What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the most well-known and essential cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. It is psychoactive and can cause narcotic effects on the brain and the body. The cannabinoid receptors of the human body are the areas of the brain responsible for regulating coordination time, pain perception, memory, and pleasure. Delta-9 THC can attach to the receptor sites, activate them, and cause a high sensation. THC is secreted by the glands of the cannabis plant, which are usually found around the reproductive organs of the plant.

Effect of Delta-9 THC on the Body

THC can cause varying effects on the brain and body. Research has found it can stimulate the neurons to produce and release excessive dopamine, which creates euphoric effects. It can also interfere with the processing of information in the hippocampus and cause temporary memory and learning impairments. Research has also shown THC can induce hallucinations and may even cause delusions in regular users. The effect of THC begins within 10 to 30 minutes of ingestion and may last for upwards of 2 hours. Some studies have also shown THC can elevate anxiety, short-term memory loss, sedation, and tachycardia.

Risks of using Delta-9 THC rich Cannabis

Marijuana is a popular drug that is known for its psychoactive effects, and it is thought to be one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. Here are a few reported risks associated with using THC frequently. Research has shown that THC has the ability to trigger the recurrence of symptoms of schizophrenia. Some people may also suffer from impaired motor skills as a result of using THC more frequently and may require a few hours to do the most simple tasks, which could have been done in minutes. Younger people and teenagers whose brains’ have not fully developed, may face long-term problems if they use THC-rich cannabis.  It can cause a decrease in memory cognition and IQ level. Other side effects caused by the use of THC are increased heart rate, coordination problems, red eyes, dry mouth, slow reaction time.

Medicinal use of Delta-9 THC

Cannabis is being used for medicinal purposes for more than thousands of years.  As of writing this in 2020, thirty-three states of the US have already legalized medical marijuana, which can be used for treating chronic health issues such as aids, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. THC has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

Concentration of Delta-9 THC in Cannabis

Different strains or species of cannabis contain a varying quantity of THC.  Cannabis indica is known to have more than 20% THC, where industrial hemp or cannabis Sativa does not contain enough amount of this psychoactive component. FDA has approved cannabis products that contain less than 0.3 % THC by weight, so it can not cause any significant psychoactive effects for those who are not using it for recreational purposes. 

Recreational cannabis contains a varying quantity of Delta-9 THC ranging from 5 to 20%, depending upon the strain being used for seeking the effects of THC. Eleven states in the US have legalized recreational marijuana use, with more looking at legislation to do the same. Which brings us to

Delta-8 THC, a chemical analog of Delta-9 THC and is known to be less psychoactive. However quite similar in the rest of the properties we’ll check out this newly popular form of THC and investigate - What is Delta-8 THC?