HEMP DELTA 9 THC VS. CANNABIS DELTA 9: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
As efforts to legalize marijuana continue to succeed in states from coast to coast, more and more consumers are seeking information about the benefits of cannabis and cannabis products, including Delta 9 THC. This growing curiosity can come from several motivations, including a desire to relax more, sleep better, relieve pain, or even just feel a little better and have a more positive outlook on life.
However, most states still have not legalized cannabis for all adults, and many consumers in states that have legalized medical marijuana do not have easy and affordable access to the proper documentation or a medical cannabis dispensary. But thanks to legislation passed in 2018, consumers across the country can legally take advantage of the benefits of cannabis, including Delta 9 THC, by using products that have been derived from hemp.
It is important to understand that all Delta 9 THC, whether from cannabis or from hemp, is the same chemical compound and produces the same effects, perhaps most notably the classic “high” associated with smoking marijuana. The biggest difference is the variety of cannabis plants the Delta 9 THC is derived from, which determines the legality of the plant and products made from it.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, which the legislation defines as cannabis with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight. The law also legalizes products made from hemp if they also comply with the same 0.3% limit for Delta 9 THC. Because the 2018 Farm Bill is a federal law, products made from hemp are legal in most states. Cannabis with more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC remains illegal under federal law.
Some states have passed laws to legalize cannabis with more than 0.3% THC, commonly known as marijuana. More than three dozen states have legalized medical marijuana, while 23 states have legalized adult-use cannabis. Access to legal marijuana can be difficult in many areas, however, and dispensary prices are out of reach for many consumers. The good news is that both cannabis and hemp-derived Delta 9 THC are safe and have the same effects because they are the same chemical compound.
What is Delta 9 THC and What Are Its Effects?
Delta 9 THC is shorthand for delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, one of more than 100 compounds found in cannabis known as cannabinoids and the primary psychoactive component of the plant. When marijuana is smoked, Delta 9 THC and other chemicals in the plant pass from the lungs into the bloodstream, which rapidly carries them throughout the body to the brain, causing the user to experience effects almost immediately. Vaping cannabis concentrates provides a similar effect without the smoke of combustion.
Many people experience a pleasant euphoria and a sense of relaxation from Delta 9 THC. Other common effects, which may vary significantly among different people, include heightened sensory perception (brighter colors, more intense flavors, for example), laughter, altered perception of time, and increased appetite. If Delta 9 THC is consumed in foods or beverages, these effects are somewhat delayed—usually appearing after 30 minutes to 1 hour—because the drug must first pass through the digestive system before its effects begin to become apparent.
Delta 9 THC is the most studied of the more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp and has been shown through scientific research to have several significant therapeutic effects. THC affects cannabis receptors that are found throughout the body and brain and can influence and regulate a variety of biological functions. This interaction can lead to analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antiepileptic, anti-spastic, and spasmolytic effects. Delta 9 THC has been found to be effective in treating chronic pain, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis. It can also help stimulate the appetite in people with eating disorders such as anorexia or with diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. Delta 9 THC has also been shown to have a calming effect on the body and mind by producing dopamine when it binds to receptors.
It should be noted that Delta 9 THC may occasionally produce undesirable side effects such as impaired coordination, memory loss, anxiety, headaches, dry mouth, and dry eyes. Other side effects may include nausea and vomiting, disorientation, hallucinations, increased heart rate, and increased appetite. Additionally, THC can cause drug interactions with many prescription medications. Common types of drugs that can have dangerous interactions with marijuana include sedatives such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Benadryl, and anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax, Valium, and Librium. Individuals taking prescription medicines should consult their doctor before using Delta 9 THC products.
In August 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services recommended that marijuana be classified as a lower-risk drug. However, the long-term effects of marijuana use are still being studied and some risks have been associated with cannabis use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cannabis use may have a wide range of health effects on the body and brain. These possible effects include addiction, cancer, and potential risks to heart health, mental health, teen brain health, lung health, and pregnancy. The Yale School of Medicine reports that heavy and early use of cannabis is associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. If you have any concerns about your health or the effects of THC on your body, it is best to consult a medical professional before use.
