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What Is Delta-9

Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — By Sian Ferguson on October 6, 2022Share on PinterestJuan Moyano/Stocksy UnitedCannabis and hemp plants consist of dozens of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemicals that affect the body in various ways. Two well-known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A few different forms of THC are in cannabis plants. The most abundant form of THC is delta-9. When people refer to the effects of THC, they’re usually talking about delta-9. Other forms of THC, such as delta-8 and delta-10, have similar chemical structures to delta-9, but their effects are usually different.

What s the short answer

The chemical formula of delta-9 is C₂₁H₃₀O₂. This is the same as delta-8, except that one of the carbon-carbon double bonds is in a different position. The majority of research on THC specifically looks at delta-9, so it’s the most well-studied and well-known form of THC.

How does delta-9 affect the body

THC is the cannabinoid responsible for making people experience an intoxicating effect when they consume cannabis. The most abundant form of THC is delta-9, which has an intoxicating effect. In other words, delta-9 is what makes you feel high. After consuming cannabis, you might experience the following positive short-term effects: altered perception of time and eventsgiddinessincreased focus relaxation However, THC can also have some side effects, including:anxietydifficulty thinking and speakingdry mouthincreased appetitememory lossrapid heart ratered eyesslowed reaction times Like CBD, people have associated delta-9 THC with a number of potential medical benefits.

Is delta-9 safe to use

Most people can tolerate delta-9 THC well, but it’s important to be aware of the risks and potential side effects. THC triggers your brain to release large amounts of dopamine, a “feel good” chemical. This is why being high feels so pleasant to many people. But this dopamine release comes with a risk. As many as 30% of people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder. It’s possible to experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms if you go from using cannabis regularly to stopping use.

Are there potential benefits to using delta-9

Yes — delta-9 THC has been associated with a wide range of potential medical benefits. According to 2021 research, THC might be able to treat:anxietyglaucomainsomnialow appetitemuscle spasticityobstructive sleep apneanauseapain The Food and Drug Administration approved some medications containing THC to treat medical conditions. For example, experts use a synthetic form of delta-9 THC to create dronabinol (Marinol), which they use to stimulate appetite in people with HIV, people undergoing chemotherapy, and people with anorexia.

Are side effects possible when using delta-9

Yes. THC, including delta-9 THC, can have side effects. Many of the common side effects of THC are temporary. These side effects can include: anxietydry mouth increased appetite and heart ratememory lossred eyesslowed reaction times Lastly, although there have been no recorded deaths from cannabis overdosing, it’s definitely possible to overdo it and misuse cannabis. Using too much cannabis might make you feel anxious, confused, or dizzy. To avoid an unpleasant experience, pace yourself. In rarer cases, high dosages of cannabis can also cause:hallucinationsparanoia and panic attacksnausea and vomiting Usually, negative experiences with cannabis go away as you come down from the high. If you’re experiencing a bad high, try to relax and hydrate. Remember that the effects are temporary. If possible, consider discussing THC with a doctor or another healthcare professional before trying it for yourself, especially if you’re hoping to use it to treat a medical condition. Look for a knowledgeable cannabis-friendly doctor.

Does delta-9 use carry risks

Beyond the above-mentioned side effects, there are some risks of delta-9. If you consume cannabis by smoking, remember that smoking anything — including cannabis — can affect your lungs and throat. Some 2018 research suggested that smoking cannabis can cause bronchitis, and it might increase your chances of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Early cannabis use might also affect brain development. Some research from 2014 suggested that cannabis can affect your brain development if you use it in adolescence. Researchers found that people who started using cannabis in their teens were more likely to experience memory and learning difficulties, but it’s unclear whether these effects are permanent.

Is delta-9 legal

Delta-9 THC isn’t federally legal in the United States. However, each state has its own laws. In some states, cannabis and cannabis derivatives like delta-9 THC are only legal for medical use, while in others, it’s legal for recreational use. Cannabis laws are constantly changing. You can find out about your state’s current cannabis laws by looking at Norml’s helpful map.

