Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/seedling-cannabis-marijuana-1062908/ 

The use of marijuana or marijuana-derived products for recreational or medicinal purposes has been controversial for many years. Currently, 38 U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, while 19 U.S. states have also legalized it for adult non-medical use. One question that repeatedly arises is whether using individual cannabinoids found in marijuana for different purposes is beneficial or not.

A cannabinoid is any chemical substance that is either found in the Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) plant, or can be manufactured synthetically, binding cannabinoid receptors in your body and producing psychoactive symptoms. One example of cannabinoids is Delta 9 THC, which has gained popularity over the years for its use in different products.

What Is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC stands for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and it is one of the 113 different cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. Delta 9 is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes people to experience heightened senses.

Due to the potential relief symptoms caused by Delta 9, it can be used to cure or reduce pain aches. However, it's important to note that the Delta 9 used in products is extracted from hemp rather than marijuana. The difference between hemp and marijuana is that the hemp plant contains 0.3% or less THC, while the marijuana plant contains more than 0.3% of THC, which exceeds the legal limit.

How Does Delta 9 THC work?

After entering the body, Delta THC works by binding to the cannabinoid receptors in our nervous system. Unlike most drug compounds, Delta THC can stay bound to receptors for a long time. Still, the psychoactive effects it induces last only for a few hours. There are different ways of administering Delta THC, such as inhalation, ingestion, or the sublingual route. Out of these, the inhalation route exhibits the most potent effects.

Delta 9 THC Products

In the states that have legalized marijuana, Delta 9 products are manufactured in full swing. The best Delta 9 products on the market include Delta 9 cookies, THC-infused gummies, Delta 9 milk chocolate minis, and more. Some Delta 9-derived tablets are considered capable of mitigating symptoms of certain medical conditions.

More commonly, these drugs are mainly used to relieve stress. Hemp-derived Delta 9 products have milder and more controllable effects than typical marijuana, which is why hemp-derived products are not strictly regulated. Regardless, it’s still essential for their dosage to be kept in check. For instance, if you’re using a product for the first time, around 5mg is a sufficient intake.

Potential Benefits 

Potential benefits of consuming Delta 9 products include pain relief, reduced stress, and improved sleep. Using them is beneficial for workouts, as it relieves DOMS,  the delayed onset of muscle soreness after vigorous exercise. Some research also claims Delta 9 products may have therapeutic effects for nausea and vomiting.

Potential Risks

Delta 9 has potential risks and side effects. The adverse impact significantly depends on the frequency and quantity in which the products are consumed. The possible consequences of consuming Delta 9 include the onset of paranoia, low blood pressure, and sedation. Multiple studies have linked the use of Delta 9 with different psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia. One must be careful with the dosage and frequency in which they consume these products.

Endnote

Legalizing marijuana in different states for medicinal and recreational purposes has opened various opportunities for research on its derived products. As a result, Delta 9 products have started appearing on the market for different purposes. However, you should keep in mind that only hemp-derived Delta 9 substances are recommended for use. The dosage must be strictly checked as its excess can potentially cause adverse effects. If you’re interested in Delta 9 products, ensure you have all the required knowledge to make an informed decision regarding your purchase.