Properties that Make Delta 9 Products So Popular: A Beginners Guide
Cannabis has given the world many unique compounds to explore, but none is more beloved and controversial than Delta-9. You may call it “Delta 9 THC” or plain old “THC.” Regardless, you know one critical fact–Delta 9 is responsible for marijuana’s trademark euphoric “high.” But did you know Delta 9 has other interesting properties as well?
Here we’ll review Delta 9’s therapeutic, cognitive, and mental health benefits that make it one of the most popular compounds on the planet.
What is Delta 9 THC, and how does it work?
First, let’s cover the basics. What is Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 is the most abundant chemical compound (aka cannabinoid) in cannabis and is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects. But how does it work?
Delta 9’s molecular structure mimics chemical signals that your body naturally produces., This similarity allows delta 9 to bind with receptors throughout your body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Your ECS is a complex signaling network responsible for regulating functions like sleep, appetite, hormones, mood, and memory. So when you introduce Delta 9 into the ECS, it binds with receptors in your brain and nervous system to get you high, happy, and feeling better overall.
Why is Delta 9 THC so popular?
The chill factor
It’s no secret that people prize marijuana for its relaxing and mood-elevating qualities, and you can thank Delta 9’s ECS affinity for that.
Delta 9 binds primarily to ECS receptors, called CB1, in the brain and nervous system, unleashing the compound’s signature euphoric “high.” CB1 receptors are also linked with mood function and sleep regulation, which could translate to the enhanced calm you feel.
One small study found that low doses of delta 9 THC helps you feel less stressed when faced with an overwhelming task, like a mock job interview. Delta 9 also has sedative qualities, which can seamlessly take you from chill couch vibes to soundly sleeping.
While delta 9 THC is most known for its relaxing qualities, it’s important to clarify that it can also cause paranoia, anxiety, and stimulation depending on the dosage and your experience level.
It’s therapeutic
Delta 9’s ability to interact with your ECS doesn’t just induce a “high.” It also seems to affect how your body responds to pain. A recent systematic clinical research review found evidence that THC-dominant products were associated with short-term improvements in chronic pain. Another study of 244 chronic pain patients found that 64% reduced opioid intake thanks to medical marijuana.
Delta 9 clinical research is even more definitive regarding nausea and appetite benefits. In fact, the FDA approved a synthetic THC drug called Dronabinol to treat loss of appetite and a synthetic cannabis pill called Nabilone to treat severe nausea and vomiting.
Enhances creativity
Some of the world’s most renowned artists, musicians, and creatives cherish Delta 9’s mind-enhancing qualities. They find that Delta 9’s calming effects allow creative ideas to flow more effortlessly, and emerging science might back up these claims.
While research is limited, a clinical study discovered that so-called “low creativity” individuals scored higher on a verbal fluency test after using cannabis. Essentially, cannabis helped them think of unique words more easily than if they were in a sober state.
It makes sense. Feeling at ease can shut your inner critic down, allowing space to develop inventive ideas or solutions more easily.
Strong, but not psychoactive
Delta-9 is a potent psychoactive cannabinoid, especially when compared to delta 8 and delta 10. And especially in high doses of edibles and concentrates. But no one is calling delta 9 a psychedelic. You can smoke delta 9 pre-rolls and still go about your day relatively unchanged, except for a wider smile and a bigger appetite. However, when you compare delta 9 vs. THC-O acetate, you have a different experience entirely.
THC-O is an interesting hemp-derived compound that can cause you to experience visuals similar to psilocybin mushrooms. This may sound like the substance to experiment with on a rainy afternoon, but you probably prefer Delta 9’s euphoria on the daily instead.
Delta 9 is legal when it comes from hemp
Yep, you read that right.
Delta 9 THC is a banned controlled substance in the United States, but there’s a loophole.
Delta 9 THC is legal as long as it comes from hemp that contains less than 0.3% delta 9 by dry weight. While that might not sound like a lot of THC, 0.3% can add up to a concentration that unleashes the high you seek.
For example, these Delta-9 cookies contain 50 mg of delta 9 each–more than enough to feel the full effects. And since this delta 9 product is hemp-derived, it’s legal to enjoy in all 50 states.
With the cumulative effects of Delta 9’s mood-enhancing, pain relieving, and psychoactive properties, is it any wonder why Delta 9 products are so popular among cannabis enthusiasts and beginners alike?
