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Delta-9 is the most abundant form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.
THC triggers your brain to release large amounts of dopamine, a “feel good” chemical. When people refer to the effects of THC, they’re usually talking about delta-9.
Although other forms of THC have similar chemical structures to delta-9, their effects are usually different.
After consuming cannabis, you might experience the following positive short-term effects:
Delta-9 THC has also been associated with a wide range of potential medical benefits. According to
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications containing THC to treat certain medical conditions.
For example, experts use a synthetic form of delta-9 to create dronabinol (Marinol). It’s prescribed to stimulate appetite in people living with anorexia and HIV or who are undergoing chemotherapy.
The most common side effects are temporary:
Using too much cannabis might make you feel anxious, confused, or dizzy. To avoid an unpleasant experience, pace yourself.
In rare cases, high dosages can cause:
Negative experiences with cannabis usually go away as you come down from the high. If you’re experiencing a bad high, try to relax and hydrate. Remember that the effects are temporary.
If possible, consider discussing THC with a doctor or another healthcare professional before trying it for yourself, especially if you’re hoping to use it to treat a medical condition.
Smoking and vaping can irritate your respiratory system. Research from 2018 suggests that smoking cannabis can cause bronchitis and increase your risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A 2022 systematic notes that cannabis use during teenage years is linked to several changes in brain development, but the authors note that more high quality research is needed on the topic.
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It’s possible to experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms if you go from using cannabis regularly to stopping use.
The FDA does not regulate THC products. It’s important to research a company or vendor before purchasing their products.
It’s safer to buy products tested by a third-party lab. You should be able to read these lab reports on the company’s website.
Of course, if you’re purchasing cannabis from a local grower, they might not be able to have their products lab-tested. This doesn’t necessarily mean that their cannabis is bad. You can ascertain quality by:
If you’re not used to using cannabis, it’s safer to start with a low dosage. Because of this, it’s best to go with a product that is not very high in THC.
Usually, 1 to 2 milligrams is a good starting point. If needed, you can gradually increase your dosage.
It’s best to avoid smoking or vaping and instead opt for THC-infused topicals, tinctures, or edibles. Bear in mind that edibles take longer to kick in than inhaled cannabis.
Naturally occurring delta-9 is different from the synthetic product called delta-9 THC-O acetate, which is an oily brown residue sold as a vaping product or used in gummies.
Research is limited on the strength and risks of this chemical. The National Poison Control Center has issued a statement recommending caution for those who manufacture or use delta-9 THC acetate.
Delta-9 is a form of THC. It’s not the same as CBD. While delta-9 is intoxicating, CBD is not.
Delta-9 and delta-8 share a chemical formula, which is C₂₁H₃₀O₂. The key difference is that one of the carbon-carbon double bonds is in a different location.
Delta-9 and delta-8 are both intoxicating. However, according to anecdotal accounts, delta-8 seems to be less potent than delta-9. Some
Delta-8 does not naturally occur in large amounts in the cannabis plant like delta-9. Many of the delta-8 products on the market are synthetic and may carry additional safety concerns.
Naturally occurring delta-9 is different from the synthetic product called delta-9 THC-O acetate, which is an oily brown residue sold as a vaping product or used in gummies.
Research is limited on the strength and risks of this chemical. The National Poison Control Center issued a statement recommending caution for those who manufacture or use delta-9 THC acetate.
Yes! Delta-9 is the most abundant form of THC in cannabis plants. THC is the chemical that makes cannabis intoxicating.
Delta-9 isn’t federally legal in the United States. However, each state has its own laws.
In some states, cannabis and cannabis derivatives like delta-9 are only legal for medical use, while in others, it’s legal for recreational use.
Cannabis laws are constantly changing. You can find out about your state’s current cannabis laws by looking at Norml’s helpful map.
Delta-9 is the most common and well-studied form of THC. It’s an intoxicating chemical that people can use for medical purposes.
As always, it’s important to exercise caution when using cannabis products. Only buy cannabis from reputable vendors, and avoid taking too much at once.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.
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What Is Delta-9? Benefits, Side Effects, Risks, Tips for Use – Healthline
