What is delta 9 THC?
Delta 9, or delta 9 THC is a natural compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. It’s famously known as THC and is responsible for causing psychoactive effects aka “high”, a euphoric effect people experience when using cannabis.
Delta 9 belongs to a group of chemicals called cannabinoids, which interact with our bodies to provide various therapeutic and psychoactive effects.
In the past, the only source of delta 9 was from cannabis. However, today, hemp-derived delta 9 has gained widespread popularity in the US.
Is delta 9 legal?
Delta-9 in the form of cannabis is federally illegal in the US. However, each state has its cannabis laws for recreational and medical use. While many states follow the federal law, some have decided to make it legal in the form of cannabis products.
On the other hand, delta 9 derived from hemp plants is legal, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. However, it must contain less than 0.3% of THC on a dry weight basis. This distinction is crucial because it sets hemp apart from cannabis.
Although there are some quantity restrictions on the THC content in a few states, no state legislation forbids this compound, making delta-9 legal in all 50 states of the US.
Why do people take delta 9?
1. Recreational Use: Many people use delta 9 to experience its effects, such as euphoria and relaxation. It can enhance social experiences, creativity, and enjoyment of leisure activities, like watching movies.
Although hemp-derived delta 9 is not as strong as cannabis, it can still make you relaxed and “high” after a long day.
2. Wellness benefits: Delta 9 can have many health and wellness benefits, and people use it to find relief from stress, anxiety, inflammation, and chronic pain. Many also take it to get better sleep.
How does delta 9 work in the body?
Delta-9 works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is made up of a network of CB receptors that are spread throughout the body.
When delta 9 enters the body, it binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors and mimics the effects of naturally occurring cannabinoids produced by the body. CB1 receptors are present in our brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are in our immune system and other organs.
When delta 9 binds to these receptors, it temporarily alters our mood, perception, pain sensation, and memory. This is why people often feel euphoric or “high” when they use delta 9 products.
But delta-9 isn’t just about getting high. It also has wellness potential.
What are the benefits of delta 9?
1. Pain relief: Delta 9 can help ease chronic pain by working with the body’s endocannabinoid systems to reduce the pain sensation.
2. Reducing inflammation: Delta 9 acts like a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help ease inflammation in the body.
3. Boosting appetite: The “munchies” that are usually associated with cannabis are the work of delta 9, as their intake can boost your appetite. This effect of delta 9 can help folks who’ve lost their appetite to eat better.
4. Calming nausea: Delta 9 can settle an upset stomach, making it a potential remedy for nausea and vomiting.
5. Mood boost: In the right amounts, delta 9 can take the edge off anxiety and stress, helping you feel more relaxed and happy. However, its higher dosage can have the opposite effect.
6. Better sleep: Delta 9’s calming effects can also help you catch some sleep, making it a potential aid for people struggling with insomnia or other sleep problems.
What are the risks of delta 9?
Delta 9 does not pose any significant risk to public health and safety, and its abuse is rare, if it occurs at all. Additionally, hemp-derived delta 9 products are generally safe and well tolerated by most people over the age of 21, with no notable risks associated with their use.
Although there are some concerns, like:
1. Cognitive impairment: A high dosage of delta 9 can temporarily affect your ability to think, remember things, and stay focused. It’s like having a foggy brain for some time.
If you are under the influence of delta 9 products, avoid activities that require alertness, like driving.
2. Munchies: Some people may also experience an increase in food cravings after taking certain delta 9 products. This is often called the “munchies”. However, many do not take this as a risk but rather a quirk.
What to look for when selecting a delta 9 product?
1. Brand reputation and COA: Select products from reputable delta 9 brands. Look for brands that provide detailed information about the ingredients and test results from independent labs, in the form of COA (certificate of analysis) to ensure their quality and purity.
2. Legal compliance: Ensure the product complies with the legal regulations of the US, where products should contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis to be considered hemp-derived and legal.
Check the COA and make sure that the concentration of delta 9 is less than 0.3%.
3. Start with a low dosage: Starting with a low dosage delta 9 product is recommended if you are a first-time user. 5 to 10 mg is a good starting point and you can increase it in the next session if it doesn’t work for you.
However, don’t immediately take more if you don’t feel any effect because delta 9 takes time to work, and taking more than necessary can give you an unpleasant experience.
4. Select a type of product: Unlike cannabis, hemp-derived delta 9 doesn’t come in smokable flowers. Rather, it comes in edibles, gummies, oils, and vape cartridges, each offering a different experience.
Choose a type of product that is to your liking.
5. User reviews: Read user reviews to understand customer satisfaction and experiences with the delta 9 product. Avoid shopping for delta 9 products with no reviews, especially if you are a beginner to THC.
Does delta 9 show up on a drug test?
While hemp-derived products contain legal levels of THC, they may still be detected in drug screenings.
Most standard drug tests, such as urine or saliva tests, are designed to detect the presence of cannabis through THC metabolites in the body. These tests may produce positive results even if the individual has recently consumed hemp-derived delta 9, within the legal limit of 0.3% THC.
If you are subject to drug testing for employment, sports participation, or other reasons, avoid using delta 9 products or discuss the issue with your employer or healthcare provider.
Disclosure:
The information provided in this article is meant for general use only and may not always suit everyone’s individual needs. Your health and wellness are personal, so you should consult a medical professional for personalized advice before making decisions based on our content.
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