Delta 9 THC vs. Delta 8 THC

Holmes Organics is excited to announce the recent addition of our Delta 9 THC Gummies! Delta 9 is a popular option for sleep and any safe time and place you want to enjoy a mild to moderate buzz. It also provides an alternative to medicinal and recreational marijuana in many (but not all) states where marijuana is illegal. Here’s an overview of what it is, how it differs from both CBD and marijuana, and a look at Delta 9 THC vs. Delta 8 THC.

Is Delta 9 the same as THC?

Yes, and no. THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, one of over 100 active compounds found in both the marijuana and hemp plant. Hemp and marijuana are derived from two different strains of the cannabis plant. Marijuana and cannabis also contain a variety of other active compounds (known as cannabinoids) including CBD, CBG, CBN, and more. Marijuana is naturally high in THC and hemp is naturally high in CBD, but both plants contain both cannabinoids.

While typically referred to as just “THC” there are different types of THC including THCa, Delta 8 THC, and Delta 9 THC. THCa and Delta 8 are present in the cannabis plant in its natural and raw state. In its raw state, you will not enjoy all of the medicinal benefits or the high of THC. To convert a cannabis plant to Delta 9, a process of decarboxylation must be completed. This occurs by heating or drying the flowers, leaves, and stems.

Think of this kind of like how bread and toast are both bread but toast has chemically reacted to heat, so it’s not the same as it used to be—but it’s still bread. Once converted to Delta 9, there is no more THCa. While Delta 9 is derived from THCa’s chemical response to decarboxylation, they have unique chemical properties.

The Farm Bill of 2018 allows for the farming, harvesting, processing, selling, and buying of hemp (not marijuana)—as long as it contains .3% or less of Delta 9 THC.

Delta 9 THC vs. Delta 8 THC

While their chemical composition is very similar, these two types of THC are unique. They deliver similar medicinal benefits, but Delta 8 provides a much milder intoxicating effect. Some prefer the milder effect, while others prefer a stronger buzz. However, that is not the only thing to take into consideration when deciding between the two.

The primary difference between the two is that Delta 8 is a “minor” cannabinoid and Delta 9 is a “major” cannabinoid. Hemp contains very little Delta 8, making it nearly impossible to extract. However, Delta 9 is easy and inexpensive to extract. As a result, to create Delta 8 products, CBD is synthesized with the use of synthetic solvents. There are concerns regarding the short and long-term side effects of the synthetic solvents.

Does Delta 9 get you high?

Yes, Delta 9 will get you high. Most consumers describe the feeling as a “light buzz” or “full-on” buzz. Those familiar with marijuana describe the intoxicating effects as “lighter than marijuana”. However, tolerance can vary greatly from one person to the next. Factors such as your weight, age, genetics, health conditions, and a variety of other factors will impact how your body responds to any form of CBD or THC—or any nutritional supplement for that matter.

Holmes Organics suggests taking half of one of our Delta 9 THC Gummies in the evening or after work. If the effect is not as desired, we suggest waiting 2 hours before taking the other half. Your physician can help you determine the appropriate milligrams per serving.

Can you drive while taking Delta 9?

No! Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do anything that would not be considered safe or legal while under the influence of alcohol, intoxicating prescription medications, marijuana, or any intoxicating substance. This would put yourself and others at physical and emotional (aka. intoxicated texting) risk. Not to mention that intoxicated driving, public intoxication, and operating heavy machinery while intoxicated are illegal.

So, plan ahead by waiting until you are home for the day, selecting a designated driver, or taking Uber, Lyft, or a rideshare to get home.

Will Delta 9 THC show up on a drug test?

Wondering if Delta 9 is the same thing as THC to determine if you will pass your next drug test?

Let’s first discuss CBD. It is highly unlikely but not 100% impossible to fail a drug test when taking hemp-derived CBD. This is one of the many reasons we process Holmes Organics CBD to contain 0.0% THC. Many choose to simply play it safe if their employment, education, or extracurricular activity perform random drug tests.

However, drug tests test for THC, so odds are higher that Delta 9 will show up on a drug test.

Delta 9 THC vs. Delta 8 THC on a drug test? They likely have the same increased odds of showing up.

Is Delta 9 and marijuana the same thing?

