What is Delta-9-THC? | leafy

THC is the active ingredient in cannabis that makes you feel high. The connection is the main reason people use cannabis, either for fun or for medicinal purposes. When you smoke, vape, eat something edible, or dab, you have THC to thank for the high.

The scientific name of THC is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-9 for short. Delta-9 is a cannabinoid. The cannabis plant contains many cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as other compounds. Cannabinoids in the plant (phytocannabinoids) interact with cannabinoids in the body (endocannabinoids) to produce effects and a high.

Some other cannabinoids include (and many more):

• CBD
• Delta-8
• Delta 10
• CBG
• CBN
• THCA

THC in cannabis makes the plant federally illegal, and the amount of THC is important. States that have legalized cannabis allow the sale of products containing over 0.3% THC (most cannabis flowers contain 15-25% THC). Cannabis products with less than 0.3% THC are considered hemp and have been legal at the federal level since 2018.

Products containing the minor cannabinoids delta-8 and delta-10 have recently become popular because they circumvent the law and can be sold in states that do not have legal cannabis. They can do this because they are derived from hemp, meaning plants with less than 0.3% THC.

Another complication of the legal landscape is Hemp Delta-9, a newer product that can also circumvent the law because it’s derived from hemp.

Learn all about Delta-9-THC, its effects, and other minor cannabinoids below.

Does Delta-9 THC make you high?

Absolutely. Delta-9 is just another name for THC, the main compound in cannabis that gets you high. It combines with terpenes and other compounds in the cannabis plant to produce different effects on an individual.

The potency or strength of a cannabis product is determined by the amount of THC it contains. The higher the THC percentage, the stronger the weed.

Related

The Science of Getting High: How Does Weed Produce Effects?

What are the effects of Delta-9-THC?

People use cannabis for many reasons, whether it’s recreational or to relieve medical symptoms. Common recovery effects include feeling:

• Euphoric
• sublime
• Relaxed
• Sleepy
• energetic
• Creative
• Sociable
• focused
• Silly

Explore cannabis strains and their effects in Leafly’s strain database.

What are the benefits of Delta-9-THC?

Cannabis is also used to help with medical symptoms. It is most commonly used to treat symptoms associated with the following diseases:

• Cancer
• glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Persistent muscle spasms
• seizures
• Strong nausea
• Strong pain
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders

Is Delta-9 THC safe?

Compared to other substances, cannabis is relatively safe.

Despite the plant’s many benefits, it’s important to note that weed isn’t for some people. A common negative effect that some report is feeling paranoia or anxiety after consuming weed – this can be especially the case with edibles that can be difficult to dose (our motto is “Start low, go slow”) ).

While you can’t die from weed, too much use can ruin your evening. If you have too much weed in your system, here are some ways to sober up when you’re too high. If you have generally smoked too much, you can always take a tolerance break.

Related

8 ways to get sober again

Does Delta-9 THC show up on a drug test?

Absolutely. Because the plant is still illegal nationwide, many employers can test for weed and you could lose your job if you test positive. But as legalization ramps up across the country, some employers aren’t testing for weed — for example, online retail giant Amazon has said they won’t.

Learn how to detox weed.

How long does Delta-9 THC stay in your system?

Conventional wisdom holds that THC stays in your system for 30 days, but it really depends. Frequency of use is an important factor: THC will likely clear your system faster if you smoke every now and then than if you smoke every day for months.

In addition, different types of tests have different detection windows: a urine test can usually detect THC for up to 30 days; blood, a day or two; hair, up to 90 days.

What is the difference between Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 and Delta-10?

THC, or Delta-9, is the main compound in weed that gets you high. Delta-8 and Delta-10 are separate cannabinoids that also get you high, albeit less so.

Chemically, all deltas have a chain of carbon atoms with a double bond in their structure. The placement of the double bond defines each cannabinoid – delta-9 has it on the ninth carbon, delta-8 on the eighth, etc. The placement of this double bond is believed to make delta-9 THC more potent than the other two.

Are Delta-8 and Delta-10 stronger than Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is much stronger than Delta-8 and Delta-10. Both Delta-8 and Delta-10 are considered “diet weeds” due to their lower potency. Anecdotally, some claim that Delta-8 is more sedating and Delta-10 more energizing.

Does Delta-8 stay in your system longer than Delta-9 THC?

Delta-8 usually stays in your body for as long as Delta-9 THC. If you’re either smoking or vaping, they’ll last for about an hour or so; If you take some edibles, they will last for a few hours.

Is Delta-9 THC legal?

THC is illegal at the federal level and legal only in certain US states that have statutes allowing it for either recreational or medicinal use. It is also legal throughout Canada and Uruguay.

View Leafly’s legalization guide to specific cannabis laws in each state, including possession, use, purchase, cultivation and more.

Where can I buy Delta-9 THC?

As of October 2022, weed is legal in 19 states for adult use and in 39 states for medicinal use. THC products may be purchased in states for adult use by anyone over the age of 21 with a valid ID. Requirements vary slightly based on medical condition, but typically patients must be over the age of 18, have a medical marijuana card, and have a prescription from a doctor to purchase cannabis.

Hemp-derived Delta-9 exists in a legal gray area. It’s technically legal in all US states since it’s derived from hemp, but laws can change quickly. For example, delta-8 is specifically banned in some states, and hemp delta-9 may suffer a similar fate.

Related

Leafly’s guide to marijuana legalization

Does Delta-9 THC have a possession limit?

In general, most adult cannabis states allow you to possess up to one ounce or 28 grams of cannabis flower on your person. Some states have different ownership limits for other products, such as edibles and concentrates.

For example, adults in Oregon can own 1 ounce of flower, 1 ounce of concentrates, and 16 ounces of edibles, but other states may vary. Sick pay is usually higher than leisure pay.

Can I ship Delta-9 THC?

no It is illegal to ship cannabis products, meaning products that contain more than 0.3% THC. Because cannabis is federally legal, it cannot be shipped through the USPS, which is operated by the federal government. It is also a federal offense to transport cannabis products across state lines, as it violates the federal Contraband Law, even between two states that both have legal cannabis.

Hemp-derived Delta 9, Delta 8, or Delta 10 products can be shipped to some states because they are derived from hemp, plants with less than 0.3% THC, and not cannabis plants. However, some states have specifically banned these hemp substances. Be sure to check if it’s legal to ship a particular hemp product in your state.

references

Pat Goggins

Pat Goggins is a senior content editor at Leafly, specializing in cannabis cultivation after working for a commercial grower in Oregon. When you’re not correcting typos, chances are you’ll find him on a boat or in the mountains.

Check out Pat Goggins’ articles

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