The cannabis market is growing, and there are various cannabinoids available. Some are naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, such as Delta 9 THC (Delta 9, D9 THC, D9, or THC). Others are synthetically derived THC products made through a chemical reaction. So, is Delta 9 synthetic? Before we answer that question, we need to understand what Delta 9 THC is.
Delta 9 THC is one of the most popular cannabinoids in the industry. It’s famous for its medical cannabis properties and euphoric effects. Those who consume it will want to know more about its origins for health reasons. Come with us as we review Delta 9 THC extraction and manufacturing processes so you can determine if it is among the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis plants or whether it is lab-made.
A Brief History of Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC is among the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is abundant in marijuana plants and found in very small amounts in hemp plants (0.3% or less). Marijuana is illegal per federal law. However, its non-euphoric cousin, hemp (Cannabis sativa), is federally legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized all hemp and hemp-derived products as long as they contain 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC.
Delta 9 THC is typically what people think of when they use the term “marijuana plant.” Unlike other cannabinoids, it produces elevating euphoria. These effects are largely due to the position of the double bond in the cannabinoid’s carbon chain.
The compound is a cousin of other THC analogs like Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC. However, it has a double bond on the 9th carbon chain. It varies from Delta 8, which has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain, and Delta 10, which has a double bond on the 10th carbon chain.
The positioning of the double bond may not seem like much, but it makes all the difference in how the cannabinoid reacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. It interacts with the CB1 receptor, which controls mood and appetite. It also interacts with the CB2 receptor, which is closely related to immunity and other aspects of physical health. As a result, it provides wellness benefits like reduced physical discomfort and eases the body’s response to environmental stress.
Is Delta 9 THC Synthetic or Naturally Occurring?
Delta 9 THC is a naturally occurring cannabis plant cannabinoid. It is not a synthetic cannabinoid. Synthetic cannabinoids are those that do not occur in nature. They are entirely artificial in laboratories.
Synthetically derived THC products can pose a severe danger to your health. However, THC products made via semi-synthetic means are perfectly fine to consume. Chances are you’ve already consumed them! So, is Delta-9 natural or synthetic? It’s natural. However, it can be derived semi-synthetically.
Because Delta 9 THC is found in trace amounts in hemp, it can be semi-synthetically derived from CBD via safe and clean conversion processes. This is the only way manufacturers can sell federally legal Delta 9 THC products from hemp plants.
Some people may prefer the idea of naturally occurring cannabinoids over semi-synthetically derived THC. However, even products made via semi-synthetic means are typically held to high standards. Various extraction methods can be used to ensure their potency and purity. Below are some methods that are used to create Delta 9 THC via semi-synthetic means.
Solvent Based Extraction
Solvent-based extraction involves soaking cannabis plants in a solvent like butane, propane, or ethanol. This process extracts the plant’s chemical compounds, producing a concentrated distillate. For marijuana, this distillate is rich in Delta 9 THC, while for hemp, the distillate is primarily CBD, which can then be converted into Delta 9 THC.
There is a concern that the solvent could remain in the product and cause health concerns. However, if the extraction is done correctly, all solvents should be removed. Your chances of getting pure, potent THC will increase if you purchase THC products from a reputable company.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction
Supercritical CO2 extraction is the cleanest and safest method of Delta 9 THC processing from marijuana and CBD processing from hemp. It involves applying heat and pressure to transform CO2 into a supercritical fluid that has the properties of both a liquid and a gas. The fluid is combined with cannabis plants to extract the desirable cannabinoids, resulting in pure cannabis oil.
Do not attempt to do supercritical CO2 extraction on your own. The method requires specialized equipment and should only be performed by highly trained professionals.
Isomerization
Isomerization is a chemical reaction in which the substance’s molecular formula remains unchanged, but the chemical structure is rearranged, resulting in a new compound. It is typically induced by external factors like light, heat, or a catalyst. Hemp-derived CBD undergoes isomerization to transform it into Delta 9 THC.
