Delta-9 THC: Everything a Beginner Should Know
Hemp and cannabis plants contain cannabinoid compounds that affect the body in different ways. Two of the most prevalent cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Both THC and CBD have similar chemical structures but induce different effects. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana and is responsible for the “high” it produces. CBD is also psychoactive, but not in the same way as THC.
THC comes in different forms, and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC) is the most popular of them all. When people talk about the effects of THC, they often refer to delta-9 THC. Other forms of THC are somewhat similar to delta-9 THC, yet they produce different effects. The chemical formula for it is C21H30O2.
If you want to know more about delta-9 THC (not to be confused with delta-8 THC or delta-10 THC) and its psychoactive effects, you’re in the right place. This post will discuss everything a beginner should know.
What Does Delta-9 THC Do to the Body?
THC is responsible for the intoxicating effects people experience when consuming cannabis due to its psychoactive properties. Some of the effects of delta-9 THC include:
- Improved focus and concentration
- Altered perception of events and time
- Relaxation
- Giddiness
However, as a disclaimer, you may also experience some of the following adverse effects:
- Inability to think and speak properly
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
- Memory loss
- Red eyes
- Slow reaction time
- Anxiety
- Rapid heart rate
What are the Different Types of Delta-9 THC Products?
If you’re interested in buying delta-9 products, there are a variety of them available to you. Such products include tinctures, terpenes, and the following items:
Edibles
Edibles are foods and drinks that contain delta-9 THC and can be ingested orally.
One of the most popular types of THC edibles is THC gummies. The sweet and sugary taste of gummies helps mask the natural bitter flavor of THC. This is why many prefer gummies and other confectioneries over other THC products.
If you’re interested in delta-9 THC gummies, visit VIIA Hemp or other reliable CBD and THC suppliers.
Dried THC
Dried delta-9 THC is typically consumed by burning the leaves and inhaling the smoke like tobacco. Also, it comes in various strength levels to meet the user’s preferred potency.
Do keep in mind though that smoking delta-9 THC can be bad for your health, particularly your lungs. So, avoid inhaling too deep and holding the smoke for longer periods.
Vaping THC
Aside from smoking delta-9 THC, you can also vape it using a vaporizer. This device will heat the dried cannabis leaves or concentrates without burning until a ‘vapor’ is released, and the user will breathe the vapor.
Keep in mind that vaping delta-9 THC isn’t risk-free, and there’s a possibility of long-term health effects. Henceforth, go consult your physician before moving forward with vaping.
Topical Solutions
Delta-9 THC can be added to topical products, such as lotions, balms, oils, bath salts, and salves. These products are typically applied to the skin, and their effects are known to be localized, meaning they’re unlikely to produce psychoactive symptoms. Nevertheless, applying delta-9 THC-laced topicals may help relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Before using any THC-laden product, go set a consultation with your physician to know whether your current health status is idle and you’re free to use THC products.
Benefits of Delta-9 THC
Delta-9 THC has been linked to various potential medical benefits. According to a 2021 study, delta-9 THC can help treat the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Poor appetite
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Pain
- Nausea
- Glaucoma
- Muscle spasms
In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several products with THC content at the federal level so patients can manage certain debilitating medical conditions. That said, marijuana for recreational use is still illegal under federal law. While products containing THC are still illegal in many regions due to state laws, many of those regions have legalized the sale of CBD products such as full-spectrum CBD oil.
One of the aforementioned FDA-approved medications is dronabinol, a drug created using delta-9 THC’s synthetic form. It’s used to promote appetite in people receiving chemotherapy, people diagnosed with anorexia, and others.
Is Delta-9 THC Safe for Consumption?
In general, delta-9 THC is safe to use, but you must be aware of its potential risks and adverse effects on the body.
Delta-9 THC may trigger your brain to produce high amounts of dopamine, a neurotransmitter known for its feel-good sensation. This is why feeling the substance’s high is so pleasant to most delta-9 THC users.
Nevertheless, this release of dopamine may carry potential risks. According to experts, approximately 30% of cannabis users develop an addiction—cannabis use disorder. Additionally, developing withdrawal syndrome is possible for those who want to stop using it.
Is Delta-9 THC Legal?
Delta-9 THC use across the United States is spotty. Products containing delta-9 THC are illegal in some states while allowed in others depending on their purpose. As a precaution before purchasing THC-containing products from a dispensary, it’s best to check your state’s regulations to avoid legal consequences. The legality of such products is constantly in flux.
What to Look for When Choosing a Delta-9 THC Product
Keep in mind that the FDA doesn’t regulate the selling of products containing delta-9 THC products in the market. Therefore, it’s crucial to do your research first, especially when it comes to vendors, before purchasing a product.
When purchasing a THC product, it’s in your best interest to buy from reputable companies. It’s always safer to purchase products from a manufacturer tested by a third-party laboratory. You may check whether they’re lab-tested on the manufacturer’s website.
If you’re buying a local grower, their products might not be lab-tested. But that doesn’t mean their delta-9 THC is harmful. You can determine the quality of a product by:
- Asking companies how they grow their products
- Asking companies which among their products you should choose to meet your desired effects (e.g., sleep, productivity, and relaxation)
- Asking customers for their reviews about a particular brand; and so on
If this is your first time using cannabis, it’s best to start at low doses. Thus, go for products containing a low amount of THC, around 1-2 milligrams. Then, you may increase your dosage little by little once you get used to it.
Conclusion
Delta-9 THC is a form of THC most commonly found in cannabis products. It’s a compound known for its intoxicating effects and ability to address health conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and more.
As always, it’s important to be more cautious when purchasing cannabis products. Only buy from reputable companies and avoid consuming too much to reduce the risk of negative side effects. Lastly, consult a medical professional before buying or consuming delta-9 THC products for recreational or medicinal purposes.
John DiBella is a medical marijuana advocate, owner of The Sanctuary Wellness Institute, and a writer. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping and sailing.