Does Delta 9 Get You High? What You Need to Know  

Whether you've been using the same CBD tincture for years or like switching things up from time to time, you've likely noticed a marked industry-wide effort to keep pace with evolving consumer interests. At CBDistillery®, we've expanded our product line by pairing our naturally cultivated hemp with ingredients selected to help fine-tune your CBD experience. In our Synergy Collection, you'll find an assortment of CBD products infused with several minor cannabinoids and functional supplements. Our Unwind Synergy+ Gummies feature the combined potential of our full spectrum extract and just enough delta 9 THC to help you feel relaxed and uplifted. 

Since hemp has a reputation for delivering the health and wellness potential of cannabis without causing intoxication, many people are understandably curious about our THC gummies. Some wonder about the possible benefits; others want to know if hemp-derived delta 9 will cause the type of euphoria they might expect from edibles made with marijuana. Since THC is THC regardless of the source, there are a few things you should know before adding CBDistillery® Unwind Synergy+ Gummies into your CBD rotation. 

What is Delta 9? Does It Cause Intoxication?  

Like CBD (cannabidiol), delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a phytocannabinoid, a plant-based version of important chemical messengers produced as needed in your body (endocannabinoids) (Wiley, 2018). Both function as neurotransmitters. Although most people understand that marijuana and hemp plants are both potential sources of THC, many don't realize that THC is not one specific compound. There are several chemical variations that evolve from a single origin, CBGA (cannabidiolic acid), the "mother" of all cannabinoids. Over time, a natural enzymatic reaction converts CBGA to CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), CBCA (cannabichromenic acid), and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) (Toth et al.,2021). 

THCA does not cause intoxication until undergoing decarboxylation, a process accelerated by heat (and sunlight) that converts acidic cannabinoids to their non-acidic forms (Marcu, 2016). While Delta-9 is the most prevalent form of THC in hemp and marijuana, a detailed analysis of their extracts could also reveal small amounts of several other THC analogs, including delta 8 and delta 10. Marijuana plants typically produce high levels of delta 9 THC and varying amounts of CBD. Most hemp extracts have CBD:THC ratios that end up having very low levels of THC in the finished good, generally not enough to cause intoxication. However, using a unique ratio extract of 5 parts CBD to 1 part THC is an entirely different matter. The 1:5 THC to CBD ratio in our THC & CBD Gummies can cause a level of intoxication most often described as a "mellow buzz."   

Understanding the Possible Benefits and Unique Properties of Delta 9   

Delta-9 THC is best known for its "recreational" effects. But that's no reason to disregard the cannabinoid's possible contributions to overall health and wellness. After taking its potential for causing intoxication out of the equation, you'll find that THC and CBD have a lot in common. Their similarities include a rather remarkable ability to interact with the receptors of the largest regulatory system in your body, your endocannabinoids system (ECS), in a way that helps maintain essential balance (homeostasis) (Sallaberry & Astern, 2018). The small amount of THC in full spectrum hemp extract contributes to overall product efficacy through its involvement in a phenomenon unique to cannabis researchers call an "entourage" effect, a theory explaining how the plant's many terpenes and additional cannabinoids combine to maximize the effects of each plant element (Nahler et al., (2019). 

Although decades of research show that small to moderate amounts of delta 9 could be just as beneficial for relaxation, better sleep, and discomfort after physical activity as CBD, the cannabinoids interact with the ECS receptors CB1 and CB2 in different ways. CBD is non-intoxicating because it has an indirect effect. THC intoxication is the direct result of the cannabinoids ability to bind with (and activate) the CB1 receptors in the brain, connective tissue, and nerve cells (Mackie, 2008). That activation increases the likelihood that any presynaptic neurons affected will (temporarily) stop sending neurotransmitters, an effect that can alter the normal flow of information while increasing dopamine levels (Currin, 2020). The overall impact depends on the amount ingested, your method of consumption, frequency of use, body composition, and your THC sensitivity. 

Is Delta 9 THC Safe? Can It Cause Side Effects  

Moderate use of delta-9-THC is generally considered safe for most adults. However, even mildly intoxicating amounts can alter your perception of time, heighten sensory awareness, cause drowsiness, or increase your appetite. In higher concentrations, delta-9-THC has the potential to cause several potentially worrisome side effects, including anxiety, panic attacks, lapses in memory, impaired coordination, hallucinations, and paranoia (McPartland & Pruitt, 1999). You can reduce the risk of developing unpleasant side effects by waiting at least two hours between servings to avoid overconsumption. 

