When discussing the subject of cannabis or hemp 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. To complicate the matter providers, such as The Hemp Doctor, cannot legally make any specific health claims. Similar to the natural health product industry regulations, providers must comply with these best practices. The regulations ensure only facts and not anecdotal information is being shared with the public. Together, we take a closer look at hemp-derived Delta 9 THC and explore more about its effects in this article below.

What You Should Know About Delta 9 THC

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. These chemical compounds include a combination of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Each cultivar has a different variety and potency of these substances, making every plant unique. It’s this mix of compounds which 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. It’s also thought to have several therapeutic benefits, based on previous studies. 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.

Learn more about the other THC analogs available today.

How D9 Works in the Body

Let’s take a quick look back at D9’s history. It was first discovered by Raphael Mechoulam, professor and organic scientist, in 1964. Then, scientists including Lumír Hanuš, William Devane and Allyn Howlett discovered a network of receptors located in the human body, called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This is the mechanism which produces the therapeutic effects of D9 and other compounds. It creates chemical signals which help regulate biological functions like stress response, inflammation, memory, appetite and more.

In addition to the ECS system, there’s another natural phenomenon which can influence the effects of cannabis. This is something called the entourage effect. It can occur when certain substances are consumed together, creating different effects compared to compounds which are isolated. These types of products are referred to as full and broad spectrum. Full spectrum products will contain all the available compounds of the plant, including some THC. These products 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. Depending on the format the psychoactive effects could last anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours. If you use inhaled products like dried-flower and vapes the onset time is very quick and will only last 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 trying new products, start with a low dose before increasing the potency.

The following are some of the therapeutic benefits of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC:

• 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)

D9 Legal Status

Are hemp-derived D9 products legal in the US? At this time, 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. Meaning, that it depends on what state you are in. Any products made with D9 sourced from cannabis, with more than 0.3% are still illegal. Compliant retailers 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 9 THC prevented scientists from studying the effects of cannabis. No access equals no research. As countries continue to legalize and regulate its use, more studies will begin to take place. The medical community needs the opportunity to research the clinical potential of the plant, determine the long-term effects of consumption and so on. Not only that, but these studies need to be accepted by the regulatory agencies. Governments need to create a framework that allows a deeper conversation between providers and the public. Otherwise, the research won’t matter.

The effects of delta 9 THC can be classified into different categories. As mentioned, there are physiological effects and there are also therapeutic benefits. Understanding all the factors will ensure your experience is both desirable and safe. Hemp is well tolerated by most consumers and can offer a variety of wellness benefits when used responsibly. The information above is intended to educate consumers.

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 on the market today, from our new Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC Full Spectrum Gummies to every other formulation we carry. Browse our complete line of hemp-derived products here.

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