Hemp and cannabis are extremely fascinating plants that contain a myriad of compounds within them, with one particular group of compounds that has never failed to mystify and bring consumers immense levels of joy and overriding appreciation: THC. What is also referred to as Delta-9 THC, this established psychoactive compound can be discovered in numerous cannabis products that are available on the market. Additionally, with the since released 2018 Farm Bill guidelines, which have painted clear boundaries between hemp and various cannabis products due to varying levels of THC, Delta-9 cannabinoids are easily found in small concentration levels within various products. This is largely attributed to the Delta-9 distillate. The oil itself is actually a concentrated form of Delta-9 THC, which is then infused in a variety of products. We'll now take a closer look at essential considerations for you to consider before consuming Delta-9 THC distillate.
Delta 9-THC is a cannabinoid which can be found naturally in cannabis and hemp. Delta-9 is commonly referred to as the primary psychoactive compound in weed, and most often associated with the stereotypical "high" that you get when consuming weed. Delta-9 is able to make you feel high by binding to the proteins in the CB1 receptors of your endocannabinoid system. This specific molecule is one of 100 different cannabinoids that can be found in weed, and one of the six primary major compounds in the plant.
Key Takeaways
- Delta-9 THC (aka Tetrahydrocannabinol), also referred to as delta 9 THC, is a compound found in hemp and cannabis plants.
- It is psychoactive, meaning it can make you feel "high", but it also has research-backed benefits.
- A distillate is a type of cannabis extract that goes through a process that extracts and isolates different compounds from a cannabis or hemp flower, one of which is THC.
- Delta 9 THC distillate, if sourced from hemp, is legal in most states (under the 2018 Farm Bill).
What's the legal status of Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC at present time isn't legal at the federal level. All THC products that are available in the US are considered illegal substances unless the state has passed a prior ruling with medicinal cannabis. With that being said, the 2018 Farm Bill allows for specific hemp-derived products which are able to be sold and consumed nationwide. Hemp-derived products that contain less than 0.3% of their total dry weight of Delta-9 THC are considered legal. This essentially means that any cannabis products with THC distillate that are big enough (such as edibles) can then be sold and produced as part of the hemp cannabinoids, so long as your state hasn't prohibited hemp products entirely.
What exactly are Delta-9 distillates?
Distillates are liquids that are extracted from hemp plants, which are then converted into a translucent oil. The extraction process that goes into the creation of distillates results in an elevated concentration of THC when it's converted into liquid form, which is then all to be infused in certain cannabis products, or added to a carrier oil to create various tinctures.
Nowadays, it's more convenient than ever to consume distillates in an array of different forms, such as a vape pen or cartridge, or you can even infuse joints or for manually. Additionally, distillates maintain the traditional properties of weed, which makes them a potent product that can be consumed in numerous ways.
What's the primary difference between distillates and tinctures?
The biggest difference between distillates and tinctures lies in the actual carrier oil. Tinctures use carrier oil like avocado, coconut, or palm seed oils, which will then dilute the concentrate into a dropper. Whereas, distillates are known as one of the purest forms of Delta-9 THC, due to the fact that they don't contain anything else outside of cannabinoids.
How is Delta-9 THC distillate made?
Traditionally, Delta-9 THC distillate requires top-tier laboratories and lab equipment. First, you'll need to actually grow and then harvest the necessary flower for the extraction process. Then, based on the distillate's resulting quality, the flower can then be processed following the harvest (this is usually called live resin), or you can wait until the flower has produced more of the desired THC crystals. Next, you'll commence with the actual processing and extraction process.
Before the distillation process begins, the hemp plan must undergo a few crucial steps, which include extracting the actual biomass from the cannabinoids. You can also think of this process as the splitting of the stems, flowers, and leaves, from the THC crystals that are present in the plant. After the extraction process has been completed, the product will then be ready to undergo distillation. The distillation process requires both pressure and heat to successfully purify the cannabinoid concentrate without implicating the health of the biomass, and then ultimately turning it back to vapor and then into liquid form. At this point, you are now ready to use the Delta-9 distillate. The name of the distillate will vary based on the quality of the extraction process and/or solvent. As an example, rosin is a specific kind of concentrate, which uses a mechanical process that can reduce the concentration of cannabinoids in the plant.