Although the list of possible side effects might initially concern you, naturally occurring delta 9 appears to be much safer than delta 8, a cannabinoid typically synthesized from CBD using harsh chemicals. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received more than 100 reports of adverse effects from delta 8, including tremors, confusion, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Nearly 55% of those cases required emergency services or hospitalization. National Poison Control has received more than 600 similar reports, with 18% resulting in hospitalization. In response, the FDA is working with agencies at the state and federal level to investigate the alarming number of safety concerns involving delta 8 products (FDA, 2022). 

How Long Does It Take Delta 9 THC Gummies to Work?  

Like any other cannabinoid, the amount of time it can take delta 9 THC to work depends on several factors, including the way you choose to use it. When you smoke or vape cannabis, the delta 9 is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through your lungs. The effects are typically felt within minutes and peak within half an hour. When you relax and unwind with THC-infused gummies, the cannabinoids are processed through your digestive system before circulating through your body. It can take 1-2 hours (or more) for delta 9 THC gummies to work. While you may need to be patient, early research suggests THC- infused edibles are less intoxicating but longer-lasting (Barrus et al., 2016). However, you may not notice any particular results with your first few servings. If your system needs time to adapt and respond to the delta 9 in your CBD gummies, you may find it at least somewhat encouraging to know that most CBD users responding to our survey report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. 

How Much Delta 9 Should I Take?  

CBDistillery® Unwind Synergy+ Gummies give you 5mg of Delta 9 THC and 25 mg of full spectrum CBD in every berry-flavored serving. We recommend enjoying a one-gummy serving any time you need relief and relaxation at the end of the day when you won't need to drive or operate heavy machinery. Since the enhanced THC concentrations in our Synergy+ Gummies can cause a level of intoxication (or drowsiness) you might not expect, we also suggest starting with a partial serving, maybe half a gummy, when using this product for the first time. You should also wait a minimum of 2 hours between servings. If you have a medical condition or take medication, please consult your health care provider before use. CBD, THC, and other hemp-derived cannabinoids can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications or inhibit their metabolization (Antoniou et al., (2020).   

Could Delta 9 Help You Relax and Unwind?  

CBDistillery® Unwind Synergy+ THC & CBD Gummies could be just what you need at the end of a challenging day. Each delicious, vegan gummy gives you all the health and wellness potential of our full spectrum hemp extract and just enough naturally occurring delta 9 for relaxation, an enhanced entourage effect, and a mild, uplifting buzz. Like all CBDistillery® products, our Unwind Synergy+ Gummies are US Hemp Authority® certified, third-party tested and backed by a risk-free satisfaction guarantee. To learn more, visit CBDistillery® to download our Ultimate CBD User Guide, find answers to frequently asked questions, or set up a personal consultation with an expert. 

References 

Antoniou T, Bodkin J, et al. Drug Interactions with Cannabinoids. 192(9) CMAJ E206. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.191097 

Barrus D, Capogrossi K, et al. (2016) Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles. Methods Rep RTI Press. https://doi.org/10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611 

Currin, G. (2020) How Does Cannabis Get You High? Live Science 

FDA.gov. (2022) 5 Things to Know About Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta 8. 

Mackie K, 2008. Cannabinoid Receptors: Where They Are and What They Do. 20(1) J Neuroendocrinol 10-14. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01671.x 

McParland J, Pruitt P. (1999) Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals not Elicited by Comparable Herbal Medicines: The Case of Tetrahydrocannabinol and Marijuana. 5(4) Altern Ther Health Med 57-62. PDF https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10394675/ 

Marcu J. (2016) An Overview of Major and Minor Phytocannabinoids. 1, Neuro of Drug Addict and Sub Misuse 672-78. DOI:10.1016/B978-0-12-800213-1.00062-6 

Nahler, G, Jones T, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol and Contributions of Major Hemp Phytocompounds to the "Entourage Effect"; Possible Mechanisms. J Altern Complement Integr Med 70(5) PDF download 

Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

Toth J, Smart L, et al. (2021) Limited Effect of Environmental Stress on Cannabinoid Profiles in High-Cannabidiol Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) 13(10) GCB-Bioenergy 1666-74. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17571707 

Wiley J, Owens R. (2018) Discriminative Stimulus Properties of Phytocannabinoids, Endocannabinoids, and Synthetic Cannabinoids. 39, Curr Top Behav Neurosci 153-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2016_24