Delta-9 is the most popular isomer of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a naturally occurring chemical in marijuana that produces psychoactive properties.
Besides being the most widely-studied tetrahydrocannabinol isomer, delta-9 is also the most potent THC-based compound. Its effects are more robust than other common THC isomers, such as delta-9 and delta-10.
So, as a potential user, it’s natural to wonder how delta-9 will make you feel before administering this compound. Read on as we highlight hemp derived d9 products, including the chemical’s benefits, effects, and side effects.
How Does Delta-9 Make You Feel?
As already indicated, delta-9 is the most potent tetrahydrocannabinol isomer. The compound is responsible for most of THC’s mind-altering effects.
Euphoria is the main feeling associated with delta-9 THC. The feeling is characterized by inexplicable happiness and is often marked by uncontrollable giggling or smiling and uplifted moods.
People in a euphoric state also tend to experience sudden bursts of energy levels. Delta-9 can increase your stamina and endurance in the gym, in the bedroom, or while engaging in any activity that demands heightened physical energy and mental focus.
The following are other positive effects linked to delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol;
- Enhanced self-awareness
- Increased creativity
- Mental tranquility and relaxation
Why Does Delta-9 Induce Mind-altering Effects?
Delta-9 THC, as with any other cannabis compound, impacts the body through its influence on the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex biological system made up of receptors called endocannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids.
The endocannabinoid system contains two main types of endocannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. These receptors generally perform the same functions. But they vary significantly in the specific areas of the body where they’re expressed. CB1 receptors are mainly expressed around the brain and central nervous system (CNS), whereas CB2 receptors can be found in peripheral organs like the limbs and gut.
Now, the ability of a compound to trigger mind-altering effects depends on how efficiently that substance impacts CB1 receptors, which happen to be concentrated around the brain. Delta-9 THC binds directly to CB1 receptors. And that pretty much explains the compound’s psychoactive abilities.
How Do Delta-9 Effects Compare to Those of Other THC Isomers?
Delta-9 is the most potent THC isomer. The compound produces nearly twice as powerful effects as delta-8 and is even more potent than delta-10.
So, on a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 represents the least potent tetrahydrocannabinol isomer and 10 the most potent isomer, delta-9 would be ranked 10. Delta-8 and delta-10 would occupy the 5th and 3rd positions on the scale, respectively.
What Other Factors Determine the Intensity of Delta-9 Effects?
Dose for dose, delta-9 THC is more potent than all other tetrahydrocannabinol isomers. But as you shall find, the compound’s overall potency depends on several other factors. Examples include:
Age and Body Mass
Delta-9 will have more intense effects on younger users than older ones. The same is true for users with a smaller body mass.
Delivery Method
How you administer delta-9 THC may determine the compound’s overall effects. For instance, smokable and vapable products deliver more robust results than edibles and topicals. That’s because smoking and vaping have a faster onset time. And a quicker onset time usually translates to a higher absorption rate (bioavailability).
What You Consume the Compound With
This mainly applies to edible delta-9 products like gummies, candies, and beverage drinks. Certain foods, such as fatty acids, herbal supplements, spices, and stimulants like tea and chocolate, have activated the endocannabinoid system. So, delta-9 edibles will deliver more powerful effects if consumed alongside such foods.
Marijuana Sensitivity or Tolerance
People who’re more sensitive to marijuana tend to react more dramatically to extracts from the plant. It only takes a few milligrams or milliliters of delta 9 to experience severe effects for such users. On the flip side, people who’re highly tolerant to delta-9 will experience fewer intensive effects with standard doses.
Does Delta-9 Have Any Health Benefits?
Although it’s most famous for its psychoactive abilities, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol contains numerous medicinal properties. Medical cannabis experts often recommend using this compound alongside CBD for enhanced therapeutic effects.
Delta 9 can help with pain management. When consumed, the compound affects how the brain receives and interprets pain signals by reducing the sensitivity of nociceptors (pain-signaling endocannabinoid receptors).
Delta-8 may also relieve physical and mental fatigue. That’s mainly due to its euphoria-inducing abilities.
Stress, anxiety, and insomnia are other common ailments you can mitigate using delta 9 THC. Delta 9 is biphasic. In other words, the compound is uplifting and energizing at low-to-moderate doses and sedating at relatively high doses.
You might also benefit from delta 9 THC products if battling inflammatory conditions like cancer and arthritis. Delta 9 is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that fights inflammation by blocking the transmission of inflammatory responses.
Other medical conditions you can manage using delta 9 THC include neurodegenerative disorders, erectile dysfunction, and nausea & appetite loss, to mention but a few.
Summary
Delta 9 is the most potent tetrahydrocannabinol isomer. The compound also boasts several health benefits.
However, delta 9 can trigger severe side effects if overdosed. Common ones include hallucinations, anxiety, reduced hand-eye coordination, bloodshot eyes, and insomnia.
The best way to avoid delta-9 THC side effects is to practice microdosing. That’s especially if still new to the compound.
