Now that companies have found ways to produce delta 9 THC products that are federally compliant, those who seek out hemp products are finally able to explore its valuable effects and unique psychoactive properties at last without fear of breaking the law. Delta 9 THC is easily the most well-known cannabinoid associated with cannabis, and because it’s a cannabinoid, it can be highly useful to the human body in many surprising ways.
What Exactly is Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. Delta 9 is the “active” and dominant compound in the marijuana plant, but in hemp, it’s found in only about 0.3% of the plant’s chemical composition. Now, as a cannabinoid, it efficiently attaches itself to cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body in order to facilitate a chemical process in which processes throughout the bodily systems can be regulated, hence its wide array of valuable effects that can play a role in how we feel, both physically and mentally.
The History of Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC is a cannabinoid that humans have been seeking out since ancient times, due to both its intoxicating and non-intoxicating properties. But, it wasn’t isolated until 1964, when scientists finally had the means to analyze the cannabinoid to learn more about how it behaves in the body and what it can offer.
Just about everyone is aware of the controversial history of delta 9 THC. Both hemp and marijuana, being members of the cannabis genus, were outlawed in the United States up until recently due to the psychoactive nature of delta 9, despite the two plants having dramatically different psychoactive levels. While marijuana remains federally illegal, hemp was legalized in 2018 through the passing of the Farm Bill, which determined that all hemp products containing a maximum of 0.3% delta-9 could be sold legally.
Although 0.3% is considered a trace amount, and even though traditional hemp-derived CBD products are non-intoxicating, companies have found ways to offer products with active servings of delta 9 while remaining federally compliant. Mainly, these products come in larger portion sizes so that the 0.3% of delta 9 provides enough milligrams of the cannabinoid to produce noticeable effects.
What this all means is, as you see trusted, reputable hemp companies launching delta 9 products, you should know that they are both legal, and are capable of getting you high while offering the other known properties of the compound.
What are the Properties of Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC is known for offering unique effects that can be very desirable to the body. In fact, delta 9 has been researched for decades for its various uses that come from its relationship to CB receptors via the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
#1: Stress Relief
Delta 9 works with CB1 receptors, which are cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. Among other things, these receptors may regulate neurotransmitters such as cortisol which play a large role in both stress and anxiety.
#2: Sleep Properties
Many people take delta 9 at bedtime, as the cannabinoid again works with neurotransmitters that are associated with stress, as well as melatonin, the neurotransmitter that controls our sleep cycle. Basically, delta-9 has the potential to provide effects related to sleep.
#3: Uplifting Properties
Delta 9 is noted for its uplifting effects, which come from the cannabinoid’s potentially balancing effect on serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain.
#4: Nausea Effects
Many people use delta 9 for its potential antiemetic properties which are capable of reducing feelings of nausea, as well as reducing actual instances of vomiting, both of which are largely mediated by the nervous system.
#5: Increased Appetite
Many people are quite familiar with the appetite-boosting properties of delta 9, having experienced the “munchies”. It’s no secret that delta-9 can have an impact as an appetite stimulant, which may be very helpful to those who are unable to consume enough food each day to maintain optimal health.
#6: Discomfort Relief
Over the years, delta 9 has been widely studied for its analgesic properties that come from the cannabinoid’s impact on pain receptors belonging to the nervous system. Delta-9 has the potential to reduce pain sensitivity to make a person more tolerant to painful stimuli.
#7: Neuroprotective Qualities
Delta-9 may offer neuroprotective properties which regulate neurological function by stimulating neurogenesis, while strengthening the brain’s neurons and neural pathways. This particular effect is widely being studied for its applications in epilepsy cases.
#8: Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Delta 9 THC has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory properties through its relationship with CB2 receptors that balance functions of the immune system. These anti-inflammatory properties could be useful to all kinds of inflammation-based issues throughout the body, both localized and widespread.
What is the Psychoactive Nature of Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC is the most famous psychoactive compound in cannabis, and without a doubt, a big part of this cannabinoid’s appeal. Delta 9 Tis about 30% more intoxicating than delta 8, for reference, and the high is known for introducing both feelings of euphoria and mellowness to the mind, along with a body high that can be very soothing. The cannabinoid is more likely to cause grogginess and a decrease in mental clarity and alertness compared to delta 8 THC.
Types of Delta 9 THC Products
While any full spectrum CBD product contains delta 9 THC, the amount is extremely low and will therefore not provide a psychoactive response, or effects specifically from the delta 9 THC. Federally compliant delta 9 THC products are only now emerging on the market and are labeled accordingly.
Currently, the federally compliant delta 9 products that you can purchase from reputable companies are edibles (both food and beverage forms). The reason for this has to do with portion size. As we said, in order for a delta 9 product to be federally compliant, it must contain 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight. A 4-gram edible, for example, would therefore contain a quite effective 12mg of delta-9. It’s fairly easy for someone to consume a 4-gram edible, compared to, say, vaping 4 grams of a vape oil in one sitting.
The delta 9 edible products that you can find today come in a variety of flavors and forms, as well as portion sizes which determine the potency of the delta 9 THC. In other words, you’ll still be able to customize your delta-9 experience in a number of ways to suit your specific preferences and needs.