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When looking at hemp derived Delta-9 vs weed, it really boils down to one thing–the source. One is derived from federally legal hemp material. The other is marijuana, which is still federally classified as a Schedule I substance.
This legal distinction allows hemp producers to offer Delta-9-THC nationwide. If you're still confused, we'll explain the differences in production, effects, and legal status of Delta-9 from hemp versus marijuana.
Let's start:
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.
If we’re talking concentrates, hemp-derived delta-9 and weed derived delta-9 have the exact same effects. They are, after all, the exact same compound. However, hemp delta-9 isn’t available as a concentrate because of the dry weight rule. And not every delta-9 formula is the same, especially when it comes to hemp products.
We mentioned that the only difference in weed and hemp is the THC content, but that’s not exactly the full story. Hemp also typically contains a larger amount of non-psychoactive compounds, namely CBD.
So, if the hemp delta-9 product contains more CBD, the effects may be a bit milder than when Delta-9 is taken without CBD. Why? The two molecules fight for the same endocannabinoid receptors, so less Delta-9 may be absorbed. Still, CBD’s calming effect is the perfect balance for Delta-9, and many people prefer the effects of this dynamic duo.
Some hemp delta-9 products may also contain Delta-8. Since there are no restrictions of Delta-8 content, manufacturers may combine Delta-9 with Delta-8 (which also has psychoactive properties) to create a product that is more potent without crossing the federal Delta-9 threshold. Delta-8 is slightly milder and more relaxing, so this combination may produce effects that are more relaxed than the effects of Delta-9 alone.
Really, though, the same can be said for any combination of THC, cannabinoids, and terpenes–whether from hemp or from weed. Different terpenes and cannabinoid combinations all have different effects, so trying different cannabinoid-terpene combinations is a good way to find a THC product that meets your needs.
One other area where traditional Delta-9 and hemp Delta-9 products differ is regulation. Because traditional cannabis products are legal only at the state level, they are subject only to the state regulations in the state where they are grown and sold.
Hemp products, on the other hand, are subject both to federal and state regulations, which means that they may be more heavily regulated in some, but not all, states.
Because regulations vary so much from state to state, you need to understand how to choose a high quality hemp Delta-9 product. Choosing a high quality product is the best way to ensure that the products you buy will work and contain the actual Delta-9 content that’s listed on the package, which can help to avoid side effects caused by incorrect dosage.
When buying Delta-9 hemp products, here’s what to look out for:
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 refers to Delta-9-THC that is produced from hemp, a type of cannabis that is federally legal. This Delta-9-THC is the same potent molecule responsible for the psychoactive effects found in marijuana, but it is derived from hemp and follows hemp industry guidelines.
Delta 9 hemp-derived edibles are food products that contain Delta-9-THC extracted from hemp. These edibles offer the same psychoactive effects as traditional marijuana edibles but are made from federally legal hemp.
Hemp-derived from THCa refers to products or compounds that are derived from tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) found in hemp. THCa is the precursor to THC, which means it converts to THC when exposed to heat.
No, THCA is not the same as Delta 9. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a non-psychoactive precursor to THC. When THCa is heated, it converts to Delta-9-THC, which is psychoactive.
The strongest hemp-derived cannabinoid is generally considered to be Delta-9-THC, due to its potent psychoactive effects. However, other cannabinoids like Delta-8-THC and THCa also have significant effects and benefits.
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