Is Delta-9 Synthetic – A Breakdown of Delta-9 THC’s Origin

Delta-9 THC! The name that reigns supreme in the cannabis world. Many love it, many stay away from it, but now some question it. Is Delta-9 synthetic? Or is it natural? In today’s blog, we’ll discuss everything Delta-9, its origins, nature, strength, and even where to find it. Let’s get to it…

Is Delta-9 Synthetic or Natural?

First, let’s understand what Delta-9 is, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta-9 THC is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids refer to the many active compounds found in cannabis plants.

And when it comes to Delta-9, it’s famous for being the main psychoactive component. (Translation: it’s the cannabinoid that gives you the high feeling when you smoke cannabis.)

Active cannabinoids, especially the ones that have psychoactive effects like THC cannabinoids have the most significant impact on your brain. When you consume cannabis, THC cannabinoids interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, specifically binding to receptors in the brain. This interaction creates the various effects associated with cannabis, such as euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception. But there’s more to Delta-9 than just the buzz, it also has some promising medicinal properties. 

Delta-9 THC is Natural, But How Does Delta-9 Occur Naturally In The Cannabis Plant?

When a cannabis plant is young, it starts producing cannabinoid acids like THCa and CBDa. These acids are the building blocks of the plant’s unique properties and also its defense mechanism against threats such as fungi and plant bacteria. Later on, under the warmth of sunlight and the influence of heat, these cannabinoid acids start to break down. This natural process turns THCa into THC and CBDa into CBD, which are the active cannabinoids responsible for many of the effects associated with cannabis.

Now, even though Delta-9 is a natural cannabinoid, many people worry that the final product might be synthetic. It’s quite understandable when you consider the method used when making Delta-9 THC products.

How Are Delta-9 THC Products Made?

The first step that goes into making Delta-9 products, is procuring the cannabinoid first. There are two primary methods for producing Delta-9 THC: direct extraction and chemical transformation.

1. Extraction from Cannabis Plants

To extract Delta-9 THC from cannabis plants, the dried plant material undergoes a separation process. Common methods include:

 Solvent-based extraction: This method uses solvents like butane, ethanol, or carbon dioxide to dissolve the cannabinoids from the plant material.

CO2 extraction: In this method, carbon dioxide goes through extremely high pressure and temperature, turning it into a “supercritical fluid.” This supercritical CO2 passes through the cannabis plant material, separating the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant.

Then we have the second method of getting Delta-9 THC:

2. Conversion from CBD (Isomerization)

Isomerization is a chemical process that rearranges the atoms within a molecule without changing its overall composition. Through a process involving heat, catalysts, and specific solvents, CBD gets its atoms rearranged and transforms into Delta-9 THC.

So, you could say that depending on the production method of Delta-9 (extraction or isomerization) Delta-9 could be natural or semi-synthetic.

 Natural vs Semi Synthetic vs Synthetic Cannabinoids

Now if we want to get really technical on this, cannabinoids on the market could belong to one of three categories:

Natural: By this we mean the native cannabinoids that exist in the plant and are extracted without chemical transformation, main examples are CBD, THC, and CBG. (These are popular because they exist in great quantities within the cannabis plants. The hemp plant usually has about 30% CBD and some hybrid hemp plants have 25% CBG. So, it’s easier and cheaper, to extract it directly from the plant.

Semi-synthetic: These cannabinoids do exist in the cannabis plant, but in tiny amounts, leading to manufacturers using the “isomerization” method, to extract it from other abundant cannabinoids. Some popular examples are Delta-8, Delta-10, and HHC.

Fully Synthetic: Now these cannabinoids don’t occur in the plant at all, they came to life in a lab. The biggest synthetic form of a cannabinoid out there is THC-o.

How Strong Is Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 stands at the top when it comes to natural cannabinoids. This potent cannabinoid has a strong binding affinity to our cannabinoid receptors, leading to feelings of intense euphoria. This intense euphoria could sometimes be too much for some users, leading to feelings of paranoia and anxiety.

But are synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids stronger? Not really. You see, each cannabinoid has its own chemical structure, which affects how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This interaction varies in intensity, which we refer to as “strength.” Some semi-synthetic cannabinoids give less intense euphoria than Delta-9 THC, such as Delta-8 and Delta-10, while others are stronger. Take THCp for example, it’s said to be 33X stronger than Delta-9. Meanwhile the fully synthetic THC-o is reported to be 3x stronger than Delta-9.

But, one thing to note, is that studies report that synthetic cannabinoids could show some strong psychotic symptoms in some users. So, in reality, it all comes down to your own personal needs, tolerance and body chemistry.

Benefits Of Delta-9 THC

According to medical cannabis research and user reports, Delta-9 THC offers several potential benefits that many of us seek.