Hemp and marijuana are 2 of over 700 strains of the cannabis plant. Each strain has slightly different properties. Holmes Organics Delta 9 is derived from the strain used to make hemp-derived CBD. Hemp contains less than .3% THC per the plant’s dry weight. While both hemp and marijuana contain Delta 9, hemp and marijuana have slightly different chemical compounds.

If you are choosing between marijuana gummies and Delta 9 gummies, you likely live in a state where both are legal. Marijuana gummies are derived from cannabis strains that have more than .3% THC per the plant’s dry weight. Also, pay attention to the strain of marijuana the gummies are made from, as different strains have different benefits. For example, the indica strain is popular for sleep. Most shopping for Delta 9 are doing so because recreational or medical marijuana are not available in their state. Or because they prefer a milder high.

If you aren’t sure whether a product is hemp or marijuana-derived, just ask. If it’s sold online to be shipped by mail it is hemp-derived, as marijuana products can’t be sold online. The only exception is if you make your purchase online from an in-state dispensary that has its products delivered by a licensed marijuana courier.

Marijuana couriers are licensed providers whose services are somewhat similar to PostMates, but only for marijuana and marijuana accessories. Most states with recreational marijuana have such licensed providers. Even in states where recreational marijuana is legal, a specialty license is required to deliver (and transport) marijuana.

Is Delta 9 THC legal?

To answer the question of “is Delta 9 legal?” the answer is—maybe depending on your state laws. The Farm Bill of 2018 outlines that the THC content of hemp must be at or below 0.3% of the plant’s dry weight. Hemp fits these criteria, but marijuana does not. Since Holmes Organics Delta 9 is hemp-derived from plants that are 0.3% or less of THC at their dry weight, in our opinion it is legal in most states. However, each state has its own laws, and many are working on clarifying the legality of both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.

Currently, Holmes Organics does not ship our Delta 9 THC Gummies to Oregon or Idaho. We ship our Broad Spectrum CBD products nationwide.

Beyond state laws, your employer, school, or extracurricular activity may prohibit use. Even if use is not prohibited, bringing it with you to work, school, or your extracurricular activity may be prohibited.

Keep an eye on the laws, ordinances, and contractual agreements that impact you—as they are evolving quickly regarding hemp-derived products.

Is Delta 9 Safe?

Delta 9 is considered as safe as pure CBD and marijuana. As always, consult with your physician before taking any new nutritional supplements.

The greater safety concern surrounds Delta 8 products, as they are extracted using synthetic solvents. The short and long-term impacts of these solvents are unclear, with concerns being that there may be traces of heavy metals and poisonous toxins left behind from the solvents.

CBD and marijuana oils are extracted using the widely approved CO2 extraction method. However, extraction methods aren’t the only consideration when purchasing CBD and THC products. Both industries are still young and widely unregulated. Beyond CBD and THC content, there aren’t a lot of guidelines. For this reason, some water down, flavor, or add synthetic ingredients to their products. Sometimes this is for taste, but it’s often to improve profit margins.

This is why we suggest purchasing your products from a brand that meets the following criteria:

• USDA-Certified Organic
• Third-Party lab tested
• Provides access to third-party certificate of analysis
• Processed from US-grown hemp flowers
• Pure with no toxic additives or fillers
• Clearly stated milligrams per serving

We are proud to say that Holmes Organics meets each of these criteria!

Holmes Organics Delta 9 THC Gummies

Our Delta 9 THC Gummies are ideal for sleep or any time you want to cultivate a blissful calm. Each bottle contains 30 gummies with 5mg of THC and 25mg of hemp-derived CBD. The bottle is a mix of three yummy flavors—Orange, Pineapple, and Blueberry-Lemonade.

We suggest taking half, then waiting two hours to see how you feel before taking the second half. Or take as suggested by your physician.

Unlike our CBD products, you will feel intoxicated, so wait until you are home or somewhere safe. Also, somewhere that you will not need to drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in any activities that are dangerous, prohibited, or illegal while intoxicated.

• A booze-free buzz
• Vegan & gluten-free
• Organic ingredients
• Full-spectrum containing CBN, CBG, and other minor cannabinoids
• Not available in Oregon and Idaho due to state laws

Now you understand the difference between Delta 9 THC vs. Delta 8 THC. As always, reach out if you have additional questions!