Have you ever tried Delta 9 THC? No? Well, most probably you have, but you are unaware of it. Let us make it simple, have you ever tried Marijuana? If yes, you have already tied Delta 9 THC. It is the psychoactive element present in Marijuana.
This article will learn more about Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC products.
What is Delta 9 THC?
You might have heard about many cannabinoids, such as CBD, Delta 8 THC, etc. But these cannabinoids come from Hemp plants. Delta 9 THC, popularly referred to only as THC, comes from Marijuana. It is known to give Marijuana its psychoactive effects.
The root plant of both Hemp and Marijuana is the Cannabis Sativa plant. It contains more than 500 different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oil, of which THC is a cannabinoid. It is not the most recognized or vital cannabinoid but one of the significant cannabinoids.
THC: One of the Oldest Known Cannabis Compound
While Marijuana has recently become pop culture, it has been there for thousands of years. You can trace one of the earliest uses of Cannabis from China. There, manufacturers used Cannabis for textiles, food, and medicines.
Eventually, hemp reached Europe and then the Americas. On the journey, the use of Cannabis widened from ritual to recreational purposes. The initial use of Cannabis in the United States began in the 1600s. However, at that time, the primary purpose of hemp cultivation was the production of textiles. Slowly, people started using it for medical purposes. Its recreational use began during the 1930s and 1940s.
With growing recreational use, many people began anti-drug campaigns to curb the use of Cannabis. Many states also banned Marijuana. Around this time, a movie named ‘Reefer Madness’ came out. It portrayed Marijuana as an addictive and dangerous drug that results in violence, suicide, and psychosis.
Then in 1970, the Controlled Substance act came to be enforced. The law established Marijuana as a part of schedule 1 drugs with high potential for abuse. It made Marijuana an illegal substance at the federal level.
While the federal law still recognizes Marijuana as a schedule 1 drug, several states have removed prohibitions. You can purchase Delta 9 THC products in such states without legal issues. So, before buying it in a state, make sure that the state allows the recreational use of Delta 9 THC.
The Presence and Extraction of Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC is present in abundance in female and male Cannabis plants. The properties of Delta 9 THC are different when it is in raw form. After drying, extracting, and removing the acid, the compound gets its psychoactive properties.
Raphael Mechoulam, the Father of Cannabis, began to study THC during the early 1960s. Since then, researchers have been studying this potent cannabinoid for its recreational and possible health benefits.
Possible Uses of THC
Although THC is widely a recreational drug, we cannot ignore its possible benefits. While the anecdotal use of Marijuana for medical purposes dates back more than thousands of years, the scientific back-ups are comparatively new.
Some of the conditions in which THC might help are:
- Anxiety
- Glaucoma
- Depression
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Inflammation
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Insomnia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle spasticity
- Migraines
- Opioid use disorder
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Poor appetite
- Pain
- Symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
So, these are some of the conditions where THC might help. But the question is how it could help you?
Woking of Delta 9 THC
The active component of any Delta 9 THC product is THC in it. That happens because of the interaction between THC and the endocannabinoid system. It boosts the secretion of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of euphoria.
The cannabinoid receptor of the endocannabinoid system is present in almost all parts of the body and brain. Thus, THC might work on a wide range of conditions. A significant issue with THC is its potential to change ECS working after continuous consumption. It might lead to addiction, mental health issues, and memory issues.
Delta 9 THC Vs. Delta 8 THC Vs. CBD
While surfing the internet for Cannabis, you might have come across these three components, Delta 9 THC ( or only THC ), Delta 8 THC, and CBD. While most people think they are the same, there are significant differences and some similarities between the three.
The following table summarizes the primary difference and similarities between these three cannabinoids.
| CBD | Delta 8 THC | Delta 9 THC | |
| Chemical Formula (similarity) | C21H30O2 | C21H30O2 | C21H30O2 |
| Molecular Weight (similarity) | 314.46 g/mol | 314.46 g/mol | 314.46 g/mol |
| Chemical Structure ( different) | Contains hydroxyl Group | Contains a cyclic ring with a double bond on the left side | Contains a cyclic ring with a double bond on the right side |
| Possible Medical Benefits | Antiemetic Antidepressant Antipsychotic Anti-inflammatory Anticancer | Analgesic Antiemetic Anti-inflammatory Appetite stimulant Treat asthma | Anticancer Antiemetic Anxiolytic Neuroprotective Appetite stimulant |
| Psychoactive effects | No | Yes, but mild | Yes |
Risk and Side Effects of Delta 9 THC
Consuming a Delta 9 THC product might make you high, but it also carries short-term and long-term risks and side effects. Some short-term effects include the inability to drive or lack of motor coordination, disturbed memory, and altered judgment.
These effects are usually seen in low consumption levels; the higher dosage can cause psychosis and paranoia. Consuming Cannabis in high amounts leads to altered brain development, particularly among adolescents. If the consumption continues for a long time, it could also lead to chronic schizophrenia and psychosis disorders.
People who consume medical Cannabis might also face specific side effects. They are:
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting (usually mild, sometimes severe)
- Dizziness
- Lung infections (if vaped)
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
So, if you are consuming Delta 9 THC, you should be ready to face these side effects.
Conclusion
The official site of the CDC mentions Marijuana as the most commonly used illegal drug (federally), with 18% or 48.2 million Americans consuming it at least once in 2019. The popularity of Marijuana is growing as the state laws are becoming lenient. In the upcoming time, you might find people using Marijuana more for medical purposes than recreational use.
