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In a market filled with hemp-derived goodies, including psychoactive THC isomers like Delta-8 and Delta-10, not much is surprising anymore. Hemp-derived Delta-9-THC products are starting to make their rounds in the form of gummies, candies, and baked goods, but one hemp Delta-9 dosing style is a bit more elusive–Hemp-Derived Delta-9-THC Flower.
Hemp Delta-9 flower, much like traditional marijuana flower, is the raw form of hemp, laden with legal amounts of Delta-9-THC. But what does that mean? Is it a real thing? And will it induce the potent psychoactivity that’s associated with traditional cannabis products.
Unfortunately, it’s all smoke and mirrors. Hemp-derived Delta-9 flower is a real thing, but it’s not a viable way to enjoy THC’s psychoactivity. Here’s why:
Typically, Delta-9 flower refers to traditional marijuana flower, which contains large amounts of Delta-9-THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. However, hemp-derived Delta-9 flower is something totally different because it is subject to federal hemp laws, which limit the amount of Delta-9 that a product can contain.
Many companies tout legal Delta 9 flower and claim to have the strongest Delta-9 flower on the market, but what's the truth? Hemp flower simply cannot contain large amounts of Delta-9. Here's why:
In order for hemp Delta-9 flower, which is actually just hemp flower, to be sold, it must meet the federal threshold for Delta-9 content in hemp products. That threshold is 0.3% by dry weight, which isn’t very much when we’re talking about cannabis flower.
The buds off of hemp plants are not very dense. For perspective, a gram of hemp flower, which may roll two small joints, can only contain up to 3 milligrams of Delta-9-THC.
If you look at traditional cannabis flower, the numbers are quite different. One strain of marijuana, on average, may contain a Delta-9-THC content of around 15%. That means that a single gram of that flower will contain around 150 milligrams of Delta-9-THC. That’s exponentially more than you’ll get from a gram of hemp flower.
And then you still need to consider combustion. If that flower is smoked, some of the THC content will be lost to the air as it smokes away, while some actually just gets destroyed during combustion, or the actual burning of the flower.
In other words, the likelihood of you actually feeling the effects from a Delta-9-THC hemp flower product is little to none. So, what’s the catch? Why are these products even on the market?
Hemp delta-9 is just hemp flower, rebranded to make it seem new and exciting for unsuspecting consumers. Its not different–it just contains the maximum THC content allowed by federal law, which, as we mentioned, is still only a very small amount of THC.
In other words, the “hemp-derived Delta-9” label is just a marketing trick to help brands sell hemp flower, a CBD product that’s not as in high demand as many of the hemp Delta-9 products today.
But that doesn’t mean that all hemp-derived Delta-9 products are a scam. Quite the contrary–edibles and other products that are more dense by weight can very well contain useful amounts of Delta-9-THC.
Let us explain:
Hemp Delta-9-THc products are legal by federal law as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC by dry weight.
As we just explained, that’s a problem for products that aren’t very dense because they don’t have much dry weight. It’s also a problem for products that are measured in volume or otherwise have no dry weight, like tinctures and beverages. These products cannot take advantage of this dry weight rule.
On the other hand, though, gummies, baked goods, and other edibles are much more dense, and they can therefore contain larger amounts of Delta-9-THC. Take a look at the math:
A 3 gram gummy, which is about the size of an average gummy bear, can contain 0.3% Delta-9-THC by dry weight, or 0.9 grams, which is 9 milligrams. So, with edibles, it’s totally possible to get doses between 10-20 milligrams of THC, which are average doses used for both recreational and medicinal purposes.
The effects of hemp-derived delta-9 (and especially potent hemp delta-9 products, like edibles) can vary depending on the individual and the amount consumed. In small doses, THC may produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Some users report increased creativity and heightened sensory perception.
Large doses may be linked to adverse effects in some cases, like anxiety, paranoia, and impaired coordination. However, because hemp products are generally less potent than traditional marijuana products, these side effects are far less likely to occur.
However, hemp Delta-9-THC flower may not contain enough THC to incite and euphoric effects, instead, most of its effects may come from other hemp cannabinoids, like CBD. While hemp flower is non-psychoactive, it may in fact offer some therapeutic benefits. You can learn more by reading:
The legality of hemp-derived Delta-9-THC varies depending on the jurisdiction, but typically yes, it is legal by federal law. In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, including Delta-9-THC, as long as the concentration of THC is no more than 0.3% by dry weight.
However, some states have their own laws regarding the legality of hemp-derived Delta-9-THC, and some have stricter regulations than the federal government. It is important to check local laws and regulations before using or possessing hemp-derived Delta-9-THC.
While it’s still new, it may be hard to find direct information regarding hemp Delta-9-THC laws in your area, but they often will closely align with Delta-8-THC laws in your state.
While hemp-derived Delta-9 flower may not be a viable option for most consumers looking to reap the psychoactive effects of THC, there are other options. Here are some legal hemp THC products that may give you what you're looking for, without the tricks and gimmicks:
So, hemp-derived Delta-9-THC flower is a real thing, but it’s subject to laws that make it incredibly impotent. If you’re looking to reap the benefits of non-psychoactive hemp flower, it’s fair game. If you’re seeking psychoactive effects from legal hemp products, you’re better off looking for a hemp Delta-9-THC edible or exploring the realm of THC alternatives, like Delta-8 or Delta-10.
Check out our Cloud9 hemp THC collection to see our federally legal THC edibles. The entire Vida Optima catalog is made from 100% legal, organically farmed hemp and is third-party tested for label accuracy.
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