Everything You Need to Know About Delta-9 THC

The year is 2024 and millions of people are buying THC online, legally, all across the U.S. Nancy Reagan must be rolling in her grave as millions of people are just saying Yes! to cannabis. So how’d this happen? How are people able to order cannabis online all across the country? Well, in 2018, The Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill) gave the green light for the production of hemp and removed hemp + hemp seeds from the DEA list of Controlled Substances. The result? THC is federally legal, as long as it is no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. You can order gummies, drinks, tinctures, topicals, you name it - the freedom to choose how you get your high is up to you.  But it’s important to understand what’s going into your body, what to expect, and the landscape around federally legal, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC. We’re here to be your guides. 


Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC, short for Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most famous and perhaps the most infamous cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It's the compound responsible for the mind-altering effects that many associate with recreational cannabis use. Think of it as the life of the cannabis party!


THC is one of 100+ cannabinoids in cannabis and interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system and affects our body through the endocannabinoid system and CB1/CB2 receptors. It brings about changes in perception, mood, appetite, and relaxation.


The potency of delta-9 THC can vary widely between different cannabis strains, with some strains having higher concentrations of THC than others. Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, is known for its low delta-9 THC levels, usually less than 0.3% when measured by dry weight.


In contrast to marijuana, which is famous for its high THC levels and mind-altering effects, hemp has traditionally been grown for industrial uses such as textiles, paper, food, and more.


However, these days, hemp-derived THC is getting people high all across the country.

How Does Delta-9 THC Work?

  • 1.

    Binding to Cannabinoid Receptors: Delta-9 THC mainly engages with two key types of cannabinoid receptors within the ECS: CB1 receptors, predominantly situated in the brain and central nervous system, and CB2 receptors, primarily distributed in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. THC exhibits a stronger affinity for CB1 receptors.

  • 2.

    Activation of CB1 Receptors: As Delta-9 THC binds to CB1 receptors, it functions as a partial agonist. This implies that it activates these receptors but doesn't completely replicate the actions of the body's natural endocannabinoids. This partial activation initiates a series of signaling events in the brain.

  • 3.

    Alteration of Neurotransmitter Release: THC's interaction with CB1 receptors influences the release of several neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. This change in neurotransmitter release is what causes the psychoactive effects linked to THC use, including shifts in mood, perception, and cognition.

  • 4.

    Effects on Brain Function: When CB1 receptors are activated in various brain regions, they can generate a diverse array of effects. For instance, in the hippocampus, THC may impact memory and learning, whereas within the reward system, it can modulate feelings of pleasure and motivation.

  • 5.

    Modulation of Pain Perception: The way THC interacts with CB1 receptors can also influence how we perceive pain. This is why THC is occasionally employed for pain relief in medical situations.

  • 6.

    Appetite Stimulation: When THC activates CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus, it can lead to an increase in appetite, often humorously known as "the munchies."

  • 7.

    Euphoria and Relaxation: The interplay of THC's impact on neurotransmitters, notably dopamine, can result in sensations of euphoria and relaxation.

Is Delta-9 THC Federally Legal?

Delta 9 is federally legal under certain conditions, such as when derived from hemp and containing less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. However, always check your local laws as regulations can vary.

In Minnesota? You’re all good as long as you are 21.

Is Delta-9 THC Safe?

Yes, when consumed responsibly, Delta-9 THC is safe.

To note, there are also guard rails in place. All products have QR codes that consumers can scan that should direct them to a product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA). COAs will give you a panel of everything in each product so you can make sure the dosage is correct and the product is safe. COAs are issued by third-party accredited labs.

Similarly, most packaging has recommended doses so you will know how much to take and how often. To note, there’s very little danger of becoming hurt/sick by taking too much D9 THC - if anything, you might get paranoid, anxious, fatigued, or nauseous. But the effects will wear off. Consuming CBD with THC can help.

How Will Delta-9 THC Make Me Feel?

Will Delta-9 THC get you high? Yes, here’s how you might feel:

Euphoria

THC can give you a sense of euphoria or intense happiness, making you feel elated and in a positive mood.

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Relaxation

Many people find that THC helps them relax and unwind, reducing stress and tension.

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Creativity

Some people report increased creativity and improved imagination after taking THC, which can lead to innovative and artistic thinking.

Enhanced Sensory Perception

THC can heighten sensory experiences, making colors appear more vibrant and making sounds more immersive.

Laughter and Joy

THC is often linked to bouts of laughter and an overall sense of joy.

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Increased Sociability

People sometimes become more sociable and chatty when using THC, making it easier to connect with others.

Appetite Stimulation

THC is known for increasing appetite, commonly referred to as "the munchies," which can enhance the enjoyment of food.

Pain Relief

Some users find that THC provides effective pain relief, making it easier to manage discomfort and chronic pain conditions.

How Does D9 THC Work With Other Cannabinoids?

THC and CBD are two of the most popular and prominent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While both share the same source, THC is psychoactive and produces a "high," while CBD is non-psychoactive and associated with relaxation and potential therapeutic benefits. They can interact, with CBD mitigating some of THC's adverse effects.
Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC (Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol) are two closely related compounds in cannabis. Delta-9 THC is well-known for its strong psychoactive effects, while Delta-8 THC is milder and less likely to induce anxiety. Delta-8 THC can be found naturally in trace amounts in cannabis plants, but it is usually produced in larger quantities through chemical conversion processes from other cannabinoids like CBD. The Delta-8 THC available in most products is often synthetically derived or created through these processes.
Delta-9 THC is a naturally occurring psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, while Delta-10 THC is a less common and often synthetically derived cannabinoid with milder effects. Delta-10 THC is typically produced through chemical processes. Delta-10 THC is a less common and often synthetically derived cannabinoid. Both have psychoactive effects.
Delta-9 THC and CBN (Cannabinol) can work together in the body, especially when Delta-9 THC degrades over time. CBN is a degradation product of Delta-9 THC and has some mild psychoactive effects, potentially enhancing the overall cannabis experience when both are present.
Delta-9 THC and CBG (Cannabigerol) can interact in a way that modulates the effects of Delta-9 THC. CBG may reduce the intensity of Delta-9 THC's psychoactive effects, making the overall experience less potent. This interaction is often referred to as the "entourage effect."
HHC is a synthetic cannabinoid designed to mimic the effects of Delta-9 THC. It is a psychoactive compound and is often considered a synthetic analog of Delta-9 THC.
THCv is known to have a different psychoactive profile, potentially reducing some of Delta-9 THC's intoxicating effects, making the overall experience more clear-headed. It can also help reduce appetite.