A dynamic scene of hemp-derived Delta-9 buds being extracted with CO2 equipment, golden THC oil dripping into a vial, set against a gradient green and amber background.

Is Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC Safe?

Delta-9 THC continues to be the most well-known and divisive of the more than 100 cannabinoids present in hemp and cannabis. Suppose you have questions about the product's safety or are particularly interested in knowing more about Delta-9 THC extracted from hemp. In that case, this article will thoroughly explain all you need to know.

THC is often available in the Delta-9 form. When taken, it may provide a euphoric high and is present in considerable amounts in the cannabis plant. When compared to its relative chemicals, Delta-8 and Delta-10, Delta-9 is capable of creating far greater outcomes. For a variety of reasons, many individuals like the more potent effects of Delta-9. Some report the effects to help them relax, make them feel hungrier, and even boost their creativity.

WHAT IS HEMP-DERIVED DELTA-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is just one of the cannabinoids that may be extracted from the hemp plant; however, Delta-9 is found in very small concentrations. The hemp plant also includes other cannabinoids than Delta-9, including other cannabinoids besides Delta-9. Delta-9 THC from hemp induces a state of pleasure, improves creative endeavors, stimulates hunger, and modifies time perception.

HOW IS DELTA-9 THC EXTRACTED FROM HEMP?

There are several means through which Delta-9 can be extracted from hemp; however, just two of these means are well-known and often used in the cannabis industry. The two methods are Carbon dioxide extraction and ethanol extraction.

Carbon dioxide extraction

This method of extraction, also known as supercritical CO2 extraction, employs supercritical carbon dioxide (gas-liquid state). Delta-9 THC is produced after the carbon dioxide has been passed through the plant material (in this example, the hemp plant). It's crucial to be aware that this approach may be quite costly, needs specialized equipment, and is often used depending on the temperature and pressure. This process produces the purest form of Delta-9 THC; however, it also produces certain impurities in very small quantities.

Ethanol extraction

In this process, ethanol is used as the solvent to extract Delta-9 from the hemp plant. This method is often performed because ethanol is generally non-toxic and safe to employ. However, it has a significant drawback in that it might degrade the quality of the cannabinoids generated, in this instance, Delta-9 THC, and it can be challenging to remove from the finished product.

Both extraction techniques include additional processing and purification of the extracted Delta-9 THC to eliminate impurities and boost its effectiveness.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HEMP-DERIVED DELTA-9 THC?

Multiple factors have led to restrictions on the usage of Delta-9 THC generated from hemp throughout time. The many advantages it provides have led to a widespread acceptance of its usage today. Due to its increased usage in treating a number of medical ailments, Delta-9 THC is often recommended by medical practitioners; nevertheless, it is also taken in conjunction with other drugs. To fully realize the extraordinary potential of Delta-9 THC generated from hemp, further research and studies are anticipated. Among its advantages are a few listed below;

Pain Alleviation (Analgesic effect)

The analgesic effect that Delta-9 THC provides depends on many mechanisms of action. An endocannabinoid system is a group of receptors, proteins, and neurotransmitters in the body and brain. Research suggests that Delta-9 has a close connection with this system. Another research indicated that Delta-9 THC might enhance the expression and activation of the endocannabinoid's anandamide and 2-AG, which are implicated in pain relief and mood enhancement. Additionally, studies have shown that Delta-9 THC is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain and nociceptive pain, two different forms of pain resulting from physical injury and nerve damage, respectively.

Mood Regulation

According to studies, Delta-9 THC from hemp stimulates the CB1 receptors in the brain, altering mood and cognitive performance. Additionally, research on Delta-9 THC has shown promising outcomes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder, all of which have an impact on mood. According to research done on rats, the symptoms of PTSD were less severe, which was shown by how much fewer stress hormones were produced in the brain.

Anti-inflammatory properties

According to a 2010 study published in the journal of Biological Chemistry, Delta-9, THC reduces the number of proinflammatory cytokines produced by LPS-activated microglial cells, including interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and interferon (IFN)beta. When immune cells are activated, these cytokines are secreted in response. Inflammation inevitably decreases as the production of these cytokines is suppressed. Another study on arthritic rats demonstrated the anti-inflammatory capabilities of Delta-9 by showing that the substance decreased the inflammation induced by rheumatoid arthritis.

Appetite Stimulation

There is evidence that Delta-9 THC increases appetite in those with reduced appetite by stimulating the receptors that regulate hunger. When the brain detects hunger, a hormone known as "ghrelin" sends a signal to the brain. Studies have revealed that Delta-9 raises the amount of the ghrelin hormone to promote appetite stimulation. Additionally, there are reports that Delta-9 activates the hypothalamus area of the central nervous system (the brain) to enhance food intake.

IS HEMP-DERIVED DELTA-9 THC SAFE?

There aren't many adverse effects associated with using Delta-9 THC extracted from hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill does not require the producers that produce Delta-9 THC to go through safety requirements, which raises serious concerns about its safety. As a result, some products may have dangerous substances that are not intended to be present. As a result, it's crucial to be on the lookout for any cutting agents, pesticides, glycerin, and other substances that are often used to manufacture Delta-9 THC synthetically. However, they are suitable for consumption if they don't have all these components.

The Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the document you should pay the most attention to since it not only provides information on the ingredients and potency of the product but also provide proof and evidence that the product has passed through several common safety checks.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HEMP-DERIVED DELTA-9 THC?

