Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as delta 9 THC or simply delta 9, is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. It is the main compound responsible for producing the “high” associated with cannabis use. But does delta 9 specifically produce a high when consumed? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Delta 9?
Delta 9 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body to produce various effects.
The delta 9 THC content is used to determine the potency and potential effects of different cannabis products. Higher levels of delta 9 THC usually mean the product is more potent and psychoactive.
Delta 9 THC is structurally similar to anandamide, an endocannabinoid naturally produced in the body. This allows delta 9 THC to bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, altering normal brain communication and function. This disruption is what causes the intoxicating effects of cannabis.
How Does Delta 9 Produce a High?
When delta 9 THC enters the body, whether through smoking, vaping, eating edibles, or otherwise consuming cannabis products, it stimulates the endocannabinoid system. This system regulates various physical and cognitive processes including pleasure, pain perception, memory, appetite, and more.
Specifically, delta 9 THC binds to CB1 receptors concentrated in the brain and central nervous system. This mimics the action of anandamide and disrupts normal neurotransmission between neurons. Large amounts of dopamine are released, producing euphoria and the classic cannabis “high”.
In addition to dopamine, delta 9 THC triggers the release of other neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Different ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as individual body chemistry, produce slightly different highs and effects among cannabis strains and products.
Short-Term Effects of Delta 9 THC
When consumed, delta 9 THC causes a wide range of short-term physical and psychological effects. These effects are dose-dependent, meaning larger doses produce stronger effects. Short-term effects peak within 10-30 minutes and diminish after 2-3 hours. Common short-term effects include:
- Euphoria, relaxation, contentment
- Enhanced sensory perception – smells, tastes, colors may seem more intense
- Increased appetite
- Drowsiness, fatigue
- Impaired balance, coordination, reaction time
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Anxiety or paranoia in some users
Long-Term Effects of Delta 9 THC
With regular cannabis use over weeks, months, or years, delta 9 THC can produce various long-term effects. Tolerance builds with repeated use, meaning users need to consume more THC to achieve the same high. Other long-term effects may include:
- Dependence – withdrawal symptoms may occur with abrupt cessation after prolonged daily use
- Impaired learning, memory, attention, decision-making
- Increased risk of mental health issues in those predisposed to psychiatric disorders
- Respiratory issues if cannabis is smoked – chronic cough, mucus, bronchitis
However, many of these effects appear reversible with sustained abstinence from cannabis after chronic use.
Is Delta 8 Different Than Delta 9?
Delta 8 THC is another psychoactive cannabinoid that produces similar effects to delta 9 THC. However, delta 8 occurs in cannabis plants in only trace amounts. Most delta 8 products on the market are synthetically derived from CBD, another non-intoxicating cannabinoid.
While chemically similar, delta 8 and delta 9 have a few key differences:
- Delta 8 is less potent – it binds more weakly to CB1 receptors
- The high from delta 8 is milder, shorter, and described as more lucid or clear-headed
- Delta 8 seems to produce less anxiety or paranoia
- Some users report less intense appetite stimulation and pain relief from delta 8
However, drug testing cannot differentiate between delta 8 and delta 9 as both metabolize into the same chemicals in the body. Additionally, there is limited research on the effects of delta 8, as it has surged in popularity only recently. More research is needed to fully understand how the effects of delta 8 compare to the better-studied delta 9 THC.
Is Delta 9 Legal?
The legal status of delta 9 THC varies depending on where you live. In the United States, delta 9 remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, like all other naturally-derived cannabinoids. This means delta 9 THC has no federally-approved medical uses and possesses a high potential for abuse and dependence.
However, many U.S. states have legalized cannabis products containing delta 9 THC at the state level for medical or recreational use. As of early 2023, here is the legality of delta 9 THC across different states:
| State Type | Legal Status | States |
|---|---|---|
| Fully legal | Delta 9 THC legal for medical and recreational use | 19 states + Washington D.C. |
| Medical only | Delta 9 THC legal only for approved medical use | 36 states |
| Completely illegal | No legal access to delta 9 THC | 5 states |
In states where recreational or medical cannabis is legal, there are still possession limits, public use restrictions, and regulations on growing, distributing, or selling products with delta 9 THC. The specific laws vary significantly between states.
Delta 9 THC remains illegal at the federal level while cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance. But changing public attitudes have led more states to reform cannabis laws allowing access to delta 9 THC.
Does Delta 9 THC Get You High?
Yes, delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the characteristic high. Theintensity of the high depends on factors like:
- Dose consumed
- Concentration of delta 9 THC
- Ratio of delta 9 THC to other cannabinoids
- Method of consumption
- Individual differences in drug metabolism
- User history and tolerance levels
Higher doses of potent delta 9 THC concentrates can produce an intense high, while lower doses from cannabis strains with mild THC levels induce lighter, more functional effects. Consuming cannabis orally also yields a stronger, longer-lasting high compared to smoking or vaping.
