Everything you need to know about Legal Delta 9

The American hemp industry is evolving fast. Since 2018 when the Farm Bill was signed into law, legalizing the production of industrial hemp, consumers have been able to access and explore CBD and its numerous benefits.

Scientists and medical researchers in the United States have been studying the health benefits and risks of marijuana for decades. Findings have shown that hemp and cannabis consist of up to 113 cannabinoids. Of these, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most well-known, and have been defined as the most active phytocannabinoids. One of the most controversial and abundant forms of THC – Delta-9 – is federally illegal, yet it has become the most sought-after. But how is it made and why is it so popular?

Let’s find out.

 

What is Delta-9 THC?

Scientifically known as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, it is the most potent psychoactive molecule found in marijuana. It is the component that makes marijuana both psychoactive and therapeutic.

Some of the benefits of Delta-9 THC are:

  • Anti-inflammatory treatments
  • Mood-boosting and antidepressants
  • Treatment for nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
  • Treatment for seizure disorders
  • Chronic pain
  • Appetite boosters
  • PTSD treatments
  • Opioid addiction treatments
  • Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neuroprotective treatments
  • Sleep disorders
  • and many more.


Is Delta-9 THC Legal?

Delta-9 chemical compounds stay the same regardless of its source (hemp or cannabis). However, federal law makes a clear distinction about which THC is legal and which isn’t. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized only hemp-derived Delta-9, stipulating that all hemp products can only contain a dry weight of up to 0.3% Delta-9 THC to be federally compliant.

What does this mean?

Dry weight, in this context, refers to the weight of an object when it has been completely dried. For hemp plants, once the manufacturers dry
the plant, they have to calculate the level of Delta-9 found in the remaining dry weight. Each product must not exceed 0.3%.
This ‘loophole’ has spurred up to 120 different brands into producing and selling hemp-derived Delta-9 products online.

How Is Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC Produced?

Hemp-derived delta-9 is made from one of two methods: isomerization or natural extraction.
The isomerization process involves chemically converting hemp-derived CBD into Delta-9. Conversely, the natural extraction method involves taking natural Delta-9 extracts straight from the hemp plant. This often happens when cannabinoids like CBD are being distilled. The process typically requires little to no manipulation of other cannabinoids and is the best way to preserve the Delta-9 in its original form.

Will Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC Get You High?

Yes, it will. Even with 0.3%, hemp-derived Delta-9 will have psychoactive effects on consumers.

However, because it is taken in smaller dosages, it tends to be milder than the cannabis-derived variant. So, you’re more likely to experience a more subtle buzz that is similar to that of Delta-8.

Note that the quantity one ingests will determine the level of effect the product will have.

So, how much Delta-9 should you take?

For beginners, it is best to stick to 5mg. Experienced users may need to take a higher dose before they can feel the effects. However, most brands advise that you do not exceed 30 mg.

 

Can Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC Show Up On A Drug Test?

Yes, it will.

Drug tests cannot differentiate between the legal hemp-derived Delta-9 and the illegal cannabis-based Delta-9 so even trace amounts of Delta-9 can show up in a drug test. It can be detectable for up to three days after a single use and up to 30 days for consistent consumers.

As a consumer, it is important to be sure of the potential risks and legality of Delta-9 in your state before consuming it. If you have an upcoming drug test, you will need to give your body enough time to metabolize and excrete the THC.

 

Conclusion

Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is a safe and legal variant that has helped many deal with severe mental and physiological health issues. Many innovative brands now infuse it into beverages, gummies, chocolates and other edible products; making them easily accessible to consumers.

Although there are vigorous debates on how to regulate the production and sale of hemp-derived Delta-9 products, consumers continue to enjoy its therapeutic and recreational benefits nationwide.