How Do Delta 9 THC From Marijuana and Delta 9 THC From Hemp Compare

by Martin B. · September 12, 2022

Controversy surrounds Delta 9 THC more so than any plant derivative throughout history since it has been criminalized for decades worldwide. Recently that is slowly dissipating.

The compound is a native element of the cannabis genus, with the cannabinoid found in the two primary species, marijuana, and hemp. However, it is only legal when derived from hemp. Let’s look at the compound more in-depth.

Is Delta 9 The Same In Hemp And Marijuana

Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol or delta 9 THC is a cannabinoid that many people throughout the world incorporated from the marijuana species into their cultures for its purported functional, practical, and therapeutic (unique) properties for centuries. It’s suggested that the compound wasn’t discovered in the hemp species until the 1960s with a hemp plant analysis in Bulgaria.

Cannabis is the genus, while marijuana and hemp are components of that genus. Both of these species contain delta 9 THC in varying quantities helping to determine federal legality for hemp.

The cannabinoid itself is identical in both species, however. If an analyst were to extract the compound from the two plants to do a side-by-side assessment, the molecular structures would have no differences. The characteristics and properties are the same. Find out if that’s true of other variations at https://cfah.org/hhc-vs-delta-8-delta-9-thc/.

What Is Delta 9 THC

The cannabis plant produces roughly 150 cannabinoids in its flower buds, of which delta 9 THC is merely one, but it is a primary one. Cannabinoids deem an exceptionally unique plant component and one that you will only find in cannabis. These function alongside the endocannabinoid system with the body in an effort to maintain a state of balance or homeostasis among the primary systems.

The endocannabinoid system comprises a range of cannabinoid receptors within the primary body systems. Once the receptors and the cannabinoids connect, the regulation process generates the “systemic equilibrium.” The brain’s CB1 receptors are responsible for specific cannabinoid psychoactive responses.

The high of delta 9 THC is favored among users. The cannabinoid is a relatively potent psychoactive with reactions described as “soothing, uplifting with a sense of mellowness and euphoria.” But the indication from clinical studies is that the compound has purported therapeutic properties that are also sought among consumers. Some include:

Appetite assistance
Nausea relief
Assists with discomfort
Helps to regulate sleep pattern
Potential for helping to balance mood

How Abundant Is Delta 9 THC In Each Species

Delta 9 THC exists in both marijuana and hemp in varying quantities. As mentioned, hemp’s abundance or lack thereof allows the plant its federally legal status. There is roughly 0.3% of the cannabinoid in hemp. It needs to remain at that level or below to remain legal for selling products on the market.

Because the amount is essentially a trace amount, there would be no fear of breaking the psychoactive barrier with even a high quantity of the pure plant.

That’s why hemp does not have the capacity for getting someone high regardless of the fact that it contains the cannabinoid. Click to learn if hemp products are a risk “worth taking.”

On the other hand, marijuana has substantially more delta 9 THC than hemp. The indication is in the not-so-distant past; the standard for strains was roughly “between 1-4%.”

That hasn’t changed; however, breeders in today’s marijuana market purposely produce strains averaging as great as 25% of the compound. That’s why many users from long times past will say that today’s strains are much more potent than what they’re accustomed to from their youth.

Is Marijuana-Derived Delta 9 THC Legal

Cannabis laws are rapidly evolving, more so than has been seen – ever. In 1970, hemp and marijuana were each criminalized. Prior to that occurrence, there was taxation of cannabis in 1937, essentially taking the plan off the circuit.

Things started to slowly change in 1996 when California chose to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes, the first state to do so. In the current landscape, there are only 11 states without “fully developed medical marijuana programs.”

These mean legally permitting patients with a qualifying condition to buy the high-potency cannabinoid for medicinal purposes with doctor’s orders.

Recreational delta 9 THC derived from marijuana in percentages above the 0.3% per dry weight remain federally illegal despite some states decriminalizing recreational use in their locations.

Roughly half of the nation’s states have legalized the compound for recreational purposes. It might be wise to indulge in the privacy of your home to remain compliant on a federal level, however.

Photo by RODNAE Productions: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cannabis-buds-and-a-grinder-8139103/

Is Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC Legal

In its natural state, the hemp plant contains such a minimal amount of delta 9 THC that it cannot create a psychoactive response. That was taken into consideration with the 2018 Farm Bill when hemp was deemed fully and federally legal along with derivatives from the plant for which you can find an array of products. See what hififarms suggests here.

The only contingency was that products would not be permitted on the market for sale with more than 0.3% delta 9 THC. The 50 states abide by the Bill regardless of your location in the country; the law applies everywhere.

Final Thought

Delta 9 THC is a “colorful” cannabinoid with a long-standing history as a primary element within the cannabis genus and the cannabinoid responsible for the country’s complicated evolution of laws on hemp and marijuana.

Presently, the long-held stigma is waning with more of a “tip-your-hat” approach to the substance rather than a stern opposition. That’s allowing greater access to hemp-derived delta 9 THC and its many purported benefits.

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Martin B.

Ex-smoker, passionate vaper who loves to tell the world about the life-changing potential of vaping. Co-creator of Ecigclopedia with a background in Business & Finance. Prefers a dessert flavored vape and loves to innovate.