March 09, 2023 7 min read

Delta-9 that's derived from hemp is all natural and acts just like traditional Delta-9 products. Thanks to the hemp source, it's now federally legal and legal in most states. However, concerned consumers want to know–is hemp-derived Delta-9 safe? And are there any safety factors that set it apart from traditional THC products?

The answer isn't quite as straightforward as a simple “yes,” but hemp-derived Delta-9-THC products can absolutely be safe when made responsibly. Keep reading to learn more about hemp Delta-9 safety and how to choose a high quality, safe hemp THC products.

Delta-8 is being touted for a myriad of health benefits, and has quickly become one of the most popular legal cannabinoids on the market. Many people report great therapeutic effects that are similar to traditional THC therapies, but how much do we really know about Delta-8? Is Delta-8 safe? And what are the risks and potential side effects of Delta-8 in the current market?

Here’s what we know:

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

Table of Contents
What is Hemp-Derived Delta-9?
Delta-9 Research
The Hemp Difference
What are Hemp-Derived Delta-9 Side Effects?
Conclusion: Is Hemp Delta-9 Safe?

Key Takeaways

  • Hemp-derived Delta-9 is a natural cannabinoid that’s safe when used responsibly.
  • Hemp Delta-9’s risks are the same as those associated with traditional cannabis products.
  • Ensuring that your Delta-9 products are well-made from high-quality ingredients is the best way to lower the risk of adverse effects.

What is hemp derived Delta-9-THC?

If you've never heard of hemp-derived Delta-9, you may be surprised to hear that it's exactly the same as Delta-9 derived from traditional cannabis products. Delta-9 extracted from hemp and Delta-9 extracted from marijuana are exactly the same cannabinoids. The only real difference lies in the legally allowed concentrations.

More specifically, hemp products must contain less than 0.03% Delta-9-THC by dry weight, while there’s virtually no limit to how much THC a marijuana product can contain.

That may sound like a minuscule amount, but under the right circumstances, 0.3% can still be a suitable dose of Delta-9-THC for any consumer. For instance, a 1 gummy (which is about the size of an average gummy bear) can contain nearly 3 g of Delta-9-THC. A 10 g edible, such as a cookie or brownie, can contain 10 times that amount, which is nearly 30 g of Delta-9-THC.

So, hemp Delta-9 gummies can contain viable doses of THC, though the total amount may be less than what you find in marijuana products sold in dispensaries. That means that hemp-derived THC products may be less likely to cause adverse side effects caused by too high of a dose. Still the Delta-9 molecule found in hemp products is exactly the same as the Delta-9 molecule found in dispensary products, so much of the safety information is similar. Let's take a look:

An example of the raw hemp material that is used to make CBD and Dleta-9 products.

Delta-9-THC Research

When looking at THC research, there’s no doubt that it can be beneficial. According to a 2021 analysis, THC may be useful for managing symptoms related to a range of conditions, including:

  • Insomnia
  • anxiety
  • glaucoma
  • low appetite
  • muscle spasticity
  • obstructive sleep apnea
  • nausea
  • pain

In areas where cannabis is legalized for medicinal use, it is approved for the treatment of many of those conditions, as well as others, including:

  • Epilepsy
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Eating disorders
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer

In the research available to support the use of THC for these conditions, Delta-9-THC has repeatedly been found to be safe for use. In many cases, little to no side effects are reported, and in others the side effects simply don’t outweigh the benefits.

So, in other words, side effects can exist, but they aren’t life threatening. In almost all cases, side effects of THC are mild and temporary. The most severe side effect associated with THC consumption is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, a condition that causes recurring nausea, vomiting, and faintness when consuming THC. Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, but they believe it only occurs in long-term, chronic consumers, and only in rare cases. There is no treatment for this condition, but symptoms only occur after cannabis use.

This merely brings to light a truth about the safety of hemp-derived Delta-9-THC–moderation is key. Overuse of any substance–even water–is likely to cause adverse effects. In the case of THC, there are a few things to worry about if you over consume on a regular basis.

For instance, according to research, up to 30% of people who use cannabis will develop cannabis use disorder. However, substance abuse disorders are usually linked to frequent use. That’s because using THC increases your body’s dopamine production, and overtime can make your body stop producing enough dopamine on its own. That’s why it’s important to take tolerance breaks and to use cannabis in moderation.

After using THC regularly for a long period of time, some people may experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms, which may include headaches, nausea, or fatigue.

Still, the potential side effects associated with hemp derived Delta-9 are not severe or life threatening, despite that some people like to associate hemp-derived THC products with synthetic cannabinoids, which can have severe side effects.