How do you consume Delta-9 distillate?
You'll be able to easily consume Delta-9 distillate by using a variety of methods. Due to its innate consumption versatility, Delta-9 THC is widely sought after as a popular way to experiment with consuming cannabinoids.
First, you can consume Delta-9 distillate by smoking it. People will oftentimes smoke Delta-9 distillates by using a dab rig or a vape pen. Either of these devices are able to sufficiently heat up their surfaces to the necessary levels that catalyze the vaporization of the Delta-9 distillate. From there, you simply inhale through the mouthpiece.
You can also try infusing the hemp herb with the Delta-9 distillate. However, you should take note that pipes and bongs will require a specialized chamber referred to as a "nail" to properly use them. This is why it's generally recommended to stick with remade vaporizers for the smoothest consumption experience.
Perhaps one of the most mainstream ways of consuming Delta-9 THC distillate is to take it through edibles. Edible products typically use decarboxylated oil to make up their fat portion of the recipe. This usually translates to a heightened potency, while not implicating the overall flavor profile of the edible product. You should note that both edibles and drinks that have been infused with Delta-9 THC distillate are generally much stronger than what you would get from a smoke.
Lastly, you can try out adding Delta-9 THC distillate to a series of topical treatments. Certain dispensaries will use the concentrated oil in their balms and creams for the purpose of therapeutic use, and to help with the pains associated with an injury like a sprained ankle, or other localized swollen areas on one's body.
What are some benefits from using Delta-9 distillates?
Delta-9 distillates have been closely linked with potentially providing a wide array of encouraging therapeutic benefits. Research has come out that Delta-9 distillates may possess the potential to help treat unwanted symptoms that are commonly associated with conditions like insomnia, general restlessness, anxiety of varying degrees, curbed appetite, nausea, and even chronic pain. Everyone will have their own unique response to Delta-9 distillates and it's important that you consult your doctor before experimenting with Delta-9 distillates, and also that you don't rely on Delta-9 distillates as a substitute for medications otherwise being administered by your doctor.
What should you do if you think you took too much Delta-9 distillate?
Delta-9 distillates will impact everyone a bit differently, and the tolerance levels present within a specific group of friends can be very different. Even folks that have been consuming Delta-9 distillates for years on end can find themselves in the both humbling and momentarily anxiety-inducing scenario, where they worry they've overreached on their Delta-9 distillate consumption. However, it is absolutely crucial for you to remember that to this day, there is no known "fatal dose" as far as Delta-9 is concerned. So, should you find yourself in a situation where you are proactively worried about your consumption amount of Delta-9 distillates, take a deep breath, and surrender to the fact that you'll just have to ride the experience out until your body has hit a point where it's metabolized enough of the Delta-9 distillate for you to feel a reignited sense of equilibrium.
Are there any life hacks to reduce the discomfort if you took too much Delta-9 distillate?
Yes, of course. You can start by focusing on hydrating with water or even a citrusy drink. These can reduce your amount of dry mouth, and also help take your panicked mind off the uncomfortable symptoms you find yourself temporarily enduring. You can also check your cabinet for peppercorns to chew on. People have suggested that peppercorn scents can help alleviate the effects of anxiety. This could be the result of peppercorn's terpene, beta-caryophyllene. This can work within your body's natural endocannabinoid system to establish more balance. Lastly, you can try out a box breathing exercise, or relax into a brief meditation session to help slow down your heart rate.
Closing Thoughts on Delta-9 distillate
Everyone's experiences with Delta-9 distillates will potentially turn out just a tad bit different. The great news is that you've already taken the time to carry out your own research to ensure that your future Delta-9 distillate experiences are backed by a healthy base of knowledge so that you don't panic if your body or mind has an unexpected reaction to Delta-9 distillates.