In experienced users with a tolerance, moderate delta 9 THC levels can produce pleasant, relaxing effects without substantial impairment or intoxication.
Factors That Influence the Intensity of Delta 9 THC Effects
Many different factors play a role in determining the intensity and type of high that delta 9 THC produces:
Dosage/Concentration
Higher doses and concentrations of delta 9 THC typically cause more intense psychoactive effects. Consuming 50mg of THC will produce stronger effects than 5mg in most users. Similarly, cannabis extracts with 95% THC content will get you much higher than flower strains with only 10% THC.
Consumption Method
Smoking or vaping cannabis causes THC to enter the bloodstream immediately, inducing a faster, more potent high. Orally ingesting THC leads to a delayed onset as it undergoes digestion but ultimately a stronger, longer-lasting high due to conversion into a more potent metabolite.
User Tolerance
With frequent cannabis use, tolerance develops causing users to require more THC to get high. Those with a built-up tolerance may experience milder psychoactive effects from doses that would heavily impair non-tolerant users.
Individual Body Chemistry
Genetic and biological factors affect THC metabolism and how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This results in high variability in THC sensitivity between different users.
Presence of Other Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids like CBD modulate the effects of THC, potentially reducing anxiety or paranoia. The ratios of major cannabinoids play a key role in influencing the nature of the high.
Set and Setting
Psychedelic users coined the term set and setting to summarize how the users’ mindset and environment shape the effects of a drug. Positive set and setting tend to enhance the pleasurable effects of THC while negative set and setting increase anxiety and paranoia.
Does Delta 9 Have Medical Benefits?
Despite its federally illegal status, delta 9 THC has a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic uses. Delta 9 THC can produce substantial benefits for many medical conditions, but also has side effects and risks that must be considered.
Here are some of the well-supported therapeutic uses of delta 9 THC based on available research:
Chronic Pain
Abundant evidence indicates THC is effective for treating many types of severe chronic pain including neuropathic pain, cancer pain, fibromyalgia, and pain from multiple sclerosis.
Nausea and Vomiting
THC is approved by the FDA under the drug dronabinol for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when other treatments are ineffective. It also showed benefits for reducing nausea in AIDS patients.
Poor Appetite and Wasting
The appetite-boosting effects of THC are valuable for countering appetite loss in people with HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment side effects, or dementia. THC also slowed wasting and unintentional weight loss in AIDS patients.
PTSD and Trauma
Research indicates THC and other cannabinoids can help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder including flashbacks, insomnia, and anxiety.
Inflammation
Due to its effects on the immune system, THC shows promise for treating some types of inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Epilepsy
Highly purified CBD has been FDA approved for treating seizures in rare epilepsy disorders. But some research also points to THC having anticonvulsant effects for reducing seizure frequency.
Sleep Disorders
Many cannabis users report THC improving sleep by increasing drowsiness and lowering the time required to fall asleep. However, higher doses of THC may disrupt and impair sleep quality long-term.
Glaucoma
THC can help lower intraocular eye pressure, reducing damage to the optic nerve in glaucoma. However, its short duration of action limits its effectiveness compared to other glaucoma medications.
Addiction Treatment
Some research has found low doses of THC may help reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to opioids, marijuana, or tobacco when combined with psychotherapy.
However, clinical evidence is still very limited regarding the risks and benefits of using THC in addiction treatment. More research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.
Risks and Side Effects of Delta 9 THC
Despite its medical potential, THC also carries risks and side effects that must be weighed carefully before use. Some potential adverse effects of delta 9 THC include:
- Impaired coordination, balance, reaction time
- Difficulty concentrating, impaired memory and learning
- Increased heart rate, changes in blood pressure
- Anxiety, paranoia, psychosis with very high doses
- Addiction and withdrawal symptoms with long-term heavy use
Delta 9 THC consumption in teens and young adults is particularly concerning due to risks on developing brains. Frequent use by adolescents has been linked to impaired cognition, mental illness, and problematic marijuana use later in life.
However, risks can be mitigated by using only moderate doses of cannabis with mild to moderate THC levels. Using cannabis products or strains with CBD may also counter some of the negative side effects of THC for a smoother high.
Conclusion
Delta 9 THC stimulates the endocannabinoid system to produce the characteristic euphoric and relaxing “high” associated with cannabis consumption. It induces a wide range of physical and psychological effects that vary based on dosage, tolerance, genetics, and consumption method.
Delta 9 THC remains federally illegal but an increasing number of states have legalized it for medical or recreational use. Substantial evidence supports the medical value of THC for treating conditions like chronic pain, nausea, poor appetite, and PTSD. However, its side effects and risks must still be carefully considered before using THC therapeutically.
For most users, moderate consumption of low to moderate potency cannabis produces pleasant effects without substantial impairment. But higher THC doses have greater risks of side effects like paranoid thoughts or increased heart rate. Understanding the nuances of delta 9 THC can help cannabis consumers maximize the benefits while minimizing harms from this powerful cannabinoid.
