Delta 9 THC: The Science of Cannabis’ Psychoactive Ingredient

Ever wondered what exactly gives cannabis its mind-altering effects? The answer lies in a single molecule: delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. As the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, THC is what gets you high. But there’s a lot more to this fascinating little molecule than meets the eye.

THC has a complex relationship with your body and brain that scientists are still working to understand fully. When you consume cannabis, THC enters your bloodstream and makes its way to your brain, where it influences how certain neural pathways function. This interaction with your endocannabinoid system is what produces the range of effects associated with being stoned—from altered senses and perception of time to increased appetite and relaxation.

Love it or hate it, THC is what gives cannabis its distinctive psychological impacts. So next time you spark up a joint or bite into an edible, know that it’s the mighty molecule delta 9 THC that’s responsible for your buzz. Let’s take a closer look at how this potent compound shapes your experience with cannabis.

What Is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is the compound in cannabis plants that makes you feel high. Unlike CBD, Delta 9 THC is psychoactive, meaning it affects your mental state.

Delta 9 THC acts on your endocannabinoid system, specifically binding to cannabinoid receptors in your brain and central nervous system. This interaction results in the intoxicating effects recreational cannabis users seek, like euphoria, relaxation, altered senses of sight and sound, and sometimes hallucinations or paranoia in high doses.

The amount and potency of Delta 9 THC determines how strong the psychoactive effects of a particular cannabis product will be. Cannabis flowers, or buds, contain the highest concentrations of Delta 9 THC, ranging from 10-30% or more in some strains. Cannabis extracts like hash and hash oil contain even higher amounts. Edibles, tinctures, and other infused products list the milligram amount of active Delta 9 THC per serving so you know exactly how much you’re getting.

The effects of Delta 9 THC usually last 2 to 6 hours, depending on the method of ingestion. Smoking or vaping cannabis provides an almost immediate high that only lasts a few hours, while edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in but the effects persist for up to 6 hours. The intoxicating impact tends to peak within the first hour of consumption and then tapers off slowly thereafter.

Staying hydrated, eating before ingesting, and starting with a low dose of Delta 9 THC (5-10mg) if you’re an inexperienced user can help reduce unwanted side effects. But as with any substance, Delta 9 THC affects each person differently based on a variety of factors like body chemistry, tolerance, and mood. The bottom line is to start low, go slow, and listen to your body.

How Delta 9 THC Affects the Brain

When THC enters your brain, it activates certain receptors that influence your perception of pain, mood, and appetite. Specifically, THC binds to endocannabinoid receptors in your central nervous system, particularly the CB1 receptors found in high concentrations in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and basal ganglia.

Activation of the CB1 receptors leads to the release of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter. This is what gives you that euphoric high and pleasant buzz. At higher doses, THC can also activate CB2 receptors found throughout your immune system and peripheral tissues.

THC impacts your hippocampus, the region of your brain involved in memory formation. While high, you may experience disruptions in short-term memory, learning, and cognition. Don’t worry, these effects are temporary, but can make it hard to focus or recall recent events.

THC also stimulates your cerebellum, involved in motor control and coordination. This can lead to balance and posture issues, decreased reaction times, and sluggish movements. Again, these impacts will subside once the THC leaves your system.

In the basal ganglia, THC binds to receptors that regulate pain perception and pleasure. By activating these receptors, THC can ease chronic pain from injuries or illnesses like fibromyalgia while also enhancing sensory stimulation. This is why so many people report heightened enjoyment of music, food, and touch when using cannabis products.

While THC certainly has some complex effects in your brain and body, remember that the impacts are temporary. By understanding how this cannabinoid interacts with your endocannabinoid system, you’ll be better equipped to experience the benefits and sidestep the drawbacks of this psychoactive compound.

The Legality of Delta 9 THC in the US

The legal status of Delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, depends on the state you live in within the US. As of 2021, 17 states have legalized recreational cannabis, while 33 states have legalized medical marijuana. However, under federal law, cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the DEA, meaning it has no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

Recreational Use

In states where recreational cannabis is legal like California, Colorado, and Massachusetts, adults 21 and over can purchase and consume cannabis products containing Delta 9 THC without a medical card. This includes items like:

• Edibles infused with THC like gummies, chocolates, and baked goods
• THC concentrates like wax, shatter, and hash oil
• THC tinctures and capsules
• Pre-rolled joints and cannabis flower (aka bud) that can be smoked

Some states have additional restrictions on things like potency, quantity, and public consumption. It’s best to check with your local laws to understand the specifics.