What’s the Difference Between Hemp and Cannabis?
Both hemp and cannabis are plants of the same species, Cannabis sativa. The primary difference is a legal one based on THC content. Plants that contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis are considered legal hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill, while plants with a higher percentage are classified as cannabis (or often marijuana). Under U.S. federal law, hemp and products made from the crop are legal in all 50 states, while other forms of cannabis are still prohibited. This legal distinction means that there are technically two forms of Delta 9 THC, one legal nearly nationwide and the other not, even though they are the exact same compound with the same safety profile and effects. Some states have taken steps to regulate hemp-derived Delta 9 THC, however, so check the laws in your state.
Different cultivars of hemp are grown for different purposes. Some varieties grow tall and straight, making them a great source of natural hemp fiber that can be used for clothing, textiles, and other industrial purposes. Others produce a prolific number of seeds that are an excellent source of grain for food, supplements, healthy oils, or animal feed. The vast majority (up to 99%) of hemp grown in the United States, however, is hemp that is considered type 3 cannabis, which indicates a CBD-dominant cultivar with low THC content.
Although the THC content of hemp is relatively low, manufacturers and consumers have discovered that products with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC can still contain enough of the compound to deliver its desired effects. For example, a gummy that weighs 2 grams can contain 6 milligrams of Delta 9 THC and still be legal, an amount of the compound that is well within the standard 5-10 milligram dose for adult-use cannabis products. Similarly, a one-ounce edible could have up to 84 milligrams of Delta 9 THC, far exceeding the limit in many states. And because both cannabis and hemp-derived Delta 9 THC are the same compound, the effects, including the psychoactive ones, will be the same. So, just like cannabis products, those made from hemp-derived Delta 9 THC can get you high and will deliver the same therapeutic effects, as well.
Interestingly, many hemp-derived Delta 9 THC products are more potent than their counterparts found in licensed cannabis dispensaries. Cannabis products are generally tightly regulated, and many legal states have rules limiting the dose of THC, often to 10 milligrams per serving. The nationwide legality of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC allows manufacturers to offer higher doses that are more appropriate for some medical or recreational consumers. For example, The Hemp Collect’s Live Resin D9 Gummies have 20 milligrams of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC each.
Just because all Delta 9 THC products are made with the same primary active compound, however, does not mean that all products are the same. Some shady companies have taken advantage of the legality of hemp and the popularity of its therapeutic properties to make cheap products of questionable safety. Because of this, consumers should always buy products that have been tested for purity and safety from a reputable dealer. The best way to do this is to look for a certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent testing laboratory, either on the package or on the manufacturer’s website.
Delta 9 THC Products
Cannabis Delta 9 THC can be enjoyed in its natural flower form and smoked in a joint, pipe, or bong. Delta 9 THC is also the star of numerous regulated cannabis products, including concentrates, vapes, edibles, beverages, capsules, tinctures, pills, and topical treatments such as ointments, lotions, and salves.
Hemp-derived Delta 9 THC products must comply with the 0.3% limit on THC, so the product selection can be more limited, with Delta 9 edibles such as caramels and gummies being the most common. Additionally, most full-spectrum CBD products including vapes, gummies, tinctures, concentrates, CBD flower, and more will have trace amounts of hemp Delta 9 THC (check the COA).
It is important to realize that Delta 9 THC products, whether from hemp or cannabis, can trigger a positive drug test for cannabis or THC. The amount of time that THC can be detected in a person’s system can vary dramatically based on the individual, the amount of Delta 9 consumed, the method of consumption, and other factors.
Conclusion
Because hemp-derived Delta 9 THC is federally legal, and products containing the compound can be legally purchased in most U.S. states from coast to coast. Hemp-derived Delta 9 THC is the same compound as Delta 9 THC found in cannabis. Both are safe and have the same psychoactive and therapeutic effects.
