Without beating around the bush, Delta-9 is the real deal. It’s the dominant natural compound in the weed plant cultivated for higher THC levels. Its full name is Delta-9 THC, and it serves as a high-inducing substance in buds, edibles, and other products.
The only reason you may see it sold separately is because of a legal loophole. If D-9 comes from hemp and stays under 0.3% by dry weight, it’s technically legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. But functionally, Delta-9 is real weed. It has the same effects, and you get high the same way after smoking D-9 flower.
It’s all about the source
The source of D-9 makes it legal or illegal. For most products circulated throughout the US, this boils down to hemp-derived and marijuana-derived Delta-9. The main difference between the two is that hemp-derived cannabis is legal pretty much everywhere, while D-9 obtained from the marijuana plant is only allowed where recreational weed is allowed.
While marijuana plants are quite demanding when it comes to growing conditions and require specific climates, lighting, and humidity, hemp is much easier to grow. It can be cultivated almost everywhere where the environment is suitable for farming. That’s why it shouldn’t be challenging to find products that have been infused with hemp-sourced Delta-9 or flowers grown as hemp in your state.
So, is Delta 9 real weed legal?
The legality of Delta-9 weed is state-dependent. The Farm Bill has brought many positive changes to the cannabis landscape, but it has also caused discrepancies within state laws. Consumers should do their own research to verify whether D-9 THC products can be purchased and used in their state because not all states have crossed out this cannabinoid on their banned substances lists.
Here’s what you should know when carrying out your research:
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Hemp products are federally legal in the US. This also applies to hemp-obtained cannabinoids like Delta-9.
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You should always focus on hemp-sourced D-9 in your weed choices. Otherwise, it may be illegal.
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No matter the source, any product shouldn’t exceed 0.3% Delta-9 THC in its cannabinoid profile if you are not into recreational sessions.
With that in mind, your research should involve checking local regulations, restrictions, and concentrations of cannabinoids in your weed. All cannabis stores are obliged to disclose complete D-9 information on sourcing and levels. If you ever find yourself at a store that remains tight-lipped about its weed and cannabinoids, it’s not the best place to purchase from.
Delta-9: Is it real weed in any form?
While D-9 molecules found in hemp and marijuana are identical in their structure, there are some differences in:
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Safety. Hemp absorbs various substances from soil and air. They can be nice and good, or they can be heavy metals and pesticides. Thus, it’s important to get your hemp products from reliable providers who can ensure proper growing conditions and testing of the final D-9 product.
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Concentration. The hemp plant produces less resin than marijuana. Why would you care? Resin means cannabinoids. Thus, there is less Delta-9 in one hemp plant than in one marijuana plant cultivated to obtain weed. It’s not usually a problem as commercial hemp producers grow it in massive amounts to сope with the demand, but keep this in mind if you are looking for potency and high associated with weed.
A higher concentration makes Delta-9 real weed in any form. You’re investing in nothing but weed if a product is loaded with more than 0.3% D-9.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not only flowering parts that can come with over 0.3% D-9. There’s no denying that weed buds are the legendary consumption method, but you can also get your hands on high Delta-9 levels in:
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Snacks, sweets, and other edibles and beverages
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Concentrates and oils often marketed for painkilling effects
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Vape carts pre-filled with pure D-9 extracts
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Pre-rolls and other relaxation-inspired products
These can be great alternatives to diversify your sessions or introduce new delightful moments. But if you have your eyes set on weed flowers, you can shop for Delta-9 flowers with confidence.
Is real weed Delta-9 only?
The weed you usually consume has a varied cannabinoid profile. Delta-9 THC is the dominant substance in it and that secret ingredient that gives you giggles and mood enhancement. It is a cannabinoid that recreational users seek and should be aware of before purchasing.
However, real weed is not only limited to D-9. Cannabis is known to have a profusion of cannabinoids that have various effects and pharmacological activity when they make it into the human body. According to numerous studies, most weed strains contain the following compounds on top of Delta-9:
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Cannabidiol (CBD)
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Cannabichromene (CBC)
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Cannabinol (CBN)
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Cannabigerol (CBG)
Chances are, you have heard of CBD before. This cannabinoid comes in plentiful amounts in weed flowers and makes the typical comparison point when choosing D-9 THC buds. Cultivars may have more CBD or more D-9, depending on what they are cultivated for.
The key difference between D-9 and other compounds found in your weed is how psychoactive they are. You already know that D-9 can make you high after smoking your weed, but other “C-Level” cannabinoids won’t make you elated. They are non-psychoactive and are used for reasons unrelated to euphoric sessions. Yet, they can complement the mind-altering properties of D-9 and make your experience more pleasurable.
Key takeaway
Delta-9 is real weed and should not be viewed as something marijuana retailers utilize to trim their costs by lowering the quality of the final product. It’s the same THC that gets you high, whether it comes from hemp or marijuana. The only difference can be linked to legal technicalities.
D-9 has been around for thousands of years and is perfect for everything from receiving herbal remedies to chilling out. And it’s not going anywhere. There are a lot of legal ways to grow Delta-rich flowers and infuse products with D-9 and other cannabinoids.
No matter how you consume it, Delta-9 is the heart of what makes weed, well, weed.
