What is Delta 9 THC

By James Smith | November 13, 2023
What is Delta 9 - Discount Vape Pen

What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC, or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the superstar of the cannabis plant. It’s the chemical compound responsible for the “high” or psychoactive effects that people typically associate with marijuana. This compound interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, triggering a range of effects, from euphoria and relaxation to altered perception of time and space.

When you pick or harvest a cannabis plant, it doesn’t contain Delta-9-THC, at least not in significant quantities. Instead, it’s filled with THCa. It’s only when the plant is exposed to heat, like through smoking or vaping – that THCa undergoes a process called decarboxylation. This means a carboxyl group (that “A” in THCa) is removed, transforming it into the familiar Delta-9-THC, which is psychoactive and responsible for the “high.”

Why number 9? Did the founding fathers love soccer? Well Delta-9 has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom (while delta-8 has it on the eighth carbon atom). Delta-9 THC is a cannabinoid naturally occurring in cannabis plants. Cannabis plants include both marijuana and hemp varieties, which are used to extract Delta 9 from.

What are the Benefits of Delta 9?

The positive side effects of Delta 9 can include feeling energized, happiness, more creative, and relaxed. Here’s a list of the potential benefits of Delta-9 THC;

  • Feel the Buzz: If you want to get high and have a good time, delta-9 is your ticket to la-la land. It’s like the ultimate mood elevator.
  • Creativity Unleashed: Many artists and musicians swear by it. Delta-9 can unlock your inner creative genius.
  • Time Warp: Delta-9 can mess with your perception of time. It’s like having your own little time machine.
  • Good Vibes Only: You’ll likely feel pretty darn happy. It’s like having a constant good mood button.
  • Munchies Galore: If you’ve ever wanted to eat everything in your fridge, delta-9 is your partner in crime. It’s like a chef’s kiss for your taste buds.
  • Sleepy Serenity: It can knock you out like a champ. Say goodbye to insomnia with a little help from delta-9.
  • Laughter Therapy: You’ll find everything hilarious. It’s like your sense of humor turned up to 11.
  • Exploration Mode: It’s like an adventure for your mind. You’ll want to explore new ideas, music, and experiences.
  • Anxiety Assassin: For some folks, it’s the anxiety killer. It’s like a calming buddy that tells your worries to take a hike.

But, remember, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Delta-9 can have side effects, particularly when you take too much. Be responsible and know your limits!

Potential side effects of Delta 9

The side effects of Delta 9 can include paranoia, nausea, coordination issues and risk of addiction. Here’s a list of the potential side effects of Delta-9 THC;

  • Coordination Issues: Your motor skills can get a bit wobbly, so be careful if you plan on doing anything that requires precision.
  • Risk of Addiction: Long-term, heavy use can lead to dependency for some folks. So, moderation is key.
  • Nausea and Dizziness: You might feel green and sick. Sit down, chill and take it easy if that happens. Start with a super small dose, and build gradually from there.
  • Paranoia and Anxiety: Some people feel a bit anxious or paranoid after taking a big hit of Delta 9. If that’s you, maybe go easy on it or choose a milder strain.
  • Red Eye: Your eyes might turn as red as a tomato. Don’t worry; it’s just a side effect. Grab some eye drops if you want to keep it on the down-low.
  • Short-Term Memory Loss: THC can play tricks on your memory. You might forget what you were saying mid-sentence. It’s like a mental hiccup.
  • Increased Heart Rate: Your heart might do a little dance, beating faster than usual. Not usually a problem, but if you have heart issues, be mindful.
  • Sleepiness: On the flip side, some folks get really drowsy and couch-locked. It’s a great excuse for a Netflix binge.

What does < 0.3% Delta 9 THC mean?

You may see a label on many Delta 8, Delta 10 and other products saying “Contains < 0.3% Delta 9 THC”. What does this mean? And what is the significance of this statement?

The 0.3% Delta 9 THC is a threshold that’s been chosen to classify and regulate cannabis. This cut-off is used in many legal definitions to differentiate what is classed as marijuana, and what is classed as hemp. Products containing greater than 0.3% delta-9 THC are classified as marijuana. Whilst plants containing less than 0.3% are classified as hemp.