Medical Use

If you live in a state where only medical marijuana is legal, you will need a recommendation from a licensed physician to access Delta 9 THC products. Qualifying conditions for medical cannabis vary in each state but often include chronic illnesses like cancer, PTSD, epilepsy, and Crohn’s disease. With a medical card, you can purchase THC items from licensed dispensaries. Some states also allow home cultivation of a limited number of cannabis plants for personal medical use.

While the legal landscape of cannabis in America is complex and always evolving, the popularity of legalizing Delta 9 THC, whether for medical or recreational purposes, continues to grow. As more states consider legislation to decriminalize cannabis, greater access to THC may be coming to a dispensary near you.

Methods of Consuming Delta 9 THC

Delta 9 THC can be consumed in several ways, depending on your preferences and tolerance. The method you choose will determine how quickly the THC is absorbed into your bloodstream and how intense the effects are.

Inhalation

The most common ways to inhale Delta 9 THC are by smoking cannabis flower or vaping THC oil. When you smoke or vape, the THC is absorbed into your lungs and enters your bloodstream almost immediately. This results in a fast-acting, intense high. Vaping is considered a healthier alternative since it avoids burning plant matter.

Oral Consumption

You can also consume Delta 9 THC orally through edibles, tinctures, and oils. Edibles, like gummies or baked goods, are digested and the THC is absorbed gradually, resulting in a slower, longer-lasting high. The effects may take 30 minutes to 2 hours to begin and can last for up to 12 hours. Start with a low dose as the effects can be more potent when eaten.

Topicals

Topical creams, balms, and lotions infused with Delta 9 THC can be applied directly to the skin for localized relief from pain and inflammation. The THC is absorbed into the skin but does not enter the bloodstream, so there are no psychoactive effects. Topicals are non-intoxicating and a great option if you want the benefits of THC without the high.

Suppositories

For those unable to consume Delta 9 THC by inhalation or ingestion, suppositories are an alternative option. THC oil suppositories are inserted rectally or vaginally and the THC is absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in both localized and systemic effects. Suppositories have a slower onset and longer duration similar to edibles.

The method you choose depends on your reasons for consuming Delta 9 THC and personal preferences regarding onset time, duration, and intensity. Start low and go slow until you find what works for your needs and tolerance.

FAQs: Common Questions About Delta 9 Answered

You likely have a lot of questions about Delta 9 THC. Here are some of the most common FAQs and their answers:

What exactly is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives you the feeling of being “high”. It binds to receptors in your brain that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, and perception.

How is Delta 9 THC produced?

Delta 9 THC is produced naturally within the resin glands of the cannabis plant, known as trichomes. As the plant matures, trichomes swell and burst, releasing their contents. Cannabis breeders have developed strains with higher concentrations of delta 9 THC by breeding plants that produce more trichomes.

What are the effects of Delta 9 THC?

In small doses, delta 9 THC can produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception, increased appetite, and anxiety/paranoia. In higher doses, effects may include impaired memory, coordination, and problem-solving as well as hallucinations or delusions. Effects tend to last 2 to 3 hours after ingestion but may persist up to 24 hours.

Is Delta 9 THC addictive?

Delta 9 THC can be addictive for some individuals. Repeated use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. According to research, about 10% of regular users will become addicted. The risk of addiction is higher if you start using cannabis at a young age, use it frequently or in high doses, or have a history of other substance use disorders.

Is Delta 9 THC legal?

Delta 9 THC is legal for recreational use in 11 states and legal for medical use in over 30 states. However, delta 9 THC remains illegal under federal law. The legality of delta 9 THC products also depends on their THC concentration and whether they are hemp-derived or marijuana-derived. Hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but some states have additional restrictions.

Conclusion

So now you know the basics about delta 9 THC, the key compound in cannabis that produces the high. As cannabis becomes more widely available and accepted, understanding the science behind how it affects your mind and body is important. While delta 9 THC can lead to some potentially negative side effects, when used responsibly it also shows promise for recreational and medicinal benefits. The research into cannabis and its components is still evolving, but delta 9 THC will likely remain at the center of how we understand, classify, and regulate this controversial plant going forward. The next time you use cannabis products, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for how that little molecule makes such a big impact.