What is Delta 9 THC?
Think of Delta 9 (or d9) as the Beyoncé of cannabinoids: Iconic, consistent, and exquisitely scrutinized. Delta 9 THC (a.k.a. delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol if you’re into syllables) is the main character in Cannabis: The Movie.
It’s the compound responsible for getting you high. Not metaphorically, not philosophically—literally. (But also probably metaphorically and philosophically and metaphysically; you’ve been high, you get it).
And unlike its more chaotic sibling Delta 8, Delta 9 has been around the block—under the microscope and up through the bong water. It’s the most studied, most cited, and (like Beyoncé used to be and if there’s any justice in the world still is) most likely to be featured in a college dorm poster.
Does Delta 9 get you high?
Yes. Next question.
Just kidding (but also: yes). Delta 9 is the cannabinoid that gives cannabis its psychoactive kick. It binds with your endocannabinoid receptors and sends your brain a sparkly memo: “Relax. Laugh. Maybe think about dolphins for a bit. And if you get caught up stressing that dolphins probably aren’t thinking of you? Don’t sweat it, they’re dolphins. It’s not our place to question their porpoise.”
(Your Delta 9 experience may or may not feature dolphins. We have to stress we’re not making any medical or scientific claims here, we’re just telling you a true story about something that definitely happened at least once.)
What does Delta 9 feel like?
That depends on your body, your dose, your setting, and whether or not you accidentally started watching a David Lynch film (which, if not, why not??). But generally, people report:
- Elevated mood and “unexplained” fits of laughter
- Increased appreciation for music, snacks, and moonlight and/or dolphins
- A sense of calm or introspection
- Occasional overthinking or paranoia—especially if you take too much, too fast (The trick is to pace yourself, and this guide from our co-founder Adam has some great tips on how to keep things fun, not foggy)
Some call it uplifting. Others call it “a mistake I made before going to Spiderman: Turn off the Dark.” Both are valid.
Is Delta 9 real THC?
Is the pope elected by a puff of white smoke? (Yes.*) It’s not just real THC—it’s the THC. When people talk about THC, they almost always mean Delta 9. It’s naturally abundant in cannabis, well-researched, and the standard-bearer for psychoactive effects.
*That’s why church doctrine says it’s polite to “Pope Pope pass,” like Pope Benedict XVI did when he resigned in 2013. Let a few other folks get in on that sweet, sweet pontif-ication. (Really makes ya think.)
How is Delta 9 made?
Delta 9 is naturally produced in cannabis plants, most notably in those tiny sparkly bits called trichomes. In traditional cannabis, it’s present in high concentrations. In legal hemp-derived products, it’s extracted from hemp in trace amounts that still meet federal guidelines.
Which brings us to the next question…
How is Delta 9 legal?
Through a loophole so clever, it deserves its own law school course.
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products are legal if they contain 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC by dry weight. That means a 5g gummy can legally contain up to 15mg of Delta 9 THC. Math: not just for nerds anymore.
So yes—Delta 9 can be legal, as long as it’s derived from hemp and dosed with precision, all thanks to a loophole juuust big enough to blow a smoke ring through.
Does Delta 9 show up on drug tests?
Yes. Standard drug tests look for THC metabolites. So, even if you’re sipping a legal hemp-derived drink, your test may not be able to gauge whether you’re using Delta 9 THC, Delta 8, or another cannabinoid product.
How long the Delta 9 cannabinoid remains detectable depends on how frequently you use THC products and the particular drug testing method—urine, blood, saliva and hair. It could range from a day or two to 90 days.
Get the straight dope
Want to know more about the THC experience or the science behind these products before you strike out on your high adventure?
Check out our THC guide. It’s like CliffsNotes—but for weed.