What is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC is a cannabinoid, a type of compound found naturally in the cannabis species. It is the main psychoactive component in hemp and marijuana (also known as weed or pot).
A molecule of Delta-9, or tetrahydrocannabinol, consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. There are other types of THC, like Delta-8, but Delta-9 is the most well-known and also the most abundant form in cannabis plants. So, the term THC usually always refers to Delta-9.
Some scientists theorize that THC offers plants protection against ultraviolet radiation. Because of its structural similarities to chemical messengers like
anandamide, Delta-9 THC can interact with a network in the human body called
the endocannabinoid system. For many, this interaction produces desirable and enjoyable effects.
Is Delta-9 THC Legal?
Delta-9 THC is legal only when derived from hemp, and Delta-9 THC products are legal as long as they have a Farm Bill-compliant concentration of Delta-9. This means the product's dry weight can be no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Is Delta-9 Legal?
Delta-9 THC derived from hemp at a concentration of 0.3% or lower by dry weight is legal on a federal level and in all 50 states. When derived from marijuana or any concentration above 0.3% on a dry weight basis, it is considered a controlled substance by the federal government and many states. Please note that this is the general status of Delta-9 legality as of the writing of this article.
Hemp vs. Marijuana
Hemp and marijuana are technically the same species (cannabis). They are only different in the eyes of the law. In the United States, the Delta-9-THC concentration on a dry weight basis is what separates hemp and marijuana.
Hemp, which Congress legalized through
the 2018 Farm Bill, is defined as cannabis with a 0.3% or less concentration of Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
Marijuana is defined as cannabis with any concentration of Delta-9 THC higher than this.
Is Delta-9 Legal in My State?
Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC at a 0.3% or lower concentration is legal in the following states: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
Hemp-derived Delta-9 can also be purchased in Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Can you Buy Delta-9 Online?
Yes, you can legally order hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products online. When purchasing our products, you also enjoy free priority shipping on every order. At Hometown Hero, we offer several varieties of hemp-derived Delta-9 products, which include our Live Rosin Gummies (available in indica and sativa terpene profiles), and Select Spectrum line (1:1 CBD to hemp-derived Delta-9 ratio, with minor cannabinoids). Plus, we almost always have a sale going on, so you can enjoy rotating discounts on all of our products.
Delta-9 THC vs. Delta-8 THC
Delta-9 and Delta-8 have many interesting similarities and differences regarding their chemical structure, effects, and legality. For one, both Delta-8 and Delta-9 are naturally occurring compounds, but Delta-8 occurs at much smaller concentrations in the plant than Delta-9.
Moreover, these cannabinoids are isomers, meaning they are made of the same "stuff" but arranged differently. Delta-9 has a chemical bond on its ninth carbon chain, and Delta-8 has a bond on its eighth carbon chain. This explains their slightly different experiential effects despite both being psychoactive. They can bring about euphoria and relaxation but to varying extents, with Delta-8 being somewhat milder.
Then there's their legal status. Delta-9 and Delta-8 derived from hemp are both legal on a federal level, but a critical difference between the two is that there are concentration limitations on Delta-9 but not Delta-8.
Hemp-derived Delta-9 is only legal in a 0.3% or lower concentration on a dry-weight basis. It can be found naturally in full-spectrum CBD, but as a stand-alone product, Delta-9 can only be sold in edible form (to comply with the dry weight basis piece). The trade-off to the concentration limit is that hemp-derived Delta-9 is legal in all 50 states.
Delta-8, on the other hand, is permitted in most states, but banned in others. Since it does not have a concentration limit, Delta-8 THC can be sold as an edible and as flower, tinctures, vapes, and concentrate.
Delta-9 THC vs. CBD
Compared to Delta-9 vs. Delta-8, CBD and hemp-derived Delta-9 THC differ quite significantly in terms of their effects. CBD is not psychoactive at all but rather offers physical relief and therapeutic effects, whereas Delta-9 is psychoactive and can therefore induce a "high."
When comparing these cannabinoids, however, it should be noted that they offer unique experiences when consumed together. According to a scientific theory known as the entourage effect, CBD and THC synergize to enhance each other's effects.
