loss
Red eyes
Slowed reaction times
Users may also experience cognitive impairments such as difficulty with concentration and tasks that require mental performance, and in some cases, anxiety that can escalate to paranoia. It is usually rare and often trying to focus on other tasks or staying occupied can help alleviate these symptoms.
Inhaling Delta-9 THC via smoking can irritate the respiratory system, because smoking of any kind is known to irritate the lungs.
Potential Long-Term Effects
Long-term effects of Delta-9 THC use can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and potential cognitive decline. The development of tolerance and physical dependence on cannabis is linked to the CB1 receptor, and users can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. Cannabis use disorders, indicative of dependency, are on the rise, with some individuals seeking help due to challenges in abstaining from Delta-9 THC use.
Chronic use of cannabis, starting in adolescence, is linked to decreased cognitive function, including memory, over time. It is believed that the brain is still under development until your mid 20's and its not recommended for people under the age of 25 to consume cannabis excessively, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Legal Status and Regulation
Navigating the legal landscape of Delta-9 THC can be a complex task. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
The 2018 federal Farm Bill allows the sale of hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
Delta-9 THC is illegal federally if it is derived by cannabis but may be legal in certain states that have medical or recreational cannabis programs
Despite federal prohibitions, Delta-9 THC products are legal in several states either for recreational or medical purposes.
However, the legal status of Delta-9 THC varies widely at the state level. Here are the different legal statuses:
Some states legalize both recreational and medical use of Delta-9 THC.
Some states allow only medical use of Delta-9 THC.
Some states maintain complete illegality of Delta-9 THC.
Even in states where Delta-9 THC is illegal when derived from cannabis (marijuana), products derived from cannabis (hemp) and contain less then 0.3% THC by dry weight are legal in most states. Check out our guide on why you are able to buy certain THC products online.
You still with me? I know, it can be confusing it all comes down to the legal definition of hemp. Marijuana and Hemp are both cannabis but the law decided to define them on paper differently so here we are.
Federal Laws
At the federal level, the Controlled Substances Act classifies Delta-9 THC derived from cannabis as a controlled substance in concentrations above 0.3% THC, maintaining it as a Schedule I controlled substance. This implies a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. As pointed out above cannabis does not fit into this definition but it remains federally illegal.
It amazes us to this day that cannabis is still on the schedule I list even though things like alcohol and tobacco which fit this definition and cause a lot of deaths are are not on any schedule.
This classification of Delta-9 THC as a Schedule I substance significantly hinders research and clinical trials to explore its medical benefits. This highlights the need for policy reform to facilitate more comprehensive research into the potential therapeutic benefits of Delta-9 THC.
State Laws
At the state level, the legal landscape of Delta-9 THC is much more diverse. Delta-9 THC is legal in states that have legalized recreational or medical cannabis programs, such as:
Arizona
California
Colorado
and several others
Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC complies with federal law, but there can be specific state restrictions or prohibitions regarding its products.
Other Cannabinoids
Delta-9 THC products often but not always include a rich profile of other cannabinoids such as (click on the links below to learn more about each):
These cannabinoids may contribute to the entourage effect, enhancing the overall therapeutic benefits. The conversion of Delta-9 THC from its acid form to its active form is facilitated by heat-induced decarboxylation, which is an essential step for the activation of THC in various products. Check back for our deep dive into other minor and major cannabinoids.
Product Testing and the Certificate of Analysis
It is important that consumers trust the products they consume. One of the tools at your disposal is the Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA is a document prepared by a 3rd party lab to test cannabis products for potency and compliance like what the Delta-9 THC contents are and to ensure they do not contain potentially harmful chemicals such as pesticide residue, solvent residue, heavy metals, or other contaminants.
IMPORTANT: Not all hemp companies are made equal. Some only test product for potency and skip testing for pesticides and other contaminants. Make sure you check the COA. We will go into more detail on how to read a COA in a later post. Our COAs can be found here.
Consumption Methods
Each consumption method has their pros and cons. Its important to pick the one that is right for you.
