If you're new to the world of cannabis, you probably have quite a few questions. You might be especially curious about the different types of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including Delta-9 THC.

Delta-9 is one of the key compounds in the cannabis plant because of its powerful effects. It's featured in many of the premium cannabis products in the Mood Shop, and you can enjoy it in a wide range of serving sizes for a milder or more intense high.

Here's everything you need to know about Delta-9 THC, including where it comes from, how it impacts your body, and how to order it online from Mood.

Table of Contents

• What Is Delta-9?

  • The Molecular Structure of Delta-9

  • What Makes Delta-9 Have Psychoactive Effects?

  • How Delta-9 Works

  • How THC Affects Your Mind and Body

• Delta-9 THC vs. Other Cannabinoids

  • Delta-8 THC

  • Cannabidiol (CBD)

  • Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv)

• What About Delta-10 THC?

  • The Effects of Delta-10 THC

• The Legal Status of Delta-9 THC

• Taking a Tolerance Break from Delta-9 THC

  • Why Take a Tolerance Break?

  • Tips for a Successful Tolerance Break

  • Going Back to Delta-9 After a T-Break

• What Are the Side Effects of Delta-9 THC?

  • Short-Term Side Effects of Delta-9

  • Understanding Cannabis Withdrawal

• How to Use Delta-9 THC Safely

  • Start Low and Go Slow

  • Choose the Right Method of Consumption for You

  • Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

  • Hydrate and Snack Smartly

• Types of Delta-9 THC Products

  • Flower

  • Edibles

  • Tinctures

  • Vapes

  • Concentrates

  • Capsules and Pills

  • Beverages

• FAQs About Delta-9 THC

What Is Delta-9?

Delta-9 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that interact with receptors in your body, especially in the brain and nervous system.

This hemp plant extract is set apart by its powerful psychoactive properties, which make it unique from other compounds like cannabidiol (CBD). While many of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant don’t produce a high, Delta-9 does, and it can interact with additional cannabinoids to create a more balanced, well-rounded experience.

The Molecular Structure of Delta-9

The molecular structure of Delta-9 THC is what gives it its unique effects.

Scientifically speaking, Delta-9 is a lipid-based compound with the formula C₂₁H₃₀O₂. Its effects are triggered when the cannabinoid binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, part of the body’s endocannabinoid system. This complex system helps regulate many of the key parts of the human experience, including mood, memory, pain sensation, and even appetite.

What Makes Delta-9 Have Psychoactive Effects?

As cannabis grows, it produces a precursor acid called THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). When cannabis is heated through a process called decarboxylation, THCA turns into Delta-9 THC, unlocking the compound’s full psychoactive effects and producing a high.

This is why smoked cannabis has intoxicating effects, as the heat applied converts THCA into active Delta-9 THC. The same goes for edible products, which are made with decarboxylated cannabis.

It’s worth mentioning that Delta-9 THC’s impact on each person can vary widely depending on factors like dosage, method of consumption, and even a person’s metabolism. Different methods of consuming THC, can also influence its psychoactive effects.

If you’ve never used Delta-9 or other hemp-derived products before, we recommend starting with a small amount or a product with low THC content. That way, you can see how the cannabinoid makes you feel without experiencing any uncomfortable adverse effects like greening out.

How Delta-9 THC Works

To understand how Delta-9 THC creates its effects, let’s take a closer look at its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which we briefly covered earlier.

Delta-9 THC primarily binds to CB1 receptors in the ECS, which are highly concentrated in the brain and central nervous system. When Delta-9 THC activates these receptors, it can alter neurotransmitter release, leading to the well-known high associated with cannabis use.

Research on cannabis has shown that Delta-9 THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to its psychoactive effects.

This experience often includes feelings of relaxation, altered perception of time, and heightened sensory experiences. However, as you can imagine, getting high is very subjective, and some weed fans describe the psychoactive effects of Delta-9 and additional natural and synthetic cannabinoids as more energizing than calming.

Delta-9 THC also has a lesser affinity for CB2 receptors, which are found in immune cells and the peripheral nervous system and may contribute to some of the potential therapeutic benefits of Delta-9 in a medical context. More research is still needed before we know anything conclusive about this side of Delta-9 marijuana use.

