Learn more about Delta 9, what to expect when you try Delta 9 gummies for the first time, and what makes cbdMD's Delta 9 products different from the rest.
But before we dig into why you should try Delta 9 gummies, you should know exactly what Delta 9 is and how we've derived a fully legal 2018 Farm Bill compliant formula. Read on to learn more about Delta 9, what to expect when you try Delta 9 gummies for the first time, and what makes our Delta 9 products different from the rest.
What Is Delta 9?
Delta 9 THC, also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the over 100 known cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant and the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. That's because like CBD and a few other cannabinoids, Delta 9 was also referenced by name in the 2018 Farm Bill. In this case, it remained listed on the US Controlled Substances Act (CSA) while hemp containing less than 0.3 percent THC was removed.
Although Delta 9 THC occurs naturally in both hemp and cannabis plants and can be derived from either source, the Delta 9 THC used in our products is naturally extracted from federally compliant hemp plants, even though hemp-derived and marijuana-derived Delta 9 share the same chemical formula. By formulating it with other ingredients, we've made sure that the end product still contains less than 0.3 percent THC. This means that it is fully legal to purchase and try Delta 9 gummies throughout the US.
Note: Despite the fact that our Delta 9 gummies are legally compliant, due to current restrictions, cbdMD cannot ship to Idaho, Kansas, Oregon, or Wyoming.
Delta 9 and the 2018 Farm Bill
The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill was a big deal for the CBD industry because it officially legalized specific strains of the Cannabis sativa plant while also calling out Delta 9 THC, so neither was in a legal gray zone anymore. Unfortunately, that bill also federally criminalized the use of Delta 9 THC (in concentrations greater than 0.3 percent), meaning it is treated as a controlled substance under federal law when it exceeds the Farm Bill limit, and left its legal status up to whether products are hemp derived and meet the Farm Bill's 0.3 percent dry-weight standard. Compliant products may also be shipped across state lines legally, though availability still depends on state laws.
Most states upheld the federal view while a select few (looking at you, Colorado) decided to fully legalize marijuana use for adults, separating those state-legal markets from hemp-derived products and traditional cannabis, and adults generally must be 21 or older to purchase these products. And in just a few years, many states have revisited and revised their rulings against the use of Delta 9 THC, but state laws and local laws still vary widely, so consumers should verify the rules where they live before purchasing or using Delta 9 gummies.
Delta 9 THC vs CBD
By combining Delta 9 THC and CBD, we've found they interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), or body's endocannabinoid system, in different ways. Delta 9 binds mainly to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, which is why Delta 9 gummies produce psychoactive effects in a way CBD gummies do not. This allows you to experience some of the more beneficial effects of Delta 9 THC, such as increased calm and relaxation while maintaining mental clarity. By working together, CBD and Delta 9 THC can also help you sleep better at night by supporting a healthy sleep cycle for a more balanced, clear headed experience.
Why You Should Try Delta 9 Gummies – Tips for Beginners
By adhering to federal guidelines, our Delta 9 gummies are hemp-derived edible products and cannabis products that let you try THC for the first time in a more controlled, safe, and legal way, making them a great starting point for beginners thanks to their pre-measured servings and consistent format, and they’re part of our broader line of Delta 9 THC products including gummies and softgels. Plus, when combined with CBD, they offer a much more relaxed, calm, and mellow experience than you might encounter with stronger THC formulas and products, similar to the effects of our Delta 9 THC Relax Gummies.
Unlike other consumption methods, these gummies take effect through digestion and can last longer, and they also differ from other cannabis edibles in source and legal classification when hemp derived.
Delta 9 gummies are also great for anyone who's used our broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD formulas in the past and hasn't experienced their desired results, especially if you’re looking for mood-lifting options like our Delta 9 THC Elevate Gummies. Especially if you've tried our CBD sleep aids but still had trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night. When Delta 9 is paired with CBD, people describe uplifting body euphoria and mind relaxation, and many report feeling enhanced creativity and deeper rest, much like the calm support offered by our Delta 9 THC Chill Gummies. By adding a little Delta 9 THC to your nightly routine, you might find that, compared with other edible products, this format offers a simple form of consumption methods that can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation while supporting better sleep.
To help you get started, we've compiled a few tips for you so that when you try Delta 9 gummies for the first time, you'll know what to expect.
We've Done the Math for You
In order to remain federally compliant, our Delta 9 THC gummies have to contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, or three thousandths (0.003) of the overall product. And our Delta 9 THC gummies weigh approximately 6 grams (equalling 6,000 milligrams). In order to find how much THC can legally be contained in one gummy, all you need to do is multiply 0.003 by 6,000, which leaves you with 18 milligrams even.