Firstly, studies show that Delta-9 THC may help manage discomfort and body aches. Some studies suggest that it can be quite effective in providing relief.

Additionally, Delta-9 THC shows promise in keeping nausea and vomiting at bay. 

Moreover, Delta-9 THC is well-known for its ability to increase appetite. (Catching a serious case of the munchies after puffing some weed, is mostly because of Delta-9.)

Furthermore, some individuals report improved sleep quality with Delta-9 THC use.

Also, studies suggest that Delta-9 THC may help manage muscle spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. This potential benefit could improve the quality of life for those dealing with this challenging condition.

Dosing Delta-9 THC

Cannabinoids are a personal journey, with the effects varying from person to person. With many factors that could affect your dosage and the results you get. For example:

Body Weight: Generally, people with higher body weight may need a higher dose to feel the effects.

Tolerance: Some people have naturally high tolerance while others have lower tolerance. Also, regular use could increase your tolerance.

Method of Consumption: Whether you prefer edibles, smoking, vaping, or another method, each has different absorption rates, which will influence your dosage.

Now, while it’s not one size fits all, we can give you some guidelines to start from and work your way to your perfect doze.

For beginners, it’s best to start with a very low dose, like 2.5-5mg, to assess your tolerance. Experienced users might tolerate higher doses, but starting low and gradually increasing is always a winning strategy. Listen to Your Body Pay attention to how you feel and adjust your dosage accordingly.

You can always refer to a dosing chart or the dosing instructions that comes with your product.

Is Delta-9 Legal?

The legality of Delta-9 depends on where you are, where your Delta-9 comes from, and how much THC, specifically Delta-9 THC is in your product.

In 2018, the Farm Bill made industrial hemp and all of its derivatives federally legal in the U.S. Industrial hemp refers to the plant cannabis sativa L, which has less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Because it has such a low amount, it’s not considered a controlled substance and is legal to grow, sell, and use.

On the other hand, traditional cannabis plants usually have much higher levels of Delta-9 THC, which makes them illegal under federal law.

The key to Delta-9’s legality is its concentration. If a product has more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it’s considered a controlled substance and is illegal. But if it has less than 0.3%, it’s classified as hemp and is legal.

However, each state has its own laws about Delta-9 THC. Some states follow the federal rules and allow hemp products. Others have more strict regulations and might limit hemp-derived products, even if they have less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

So, while Delta-9 can be legal under certain conditions, it’s important to check your state’s laws.

What To Look For In Your Delta-9 Products

With the tons of Delta-9 products out there, it may be hard to find your perfect D9 match, but there is always something to try and help make the process easier.

Quality Ingredients: Stick with products that use natural, high-quality ingredients. Steer clear of artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives.

Third-Party Lab Tests: Make sure the brand shares independent lab test results. These tests confirm the product’s potency and purity. They also check for harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals.

Brand Transparency: Go for brands that openly share information about where they source their ingredients, how they process them, and their testing procedures. This openness shows they care about quality and your safety.

Customer Reviews: Check out what other users are saying. Reviews can give you real-life insights into how well the product works and any potential issues. Consistent positive feedback is a great sign, while repeated complaints can be a red flag.

Final Thoughts on Whether Delta-9 Is Synthetic or Natural

In conclusion, Delta-9 is in fact a natural cannabinoid native to the cannabis plant. Depending on its extraction method, it could be considered either natural, or semi-synthetic.

Semi-synthetic cannabinoids are still cannabinoids that exist in the cannabis plant, however, they exist in minuscule amounts. Thus they undergo a different extraction process, by rearranging the atoms of CBD to create these cannabinoids in larger quantities.

As the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, Delta-9 can pack quite a punch when it comes to the high. However, there are some other cannabinoids out there like the synthetic THC-o that many users report as stronger.

Happy Hemping!

Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post does not constitute legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the Food and drug administration FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.

Other Articles About Delta-9

• Microdosing Delta-9 THC: The Complete Guide
• Is Delta-9 THC a Controlled Substance?
• Delta-9 THC Gummies Review
• Delta-8 Gummies for Sleep and How They Work
• Are THC Gummies Legal in 2023?
• What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9?
• Delta-9 THC Gummies for Energy: Do They Work?
• Cannabis smoking and respiratory health: Consideration of the literature

Resources:

1. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill – 07/25/2019 | FDA
2. The Controlled Substances Act (dea.gov)
3. Cannabis smoking and respiratory health: Consideration of the literature
4. Cannabis for Chronic Pain: Challenges and Considerations
5. Neurological Disorders in Medical Use of Cannabis: An Update
6. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing
7. Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Marijuana, Cannabinoids, and Therapeutic Implications in Medicine and Headache

FAQs About Delta-9 THC