The Effects of Delta 9 THC

ByCourtney Shade
The Effects of Delta 9 THC
Table of contents
Table of contents

When discussing the subject of hemp and cannabis and its effects, there can be a lot to unpack, so to speak. One aspect of this is the effects cannabis has on the body. The other is the perceived therapeutic benefits consumers might experience. 

Together, we take a closer look at hemp-derived Delta 9 THC and explore more about its effects in this article below.

  • Delta 9 effects can be categorized as psychoactive and beneficial. However, the compound can also produce side effects when consumed in large doses. 
  • The human endocannabinoid system harnesses the powers of Delta 9 THC to elicit its benefits. 
  • Product forms influence the onset and lasting effects of Delta 9, with vapes and flowers having the fastest onset period.

What You Should Know About Delta 9 THC

Cannabis and hemp are species of plant called Cannabaceae. Hemp and cannabis plants produce flowers (also called buds) and seeds containing several beneficial compounds for recreational and medicinal purposes. 

These chemical compounds include a combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Each cultivar has a different variety and potency of these substances, making every hemp and cannabis plant unique. It’s this mix of compounds that influences the effects a certain cultivar may have.

Among the 540 substances produced from cannabis, cannabinoids such as delta 9 THC, or D9, and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most well-known. 

D9 is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for producing the euphoric experience consumers might have. Based on previous studies, it’s also thought to have several benefits. 

The D9 sourced from hemp flower typically has a low potency, with a maximum of 0.3% THC by law. Products made with D9 sourced from cannabis will contain a much higher potency. However, this type of product isn’t currently regulated for sale in the US.

📜 Dig Deeper
Curious about some of Delta 9’s benefits and the types of THC available? Learn more about the other THC analogs available today.

Delta 9 Effects: How D9 Works in the Body

So, what are the effects of Delta 9 THC, specifically in the body? To begin exploring D9’s effects, let’s take a quick look at D9’s history.

Delta 9 was first discovered by Raphael Mechoulam in 1964. Then, scientists Lumír Hanuš, William Devane, and Allyn Howlett discovered a network of receptors located in the human body—the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). 

The ECS is the mechanism that produces the therapeutic effects of D9 and other compounds. It creates chemical signals that help regulate biological functions like stress response, inflammation, memory, appetite, and more. 

In addition to the ECS system, another natural phenomenon can influence the effects of cannabis. This is called the entourage effect. It occurs when certain substances are consumed together, creating different effects than isolates. 

These types of products are referred to as full- and broad-spectrum. Full-spectrum products contain all the plant’s available compounds, including some THC. They are ideal for adult consumers who desire maximum effectiveness. Broad-spectrum products are usually made without THC.

Products made with D9, from either cannabis or hemp, will be intoxicating. The psychoactive effects could last 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the product form. 

If you use inhaled products like dried flowers and vapes, the onset time is quick and lasts only a few hours. For edible products, the onset time can average 30 minutes, with the effects lasting 8 hours or more. 

Any benefits consumers experience are subjective and can be influenced by factors like metabolism and product potency, tolerance, etc. When it comes to D9 THC’s effects, every cannabis user’s experience will be different. Start with a low dose before increasing the potency when trying new products. 

The following are some of the therapeutic benefits of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC you’ll experience:

  • Produces general euphoria
  • Heightens sensory perception (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell)
  • Elevates the mind
  • Invigorates your body
  • Calm and soothing sensation
  • Influences appetite (increase or decrease depending on the cultivar)

Hemp-derived Delta 9 THC has both short and long-term health effects, including:

  • Impaired mental function (forgetfulness, etc.)
  • Altered time perception
  • Produces dry mouth (or cottonmouth) and red-eye
  • Excessive sleepiness or couch lock
  • Increased feelings of paranoia for some
  • Can cause dizziness
  • Risk of lung disease (if using inhaled products) 

“Cannabis and hemp are species of plant called Cannabaceae. They produce flowers (also called buds) and seeds containing several beneficial compounds used for recreational and medicinal purposes.”

“
Cannabis and hemp are species of plant called Cannabaceae. They produce flowers (also called buds) and seeds which contain several beneficial compounds used for both recreational and medicinal purposes.
 

Are hemp-derived D9 products legal in the US? Currently, hemp products are NOT prohibited by the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp products made with a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC are federally legal. Although the FDA allows the sale of these products, each state does have its own laws regarding THC. 

It depends on your state. Products made with D9 sourced from cannabis, with more than 0.3%, are still illegal. Compliant retailers are fully aware of cannabis laws and will provide a certificate of analysis (COA) for their products. This allows consumers to shop knowing the products they are using are safe. The Hemp Doctor is a provider you can trust! See our third-party lab results.

The past prohibition of delta 8 THC cannabis use under federal law prevented scientists from studying the effects of cannabis. No access equals no research. More studies will begin as countries continue to legalize and regulate its use. 

The medical community needs the opportunity to research the plant’s clinical potential, determine the long-term effects of consumption, and so on. These studies also need to be accepted by regulatory agencies. 

Governments must create a framework for deeper conversations between providers and the public. Otherwise, the research will be meaningless.

Understanding Delta 9 Effects

So, what does Delta 9 feel like? When it comes to Delta 9’s effects, it can be classified into different categories. As mentioned, marijuana use offers physiological effects as well as potential therapeutic benefits. 

Understanding all the factors will ensure your experience is both desirable and safe. Most consumers tolerate hemp well, and when used responsibly, it can offer various wellness benefits. 

Use less to achieve more! When it comes to our products, we at The Hemp Doctor don’t take shortcuts. We supply only the highest quality hemp-based products today, from our new Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC Full Spectrum Gummies to every other formulation we carry. 

Looking for more information on Delta 9 flowers or D9 gummies? The effects of these products and more can offer a spectrum of experiences worth exploring! To learn more about Delta 9 THC’s effects and tap into its potential benefits, browse our complete line of hemp-derived products here.