What’s the Difference Between Delta-9 and THC?

Heard of Delta-9 and are unsure whether it's the same as the THC you know and love? If you've tried THC, chances are you've tried Delta-9 THC. We explain the science behind Delta 9 and the differences between it and other forms of THC. 

Key Takeaways

• When people refer to THC, they usually mean Delta-9 THC.
• Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in Cannabis sativa, and is responsible for marijuana's high. 
• THC has other forms, or isomers, like Delta-8 THC, with slightly different effects. 

See More: Is THCa Stronger Than THC?

Is Delta-9 the Same as THC?

Meredith Farrow, founder of Clean Remedies, says:

"Delta-9 THC is chemically identical to THC. In fact, Delta-9 THC is the THC that is naturally produced by cannabis plants. Delta-9 THC can also be derived from hemp plants, and this hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is federally legal."

THC is more popular than ever. Half of all American adults have tried it at least once, and about one in six use it regularly.¹

If you're part of that ever-growing group, then you've tried Delta-9 THC. 

That's because Delta-9 is THC. All Delta-9 THC is THC. 

But not all THC is Delta-9 THC. And not all Delta-9 THC is legal. 

The Science of Delta-9 THC

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound found in Cannabis sativa. Its psychoactive effects are responsible for marijuana's iconic high.

The name tetrahydrocannabinol describes THC's chemical structure. “Tetrahydro" refers to the difference between THC and “cannabinol,” or CBN. THC has four extra hydrogen atoms. 

So THC's molecular formula is C21H30O2. (That will come up again later.)

However, there are actually many different forms of THC, all with the same basic molecular formula. These are THC's isomers or analogs. 

The difference between these forms of THC is quite small. For example, changing the placement of a single double bond between two atoms can result in two different THC isomers.²

To distinguish between all these isomers, we use prefixes. For example, Delta-9 THC. The "Delta-9" refers to the fact that this version of THC has a double bond on the 9th carbon in the carbon chain. 

In contrast, in Delta-8 THC, this bond is on the 8th carbon. 

So all Delta-9 THC is THC. But not all THC is Delta-9 THC. It could be Delta-8 THC or some other variant.

However, Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid. So when people refer to "THC" in general, they usually mean Delta-9 THC. 

Same Effects

In that sense, Delta-9 THC and "THC" as a generic term are chemically identical. They therefore have the exact same effects and potential benefits.

Of course, Delta-9 THC doesn't have the same effects as other versions of THC. For example, Delta-8 THC has slightly different effects. It's generally thought to be a little less potent than Delta-9, which is why it is sometimes called "diet weed."

Is Delta-9 THC Legal?

Delta-9 THC might be chemically identical to the THC naturally found in cannabis plants. But the origin of Delta-9 THC matters a lot. 

Almost half of all US states have legalized recreational cannabis, and many more have legalized medical cannabis. But cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. 

However, that doesn't mean all Delta-9 THC is illegal. The opposite, in fact.

That's because Delta-9 THC is also found in hemp plants.

Bonus: Can You Fly With THCa?

Farm Bill

In 2018, the US legalized hemp. Hemp was legally defined as Cannabis sativa plants that contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

As we mentioned, hemp plants produce over 100 cannabinoids. The other major cannabinoid is CBD, or cannabidiol. 

CBD's molecular formula is... C21H30O2. 

Recognize that? Yes, CBD has the exact same molecular formula as THC. But the atoms in each compound are arranged slightly differently.³

Those tiny differences lead to very different effects. But the similarity means that CBD can be quite easily converted into THC. 

The process is simple.

Manufacturers produce hemp, which is rich in CBD. They collect this hemp-derived CBD. Then, they convert that CBD into THC. 

The result? Hemp-derived THC. Because this THC is derived from hemp, which is federally legal, it is also legal under federal law. 

Remember, this Delta-9 THC is chemically identical to the THC naturally found in cannabis plants. The only difference is its origin. 

Potential Benefits of Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 THC might be most famous for causing marijuana's high. But it actually has plenty of potential health benefits, too.

