Delta-9 (D-9) can be derived from two types of plants: hemp and marijuana. While marijuana is grown for its mood-enhancing properties and coveted by people for fun, hemp is cultivated for seeds and fiber and is used to produce textiles, paper, and more.
For effectiveness, it doesn’t matter where you get your D-9. It’s all the same both in hemp and marijuana.
But does Delta-9 have THC? It’s like asking whether water has H₂O. Just like water is H₂O, D-9 is a form of tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is present in all Delta-9 products to a greater or lesser extent.
How much THC does Delta-9 have in it?
Tetrahydrocannabinol is represented by various compounds in hemp or marijuana. Of them all, Delta-9 is the richest source of this cannabinoid.
So, is Delta-9 THC? Even though this may seem like logical reasoning, it’s not 100% true. D-9 is a form of THC, which can also come from other compounds in the plant. Pure extracts obtained from marijuana can sometimes have up to 90% of this cannabinoid. These products are the strongest and can be used for vaping or smoking.
Should you hone in on regular marijuana, you would find that its THC content fluctuates between 10-35%. This is an average level for products like flowers.
There are also edibles, which are foods or drinks that contain D-9 THC. This is a completely different format, where the THC content can be high or low, depending on where you get them and whether edible formulas are made with D-9 only or use other cannabinoid sources of tetrahydrocannabinol.
In hemp products, such as seeds or oil, there is almost no THC. Most goods will feature a maximum of 0.3%.
Why does Delta-9 have THC in it?
Cannabis is an internationally cultivated crop that adapts to various ecological systems and soil varieties, making it valuable in agriculture. Agriculture aside, the plant (and the natural ingredients found in the plant) has amazing medical value. It is rich in over 500 medicinal compounds, the most abundant of which is Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Plants churn out D-9 THC to protect themselves from harmful environments and dangers that may surround them in the wild. The cannabinoid we all love serves as the evolutionary strategy of cannabis. It is this compound that helps maintain balance in the ecosystem by influencing the behavior of animals that may interact with the plant and damage it as it grows.
A lot of medicinal properties of cannabis are directly linked to D-9 THC. That’s why this compound is of international interest.
How much THC does Delta-9 have, and what factors can influence THC levels?
The amount of Delta-9 in marijuana or hemp products can vary depending on the following factors.
Plant type
As we’ve mentioned earlier, marijuana and hemp are two distinguishable kinds of cannabis, and they have different levels of THC. Marijuana is generally cultivated for its high THC content, so its buds can contain elevated levels of the cannabinoid (from 15% to 35% or more, depending on the variety).
Hemp is grown for the production of fabrics, oils, cosmetics, and other products without psychoactive effects. It is lower in tetrahydrocannabinol and richer in other cannabinoids.
Growing methods
The conditions under which cannabis (marijuana or hemp) is grown can significantly affect the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol. When growing in soil, you have a good chance of getting organic products and lower cannabinoid levels. Whether you prefer all-natural stuff or want to increase the price of your buds by labeling them as organic, you need to use organic nutrients that only the natural soil method allows for.
That said, the plants grow faster using the hydroponic method. As their roots are constantly dipped in the water, they get more oxygen, which ensures almost non-stop growth. Thus, using hydro for your cannabis might let you fit more growing cycles in one year and get higher cannabinoid concentrations.
Harvest time
Harvesting has a lot to do with cannabinoid levels. If you do it too early, the plant will simply lack time to produce the higher amount of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. That’s why you should focus on the white hairs of the plant. If around 60% of them turn brown or amber, it’s still too early. But when you see 90% of the hairs to be amber, it’s the best time for harvesting and the best opportunity to get the highest level of cannabinoids.
FIM trimming
The FIM pruning technique involves cutting off 70-90% of the marijuana bush top. As a result, you will have 3 to 8 central stems instead of one. The redistribution of growth hormones allows new stems to grow evenly and become as large as the main one.
The FIM method enables you to get several large central cones and expedite growing cycles abundant in Delta-9. The trimming procedure can be done several times.
Processing and extraction
While major factors that affect whether Delta-9 has THC in copious amounts or not are related to growing, post-harvest processes are also essential. Drying and post-processing are directly associated with chemical stability. So, if mistakes are made during these stages, cannabinoids may be purged.
Extraction solvents can concentrate more Delta-9 THC in the end product. This means extracts may be brimming with cannabinoids and offer the most potent experiences.
Storage
Delta-9 THC may lose its chemical stability and degrade into CBN before you even get the chance to infuse your products. The cannabinoid becomes less potent and psychoactive in cases when the extracts are not stored the right way (e.g. if they are stored in environments with high temperatures or humidity). So, it is essential to store D-9 cannabis, as well as products made with D-9, correctly to save the maximum THC levels.
Rules and laws
Depending on where you are, manufacturers may not be allowed to produce cannabis products with Delta-9 that have THC in abundance. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the most regulated cannabinoid, and its higher concentrations are banned in many US states. So, if you want to try something potent, you will need to buy D-9 products in a marijuana-friendly state.
