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With the legalization of hemp and its derivatives, a new wave of THC products has hit the market, including hemp-derived delta-9 THC. But what is hemp derived delta 9 vs delta 9?
Simply put, the difference lies in the source. Hemp Derived Delta 9 THC comes from federally legal hemp, while traditional Delta-9 THC is extracted from marijuana, which remains a federally controlled Schedule I substance.
This legal distinction allows hemp-derived Delta-9 products to be sold nationwide, provided they comply with federal THC limits. If you’re curious about how hemp Delta-9 vs weed Delta-9 compares in production, effects, and legality, keep reading for a detailed breakdown.
Table of Contents
What is Delta-9 from Hemp?
How Delta-9 from Hemp is Made
Delta 9 from Hemp vs Weed
Hemp Derived Delta-9 vs Weed Effects
Delta-9 Hemp Product Quality
Is Delta-9 from Hemp Legal?
Where to Buy Hemp Delta 9
FAQ
Delta-9 from hemp is exactly what it sounds like–Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol that is derived from federally legal hemp material. Of course, hemp, by definition, can only contain up to 0.3% Delta-9-THC by dry weight.
So, how do hemp manufacturers take advantage of these tiny quantities?
Many people would speculate that the delta-9 from hemp is synthesized using isomerization. (This is, after all, the way that delta-8, THC-O, and many other hemp-derived THC products are made).
That’s not the case, though–the Delta-9 is naturally derived as a byproduct of the process used to make CBD products.
Hemp can legally contain up to 0.3% Delta-9-THC by dry weight. Hemp’s delta-9 content used to be thrown out as a waste product after CBD was extracted from the plant. This waste material is called “mother liquor” and it contains all of the leftover cannabinoids from hemp, like CBG, CBN, CBC, and yes, Delta-9-THC.
From there, manufacturers simply need to abide by the dry weight rule–that hemp products contain less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC by dry weight–which must apply both to the hemp plants and to any product made from hemp. So, a hemp delta-9 gummy, for instance, is legal assuming it contains less than this legal threshold.
While 0.3% may not sound like much, it adds up:
A 1 gram gummy can contain up to 3 milligrams of THC. To put that into perspective, an average size gummy bear weighs about 3 grams and could contain just under 10 milligrams of THC.
So, Delta-9 from hemp is not only easy to make and legal to sell, it’s a natural byproduct of the process used to make CBD, so it’s a natural next step for many CBD producers.
So, to the obvious question–is delta-9 from hemp the same as delta-9 from traditional marijuana?
The answer is yes–delta-9 from hemp is the same molecule as delta-9 from marijuana. All cannabis strains are related and contain the same primary cannabinoids, like THC, CBD, CBG, and others. The only difference in the hemp and marijuana classifications is the amountof Delta-9, but the actual molecule is exactly the same.
However, some people claim that hemp-derived delta-9 has a different effect than traditional delta-9. If the molecules are exactly the same, how can that be? Let’s discuss the potential differences.
Hemp-derived Delta-9 and weed-derived Delta-9 have the same chemical composition, so their effects are identical.
However, hemp-derived Delta-9 is not available as a concentrate due to federal regulations, such as the dry weight rule. Additionally, not all Delta-9 formulas are the same, particularly with hemp products.
While the primary difference between hemp and weed is THC content, hemp also contains higher levels of non-psychoactive compounds like CBD. When combined with Delta-9, CBD can slightly reduce the potency of the effects, as both molecules compete for the same endocannabinoid receptors. However, CBD’s calming effects complement Delta-9’s high, making the experience smoother for many users.
Some hemp-derived Delta-9 products also include Delta-8 THC. Since there are no federal restrictions on Delta-8, it may be combined with Delta-9 to create a more potent product while staying within legal limits. This combination of Delta-9 and Delta-8 offers a more relaxed experience compared to Delta-9 alone.
Ultimately, the effects of any cannabis product, whether from hemp or marijuana, depend on the cannabinoid and terpene profile. Experimenting with different combinations can help you find the product that suits your needs best.
Traditional Delta-9 cannabis products are regulated at the state level, with rules varying by location. In contrast, hemp-derived Delta-9 products are subject to both federal and state regulations, making them more heavily regulated in some states than others.
To ensure you're getting a high-quality product with the correct Delta-9 content, it's essential to understand what to look for when purchasing hemp-derived Delta-9 products:
Source of Hemp: Choose products made from USDA-certified hemp to ensure they meet federal standards. Organic hemp is ideal, as it avoids pesticides or synthetic fertilizers that could concentrate during extraction.
Made in the USA: Opt for products produced in the U.S. to ensure they adhere to the strict regulations and higher quality standards than products from outside the country.
Third-Party Lab Tests: Reputable hemp products come with lab test results that confirm label accuracy and verify the absence of contaminants.
Potency: Always check the label for the specific Delta-9 content, as terms like “cannabinoid potency” refer to the total concentration of cannabinoids, not just Delta-9.
We mentioned that hemp delta-9 is legal by federal standards, but that doesn't always mean that it's going to be legal by state law. Fortunately, hemp delta-9 often falls into the same classification as other hemp-derived THC products, meaning it is legal in many states. Some states, however, do have bans against hemp-derived THC products.
Although hemp Delta-9 is still new to the market, you can learn more about your state's position on hemp-derived THC products by reading "Where is Delta-8-THC Legal?"
With its newfound legal status, hemp-derived Delta-9 is becoming more common. Still, you should stick to an experienced hemp manufacturer for your hemp-derived THC products. Shopping online gives you access to a broader range of products and higher quality brands than you're likely to find in local smoke shops.
Looking for hemp derived THC products?
Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC refers to Delta-9-THC produced from hemp, a federally legal variety of cannabis. This molecule is the same as the Delta-9-THC found in marijuana, responsible for psychoactive effects, but it is extracted from hemp and complies with legal guidelines.
Delta 9 hemp-derived edibles are food products infused with Delta-9-THC derived from hemp. These edibles deliver the same psychoactive effects as traditional marijuana edibles but are made from hemp, which is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Hemp-derived from THCa refers to products that contain tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) extracted from hemp. THCa is a non-psychoactive compound that converts to Delta-9 THC when exposed to heat through a process called decarboxylation.
No, THCa is not the same as Delta 9. THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the raw, non-psychoactive form of THC. When heated, THCa converts into Delta-9 THC, which is psychoactive and produces intoxicating effects.
The strongest hemp-derived cannabinoid is typically Delta-9 THC hemp, known for its potent psychoactive effects. However, other cannabinoids like THCa and Delta-8 THC are also strong and offer unique benefits.
The primary difference between hemp-derived Delta 9 THC and Delta 9 from marijuana is their source. Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC comes from federally legal hemp and adheres to strict THC limits, while marijuana-derived Delta-9 THC comes from cannabis classified as a Schedule I substance.
Yes, hemp-derived Delta 9 works the same as weed-derived Delta 9 because they are chemically identical. The effects depend on the dose and individual response, but the source does not change the molecule's function or potency.
1. "2018 Farm Bill" https://www.usda.gov/farming-and-ranching/farm-bill
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