Smoking and Vaporizing
Smoking and vaporizing are popular methods of consuming Delta-9 THC. Vaporizing is considered a cleaner experience than smoking, as it produces less odor and avoids the mess of ash and smoke. Delta-9 disposable vape pens are user-friendly and designed for one-time use, while THC vape cartridges offer flexibility through interchangeable flavors and potency levels.
However, it's important to clarify that smoking Delta-9 THC is not the same as smoking cigarettes. While cigarettes contain a multitude of added chemicals known for their harmful effects, smoking cannabis products is often considered less harmful due to the absence of these additives. Nevertheless, smoking anything can pose potential risks to respiratory health, especially if you are immuno-compromised. If you are immuno-compromised we strongly advise that you consider seeking a different way to consume such as edibles or tinctures.
Edibles and Tinctures
For those who prefer a smoke-free alternative or for individuals who experience irritation from smoking, edibles and tinctures offer a viable method of consuming Delta-9 THC. Edibles provide a smoke-free option for consuming Delta-9 THC and offer the advantage of discrete usage in public or social settings where smoking is not appropriate.
However, high doses of THC in edibles can lead to serious side effects, hence it is recommended that new cannabis users start with lower dosages, around 2.5-5.0 milligrams. Check out our noobs guide to edibles.
Topicals
Topicals are one of the many ways to experience the benefits of Delta-9 THC without the psychoactive effects associated with other methods of consumption like smoking or ingesting. These are products such as lotions, balms, and oils that are applied directly to the skin. The advantage of topicals is that they can provide targeted relief to specific areas of the body,
Drug Testing and Delta 9 THC
When it comes to drug testing, the detectability of Delta-9 THC is affected by several factors including the user’s body fat content, metabolic rate, the degree of dilution of the urine sample, and the timing of the specimen collection. The detection window during which Delta-9 THC can be identified in an individual’s system varies based on the individual’s frequency of use, their metabolism, dosage consumed, and the specific type of drug test used, ranging from several days to, potentially, months.
Passive exposure to cannabis smoke in enclosed spaces with heavy smoke can lead to detectable levels of THC metabolites on a drug test. Individuals may attempt to decrease THC detection by:
stopping cannabis use well in advance of a test
increasing water intake
exercising
However, these methods do not assure a negative drug test result and THC can stay in your system anywhere from 1-30+ days. Here is a general guide:
single use (one joint, for example): 3 days
moderate use (four times per week): 5–7 days
chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
chronic heavy use (multiple times per day): more than 30 days
Dispelling Myths: Is Delta-9 Real Weed?
So, is Delta-9 THC real weed? The answer is a resounding yes. Delta-9 THC is indeed a psychoactive compound found in ‘real weed’, or cannabis, which contributes to its intoxicating effects. To safely enjoy the benefits of Delta-9 THC, it is crucial to prioritize education, awareness, and responsible use. Understanding these elements can help prevent any potential risks associated with its consumption.
By being informed about Delta-9 THC, you can make decisions that maximize the compound’s therapeutic potential while minimizing risks. In a world of evolving cannabis laws and emerging research, staying informed is more crucial than ever.
Summary
In this exploration of Delta-9 THC, we’ve journeyed from the heart of the cannabis sativa plant to the intricacies of the human endocannabinoid system. We’ve examined the potential benefits and risks of Delta-9 THC, explored its various methods of consumption, and navigated the complex landscape of its legal status. Above all, we’ve learned that Delta-9 THC is indeed a ‘real’ component of weed, with real effects and real implications for its users.
As our understanding of Delta-9 THC continues to evolve, so too will our approach to its use, regulation, and research. It’s a journey that requires ongoing exploration, informed decision-making, and a commitment to responsible use. As we stand on the cusp of new discoveries and innovations, Delta-9 THC represents not just a compound, but a paradigm shift in how we understand and interact with the cannabis plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delta 9 the same as THC?
Yes, delta-9 is the same as THC. It is the primary psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa L.
Is Delta 9 natural or synthetic?
What's the difference between Delta 9 and weed?
