What Is Delta-9 THC?

THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC), a cannabinoid molecule. THC is just one of more than 400 different active substances—and 60 different cannabinoid molecules—contained in hemp, although Delta-9 THC is the most recognized for the effects it provides. Another important cannabinoid molecule that has received major interest is cannabidiol (CBD).

How Delta-9 THC Works

THC works by attaching to the body’s cannabinoid receptors, which are found throughout the brain and nervous system. THC can be detected in the body much longer than most other drug compounds (up to 20 hours after ingestion), although the effects it provides only last for a few hours.

THC is also stored in body fat and organs for three to four weeks. Hair follicle testing may identify THC after even longer periods of time, around 90 days. Urine testing is often used but has been found to be an unreliable method of detection.

Forms of Taking D9 THC

THC is often smoked as a flower (dried leaves of the hemp plant), but there are actually a number of different ways that THC can be used, it can be consumed by:

• Inhalation: This is the fastest method of delivery and produces the quickest effects, with people beginning to feel effects within minutes. There are a couple of different ways that THC can be inhaled. It may be smoked or vaped, although recent reports suggest that vaping may pose safety risks that need further investigation.
• Oral Ingestion: THC can be taken by mouth in the form of capsules, edibles, tinctures, or oils. While this method of delivery takes longer to have an effect, the effects tend to last longer.
• Topical application: THC can also be included in lotions, balms, salves, oils, and bath salts that are then applied to the skin. The effects of this method of application are usually localized, which means they are unlikely to have cerebral effects. However, such products may be helpful for reducing pain and inflammation.
• Sublingual administration: THC can also be consumed as lozenges, sprays, or dissolvable strips that are placed under the tongue.

D9 THC in CBD Products

With the popularity of CBD, there has been a major market shift toward producing a seemingly endless variety of CBD products. Some of these products may contain traces of THC (around 0.3%), depending on how they’re formulated.

This small concentration is highly unlikely to result in any cerebral effects, and some experts argue that the effectiveness of CBD is potentiated by small amounts of THC. However, if you’re looking for a CBD product without any THC, be sure to seek out a source that uses third-party testing to certify the purity of the product.

Delta-9’s Uses

THC is used recreationally, but it also has a number of medicinal uses as well. Hemp has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, but research on its use to alleviate and treat illness is still relatively recent.

The FDA has also approved the synthetic THC medication dronabinol (sold under the brand names Marinol and Syndros) and a drug containing a synthetic substance similar to THC known as nabilone (brand name Cesamet). Dronabinol is used to treat vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy and low appetite and weight loss caused by HIV/AIDS. Nabilone is used to also used to treat nausea and vomiting.

Impact

THC stimulates the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in the brain, which is what can cause the feelings of euphoria we all know and love. The effects on the body however, can vary from one person to the next.

People may also experience:

• Altered perception of time
• Feelings of relaxation
• Heightened sensory perception
• Increased appetite

Amount of THC in Hemp

We’re definitely not dealing with the same drug as we were in the past. This is because today’s Hemp is much more potent, with THC levels averaging 9.6%, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). By comparison, in the early 1990s, hemp generally had a THC level of about 4%.

The strength of modern “high-potency” strains of Hemp, such as sinsemilla (“skunk”), was reportedly at least four times as strong, containing about 15% THC. The amount of THC contained in different strains varies by the way that the hemp is prepared for use, such as leaf/bud, hashish, or hashish oil. THC levels can exceed 50% in products made from hemp extracts.

History of THC

Hemp has a long history of use that dates back thousands of years. The first recorded use of hemp has been traced to China, where it was used for food, textiles, and medicine. Hemp was eventually introduced to Europe, and later to the Americas, where it came to use for both recreational and ritual purposes.

Hemp was first introduced in the U.S. during the 1600s. It was grown to produce textiles and was sometimes even used as legal tender. Hemp was used for a number of medical purposes as well, but its recreational use began to grow during the 1930s and 1940s.

Around this time, anti-drug campaigns began against its use and many states passed laws prohibiting the production, distribution and ingestion of THC. The 1936 film “Reefer Madness” portrayed Hemp as a dangerous drug that led to psychosis, violence, and suicide. 

In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act classified THC as a Schedule I drug, identifying it as having a high potential for abuse and making the drug illegal at the federal level and highly regulated.

The “war on drugs” launched during the 1970s led to the large-scale incarceration of many people for possession and consumption of THC.

While it is still not legal at the federal level, many states have approved the use of Hemp and THC for medical and, in some states, recreational purposes. You should always check state laws where you live before purchasing any products containing THC.

In Conclusion

You can find Delta-9 products at medical dispensaries in states allowing for medical THC. Some states are allowing recreational sales of THC, which allows for easier accessibility, giving people access to purchase it at most retail establishments (such as gas stations and smoke shops). You can actually find some Delta-9 gummies and products in our retail store itself, based on weight coming to 15mg per gummy!