Delta 9 is the main variant most are referring to when they say THC. This is the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant.
The difference lies in the double bond found on the molecule. It is found either on the 8th or 9th bond, making D8 & D9 each react differently with your endocannabinoid system.
D9 potentially can support recovery, promote hunger, relieve tension, and more.
Although everyone's body chemistry is different, Delta 9 can show up on a drug test due to the psychoactive effects.
Delta 9 THC can be detected in the body longer than other compounds, although the psychoactive effects only last a few hours.
What is Delta 9?
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ9, is the specific variant most are referring to when they simply say “THC”. Found in both male and female cannabis plants, this is the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. Interesting enough the raw form of THC, THCA, has no mind-altering properties. These properties occur once decarboxylation occurs and heat alters the THCA molecule into one that can bind with other cannabinoid receptors in our body to produce that euphoric feeling known as a “high”.
History of THC
Cannabis has been used for textiles, food, medicine, and rituals dating back thousands of years. The first record of cannabis is in China, eventually making its
way to the Americas and Europe.
During the 1600’s hemp was introduced to what is now known as the United States. From the 1600’s to 1930’s hemp was grown for medicine and textiles, not until the 1930’s did cannabis use become recreational and caught popularity.
The boom of recreational use lead to anti-drug campaigns and many states prohibiting marijuana due to cannabis beeing seen to lead to violence and self-harm.
In 1970 the Controlled Substances Act classfied marijuana as a schedule 1 drug making the drug illegal on the federal level. The “war on drugs” launched during the 1970’s leading to large-scale incarcentation of many people for possesion and use.
*Statistics suggest that drug use has similar rates for people of different race and ethnicity; however, enforcement and penalization of cannabis use disportionately targets people of color, mainly those of latinx or black race.
While cannabis still is not legal on the federal level many states have approved cannabis use and even more have opened to the use of CBD and THC.
Recently, president Biden has signed a pardon to those convicted of simple marijuana possession at the federal level.
What's the Difference Between Delta 8 and Delta 9?
Time for a chemistry lesson. Delta, of Delta 9 or Delta 8, refers to the double bond found on the molecule. The difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 is where that bond is located. The 8 and 9 comes from the location of that double bond, its either on the 8th or 9th bond on a chain. Double bonds have more electrons than single carbon bonds, making them interact with the endocannabinoid system differently. The difference between 1 bond on a chain doesn’t seem like much, but with subatomic particles it can be very significant.
What Does Delta 9 THC Feel Like?
Unlike Delta 8, Delta 9 THC will stimulate the CB1 receptor and one can experience more psychoactive effects (see endocannabinoid chart below). In low and moderate doses D9 can promote relaxation, euphoria, giggly mood, and relief. Higher doses of D9 may carry side effects such as uneasiness or paranoia. This is because our brain can get fooled that more anandamide is being produced than it actually needs. Anandamide, known as the bliss molecule due to its influence on our emotional well being, is one of the two major endocannabinoids produced by our bodies.
What are Potential Benefits of D9 THC?
**Extract Labs is not concluding that Delta 9 THC can cure any medical or health issues, we are just pointing out the benefits that some have found with D9 THC**
Supports Recovery
A 2001 study explored how Delta 9 THC was used in a recovery context. Out of the group, a large percentage reported experiencing a greater sense of ease and overall comfort after use. The study also noted minimal side effects, suggesting that Delta 9 played a role in supporting balanced states during the recovery process.
Promotes Hunger
Research as far back as 1997 noted that Delta 9 THC was associated with shifts in hunger and eating behavior, with participants reporting an increased sense of hunger along with changes in overall mood. While findings remain exploratory, Delta 9 continues to be studied for how it relates to feeling hungrier, more at ease, or more balanced during periods of recovery.
Relieves Tension
In early research, Delta 9 THC in combination with other cannabinoids was studied for feelings of ease and experiencing greater overall comfort. Many noted that any unwanted effects were generally predictable and manageable. These kinds of findings continue to spark interest in how Delta 9 may relate to easing tension, soothing everyday discomfort, and supporting relaxation. See how CBD may work for discomfort blog, here.
Delta 9 and Your Endocannabinoid System
Does Delta 9 Show up on a Drug Test?
Everyones body makeup is different, so the length of D9 THC staying in the body can be different for many. Due to Delta 9 having psychoactives affects and being THC it is possible to show up as THC positive. Here are the average amount of hours/days that THC can show up on a test:
Urine testing: detectable within 30+ days after use
Saliva testing: detectable up to 24-72 hours after use
Blood testing: detectable in blood 12+ hours after use
How Long Does Delta 9 Stay in your System?
Delta 9 THC can be detected in the body longer than other compounds, although the psychoactive effects only last a few hours.
Where to Buy Delta 9 Products
Extract Labs believes in making plant based wellness accesible to everyone. We extract, refine, formulate, and ship under one rood in Lafayette, Colorado, USA. While operations continue to expand, the belief that CBD will change the world remains a binding ethos at Extract Labs. Learn more about us here.
