In fact, about 17% of all people who use THC do so for medical reasons.⁴

For example, research suggests THC might help with sleep.⁵ Studies have shown it can help with mood, too.⁶ And it's widely used to help with nausea and appetite, among other things.⁷

Where to Get Delta-9 THC

It's never been easier to get Delta-9 THC. Clean Remedies has a wide range of Delta-9 THC products and delivers to all 50 states.

One of the most popular ways to consume Delta-9 THC is with gummies. Clean Remedies' Delta-9 THC natural grape-flavored gummies each contain 5mg of Delta-9 THC and 25mg of CBD. For something stronger, try Delta-9 THC natural watermelon-flavored gummies, which each contain 10mg of Delta-9 THC. 

If you have a sweet tooth, you might like our Delta-9 THC Chocolate Delight. Here, CBD and THC are blended into a smooth, creamy milk chocolate bar that's indulgent and restorative. Alternatively, grab some Delta-9 THC Sugar to make your very own THC-infused treats. 

Another popular way to consume THC is in drinks. Clean Remedies offers a natural blue raspberry Delta-9 THC Drink Mix, which you can use to make functional mocktails that help unwind the mind and body. 

"Each container has 10mg of Delta-9 THC and 50mg of CBD," explains Clean Remedies founder Meredith Farrow. "This unique 5-to-1 ratio of CBD to THC delivers a nice cushion, allowing the THC to work with a softer feeling." 

Conclusion

Delta-9 THC is the same as THC. When people refer to "THC," they are usually referring to Delta-9 THC. 

That's because Delta-9 THC is the primary version of THC found naturally in Cannabis sativa. But there are others, like Delta-8 THC, which is why the "Delta-9" prefix is necessary.

However, only hemp-derived Delta-9 is legal at the federal level. 

Keep Reading: How Long Does Delta-9 THC Stay in Your System?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Delta-9 as Strong as THC?

Delta-9 is THC. It's a specific form of THC where the double bond between carbon atoms is located at the 9th position in the compound's carbon chain. 

When people refer to THC in general, they usually mean Delta-9. In that sense, Delta-9 is as strong as THC. It is THC. 

However, there are other forms of THC. These THC isomers, as they are called, may be stronger or weaker than Delta-9.

For example, Delta-8 THC is generally considered to be weaker than Delta-9. 

The strength of a THC product is usually more dependent on the concentration of THC and dosage.

Why Is Delta-9 Legal But Not THC?

Delta-9 is legal thanks to a legal loophole. 

Under federal law, hemp plants are considered legal if they contain less than 0.3% THC. Products derived from legal hemp are also considered legal.

Manufacturers can therefore collect CBD from legal hemp plants and convert it into Delta-9 THC. The resulting product is derived from hemp, and therefore considered legal, at least at the federal level. Local laws may vary.

On the other hand, marijuana is still considered a controlled substance and is federally illegal. That's why THC derived from marijuana is not legal, at least at the federal level. Many states have fully legalized it. 

What Is the Difference Between Delta 9 and Regular THC Gummies?

Chemically speaking, there is no difference. Delta-9 is chemically identical to regular THC. In fact, regular THC is Delta-9 THC. 

The difference may lie in the origin of the THC. "Regular" THC usually refers to THC derived from cannabis. Many Delta-9 gummies use Delta-9 THC derived from hemp plants, which are federally legal. 

In that sense, hemp-derived gummies with Delta-9 THC are federally legal, while "regular" THC gummies aren't. 

Sources

1. Fully Half of Americans Have Tried Marijuana
2. All Is Not Pot That's Green: An Overview of THC Isomers
3. CBD vs. THC: What's the Difference?
4. Comparing adults who use cannabis medically with those who use recreationally: Results from a national sample - PMC
5. Cannabis Use Linked to Better Sleep In People With Insomnia
6. Medical marijuana - Harvard Health
7. Medical Marijuana: What It Is, Uses & Side Effects

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