As you already know, Delta-9 affects everyone in distinct ways. Factors like genetic makeup, age, mental health, and previous cannabis use all play a role in how Delta-9 THC interacts with a person’s ECS and makes them feel.

In addition, the concept of the entourage effect suggests that Delta-9 THC’s impact can change based on the presence of certain cannabinoids and terpenes extracted from the hemp plant. The entourage effect may be part of why some THC products produce a unique set of effects.

How THC Affects Your Mind and Body

The effects of products with Delta-9 THC content impact both your mind and body.

On a physical level, many people experience relaxation, increased appetite (commonly referred to as the weed munchies), and sometimes even sleepiness, especially with higher doses.

Mentally, Delta-9 THC can bring on feelings of happiness, calm, inspiration, and altered perception. The mood-boosting positive effects of Delta-9 and other compounds found in cannabis plants are a key aspect of why weed is so popular.

However, cannabis use can also lead to some mild side effects, such as dry mouth, red eyes, and increased heart rate. The intensity of these effects will depend on how much THC you smoke or ingest and your individual tolerance for cannabis use. Nevertheless, you can rest assured that using THC from a trustworthy source like the Mood Shop is safe.

Your experience with Delta-9 THC will be highly subjective and dependent on the amount you try. Small servings might create a mild sense of relaxation or light euphoria, while larger servings can lead to intense psychoactive effects, which some people describe as mildly psychedelic.

The strain of cannabis that you choose can also play a role. Strains high in Delta-9 THC but balanced with other cannabinoids and terpenes, like CBD and myrcene, often produce a more relaxing experience. On the other hand, products that are high in Delta-9 THC alone may produce more intense, stimulating effects. For a balanced high, a combination of Delta-9 and CBD might be ideal.

Delta-9 THC vs. Other Cannabinoids

Delta-9 THC might be the most famous cannabinoid, but it’s just one member of a diverse family of compounds found in cannabis.

Comparing Delta-9 THC to other cannabinoids, especially other well-known compounds like Delta-8 THC, CBD, and THCV, shows us some interesting differences and similarities that can help us understand their unique effects.

Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is a close cousin of Delta-9 THC and is also found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, with only a slight variation in its chemical structure. This difference, however, results in a milder psychoactive set of Cannabis Sativa extracts, often described as less intense and more clear-headed than Delta-9 THC.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is another well-known cannabinoid that differs from Delta-9 THC in one major way: it’s not intoxicating.

CBD doesn’t produce the “high” associated with Delta-9 THC, as it has a low affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain. Instead, CBD is popular because of its calming, soothing effects.

Interestingly, CBD can also counterbalance some of the intense effects of Delta-9 THC when the two are used together, which is why we recommend hemp products that balance these two major cannabinoids for beginners and folks with lower tolerance levels.

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

THCV is another cannabinoid that you may have heard of that's distinct from Delta-9 in several ways.

This compound can serve as an appetite suppressant at low doses, helping to offset some of Delta 8 thc-9’s appetite-stimulating effects. While it's not as popular as Delta-8 or Delta-9 at this point, THCV is getting quite a bit of attention because of its mild psychoactive effects and other potential benefits.

What About Delta-10 THC?

Delta-10 THC is another cannabinoid variant in the THC family. It’s very similar to Delta-8 and Delta-9, but it has some unique characteristics that set it apart and make it worth checking out.

Like Delta-8, Delta-10 is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. However, it’s only naturally found in trace amounts, making it harder for experts to extract. This scarcity has led cannabis pros to convert it from CBD or Delta-9 THC for use in products like vapes and gummies.

The Effects of Delta-10 THC

Delta-10 THC offers a gentler, more uplifting high than Delta-9, and it's often described as more energizing and stimulating.

While Delta-9 can have a range of effects, Delta-10 THC tends to be milder and is sometimes said to produce a "Sativa-like" high, which can potentially boost creativity and focus.

This unique quality of Delta-10 makes it popular for folks looking for a functional daytime option without the intense effects that can come with higher doses of Delta-9.