In the U.S. – Federal regulators and legislative bodies have used this threshold to create laws, regulations, and other guidelines. This informs levels for industrial hemp programs, medical cannabis programs, recreational marijuana, and more. The marijuana grown today has high levels – from 10% to 30% – of delta-9 THC, while hemp plants contain 5% to 15% CBD.

Compare Delta 9 with Delta 8, Delta 10 & THCA

Delta 8 Delta 9 Delta 10 THCA
• Milder high than Δ9 • Strongest psychoactive high • Balanced, subtle high • Becomes Δ9 THC when heated
• Improved mood • Most potent THC type • Gentle energizing buzz • Mood boosting
• Creativity boost • Altered sensory perception • Feelings of clarity • Munchie inducing
• Reduced anxiety • Euphoria + relaxation • Social ease • Sleep support
• Relaxation aid • Can trigger paranoia • Reduced anxiety • Settles spasms
• About Δ8 THC • Appetite booster • About Δ10 THC • About THCA

How is Delta 9 taken?

Delta 9 THC can be consumed in a variety of ways. It can be smoked in blunts or joints, vaped in disposable weed pens or oil cartridges, or eaten in edibles and gummies. Check our full Delta 9 range here. Or see which method will suit you best;

Delta 9 Edibles

If you want to spare your lungs the effects of smoking or vaping – Then edibles are for you. Simply pop an edible in your mouth, chew and swallow. Simple! They come in a variety of juicy flavors, and taste absolutely wonderful.

Since edibles will be tested to an extremely accurate strength value – it makes precision dosing simple. But note the effects will take longer to hit you than smoking or vaping Delta 9. So make sure you are patient. It’s easy to get impatient and take too many, especially since gummies taste so good. So be careful and don’t overdo it! Buy Delta 9 Edibles here.

Delta 9 Disposable Weed Pens

Disposable weed pens contain a Delta 9 distillate oil, which you vape. Vaping your delta 9 oil is easier on your lungs than smoking, since no combustion is involved. So rather than inhaling smoke, you’re inhaling vapor. The effects are fast-acting with vaping. Weed pens are available in a whole range of juicy flavors, strains, and device colors and designs. The devices themselves are usually sleek, small and easy to conceal.

Disposable weed pens are extremely convenient. They come pre-filled, charged and ready-to-use. You take a puff whenever you want, and when you run out of oil, you simply buy a replacement. The drawback is that each time you dispose of a used weed pen, a battery is thrown in the trash.

Delta 9 Vape Cartridges

Vape cartridges are tanks that come pre-filled with Delta-9 oil. They have a mouthpiece at one end, and a 510 threaded screw piece at the other end. To vape your cart – Simply screw the cartridge into a 510 cart battery which delivers the power to heat the oil in your cartridge, converting it to vapor which you inhale. The effects of Delta 9 are fast-acting with vaping.

Vaping using a cart battery gives you much more control over the strength, potency, and flavor of your vapor. You can also explore device designs, battery life, and clever features like multi-use cart batteries. As well as pre-filled Delta 9 carts, you can also buy empty vape cartridges and fill them with oil yourself!

Delta 9 PreRolls

If you’re a purist, you might want your Delta-9 THC rolled into a joint or pre-roll blunt. Light it up like Bob Marley used to. Smoking a blunt is one of the oldest and most well-known ways to ingest your Delta-9 THC – Just spark up and inhale!

Smoking can be harsher on your lungs than vaping, and since there is combustion involved, there are many well documented health-risks associated with smoking, too. The smoke will have that sticky-icky smell to it, so it isn’t a discreet or stealthy method. But if you’re with friends, a social puff-puff-pass can be great fun!

 

Related Articles

Enjoyed this journey of discovery all about Delta 9? Well you’re in luck – There’s more! You can explore our other articles in our THC series, below;

 

James Smith - Author at Discount Vape PenWritten by James Smith

James is our Head of Vaping Community. He’s a crucial part of Discount Vape Pen team – he listens to our customers and acts as the voice of the people. James is a proud advocate of CASAA, and is a top online contributor on the Vaporents subreddit – Which is Reddit’s largest flower vaping community.

Away from his keyboard – James will be listening to EDM music or walking his dog, Winnie! Meet all our Discount Vape Pen Authors here.

Posted in About THC, General Questions, Learning Center