The quantity and quality of the material consumed are two factors that influence the side effects of Delta-9 THC derived from hemp. Some of the adverse effects could last longer, while others might just be momentary. Although there have been instances of cannabis-related fatalities, it's crucial to be aware that abusing this drug may lead to several issues.

The majority of negative outcomes associated with using Delta-9 THC derived from hemp are;

  • Dizziness
  • Psychosis
  • Rise in anxiety
  • Grogginess
  • Feeling of disorientation
  • Red eyes and a dry mouth

These are just a few typical adverse effects that may be experienced. None of them is life-threatening, and they all typically go away quickly. Some of these negative effects may be prevented if the drug is used responsibly. Make careful to determine your tolerance limits. Make an appointment with your doctor or another recommended healthcare provider for consultations if you wish to use Delta-9 THC for medicinal reasons.

A scientist in a white lab coat examines a lush hemp plant with a magnifying glass, surrounded by lab equipment and hemp leaves under bright clinical lighting.

DOES HEMP-DERIVED DELTA-9 GET YOU HIGH?

The product will get you high since Delta-9 THC has a psychoactive effect. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes before you start experiencing a "high,". This also relies on the dosing schedule and your tolerance range. It's crucial that you don't take more than necessary since doing so might lead to complications. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released a report on how Delta-9 produces a high; the report claimed that the drug directly activates brain cells, which results in the release of dopamine and other feel-good chemicals like anandamide.

HEMP-DERIVED DELTA-9 vs 'REGULAR THC'

There is not much difference between the Hemp-derived and the Regular THC; the major difference is the amount of THC they both contain. The hemp-derived Delta-9 contains less THC (less than 0.3% THC), while the marijuana-derived contains a high amount of THC (greater than 0.3% THC); this concentration in both plants contributes to their legal standing. It's important to know that Hemp and Marijuana are the same species of cannabis plant, and this plant contains other cannabinoids other than Delta-9 THC.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Will hemp Delta-9 show up on a drug test? 

The Delta-9 extracted from hemp contains THC; thus, it will undoubtedly be detected by a drug test. Drug testing uses two techniques: immunoassay and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy testing. Both drug testing techniques look for even the tiniest amount of THC in the body. The immunoassay testing procedure comprised checking for THC in the patient's blood, urine, or saliva.

However, urine testing is the most common method. Therefore, you should consider another option if you are concerned about testing positive every time you consume Delta-9 THC. CBD products and Delta-9 products may not be the best option for you.

How long does Delta-9 THC stay in your system after consumption?

The amount of time Delta-9 THC stays in your body depends on its half-life. A substance's "half-life" is the amount of time it takes for its THC content to drop to half what it initially was. For instance, the time it takes for 10 mg of THC to be reduced to 5 mg is the half-life (half of the initial concentration). Additionally, the frequency of use affects the half-life of Delta-9 more significantly.

If you use THC occasionally, it won't likely remain in your system for very long. However, if you use it often, the substance will take longer to break down into metabolites. For this reason, regular THC users will test higher on drug tests than those using it for the first time.

Is Delta-9 THC a loophole in the farm bill? 

The 2018 Farm Bill was introduced to limit the euphoric effects cannabis has. The law states that any cannabis product shall have no more than 0.3% THC since it has been shown that products with higher THC levels would provide more pleasurable effects. According to the Farm Bill, products made from hemp may only include 0.3% Delta-9 THC "on a dry weight basis."

This means that as long as the THC concentration of any cannabis product does not exceed 0.3% of the product's total weight, the product is deemed lawful. However, this legislation has a breach, and this loophole enables producers to produce edible items like brownies, cookies, and gummies that contain high amounts of Delta-9 THC.

Let's imagine, for instance, that you had a 5-gram gummy (5,000 milligrams). As a result, the gummy may legally contain up to 15 milligrams of Delta-9 THC extracted from hemp. Almost everyone would experience psychoactive effects from it, without a doubt.

What's the difference between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived Delta-9 THC?

The legal status is the major difference between hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and marijuana-derived Delta-9 THC. The hemp-derived is legal, while marijuana-derived is illegal because of the total Delta-9 THC content in Marijuana and Hemp. According to the law, which is the Farm Bill passed in 2018, it stated that a cannabis product could only be illegal if the product contains more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. The hemp-derived Delta-9 contains less than 0.3% THC, while Marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC, which makes it illegal.

Is Delta-9 Good for Sleep?

The Sleep Foundation performed a study that found that 70% of cannabis users get better sleep. According to other research, Delta-9 THC has a biphasic impact on sleep via activating the CB1 receptor in the brain. THC shortens the time it takes for sleep to start at higher dosages, making it easier for users to fall asleep. Additionally, taking THC in large quantities shortens the time spent in the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep phase, which extends the time spent sleeping.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Conclusively, studies on Delta-9 THC from hemp have shown that it could be beneficial for lowering inflammation, discomfort, and anxiety. Additionally, it could aid with stress reduction and better sleep quality. Delta-9 THC produced from hemp also seems safe and well-tolerated, with minimal negative effects documented. While further investigation is required to properly comprehend the possible health advantages of Delta-9 THC generated from hemp, this cannabinoid seems promising for enhancing people's health. However, it's crucial to remember that Delta-9 THC generated from hemp should only be taken with a doctor's approval.

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