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation has been used for hundreds of years. It involves adding Delta 9 THC to a distillation tank, which uses water and heat to pull the chemical compounds from the plant and separate them into cannabinoids.
The process is simple and easy, but it is also not that efficient. As a result, it is not the most commonly used method for producing synthetically derived THC products.
The Advent of Synthetic Cannabinoids
The passage of the Farm Bill of 2018 made the hemp plant and hemp-derived products legal by federal law as long as they contain 0.3% THC or less. As a result, hemp-derived CBD and other hemp products became more in demand. Given the trace amounts of cannabinoids in most cannabis plants, sellers and manufacturers struggled to keep up.
It wasn’t long before they came upon a solution — semi-synthetically derived cannabinoids. They realized they could convert other more abundant cannabinoids, such as CBD, in a lab efficiently and easily. These processes helped fulfill the demand.
Delta 8 THC was one of the first semi-synthetic cannabinoids to be produced in a lab, as it is extremely difficult to find in cannabis plants. But it wasn’t long before Delta 9 THC followed suit. Although it is more abundant than Delta 8 THC, it is also in greater demand. Lab processes ensure there will be enough for everyone.
FAQ – Is Delta 9 Synthetic?
Is Delta 9 THC Natural or Synthetic?
Delta 9 THC is natural. Synthetic cannabinoids are 100% artificial and do not occur naturally. But why do many erroneously consider D9 synthetic? Delta 9 THC is among the naturally occurring cannabinoids, but it can also be semi-synthetically derived. Although it can be found in the cannabis plant, it is often made in labs to fulfill consumer needs.
Is Delta 9 THC Safe to Fly With?
Yes and no. The answer depends on the source of Delta 9 THC products and the cannabis laws in your destination location. Hemp-derived Delta 9 THC products that do not exceed 0.3% THC are federally legal and available for purchase and consumption in many states. However, some states may have their own laws that consider these products illegal. Furthermore, if airport security finds Delta 9 THC in your luggage, they may want to conduct a further search, which can cause you to miss your flight. Travel accordingly to ensure you’re on the right side of the law.
Can I Take Delta 9 THC for Anxiety?
Yes, you can take Delta 9 THC for anxious feelings. Delta 9 THC affects different people in different ways. Some find it helps with their anxiousness. Others find it causes more anxious feelings, especially when consumed at extremely high doses. It is best to start slow with Delta 9 THC products to determine how they will affect your mood. Gradually increase your dose as needed.
Does Delta 9 THC Get You Stoned?
Yes, Delta 9 THC products will get you extremely elevated. Delta 9 THC is famous for producing euphoric feelings, making it the world’s most popular cannabinoid.
How Long Does It Take Delta 9 THC To Wear Off?
The amount of time it takes Delta 9 THC to wear off varies depending on the consumption method and biological factors. Smoked cannabis tends to wear off in a few hours. Edible products last longer, typically 6-8 hours or more. Your metabolism will also affect the duration of Delta 9 THC. If you have a fast metabolism, the effects will wear off quickly. People with slow metabolisms will experience longer-lasting effects.
Final Thoughts – Is Delta 9 Synthetic? [Let’s Clear The Confusion!]
Delta 9 THC is a popular cannabis product with health benefits and elevating euphoria (or, as some would dub it, “psychoactive effects.”). So, is D9 synthetic? The answer is no because synthetic cannabinoids do not exist in nature. They are entirely artificial creations. Delta 9 THC is a naturally occurring cannabis plant cannabinoid found in both hemp plants and marijuana plants. However, employing semi-synthetic methods helps to meet market demand. These methods involve converting one cannabinoid into another. In the case of THC, it would mean converting CBD into THC.
Although semi-synthetically derived THC products may not seem desirable, they are typically upheld to high standards, especially if they are sourced from a trustworthy brand. A reputable brand will conduct a safety analysis and provide lab-tested products to ensure synthetic Delta 9 customer satisfaction. Their products will be pure and potent as advertised. Looking for one such brand? You found it already with Exhale Wellness! Shop our federally legal, hemp-derived Delta 9 THC products and enjoy an elevating experience today!