The Legal Status of Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 THC’s legal status is complex and varies widely around the world. However, in the US, this cannabinoid is more widely available than ever, thanks to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the Farm Bill.

Under the Farm Bill, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is legal if its concentration is 0.3% or lower on a dry weight basis.

This legislation has opened the door for the production of hemp-based products containing smaller amounts of Delta-9 THC without breaking the law at the federal level. The Farm Bill is the reason why you can legally order Delta-9 products online from the Mood Shop and get them delivered directly to your door.

Internationally, Delta-9 THC’s legality varies quite a bit. Some countries, including Canada and Uruguay, have fully legalized cannabis, allowing for the legal production, sale, and consumption of Delta-9 THC for both medical and recreational use. However, unfortunately, we don't ship our cannabis products outside of the US.

Before you place an order to buy cannabis here from the Mood Shop to get your hands on some high-quality hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-9, make sure we ship to your state. In addition, if we can't deliver cannabis flower to you, it's possible that you can still order our Delta-9 THC gummies.

Taking a Tolerance Break from Delta-9 THC

A tolerance break, or “T-break,” is when you temporarily stop using Delta-9 THC to reset your body’s tolerance to its effects.

During a tolerance break, some people may experience what's called cannabis withdrawal syndrome, which includes symptoms like irritability and disrupted sleep. While these symptoms are uncomfortable, they won't last forever.

With regular or heavy Delta-9 use, your body will slowly become accustomed to the compound, leading to reduced effects and requiring higher doses to achieve the desired results.

A tolerance break can be a helpful way to refresh your body’s response to THC and help you get a more fulfilling experience once your tolerance levels are back to normal.

Why Take a Tolerance Break?

• Enhanced Effects: A tolerance break can help restore the potency of THC’s effects, allowing you to feel the desired effects at lower doses.

• Saving Money: With lower tolerance, you can use smaller amounts of cannabis products, saving money and making the goodies in your stash box last longer.

• Better Control: Regular breaks can help you maintain a balanced relationship with Delta-9 THC and cannabis in general, keeping it a healthy part of your life.

How to Take a Tolerance Break

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to T-breaks, but there are a few standard guidelines that most experts recommend:

• Short Breaks (1-3 days): For occasional users or folks with mild tolerance, a brief break of a few days should be enough to reset tolerance and enjoy more powerful effects.

• Moderate Breaks (1-2 weeks): For regular users, a one- to two-week break is often recommended, allowing the body’s cannabinoid receptors enough time to recharge.

• Extended Breaks (1+ month): If you've been using Delta-9 regularly for several years or just want a more significant reset, you may want to skip weed for a month or longer.

Tips for a Successful Tolerance Break

1. Stay Busy: Prioritize healthy, constructive activities that distract you from cravings or habitual use, including exercise, creative projects, or spending time with people you love.

2. Adjust Your Routine: If THC use is tied to some of your routines, like unwinding after work, try substituting with other activities like reading, yoga, or a new hobby.

3. Consider CBD as an Alternative: CBD products can help you relax without the psychoactive effects, making it easier to transition.

Going Back to Delta-9 After a T-Break

After completing a tolerance break, start with a smaller serving to assess your body’s response.

Many users find that they need significantly less Delta-9 THC than before the break, which means a more enjoyable and cost-effective experience with weed.

You can take T-breaks every few months for continued balance and a better overall relationship with Delta-9 THC.

What Are the Side Effects of Delta-9 THC?

Like any psychoactive substance, Delta-9 THC can cause some mild side effects. These minor issues are more common when using stronger hemp-derived products, but they can affect anyone from time to time after smoking or ingesting cannabis.

Short-Term Side Effects of Delta-9

Short-term side effects from Delta-9 are often related to the cannabinoid's psychoactive properties.

For many people, Delta-9 THC can cause dry mouth, red eyes, and increased heart rate. These are generally mild and temporary but can be uncomfortable, especially for first-time users.

In some cases, high doses of Delta-9 THC can lead to more intense emotional distress, but this is rare. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the effects of Delta-9, we encourage you to get support from a friend or family member, either in person or on the phone.

Understanding Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms

While Delta-9 THC is generally less habit-forming than many other substances, some people may experience mild withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it after a period of regular or heavy use.

