What Exactly Is Hemp-Derived THC?

If you’ve ever browsed the aisles of a cannabis dispensary or explored the prospect of purchasing medical marijuana online, you have very likely come across terms like “THC” and “hemp-derived THC”. 

While hemp-derived THC products are gaining popularity in states across the U.S., there is still much to discover about these products, the different types available, and how they interact with the body in their own unique ways.  

When you are considering THC and CBD products, it doesn’t just help to understand what you are buying — it’s critical. Keeping informed about the differences between different types of hemp and CBD products can improve the chances you will experience your desired effect.

Let’s dive deep into hemp-derived THC, how these compounds interact with the body, and how you can benefit from cannabis products. 

Key takeaways

• Due to its murky legal status, certain THC products may be labeled as "hemp-derived THC" to satisfy state laws.
• Hemp-derived Delta-8 and hemp-derived Delta-9 products, which contain psychoactive compounds, are some of the most popular hemp-derived products on the market.
• Delta-8 and Delta-9 are nearly identical yet contain unique properties, such as their effect on the body's endocannabinoid system.
• The Agriculture Improvement Act, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, called for the legalization of hemp under federal law.

See Related: What Percentage of THC Is Considered High for Flower?

What is hemp-derived THC?

There are thousands of products found across the cannabis industry.

“Hemp-derived THC” refers to cannabinoids such as Delta-8 and Delta-9, which are sourced from hemp.

From a legal standpoint, hemp is defined as any part of the Cannabis sativa L. plant containing less than 0.3% THC on a dry-weight basis. Due to these specifications, manufacturers can infuse hemp-derived cannabinoids into products like oils and edibles.

Although hemp contains low levels of THC, concentrated extracts and edibles can still deliver psychoactive doses. These products are federally legal if their Delta-9 THC concentration remains below 0.3% THC by dry weight, though some hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as Delta-8 THC, remain restricted in certain states.

Labels like “hemp-derived” can lead to legal cloudiness that doesn’t exactly benefit the consumer. This is because products advertised as CBD-only, which are commonly understood to be non-psychoactive, can still contain trace amounts of THC or synthetic cannabinoids, causing a psychoactive high.

Additionally, these products can contain synthetic compounds that are unregulated and even show up on a drug test. For these reasons, it is important that people who consume hemp-derived THC products read labels carefully. 

Bonus: How to Take CBD Oil for Anxiety: Dosage, Methods, & More

Hemp-derived Delta-8 vs hemp-derived Delta-9 THC

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are considered to be nearly identical, as they share the same molecular formula. These compounds bind to CB1 receptors in the brain, causing psychoactive effects. 

Although similar, there are key differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9, which are two different isomers of THC. For example, Delta-8 is generally thought to be less potent than Delta-9, containing fewer intoxicating effects than its counterpart. This makes Delta-8 an effective treatment for those seeking relief without experiencing as much of a strong, intoxicating high as marijuana-derived THC products.

According to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, Delta-8 may have potential in treating nausea and increasing appetite, all with less psychoactivity than Delta-9 THC. 

As Delta-8 and Delta-9 products are not as regulated as state-regulated marijuana products, it can be difficult to ascertain which additional compounds may be found in them, bringing into question their safety. Even very small amounts of other substances, like pesticides, may be found in today's hemp-derived THC products.

Marijuana-derived THC vs. hemp-derived THC: which is better?

It is nearly impossible to say with certainty whether marijuana-derived THC or hemp-derived THC is better. This is because users choose to consume these products for different reasons.

For example, if someone chooses to consume cannabis products for pain relief alone, hemp-derived THC products may produce milder psychoactive effects than marijuana-derived THC while still offering potential symptom relief. On the other hand, those seeking THC products to enjoy the psychoactive effects may prefer marijuana-derived THC.

More research is needed to determine the best dosing for cannabis products. As a rule of thumb, it is always best to start with a low dose of these products to determine the optimal dosing for your unique needs and desired effect.

Accessibility is also a factor when determining whether marijuana-derived or hemp-derived THC is the better option for your unique needs, as some of these products may be illegal to use in certain states.

Health benefits of hemp-derived THC

There are various potential health benefits associated with hemp-derived products like hemp-derived THC and hemp-derived CBD. From mental health benefits to physical benefits, these provide a more natural approach to medicine than traditional pharmaceuticals.

While more research is needed, according to some studies, cannabinoids found in hemp plants and cannabis plants can contain therapeutic benefits associated with health issues such as:

• Anxiety and depression
• Pain management
• Improved sleep
• Reducing nausea (especially in chemotherapy)

Due to its psychoactive effects, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products may affect pain perception, helping many consumers with pain management. However, there are no hemp-derived THC products currently FDA-approved for medical use.

Legality of hemp-derived THC products

While federal law clearly classifies cannabis as a controlled substance, the legality of hemp-derived THC products is less clear at the federal level. Today, these can vary significantly at the state level and by THC content. That's why understanding these laws is extremely important.

While hemp-derived THC is legal in many U.S. states, others have passed laws to strictly prohibit the consumption or distribution of products that contain more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.

However, although it is illegal for products above 0.3% THC by dry weight to be consumed or sold, it is often difficult for these laws to be enforced due to a lack of regulation.

The Agricultural Improvement Act

In 2018, the Agriculture Improvement Act, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, called for the legalization of hemp as federal law, removing it from marijuana under the federal Controlled Substances Act. 

This law created a regulatory system for hemp cultivation under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), allowing for interstate commerce, as well as hemp’s eligibility for federal crop insurance. 

Due to its verbiage, the Agricultural Improvement Act offers a loophole for the legalization of psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids, although many states have banned or heavily restricted Delta-8 and Delta-9 for consumer use.

How to consume hemp-derived Delta-9 THC

There are various ways to consume products derived from both cannabis plants and hemp plants in order to reap their potential therapeutic benefits.

Some of the most popular methods of Delta-9 THC consumption, for example, include:

• Vaping
• Smoking
• Edibles
• Oils/Tinctures
• Topicals

When shopping for hemp-derived THC products, it is crucial that you purchase from reputable sources. Clean Remedies carries a wide variety of hemp-derived Delta-8 and Delta-9 edibles, drink mixes, and other products to provide calming relief when you need it most.

Conclusion

When consuming federally legal hemp-derived THC and CBD products, safety is paramount.

While more research is needed to determine their therapeutic effects on the body, consumers should pay close attention to product labels and dosing recommendations in order to use these products safely and effectively.

Keep Reading: Can You Put CBD or THC Oil in a Diffuser?

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Will hemp give you a buzz?

Standard hemp will not give you a buzz as it only contains trace amounts of THC. However, hemp-derived THC-infused products, like THC drinks, can offer a mild buzz, although less intense than can be achieved with marijuana. Pay close attention to product labels and dosing recommendations to ensure your desired effect.

How long does hemp THC last?

The high you might feel from Delta-9 THC products can last between 2 and 10 hours. This timeframe can be influenced by several factors, including consumption methods and individual factors like gender, body mass index (BMI), and individual levels of tolerance.

How long until THC is completely out of the body?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long THC can remain in the body.

THC may be detected in the body from anywhere between 12 hours and 90 days, depending on factors like individual use, consumption method, and testing method. For example, THC can be detected in hair samples for up to 3 months, while THC may not be detected in blood after 12 hours.

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