Delta-9 THC vs. Dispensary Weed: What’s the Difference?

It seems like more people are enjoying cannabis than ever before. That’s great news for cannabis connoisseurs, but it also means that there’s more confusion than ever before. When it comes to the debate over delta-9 vs. weed, though, you’ll find that not everything is as it may seem. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about cannabis, including what it even is. That’s why we’re here to clear the air and break down the difference between what we know as delta-9 THC and weed that you might find at a dispensary. Let’s dive in!

The Basics: Hemp vs. Marijuana

Before we explore how their respective forms of THC differ, let’s first define both hemp and marijuana. To understand each, we’ll have to rewind a bit – all the way back to the basics.

‍

There are many kinds of cannabis plants, with Cannabis sativa being the most common. Within Cannabis sativa, there are over 100 unique cannabinoids present, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both hemp and marijuana belong to this family of cannabis.

‍

In truth, marijuana and hemp are actually two different varieties of the same plant. However, because they’ve historically been raised and used for different purposes, they tend to be associated with different things.

‍

For example, hemp has many potential uses beyond providing THC or CBD. Hemp can serve as a useful material for creating textiles, paper, food, medicine, biofuel, and more. In fact, hemp’s versatility is a big part of why it’s become known as a legal alternative to marijuana today.

‍

Due to hemp’s vast uses and economic potential, Congress considered it when passing the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. This Act, also known as the Farm Bill, removed hemp from the definition of marijuana. Specifically, it removed what it classified as “hemp” – cannabis and products derived from plants with 0.3% delta-9 THC or less by dry weight – from the list of Controlled Substances. This small but significant change made it legal to grow and sell hemp and hemp-derived products.

‍

While they may be different in the eyes of the law, hemp and marijuana are, by most accounts, virtually indistinguishable. Aside from some minor differences in planting and growing – hemp plants may be more likely to be planted in dense stands so that they grow tall stalks, for example – there isn’t much we can use to tell whether something is hemp or marijuana. 

‍

The two look, feel, smell, and even smoke the same. Because their main difference rests in their THC levels, these two types of cannabis are nearly impossible to tell apart at a glance.

What is Delta-9 THC?

We know that Cannabis sativa plants, whether hemp or marijuana, produce THC. But what is delta-9 THC, specifically? Is hemp-derived delta-9 THC the exact same as the THC found in marijuana? The answer is yes and no. 

‍

Regardless of its origins, THC is THC – the psychoactive compound that’s responsible for the “high” we associate with cannabis use. Delta-9 is one form of THC, but it’s also the most abundant and popular. It has a double bond on its 9th carbon chain, which distinguishes it from other types of THC.

‍

When it enters the bloodstream, delta-9 THC (D9) binds to endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. These act as “locks” that react when a cannabinoid, or “key,” binds to and activates them, prompting signals to the body that result in physiological and psychological changes.

‍

D9 primarily binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system. Other cannabinoids, such as CBD, may be more likely to bind to CB2 receptors in the immune system. But because THC mostly impacts the brain and nervous system, it’s able to produce effects like euphoria, changes in mood and memory, and altered perception of time.

‍

THC is plentiful in marijuana plants but not so in hemp plants. After all, the definition of a hemp plant is cannabis with a low concentration of THC. Yet, there are tons of products on the market that boast plenty of THC or the ability to get you high. So, what gives?

‍

There are a few possibilities. One is that the THC found in products is not D9 but THCA, the acidic precursor to delta-9 THC. Because it is not the same as D9, THCA is not held to the same legal restrictions as plain old THC. 

‍

When THCA is exposed to heat or broken down in the body, it converts to delta-9 THC. That means that hemp-based products can be bred or manufactured with higher concentrations of THCA to deliver a high without violating the Farm Bill’s 0.3% THC or less rule. 

‍

It’s also possible that another form of THC might be abundant in the product, allowing it to create psychoactive effects that are similar to those of D9.

What about delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is another form of THC, specifically an analog of D9. Its double bond rests on its 8th carbon chain instead of its 9th. This small difference in structure leads to significant differences in effects, though.

‍

Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 is common. Still, it occurs in much lower concentrations than other cannabinoids. That means that a lot of the delta-8 THC you see on the market doesn’t come straight from the plant but instead from the lab. More common cannabinoids, like CBD, can be synthesized into delta 8, which is then added to the product. 

‍

Delta 8 is also psychoactive, but it’s still typically considered less potent than delta-9 THC. Most users report a more clear-headed and milder high that’s less likely to cause side effects like anxiety or paranoia.

‍

Finally, delta-8 THC’s legal status is also a bit sticky, just like D9. In some places, delta-8 THC sits in a gray area where it’s not prohibited but not explicitly legalized. In others, it’s outright prohibited. In general, though, delta-8 THC is legal as long as it conforms to the Farm Bill and any applicable local regulations.

Delta 9 vs. Weed: What’s the Difference?

Delta-9 THC is only one part of what we know as “weed” or marijuana. It’s the most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana plants and is responsible for its psychoactive effects, but weed contains far more than just delta 9. It’s also packed with other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other organic compounds that give it its look, smell, and taste.

‍

What you may really be considering is not the difference between delta-9 THC and weed but the difference between D9 from hemp and D9 from marijuana. Because THC derived from hemp comes from plants that contain 0.3% or less delta 9 by dry weight, you may have to consume larger quantities of products containing it to achieve the effects of marijuana. Still, the delta-9 THC itself is the same – how it comes to be and its concentration is really where things differ. 

Benefits of Hemp-Derived Delta 9 vs. Regular Weed

Let’s bring everything we know about hemp and marijuana together to understand how delta-9 THC derived from each can benefit you.

‍

Once again, the delta-9 THC you find in marijuana is not different from delta-9 THC found in hemp. Delta-9 THC is great at fighting pain and lowering inflammation through the activation of CB2 receptors, no matter where it comes from. It’s also a great tool for enhancing your mood, stimulating your appetite, and melting away the stress of the day.

‍

That said, there are still some minor differences in experience that might lead you to choose one option over the other. For example, delta-9 THC derived from hemp is far more accessible than marijuana. However, the delta-9 THC – and other cannabinoids, for that matter – found in marijuana are au naturale, while THC compounds in hemp-based products are sometimes the product of manufacturing or chemical syntheses. 

Find Delta-9 THC & Other Goodies at Green Dragon

In the battle of delta-9 THC vs. weed, there really is no clear winner – that’s because delta-9 exists in and outside of what we consider “weed.” Delta-9 THC is a natural compound for Cannabis sativa plants of all kinds, including both hemp and “weed,” or marijuana. It’s only one piece of the puzzle that makes weed what it is. 

‍

So, if you’d like to try delta-9 THC, rest assured that legal hemp-based products can help you experience the same benefits without the risk. Whether it starts as THCA or comes directly to you as its final D9 form, THC is everywhere in the world of cannabis. The biggest question is not which form of it is best, but which is right for you.

‍

As you seek the best delta-9 THC products for your needs, look no further than The Green Dragon CBD. Count on us to find delta-9 THC goodies from leading brands at great prices. 

‍

We’re also here to help you find the right items for your lifestyle. Reach out to us at any time for advice, answers to questions, or to receive a free consultation!