Our Select Spectrum product line, featuring gummies and baked goods, features specially formulated ratios of CBD to hemp-derived Delta-9 THC to encourage the entourage effect.
And if you're curious about Delta-9's interactions with other types of cannabis extracts, you should check out our
Live Rosin Gummies. These premium edibles feature 25 milligrams of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC as well as 5 milligrams of live rosin, a concentrate containing the unique terpene profile of various indica, sativa, or hybrid strains.
Is Delta-9 Safe?
Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is generally considered safe when consumed responsibly.
Although it is possible to feel "overwhelmed" by consuming too much of this cannabinoid, there is very little threat of physical danger. All cannabis products are meant for enjoyment by adults 21 and older. If it is your first time with THC, start with a modest serving size and see how your body processes it before increasing the amount. Before trying hemp-derived Delta-9 products, you should consult your physician.
Under no circumstances should one drive or operate machinery after consuming hemp-derived Delta-9. Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not consume hemp-derived Delta-9 or any cannabinoid products.
And finally, it's essential to know that there is no such thing as "childproof" packaging. Child-resistant packaging exists, but nothing is childproof. You should keep hemp-derived Delta-9 products out of the reach of children at all times.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Delta-9?
Although it is possible to feel "overwhelmed" by consuming too much of this cannabinoid, there is very little threat of physical danger. Before trying hemp-derived Delta-9 products, you should consult your physician. Beyond that, how any cannabinoid affects someone varies from person to person.
What are The Benefits of Delta-9?
The main benefit of hemp-derived Delta-9 is legal on a federal level and in all 50 states. This legal status means that it can be purchased online, shipped over state lines, and delivered like many other items.
We are not at liberty to discuss any potential health benefits of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC. Please consult with your doctor before taking any products containing cannabinoids.
Can Delta-9 Help You Sleep?
Many of our products have 5-star reviews from our customers that mention sleep. Some individuals may fall asleep more easily after consuming a Delta-9 THC gummy, as Delta-9 can have relaxing effects for some individuals. However, experiences with cannabis vary. If you are having chronic trouble sleeping, you should consult your doctor as this may indicate a serious medical condition known as insomnia. Our products are not intended to treat any medical conditions.
Will Delta-9 Keep You Focused?
Some may find that the stimulation brought on by hemp-derived Delta-9 can help them focus. However, it's important to remember that the effects of cannabinoids can vary from person to person.
Does Delta-9 Get You High?
Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is psychoactive. Consequently, many have found that hemp-derived Delta-9 brings about feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and creativity. Others have experienced
giggliness and increased hunger, also known as
the munchies. The effects of Delta-9 vary. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming any Delta-9, whether from hemp or marijuana.
How Long Does It Take for Delta-9 to Kick In?
There is no universal length of time for when the effects of Delta-9 start. As of this writing, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC in noticeable amounts, is only legally available in edible form. It takes longer for edibles' effects to kick in compared to other methods of consumption.
Can I Test Positive For THC After Consuming Delta-9?
Drug tests are designed to detect metabolites of THC. They were also developed in a time before the 2018 Farm Bill. Unfortunately, a drug test will not see if a metabolite was used to break down federally legal hemp-derived Delta-9 THC or Delta-9 THC from marijuana. It is best to avoid consuming any products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids if there's a drug test in the near future.
How to Use Delta-9 Products?
Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, in any notable amount, is only available as an edible. For the best possible enjoyment of hemp-derived Delta-9 edibles, it's best to start small and see where you want to proceed from there. Edibles tend to have a slower onset of effects that last longer when compared to other methods of cannabinoid consumption. Do not drive after consuming an edible, and return uneaten edibles to a place that is out of reach of children.
How Do You Dose Delta-9?
There is no universal answer to how much hemp-derived Delta-9 you should consume. If it's your first time trying edibles with Delta-9 THC from hemp, do not eat the entire "unit." For example, if you are trying gummies for the first time, you should not eat a whole gummy. Instead, cut it up into smaller pieces, see where it takes you, and then decide where you want to go from there.
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