What are Hemp Derived Delta-9 Effects Like? (Compared to traditional THC)

by Kat Austin February 28, 2023 7 min read

What are Hemp Derived Delta-9 Effects Like? (Compared to traditional THC) - VO Inc

Hemp-derived Delta-9 is taking the hemp cannabinoid spotlight. That’s right–Delta-9, the same psychoactive compound found in marijuana–is being legally made from hemp, and consumers can’t get enough.

But some skeptical consumers want to know–what are hemp Delta 9 effects like, and are they much different from the effects of traditional Delta-9? Surely the hemp-derived version is less potent, right?

To put it briefly, hemp delta-9 and traditional delta-9 are the same thing, just from different sources. The effects are the same, too, assuming all other factors (like potency and terpenes) line up. 

But that doesn't answer the question, and if you've never used any kind of THC before, you still probably need specifics. So, let's jump into hemp Delta-9 effects and what you can expect from different hemp dosing methods, like flower, gummies, and more. 

Check out our federally legal Hemp-Derived Delta-9-THC Gummies!

Table of Contents
What is Hemp Delta-9?
What are the Effects of Hemp Delta-9?
How Long Do Hemp Delta-9 Effects Take to Kick In?
How Long Do Delta-9 Effects Last?
Where to Buy

Key Takeaways

  • Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is a legal psychoactive cannabinoid that may be accessible across the U.S.
  • Hemp Delta-9 effects are the same as that of traditional Delta-9, meaning they are mostly dose dependent.
  • Because of laws concerning hemp Delta-9 concentration, you may only find it in edible products, which may have stronger effects.

Hemp flower and three different hemp delta-9 edible lollipop flavors

What is Hemp Delta-9?

If you know of Delta-9-THC, you know that it’s the most common form of THC found in psychoactive cannabis strains. But what about delta-9 that’s made from hemp, a type of cannabis that notoriously does not get you high?

The truth is, delta-9 from hemp is exactly the same molecule as the delta-9 that’s naturally found in marijuana. The difference is in how it's made–from hemp. There’s a catch, of course, since hemp, by legal definition, must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC.

This leads many to the conclusion that hemp delta-9 products simply have very mild, maybe even non-existent effects, because they must be particularly impotent. While that is the case for whole hemp material–if you smoke it, you won’t feel any psychoactive effects–that’s not true for a finished hemp-derived Delta-9 product.

Why?

Because hemp products can also contain up to 0.3% Delta-9-THC, so long as it’s originally derived from a hemp source. That may seem miniscule, but let’s do the math:


0.3% of 1 gram is .003 grams, or 3 milligrams

In other words, a 1 gram gummy can contain up to three milligrams of hemp-sourced Delta-9. That’s a good beginners dose. A three gram gummy (the average size of a gummy bear) can contain 9 milligrams of Delta-9, which is a pretty sizable dose for most consumers.

So, it's perfectly possible for hemp-derived Delta-9 products to contain potent doses of THC–enough to produce some significant psychoactive effects–but are the effects the same as what you can expect from traditional Delta-9 products?

What are the Hemp Derived Delta-9 Effects?

It may be surprising, but Delta-9 from hemp has the exact same effects as Delta-9 from marijuana. The primary difference is the potency per piece.

While hemp products can contain significant amounts of Delta-9 (abiding by the 0.3% rule), you won’t find hemp-products at the same potency as many of the traditional cannabis products you find in the dispensary. A Delta-9 hemp gummy that has, say, 50 milligrams of Delta-9 would have to be a very large gummy.

So, generally speaking, the effects of delta-9 hemp products are milder simply because the dosage is milder. But if you stack up the doses you can still get the same potent effects. What do these effects feel like?

First, let’s address the obvious:

Hemp Delta-9 is Psychoactive

Hemp-derived Delta-9 interacts with CB1 receptors in the nervous system and it will get you high. The effects can be potent, especially at large doses, which means that even though hemp D9 is federally legal, it’s still illegal to drive while under its influence.

Plus, the potent effects may not be favorable for certain events. For instance, you may not want to take hemp Delta-9 to stave off stress before work (save CBD for that). It may be better suited for unwinding in the afternoon, socializing, or boosting creativity before a project. Some people even enjoy getting high before they workout, or using Delta-9 to unwind, meditate, or do yoga.


Some of the basics feelings and effects associated with THC psychoactivity include:

  • Visual stimulation (brighter colors)
  • Boosted mood
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Increased hunger
  • Body relaxation (floating, tingling feeling)
  • Stress relief (mental relaxation)
  • Boosted creativity
  • Improved mood

Hemp-Derived Delta-9 Can Boost You Up or Hold You Down

The beautiful thing about hemp-derived Delta-9 being just like traditional Delta-9 is that it can have a multitude of effects. That means that some hemp delta-9 products may have uplifting effects that are great for energized moments. Others, though, can help to bring you down to a relaxed state.


