The world of hemp radically changed once the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, thanks to the section that stated as long as a product was created using federally legal hemp and contained less than 0.3% THC, it would be considered federally legal. Psychoactive cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC, HHC, and others quickly found a home amongst cannabis enthusiasts as a way to finally get high without legal repercussions, at least on a federal level. Unfortunately, many states have already banned Delta-8 THC, citing that it is a controlled substance and will not be permitted for sale or consumption.
But hemp-derived cannabinoids are eerily similar to the famous mythical Greek monster Hydra…cut off one head, and three more grow in its place! Introducing the mystical (not mythical, unless you’re a famous boxer with a lisp) compliant Delta-9 THC. This form of THC is identical to traditional THC, but is derived from hemp rather than marijuana. Let’s take a closer look at this unique cannabinoid, how it came to be, and what to expect trying it for the first time. Let’s begin!
The Difference Between Cannabis, Hemp, and Marijuana
In a previous article, we mentioned in great detail how hemp is simply cannabis that has a THC content of 0.3%. This means that all hemp-derived cannabinoids will contain the same amount or less of THC on a dry weight basis. Feel free to read more about this topic here, but the truth is that there is much misinformation on what cannabis is in relation to hemp and marijuana. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself to differentiate what is fact and what is hearsay.
What is Hemp Delta-9 THC?
Simply put, hemp Delta-9 THC is Delta-9 THC that has been derived from hemp. Since hemp is legal on a federal level, all hemp-derived cannabinoids are also legal on a federal level. Marijuana continues to become legal in many states, but there’s a better chance of experiencing the heady high of traditional THC if you can obtain it as a hemp-derived cannabinoid instead. As it is called “hemp” Delta-9, the subtle distinction allows users to recognize that it is hemp-derived rather than the illegal marijuana.
When the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, it wasn’t intended to provide blanket legalization for all cannabinoids. Instead, there was a clause in the bill that allowed hemp to be legal on a federal level, provided that the total dry weight of THC was at 0.3% or less. Since THC is the active compound of marijuana, this proviso made sense. Yet with the advancement of modern science, many manufacturers were able to use this clause as a way to skirt legal trouble by confirming that hemp-derived cannabinoids contained 0.3% THC or less. However, this loophole may be closed in the upcoming years, as Delta-8 THC has been classified as a controlled substance by many states and has been subsequently banned.
The Difference Between Hemp Delta-9 vs. Regular Delta-9 THC
In our previous article titled “What's the Difference Between Cannabis, Marijuana, and Hemp?”, we clarified that there is no real difference between marijuana and hemp, aside from the 0.3% THC content. The same is true for Delta-9 THC and hemp-derived Delta-9 THC; one is derived from marijuana, and the other from hemp. The fact that both are derivatives of cannabis can add even more confusion to the mix, but keep in mind that as long as the word “hemp” is attached to Delta-9 THC, you can easily distinguish which is federally legal and which is not. It might seem ridiculous that the same exact compound from the same mother plant can have two different classifications based on THC content, but this is how the law defines it. Some states have their own definition of legality concerning hemp, so you’ll need to make sure your state allows the sale and consumption of hemp before you attempt to buy it.
Is There Any Difference In The Effects?
It might seem like the information above keeps getting repeated, and that’s because, well, it is! The effects of hemp Delta-9 THC are identical to traditional Delta-9 THC since it’s technically the same exact compound, just derived from a different source. Yet since the amount of THC in hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is vastly less from traditional Delta-9 THC, you’ll have to consume substantially more to experience the same effects. For example, in states where hemp is legal, edibles are required to remain within a 10mg per serving and 100mg per container. This means if you consume traditional marijuana edibles with 50mg of Delta-9 THC per piece, you’d have to eat 5 hemp-derived Delta-9 THC gummies with 10mg per piece in order to feel the same effects.
Furthermore, when Delta-9 THC is derived from hemp, it’s very likely that other cannabinoids will be included as well. There may be a stronger shift towards cannabinoids like CBD, since hemp contains a high amount of this particular cannabinoids. The presence of other cannabinoids in hemp Delta-9 THC may offer benefits from the hemp plant, an idea affectionately called the “entourage effect.” While not a scientifically recognized fact, the idea behind the entourage effect states that using the plant as a whole is more beneficial than isolating a single cannabinoid.
Should I Use Compliant Delta-9 THC?
The decision to use hemp Delta-9 THC rests solely on the individual. If you enjoy traditional marijuana but would like to stay on the legal side of the law, you might want to consider buying compliant Delta-9 THC products. It might take a bit more than your usual doses to feel the same effects or you may experience the same exact effects. The intensity and duration of your high depends on a variety of factors, including weight, age, gender, metabolism, previous exposure to THC, and others. Your high will also vary on the type of product consumed, whether it be an inhalable or an edible.
If you’re consuming hemp Delta-9 THC for the first time, always start off slowly with your doses. You can always increase your dosage in the next session, but consuming too much Delta-9 THC right off the bat can result in an overwhelming high that may exacerbate your uneasiness and even heighten your stress levels. Always purchase your hemp Delta-9 THC products from reputable brands who offer the results of independent third-party lab tests that can confirm the purity and potency of their products.
Conclusion
While hemp Delta-9 THC is technically the same as traditional marijuana, the THC content of 0.3% or less is the deciding factor on whether or not the cannabinoid is legal. Since the psychoactive cannabinoids is exactly the same, albeit from hemp rather than marinuana, he effects are the same. You may be tempted to consume large amounts of hemp Delta-9 THC to make up for the THC content in regular marijuana, but this is strongly advised against. You should always start small and work your way up over time to what you feel comfortable with.
Thanks to the legal gray area of the 2018 Farm Bill, Delta-9 THC is considered legal on a federal level, provided that it is derived from federally legal hemp and contains 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. Always do your due diligence on the brand you’re considering purchasing from to confirm they are using premium ingredients, offering high-quality products, and offer the results of independent third-party lab testing.
If you’re curious to try compliant this intriguing cannabinoid for yourself, we here at Erth Hemp offer a triple-threat of federally legal Delta-9 THC gummies. All three varieties of our gummies have been thoroughly tested to ensure the THC content remains at or below 0.3% and are crafted with premium ingredients. If you’re curious to learn more about hemp Delta-9 THC or any other cannabinoid-infused product we carry or wish to share your experiences with any product in our catalog, feel to drop a comment below! We look forward to hearing from you soon.
