Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC) is far from being a “new” cannabinoid as far as we’re concerned, but only now have we been able to enjoy it in a way that’s actually legal according to federal law. Delta 9 THC is a psychoactive derivative of cannabis that we’ve long associated with marijuana, but now we find that hemp-derived delta 9 products are emerging on the market.
So, the question is, how is hemp-derived delta 9 THC actually legalized?
What is Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC is a cannabinoid found in cannabis, and, is most recognized for being a psychoactive compound that results in getting its user high. It’s actually been used for thousands of years by humans because of its properties, which aren’t only intoxicating, but extremely useful in other ways as well. In terms of the high, delta 9 is about 30% more intoxicating than delta 8 THC. The high is known for being both uplifting and mellowing to the mind. Plus, can be quite soothing to the body in the process.
For another quick history tidbit, delta 9 THC was discovered decades ago, which means that scientists have had ample time to research its properties. Studies have shown us that delta 9 is a lot more than a recreational compound. The cannabinoid may play a role in helping with nausea, appetite, physical discomfort, mood imbalance, neurological imbalance, digestive imbalance and much more.
Main Event Matchup: Delta 9 THC in Hemp vs. Delta 9 THC in Marijuana
We associate delta 9 THC with the marijuana plant for a good reason. While cannabidiol (CBD) acts as hemp’s dominant chemical compound, delta 9 is the dominant compound of marijuana, meaning that the plant naturally yields more delta 9 than any other cannabinoid. But, that doesn’t signify that hemp doesn’t also produce delta 9 THC – it does, just in a trace amount.
While today’s most popular marijuana strains can yield 25% delta 9 THC or even higher, in hemp, there is only about 0.3% of the cannabinoid. This amount is so low that you cannot get high off of hemp, even if you consume a considerably large amount of it.
But, if you were to isolate the delta 9 in hemp and the delta 9 in marijuana, you’d find that the cannabinoids are identical. In other words, there’s absolutely no difference between them, and how they affect the body.
What is the Legality of Delta 9 THC Then?
Delta 9 THC is easily one of the most controversial plant compounds in history. All cannabis products, including hemp and marijuana, were criminalized in 1970, and only in 2018 was hemp finally made legal once again, thanks to the passing of the U.S. Farm Bill in 2018. This declared that hemp products can be sold legally as long as they contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 according to dry weight. It’s important to point out that hemp naturally yields about 0.3% delta-9.
Of course, this doesn’t account for the states that have legalized marijuana, where delta 9 is technically a legal cannabinoid. But, in most states where marijuana is legal, the laws look different for hemp compared to marijuana. Basically, states that allow marijuana to be sold may still only allow hemp-derived products to contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9, since hemp and marijuana are two separate industries that are regulated differently by their states’ departments of health.
What is Legal Delta 9 THC?
So, this brings us to ‘legal delta 9 THC’. In the last several months, we have witnessed companies launch products containing federally compliant delta 9. These companies may seem like they’re breaking the law, but in actuality, are taking advantage of the wording in the Farm Bill to be totally compliant, all while still providing active servings of delta-9.
Now, how is this possible?
#1: Dry Weight
First, it comes down to the percentage of delta 9 THC in the total product, by weight. We mentioned that the Farm Bill clearly reads that products can contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9. The delta-9 products on the hemp market adhere to this, while still offering enough milligrams of the cannabinoid to offer the high and other effects that we associate with it.
Notice that almost all delta-9 products on the hemp market come in the form of gummies. This is because it’s easy to offer larger serving sizes of gummies and other edibles, where that 0.3% actually comes out to a considerable number of milligrams of delta 9 THC. The gummies are usually larger in size to “fit” in all of that delta 9, or the serving instructions inform you to take multiple pieces per serving.
There is another aspect to legal delta 9 THC that a lot of companies engage in. Delta 9 THC only exists as a result of exposure to heat, through a process known as decarboxylation, which “activates” the cannabinoid and makes it psychoactive. Delta 9 in its raw form is actually called tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the acidic form of delta 9 that is non-intoxicating, and also is found in the buds of the plant in their untouched form. Analyzing a sample of pre-decarboxylated delta 9 will show that it’s federally compliant, since the THCA has not been converted into delta-9 THC, and THCA isn’t illegal in any concentration.
How to Be Fully Sure You are Buying Federally Compliant Delta 9 THC
While most of the legal delta 9 products that you’ll run into on the hemp market are completely legal, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be the occasional shady company that’s selling delta 9 products that actually break the law. And, the sad reality is that getting caught with an illegal delta 9 product can get you into trouble.
So, how can you know then, that your delta-9 gummies adhere to the Farm Bill?
- Look at Lab Reports: These are provided by the manufacturer, hence the company has their delta 9 product sent to a third-party lab, where it was confirmed to contain the legal amount of delta 9 THC.
- Consider the Brand’s/Manufacturer’s Reputation: Only purchase delta 9 products from a brand/manufacturer that has a good reputation in the hemp industry for selling high-quality products, and of course, being honest with customers.
Farma Barn’s Incredible Legal DELTA 9 Gummies
Farma Barn has crafted Legal DELTA 9 Gummies that allow everyone to enjoy the many welcome effects associated with delta 9 THC. Each serving supplies a generous 10 milligrams, which’s enough to feel the properties of delta 9, including the psychoactive effect that many of us seek out. Containing a maximum of 0.3% delta-9 by dry weight, they easily adhere to the Farm Bill.
These Farma Barn gummies come in a jar of assorted fruity flavors, and we make sure to use the most carefully sourced ingredients to give our gummies a dreamy flavor and texture. Gummies have been fully lab-tested by a state-licensed third party, and our lab reports are available to display how they’re not only fully federally compliant, but that this edible-based product offers a potent serving of unrefined, hemp-derived delta 9 THC for your enjoyment.
Give Legal Delta 9 THC a Try Today!
Finally, there’s a federally legal way to enjoy the long-known effects of delta 9 THC, so that we can experience the blissful psychoactive effects and other valuable properties that the cannabinoid has to offer. At Farma Barn, we’ve worked hard to ensure that our delta 9 gummies are not only fully compliant with the law, but that they deliver the effects that users are seeking out, all while boasting the same incredible quality standards to which we hold all of our top-selling hemp formulas. If you really wanna see what all of the delta 9 hype is about, try our tasty Legal DELTA 9 Gummies!