With an abundance of hemp-derived goodies and chemical compounds, it’s easy to get lost in these promising happiness formulas. Which one is the best? Will Delta-9 get you high in a more predictable way than other ‘Deltas’ and THC variants? Is it still the most potent intoxicating component extracted from cannabis? 

Join the Venera team to get the answers you need in this blog!

Cannabinoids for every taste

As the industry experts and leading brands assure today, there’s a cannabinoid for everyone. Don’t get them wrong – by no means is this the same cannabinoid. 

There are many things that shape your individual experience and tolerance (both short-term and over time), including different processing and consumption methods. That’s why products and dosages proliferate for therapeutic and recreational users – and it takes time to find your perfect landing spot within all that variety or to ease your way into something you haven’t tried before.

Since you have a unique set of endocannabinoid receptors, the onset of high, its maximum intensity, and the potential effects of Delta-9 and any other THC may vary between uses and users. In other words, what happens to your body after smoking or eating D-9 may be different from what other people may experience with the same product.

When can you get high from Delta-9?

It’s common knowledge that D-9 is a high-inducing substance. A hearty appetite, suppressed emotions, and rapid heart rate are all the effects that strike instantly.

Unless you are taking this major naturally occurring cannabinoid in its raw form (THCA) with no heat involved, Delta-9 THC will give you the kind of high that cannabis users typically seek. This is a blend of relaxing and mood-boosting, euphoric effects. 

Delta-9 is often considered the undisputable champion in:

• Psychoactive strength
• Long-lasting high
• Positive overall experience

That said, its effects aren’t the most intense, given the growing number of contenders for the royal title in the cannabinoid family. The hemp industry is wickedly competitive, poorly regulated, and constantly obsessed with synthesizing a newer, shinier cannabinoid that claims to be more potent than the previous. 

This is much like with any other product these days. However, it’s up to you whether you are willing to buy into the hype and explore trending options or stick to your old favorites.

What’s so good about Delta-9?

According to surveys and consumer reports, there are enough reasons to rely on the tried-and-true Delta-9 to get you high:

• The most consistent effects across users
• The most popular and researched cannabinoid 
• Strictly regulated manufacturing processes
• Extensive lab testing
• Less risk of residual chemicals or contaminants in the product
• Effects similar to smoking weed

So, can Delta-9 get you high in a risk-free, consistent way?

Interestingly, many users mention ‘standard feelings of a high’ (though we’d consider them anything but standard) while attributing these to Delta-9. What they are referring to is most likely a smooth experience, precise dosage options, and the absence of unexpected effects.

All of these – which you are less likely to get with synthetic cannabinoids – are of utmost importance to anyone prioritizing the therapeutic benefits of THC over potency and experimentation. When looking to manage a condition or chronic pain through natural cannabinoid healing properties, you don’t need to get blasted every time you revel in Delta-9. 

Plus, if you are mindful of everything you consume, you want a clear understanding of what’s inside a Delta-9 package. In this case, the products made from organically grown cannabis strains through controlled extraction processes are obviously a better choice.

Natural vs. synthetic hemp-derived compounds 

Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the health risks of cigarettes and alcohol, ditching these in favor of cannabis products proven to be less harmful. The usage of both smokables and non-inhalables currently surpasses that of alcohol, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes. That’s the result of Delta-9 substances being familiar and well-studied so far.

So, why is D-9 deemed ‘the classic cannabinoid’ and continues to rank high on many users’ lists? That’s because it has been around for over a century to become associated with sufficient research and informal evidence on its long-term safety. No matter how stigmatized and vilified for decades, this naturally abundant compound has its own story that is best told through real-life experiences. 

Besides, more communities and lawmakers are getting comfortable with legalizing cannabis. However, the synthetic isomers of naturally sourced Delta-9 don’t have such a credible story – or enough research on the safety of their prolonged use.

Most weed-regulating laws are interpreted as referencing Delta-9 only. With that in mind, finding the chemical methods of isolating similar substances from hemp has been a cunning way to sidestep the regulations. Closely related to THC and quite identical to Delta-9 in getting you high, synthetic cannabinoids still require research to gain a strong foothold in the American cannabis industry. 

Infusing these compounds into over-the-counter products has backfired with:

• Increased use by minors
• Overindulging
• Hospitalizations due to inaccurate dosing or added toxicity

Even though synthetic Delta-9 can get you high in a similar way as the organic compound, it’s better to forego anything made with lab-born ingredients. This also applies to other cannabinoids.

Is Delta-9 better than the rest?

While the legality issues and the differences between formulations are still often debated to make them as controlled as Delta-9, reputable brands choose to hold all their manufacturing processes and products to the highest standards. Regardless of the cannabinoids involved, they test for potency and purity so consumers can count on consistent quality and smooth, balanced effects. 

That’s what should be on your radar when getting your hands on a cannabinoid. The ‘classic’ Delta-9 can be the most natural option – and a good one to start with – but there’s a lot more to explore.

The type of cannabinoid you prefer or want to try next should meet your expectations and specific needs – or help you get to that point by responsible experimentation if you’re a beginner.