Although Delta-9 from hemp is not synthetic, it being derived from hemp does make one important difference:

Raw hemp flower with a fresh, purplish hue, just before harvesting for Delta-9 production

The Hemp Difference

Although most safety facts related to hemp-derived Delta-9 are the same as traditional Delta-9 products, there are some differences to be aware of when using products made from hemp.

First, hemp is not well regulated in every state, so you do need to pay attention to your local regulations. This includes the overall legality of hemp Delta-9 products since hemp-derived THC is banned at the state level and a handful of states.

Otherwise, you simply need to do a quick quality check before purchasing any brand or products.

How to Find High Quality Hemp THC Products

When buying hemp products, here’s what to look for:

  • Look for a brand that uses US grown, organic hemp material. This will help to ensure that the hemp is grown in high quality soil without the use of dangerous pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
  • Check that the hemp Delta-9 products are produced in a cGMP compliant facility by experienced cannabinoid extraction technicians.
  • Also check additional ingredients to make sure that they are sourced well and align with your needs. For instance, some consumers may need gluten-free or vegan products, so you may need gummies made without gelatin or certified gluten-free baked goods.
  • Finally, check to see if the company offers access to their third-party lab test results. This level of transparency is crucial since these tests will help to prove label accuracy and rule out the presence of harmful chemicals, like pesticides and leftover solvents.

Making sure to buy only high-quality hemp products and use them according to the product label is the best way to avoid hemp-derived THC side effects. In the case that they do arrive, though, let’s discuss what the side effects may look like and what to do:

What are Hemp-Derived Delta-9-THC Side Effects?

Research regarding the side effects of hemp-derived Delta-9-THC is limited, but we can draw conclusions based on what we know about traditional Delta-9 products. Usually, side effects associated with Delta-9-THC are mild and rare, and most of these side effects are dose dependent.

In other words, consumers usually experience no side effects of low doses and may only experience the more severe potential side effects when taking larger doses of. Here are the most common side effects that may arise:

  • increased heart rate
  • coordination problems
  • dry mouth and increased thirst
  • red, dry eyes
  • slower reaction times
  • memory loss
  • anxiety

Many people experience no adverse effects at all when taking hemp-derived Delta-9. As we mentioned, most side effects are due to incorrect dosage, so (aside from choosing a high-quality formula) understanding how to dose THC is your best bet for a positive experience.

How Much Hemp THC Should I Take?

Because hemp-derived Delta-9 is the same cannabinoid that you’ll find in traditional THC products, the dosage threshold is the same. New consumers have little to no THC tolerance and can experience potent effects from doses as small as 3-5 milligrams. On average, semi-regular consumers may take doses between 5-20 milligrams. Experienced THC consumers may take even larger doses, so feel free to stick with your regular dosing threshold.

If you are new to Delta-9-THC products, you should always start low and work your way up. Consider starting with 5 milligrams. Be sure to wait at least two hours to monitor the full effects when taking THC edibles since they need to be digested before they will kick in.

Conclusion: Is Hemp THC Safe?

There is no difference between the Delta-9-THC that’s extracted from hemp and the Delta-9-THC that’s found in marijuana. However, hemp products are subject to different regulations, so you need to closely check the quality of a hemp THC product before you buy.

Most people can safely consume Delta-9-THC in small to moderate doses, as long as the products are made using safe manufacturing processes. The most common side effects associated with THC are red eyes, dry mouth, and increased heart rate, but hemp Delta-9-THC may be less likely to result in these side effects because they usually contain smaller doses of THC by weight.

To stay safe, make sure that you talk to your doctor about potential hemp THC drug interactions if you already take regular medications. Also make sure that you do your due diligence in picking a hemp brand to avoid any poor quality formulations. Then, ease in with a small dosage so that you can see how you will respond before taking larger doses. With a little forethought, hemp Delta-9-THC can be a powerful therapeutic remedy and offer a mellow recreational buzz.

Looking for a high quality Hemp THC product that checks all the marks above? Check out our Elev8 Collection of edibles, tinctures, and flower or our Cloud9 Hemp Delta-9 gummies. Our premium formulas will have you on a (safe) smooth lift through time and space in no time at all.

Elev8 25mg Delta 8 THC Gummies

Resources

  1. “Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/
  2. “Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21665-cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome#:~:text=Cannabis%20hyperemesis%20syndrome%20is%20a,is%20to%20stop%20using%20marijuana.
  3. “Cannabis (Marijuana) DrugFacts” https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana

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