How are the effects determined? Usually the difference is in the terpenes and dosage, though other cannabinoids can have different effects too. Plus, your endocannabinoid response to different hemp compositions will be unique, so you probably have to play around with different products and dosages to understand how they will affect you, but here are some good rules of thumb to go by:

  • THC is biphasic, meaning smaller doses are more energizing while larger doses are more sedating.
  • Pairing THC with CBG may result in a greater mood boost.
  • Pairing THC with CBD or CBN may provide more relaxing effects.

Once you get into terpene blends, things get even more complicated. Many hemp delta-9 products are edibles, however, so terpenes (which are usually more heavily associated with smoking and vaping products) aren’t commonly added. You can read more about terpenes to learn how different terpene-infused THC combinations may affect you.

Hemp Delta-9 Gummies Effects (Edibles are Potentially More Potent)

Because hemp Delta-9 has to abide by the legal dry weight concentration parameters, you usually only find hemp Delta-9 products in the form of edibles. According to some sources, edibles have stronger effects than other dosing methods.

Why?

Because 11-hydroxy-THC, the primary THC metabolite made in the gut as THC is broken down, is more potent than THC itself. So, you may want to tone down your dosage a bit or prepare for slightly more potent effects when taking edible doses.

A rainbow colored collection of hemp leaf shape delta-9 gummies

How long do hemp Delta-9 effects take to kick in?

Now that you understand how hemp Delta-9 products should feel, you may be wondering how long it takes to feel the effects of hemp edibles? The answer is–it depends.

In this case, the effects of hemp Delta-9 are exactly like traditional delta-9 products. In other words, the amount of time it takes to feel the effects depends on the dosing method and on some unique biological factors, like your metabolism.

Since hemp-derived Delta-9 is usually available as an edible, you can expect them to take a while to kick in. Edibles, which need to be metabolized during the digestive process, are a slow-rolling dosing method. For a traditional edible, you can expect to feel the effects about 60-90 minutes after dosing, though in some cases it may take up to two hours.

There are some edibles, called sublingual edibles, that take effect much more quickly, however. These types of edibles are usually a lozenge or other hard candy designed to be dissolved in the mouth, allowing the THC to be absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue. Sublingual style edibles allow the THc to skip the digestive process and immediately enter the bloodstream, so you may feel their effects in as little as 30 minutes.

How long do Delta-8-THC effects last?

Similarly, the amount of time you can expect the effects of hemp THC to last depends on the dosing method. We’ll focus on the two dosing methods we mentioned above (traditional and sublingual edibles) because they are the two most common hemp-derived THC products available.

For traditional edibles, you can expect the effects to last quite a while–usually around 6 hours, but possibly up to 8. The slow-rolling process of digestion allows for a slow but consistent absorption of THC into the bloodstream. So, the effects may creep on slowly and linger for a while–however long it takes for the body to fully metabolize THC and pass it through.

Sublingual edibles, which are absorbed more quickly, may have effects that are slightly shorter lived. Usually, the effects of sublingual THC edibles last between 4 and 6 hours.

Where to Buy Hemp-Derived Delta-9-THC?

If you're sold on this legal psychoactive cannabinoid or just want to try it out before you make up your mind, you can check out our hemp THC collection to order online today.

We offer a variety of Delta-8 vaporizers and edibles. All of our products are third-party tested and 100% Farm Bill compliant, meaning they are legal in the U.S.

Elev8 25mg Delta 8 THC Gummies

FAQ - Hemp Delta 9

How does Delta 9 hemp make you feel?

Delta 9 hemp can make you feel relaxed, euphoric, and uplifted. Some users report increased creativity and sociability, but effects vary by individual.

What are the benefits of hemp-derived Delta 9?

Benefits include pain relief, reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep, and potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Will Delta 9 hemp get me high?

Yes, Delta 9 hemp can get you high, as it contains THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" feeling, especially at higher doses.

What kind of effect does Delta 9 have?

Delta 9 THC can cause euphoria, altered sensory perception, increased appetite, and relaxation, along with potential cognitive impairment and dry mouth.

Is Delta 9 legal?

Delta 9 THC is legal at the federal level in the U.S. if derived from hemp and contains no more than 0.3% THC. State laws may vary, so check local regulations.

How should I consume Delta 9 hemp products?

Delta 9 hemp can be consumed via edibles, tinctures, capsules, and smokable flowers. Method affects onset and duration; start with a low dose to gauge response.


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