These symptoms often affect both body and mind, and while they're certainly not life-threatening, they can be uncomfortable.

Common Delta-9 THC withdrawal symptoms include:

• Irritability and Mood Swings: Many people report feeling more irritable or experiencing mood swings after stopping Delta-9 use, which can be a natural response as the body readjusts to lower THC levels.

• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping or vivid dreams are frequent symptoms of taking a break from THC, especially in the first few days. Delta-9 THC use can affect your sleep cycle over time, and withdrawal may disrupt sleep patterns as your body recalibrates. This issue shouldn't last long.

• Decreased Appetite: THC often stimulates appetite, so some people find that they eat less or have reduced cravings for food during withdrawal.

• Restlessness: A sense of restlessness, unease, or tension can pop up as a result of changes in your brain’s neurotransmitter activity during a break from THC. This cannabis withdrawal symptom normally only lasts for a few days.

These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and tend to pass within a few days, with the most intense effects peaking in the first few days after stopping.

Practicing good self-care, staying hydrated, and sticking to a healthy sleep routine can help you manage these symptoms well and feel your best while taking a break from cannabis use.

How to Use Delta-9 THC Safely

Here are some best practices for safe Delta-9 use:

Start Low and Go Slow

For beginners, starting with a low dose is always smart.

Even a small amount of Delta-9 THC can have strong effects, especially for folks who are sensitive to THC or new to cannabis. Gradually increasing the dose over time gives you the chance to find the right balance for your tolerance without overdoing it.

Choose the Right Method of Consumption for You

Delta-9 THC comes in many forms, each with its own onset time and duration of effects.

Smoking or vaping provides rapid-onset effects that can be easier to control. Edibles, on the other hand, take longer to kick in (up to two hours or more) and have a longer-lasting, often stronger effect.

If you're a beginner, we recommend getting started with Delta-9 gummies, which you can easily split up into smaller servings for a milder, more controlled high. As a general rule, it's best to see how half a gummy makes you feel before leveling up to a full serving.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Delta-9 THC can heighten sensory perception and alter your mood, so choosing a comfortable and safe environment will have a big impact on your experience.

If it's the first time you've ingested or smoked cannabis, we recommend having some loved ones join you. A familiar setting and the company of friends or family members can help you have a fun, relaxing time with Delta-9.

Hydrate and Snack Smartly

Staying hydrated and having snacks nearby before, during, and after you've smoked cannabis can help you avoid some of the common side effects like dry mouth and munchies.

Healthy snacks are key, especially if you tend to reach for junk food when you're high. If you already know that the munchies hit you hard, it's best to be prepared with healthy foods that won't make your stomach hurt later.

Types of Delta-9 THC Products

Here’s a breakdown of the main types of Delta-9 THC products and what each brings to the table:

Flower

Delta-9 THC flower, or “bud,” is the most traditional form of cannabis, and it's typically smoked or vaporized.

Flower gives you access to the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, making it ideal for anyone who wants to experience the entourage effect in all its glory.

In addition, smoking offers quick onset effects and makes it easy to portion out the amount of THC that works best for you. However, it's not our top pick for newcomers to cannabis; that would be gummies and other edibles.

Edibles

Edibles are tasty snacks infused with Delta-9 THC, including gummies, chocolates, beverages, and baked goods.

This method of enjoying Delta-9 has a delayed onset, usually 30 minutes to two hours, but produces long-lasting effects that can stick around for up to six hours or more.

Edibles are discreet and easy to dose accurately, and they're also a smoke-free option. There's plenty to love about this form of cannabis, and you can find plenty of delicious edibles to try in the Mood Shop.

Tinctures

Delta-9 THC tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts usually taken sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption.

Tinctures offer controlled dosing, often with a dropper for precise measurement, and they can be mixed into foods or drinks for a more fun and rewarding experience.

The effects of a tincture generally set in within 15-45 minutes, which makes these THC products a middle ground between smoking and edibles.

Vapes

Vape cartridges containing Delta-9 oil are best sellers because of their convenience and the rapid onset of effects. This method of cannabis consumption can produce a powerful high.