What should you look for when selecting a product

The FDA does not regulate delta-9 THC products. It’s important to research a company or vendor before purchasing their products. When it comes to buying THC products, it’s best to purchase from reputable companies. It’s safer to buy products tested by a third-party lab. You should be able to read these lab reports on the company’s website. Of course, if you’re purchasing cannabis from a local grower, they might not be able to have their products lab-tested. This doesn’t necessarily mean that their cannabis is bad. You can ascertain quality by:inquiring how their products are grownasking them which product to choose for your desired effects (e.g. relaxation, productivity, sleep)talking with their other customers — getting a recommendation is always a good idea If you’re not used to using cannabis, it’s safer to start with a low dosage. Because of this, it’s best to go with a product that is not very high in THC. Usually, 1 to 2 milligrams is a good starting point. You can gradually increase your dosage if needed. If you have a lung condition, or if smoking irritates your chest and throat, it might be best to avoid smoking cannabis and instead opt for THC-infused edibles or tinctures. Bear in mind that cannabis edibles take longer to kick in than smoked cannabis.

Frequently asked questions

Is delta-9 the same as THC or CBD

Delta-9 is a form of THC. It’s not the same as CBD. While delta-9 is intoxicating, CBD is not.

What s the difference between delta-9 and delta-8

Chemically, delta-9 and delta-8 are very similar. They share a chemical formula, which is C₂₁H₃₀O₂. The difference between delta-8 and delta-9 is that one of the carbon-carbon double bonds is in a different location. In terms of bodily effects, both delta-9 and delta-8 are intoxicating. However, delta-8 seems to be less potent than delta-9, according to anecdotal accounts. Some people claim that they have fewer side effects with delta-8 compared with delta-9, according to this 2022 study. Experts need more research to determine the exact differences between the effects of delta-9 and the effects of delta-8.

Is delta-9 safe

You can safely consume delta-9. But it has some potential risks and side effects. Common short-term side effects of delta-9 THC include:anxietydry mouth increased appetite and heart ratememory lossred eyesslowed reaction times Rarer short-term effects of cannabis can include:hallucinationsparanoia and panic attacksnausea and vomiting If you smoke delta-9 THC — that is, if you smoke cannabis — it can irritate your respiratory system. Smoking cannabis has been linked to bronchitis and COPD. If you want to use delta-9 THC products for medical reasons, it’s best to speak with a cannabis-friendly clinician before using it yourself.

Is delta-9 legal

In the U.S., delta-9 THC products are legal in some states and illegal in others. In some states, cannabis is legal for medical purposes, and in others, it’s legal for recreational purposes. Take a look at Norml’s map of cannabis laws to learn more about your state’s policies on cannabis use.

Can delta-9 get you high

Yes! In fact, delta-9 is the most abundant form of THC in cannabis plants. THC is the chemical that makes cannabis intoxicating.

The bottom line

Delta-9 THC is the most common and well-studied form of THC. It’s an intoxicating chemical that people can use for medical purposes. As always, it’s important to exercise caution when using cannabis products. Only buy cannabis from reputable vendors, and avoid taking too much at once. Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information. Last medically reviewed on October 6, 2022

How we vetted this article

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fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thcCannabis (marijuana) DrugFacts. (2019).
nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuanaHollister LE, et al. (1972). Delta-8- and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Comparison in man by oral and intravenous administration.
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jto.org/article/S1556-0864(18)30038-8/fulltextKruger DJ, et al. (2021). Consumer experiences with delta-8-THC: Medical use, pharmaceutical substitution, and comparisons with delta-9-THC.
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ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827335/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 6, 2022 By Sian Ferguson Edited By Tess Catlett Medically Reviewed By Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC Copy Edited By Sofia Santamarina Share this articleMedically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — By Sian Ferguson on October 6, 2022

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