What is Delta-9? THC 101

“THC,” “delta-9,” “delta-9-THC,” and “hemp-derived THC” all describe the very same compound: tetrahydrocannabinol. It's one of the most celebrated cannabinoids produced by the Cannabis sativa L. species because of its profound psychoactive effects.

Although delta-9 might be the most famous cannabinoid, it can still cause confusion to newcomers. One might ask, "What are its effects like? Is it legal in the United States?" If you have these kinds of questions swirling around in your head, let the following serve as your guide to all things delta-9 THC.

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as THC, delta-9 THC, or delta-9) is a natural cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is the most abundant cannabinoid along with CBD.

Although it has a similar molecular structure to other cannabinoids, it's differentiated by a double bond at the 9th carbon atom in its chain. This feature distinguishes delta-9 THC from other cannabinoids, like delta-8 THC or THCP.

The sensations associated with delta-9 THC are euphoric and relaxing. Many people also experience increased sensory awareness. Because of these sometimes powerful effects, it's considered one of the most psychoactive cannabinoids, especially in larger serving sizes. Whether you call it THC, delta-9 THC, or delta-9, it’s all the exact same compound with the same effects.

This leads us to the question: Is delta-9 THC the same as weed? Weed, of course, is slang for cannabis, specifically marijuana which has a higher percentage of THC than legal hemp. But hemp also has Delta-9. 

That being said, Delta-9 THC isn't weed. It's just a compound you'll find both in weed and hemp types of cannabis.  

In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized the cultivation, production, and sale of hemp in the United States. Under this law, hemp is defined as cannabis plants containing no more than 0.3 percent THC. Under this definition, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.

This definition of hemp didn't just cover the plants; it also included "derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers," clarifying that cannabinoids, like delta-9, delta-8, or CBD, which comes from legal hemp sources are allowed under federal law.

Just keep in mind that whatever the source of delta-9 THC will still appear on drug tests. Daily consumption of delta-9 may linger in your system for a long time. Drug tests don't differentiate between hemp-derived THC and marijuana-derived THC, even if the law does. 

Even though THC generally refers to Delta-9, there are also other types of THC like Delta-8 THC and THCP. All types of THC are psychoactive, including delta-9. Other psychoactive ingredients you may be familiar with include caffeine, alcohol, and kava. As a psychoactive compound, this means it changes the way your brain works, even if just for a few hours.

The most common effects of delta-9 include:

All of delta-9's effects come from the interesting way this molecule interacts with our endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system regulates mood, memory, pain, appetite, and more with a body-wide network of receptors and chemical messengers. It just so happens that delta-9 works just like these messengers to help manage these same physiological processes.

For example, the powerful mind-stimulating effects of delta-9 come from how it directly binds to an endocannabinoid receptor in our brains called the CB1 receptor. Like a hand fitting into a glove, the cannabinoid locks into the receptor for a period of time to create all those euphoric sensations. 

Specifically, THC mimics the body's natural endocannabinoids, like anandamide and 2-AG. It helps manage the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate, which are involved in some of the psychoactive effects we now associate with this cannabinoid.

As highlighted above, some of the most common sensations from delta-9 include relaxation, euphoria, and enhanced auditory and visual sensory experiences.

Just keep in mind that effects vary by individual and also depend on how much you've consumed. Smaller servings are more likely to be blissful and soothing, while servings above your level of tolerance may make you feel overwhelmed

"Strength" is subjective as Delta-9, like all cannabinoids, affects each of us differently. Everything from our body mass index to tolerance and experience to our genetic makeup will impact how strongly we feel this molecule's effects.

With that said, delta-9 has some of the more intense effects of all the cannabinoids, even other types of THC like delta-8-THC. If you've never tried THC products before, start with a small serving and see how it feels before doubling down on a larger one.