Consumers interested in trying Delta 9 THC products should take steps to ensure informed decision-making. Review the scientific research on the therapeutic benefits of hemp and cannabis, always being sure to use a reputable source of information. Those who decide to use Delta 9 THC medicinally should first consult their physician or another medical professional to discuss the potential risks and benefits of cannabinoid-based therapies. If you decide that Delta 9 THC is right for you, be sure you are buying from a reputable source, including companies that provide certificates of analysis (COAs) indicating the product is safe and has the potency desired.
If you decide to buy Delta 9 THC products from us at The Hemp Collect, we are a trusted supplier of premium quality hemp products and strive to provide our customers with the best possible experience. We provide some of the best prices online and stand behind our products. We are GMP certified, and all our products have undergone quality assurance testing at independent labs.
The history of the many uses of hemp and cannabis is rooted in knowledge and community. Learn more by exploring additional articles on cannabis, hemp, and wellness from The Hemp Collect and other trusted sources, and share what you discover with those close to you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Delta 9 THC legal?
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, Delta 9 THC derived from hemp is federally legal. However, some states have passed laws to regulate Delta 9 THC from hemp, so check your state’s laws to confirm the legality of products where you live.
Can hemp-derived Delta 9 THC products get you high?
Delta 9 THC from hemp is the same compound that is the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis. As a result, it can get you high, just like marijuana. Proceed with caution.
What are the potential therapeutic benefits of Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC can be used therapeutically for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antiepileptic, anti-spastic, and spasmolytic effects. Delta 9 THC has also been found to be effective in treating chronic pain, nausea, and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis. It can also help stimulate the appetite in people with eating disorders such as anorexia or with diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. Delta 9 THC has also been shown to have a calming effect on the body and mind by producing dopamine when it binds to receptors.
What is the recommended dose of Delta 9 THC?
Consumers unfamiliar with Delta 9 THC and its effects should follow the adage “Start low, go slow.” A commonly recommended dose for a beginner is 5-10 milligrams of Delta 9 THC. Because the effects will often not be immediately apparent, particularly with edibles, it is wise to wait as long as two hours to determine how you are reacting before trying more. If you do decide to take more, take it easy. Once you gain more experience, you will likely be able to determine the appropriate dose for the situation. Medical cannabis patients will often take much higher doses, but such use should be undertaken with the advice and supervision of a medical professional.
How do I ensure the quality and safety of Delta 9 THC products?
Whether from cannabis or hemp, you can help ensure the safety and quality of Delta 9 products by purchasing from a reputable dealer with a record of accomplishment of offering exceptional products. The best manufacturers will offer a certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory that tests for purity and potency.
Are there non-psychoactive applications of Delta 9 THC?
Even in small quantities that are not enough to cause psychoactive effects, Delta 9 THC can have therapeutic effects. In fact, trace amounts of THC found in some hemp products are thought to be enough to contribute to an “entourage effect” that can enhance the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids.
Are there any health risks associated with these products?
In August 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services recommended that marijuana be classified as a lower-risk drug. However, the long-term effects of marijuana use are still being studied and some risks have been associated with cannabis use. According to the CDC, cannabis use may have a wide range of health effects on the body and brain. These possible effects include addiction, cancer, and potential risks to heart health, mental health, teen brain health, lung health, and pregnancy. The Yale School of Medicine reports that heavy and early use of cannabis is associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Are there any drug interactions with Delta 9 THC to be aware of?
Delta 9 THC can cause drug interactions with many prescription medications. Common types of drugs that can have dangerous interactions with marijuana include sedatives such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Benadryl, and anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax, Valium, and Librium. Individuals taking prescription medicines should consult their doctor before using Delta 9 THC products.
Can delta-9 THC products show up on drug tests?
Yes. Delta 9 THC products, whether from hemp or cannabis, can trigger a positive drug test for cannabis or THC. The amount of time that THC can be detected in a person’s system can vary dramatically based on the individual, the amount of Delta 9 consumed, the method of consumption, and other factors.