Delta-9 vapes come in a variety of flavors, so there's something for everyone. In addition, the cartridges contain precise combinations of cannabinoids like Delta-9, Delta-8, CBD, THCp, and more.

The vapes in the Mood Shop feature premium ceramic coils and are both rechargeable and disposable. If you want a discreet, convenient smoking experience, there's no better option.

Concentrates

Delta-9 THC concentrates are some of the most powerful THC products, and they include wax, shatter, and live resin.

These products are usually vaporized using a dab rig, a specialized type of water pipe that features a hot nail rather than a bow. In general, they contain much higher THC levels than flower or edibles, so they're not ideal for beginners.

Concentrates are best for experienced cannabis users who are comfortable with strong effects. Since enjoying them requires specific equipment, they're an ideal upgrade once you know how more user-friendly THC products make you feel.

Capsules and Pills

Capsules and pills give you an easy and controlled way to consume Delta-9, similar to other medicines and supplements.

Like edibles, capsules go through the digestive system instead of the lungs, which means they have a slower onset but longer-lasting effects.

Capsules are ideal for you if you want a precise, consistent serving of Delta-9 without the need to smoke, vape, or eat a gummy or other edible. They're the most no-nonsense THC products on the market.

Beverages

Relatively new to the cannabis scene, THC-infused beverages are drinks like sodas and seltzers infused with cannabinoids.

These drinks work similarly to edibles in terms of onset and duration and are a fun and refreshing way to enjoy Delta-9, Delta-8, and other hemp-derived compounds.

FAQs About Delta-9 THC

Q: What’s the difference between Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC?

A: Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC are both forms of Tetrahydrocannabinol, but Delta-9 is generally more powerful and is the compound that’s mainly responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects.

Delta-8 THC offers milder effects and is often considered less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more subtle high.

Q: Is Delta-9 THC safe?

A: Delta-9 is generally considered safe for most adults when it’s used responsibly and comes from a reputable source like the Mood Shop.

If you have a health condition or are taking other medications, you should consult your healthcare provider before using Delta-9 or other THC products.

Q: How long does Delta-9 THC stay in your system?

A: Delta-9 THC can stay in your system for days to weeks, depending on factors like frequency of use, body fat, and metabolism. The cannabinoid is usually detectable in your pee for up to 30 days, and it can affect drug test results.

Q: Can Delta-9 THC cause dependency?

A: Delta-9 THC has the potential for dependency, especially with long-term or heavy use.

While it’s generally considered less addictive than many other substances, some people may need to be especially careful with THC products, especially anyone with a history of compulsive marijuana use or another form of drug or substance abuse.

Q: Is it safe to drive after using Delta-9 THC?

A: It’s not safe to drive under the influence of Delta-9 THC. The cannabinoid can impair your coordination, reaction time, and judgment, all of which are keys to safe driving.

Most places have strict laws against substance use and driving while intoxicated, including driving after marijuana use. Stay home and stay safe while high!

Q: What’s the best way to consume Delta-9 THC for beginners?

A: For beginners, we recommend starting with a low-dose edible to figure out how THC makes you feel. That way, you can gradually find what works best for you. Starting with a small serving and being mindful of the setting can help you get the effects you’re looking for without being overwhelmed.

Q: What should I do if I feel too high from Delta-9 THC?

A: If you feel uncomfortable after consuming Delta-9 THC, stay calm and try drinking water and eating a snack. Find a comfortable place to relax and wait for the effects to pass, as they’ll eventually go away on their own. If you’re feeling afraid, try calling a friend or getting some in-person support. You’re going to be okay.

Q: What is medical cannabis?

A: Medical cannabis refers to the use of cannabis and its cannabinoids, like Delta-9 THC, for medical purposes under legal regulations.

Medical cannabis is highly regulated to guarantee the purity, quality, and safety of any products used in a clinical setting. Medical cannabis use is only legal through licensed dispensaries and requires prescriptions from certified medical cannabis doctors.

At Mood, we only sell hemp products for recreational use, not for medical purposes. None of our products can replace medical treatments or other medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Sources

Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 | Congress.gov

T-Break: Take a Cannabis Tolerance Break | University of Vermont