So not only do our Delta 9 THC gummies comply with the 2018 Farm Bill, but the 10 mg of THC contained in each gummy comes in far below the federally legal amount. Many gummies on the market contain about 5 mg to 25 mg of THC each, which helps put a 10 mg serving in context, particularly when compared with strong Delta 9 THC gummies with 10 mg per piece. And because our formula starts with quality hemp extract, these hemp products are made to quality-focused production standards and are lab tested for precise dosing through a third party lab, with individual Certificates of Analysis that make the lab results easy to review for yourself, including transparency around small batches. That matters because independent lab analyses can show inaccurate dosing in hemp-derived products. At cbdMD, we believe in being completely transparent with our customers – not only for your own safety, but for your peace of mind as well.
Expect to See a Small Learning Curve
First and foremost, it's important to remember that Delta 9 THC and CBD are not the same thing. Which means that even if you've been taking CBD regularly for the past few months or years, when you try Delta 9 gummies you should expect them to come with a small learning curve.
Even our current full spectrum CBD products are nowhere near as potent as our Delta 9 products, aptly named our high potency full spectrum formula. Although both formulas are derived from federally legal hemp containing less than 0.3 percent THC, our Delta 9 gummies have much more per serving: 10 mg of THC and about 90 mg of CBD. Delta 9 is the well known form of THC and is generally more potent than other forms like Delta 8, which usually offers a milder experience.
Which is more than enough to experience the full benefits of the entourage effect and then some. There is a chance that you could experience some mild psychoactive effects, especially if you are sensitive to that kind of thing or have a current or ongoing medical condition. A few people also experience adverse effects from THC, like increased anxiety and nausea, especially because Delta 9’s psychoactive high can feel more intense for some individuals.
That's why we recommend starting low, since dosage can vary depending on your tolerance and experience. Delta 9 gummies typically contain 5 to 25 mg of THC per piece, so beginners should start with low Delta 9 THC concentrations of 5 to 10 mg, while experienced users may choose a higher starting amount. Because edibles have a slower onset and move through the digestive system, effects can take 45 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, though fast-acting formulas like our Delta 9 THC Max Dose Nano Gummies may be felt sooner, so wait at least 90 minutes before taking more. Taking extra too soon can lead to accidental overconsumption and negative experiences.
A Little Delta 9 THC Goes a Long Way
At this point, you might be wondering why you should bother to try Delta 9 gummies when they contain so little THC when compared with how much CBD is in every bite. But the truth is, Delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in THC edibles, so it’s a lot more powerful than CBD and a little bit goes a long way. Gummies also tend to have a longer duration than inhaled methods, with effects that commonly last 4 to 8 hours. Because edibles are processed through the digestive system and then the liver—where THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC—they affect the body in the same way as other edible cannabis products, which helps explain why the experience can feel stronger and last longer. And in order to give you the highest legal amount of Delta 9 THC possible, we have to couple it with other ingredients and cannabinoids.
Plus there's some evidence that CBD helps mitigate the more psychoactive properties of THC so that the benefits you receive are geared toward helping you stay calm and relaxed. However, it's important to remember that you will likely still feel a small “high” when you try Delta 9 gummies and that since they do contain THC, they could possibly show up on a drug test because the body breaks THC down into thc metabolites, which are what standard tests typically detect.
So if either of those factors is a concern for you, we recommend sticking with our broad spectrum formula products instead.
Consider the Side Effects and Consult with a Physician
As always, you should consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement regimen, especially if you have a medical condition or you're new to THC. Possible side effects include dry mouth, increased heart rate, and impaired motor coordination, and while some people also use Delta 9 gummies for pain relief, side effects and overall suitability should still be weighed with a healthcare professional, so never drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Delta 9 gummies.
And while you can definitely cut our gummies in half or into quarters, there's no way to know that you've divided them exactly. With 10 mg of THC per gummy, that means a typical beginner serving is about 2.5 to 5 mg of THC, and you should gradually increase only after you find your sweet spot.
And if that's the case, then a better option for you might be our new Delta 9 microdose capsules or even discreet options like Delta 9 THC Micro Mints. With just 1 mg of THC per softgel, they allow you to more easily manage your THC intake than our Delta 9 gummies would, and some THC edibles also include other cannabinoids for a more balanced profile.
Delta 9 can also temporarily raise blood pressure, and regular use may lead to tolerance or dependency over time. Taking too much can leave you feeling overwhelmed or even trigger severe intoxication, panic attacks, and other negative experiences.
For more information on what you to expect when you try Delta 9 gummies for the first time, keep an eye on our frequently updated blog.