Lots of people all over the world use cannabis for various purposes because they know the beneficial potency of this particular plant. Since the 1970s, worldwide cannabis use has become popular and scientific interest has increased in this plant, and everyone has become familiar with the THC component. Delta 9 THC is the most psychoactive substance of the cannabis plant that determines the potency of each strain. There are three types of cannabis strains. Indica strains are mostly used for treating pain, insomnia, stress, relaxation, etc. Sativa strains mostly have energizing effects, help to focus, and uplift the mood. The hybrid strains are made by crossing various Sativa and Indica strains and have more potent and diverse effects. Worth mentioning that the cannabis plant that is legally allowed to use and manufacture products has less than 0.3% of THC (Delta 9) level. In the cannabis market, you can find products infused with oil (hash oil), resin (hashish), and herb (marijuana). The herb includes crushed flower heads and surrounding leaves, which were previously dried. It usually has 5% of Delta 9 THC content. The resin can have more than 20% of THC. The most potent form is the concentrated resin extract known as cannabis oil. It may hold more than 60% Delta 9 THC.
Potencies Of Cannabis Extracts
Most people associate THC with Delta 9 THC - a cannabinoid with the most psychotropic effects. Nevertheless, Delta 9 is only one of the forms of THC that cannabis can produce. Many types of THC contents have various potency levels - THC-P, THC-O, THC-H, THC-V, HHC (HXC), Delta 8 THC, and Delta 10 THC. Nowadays, the cannabis market is full of products infused with all the extracts mentioned above, mainly in cartridges and edibles. Delta 10 is less potent than Delta 8 but has similar beneficial effects. Delta 8 THC is about half that of Delta 9 - so twice as much needed to be taken to achieve the same intensity of effects. There are also several other advantages to choosing Delta 8 over Delta 9. For example, Delta 8 is less irritating and anxious at high doses, so it is highly unlikely that this component will make anyone feel paranoid. However, users may still experience symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth, tiredness, and impaired motor function. After using Delta 8, it is not recommended to drive or operate any heavy machinery. Some studies also suggest that Delta 8 THC may increase blood pressure, which may be a risk factor for people with cardiovascular disease (especially in smoked and steamed forms). You should also avoid taking Delta 8 THC with prescription cholesterol drugs, blood thinners, diabetes medications, opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. Possible side effects of Delta 8 THC include fatigue, increased heart rate, problems falling asleep (high doses), increased blood pressure, distorted perception of time, and difficulty concentrating.
Cultivation techniques
The Marijuana plant can grow in various climates. The dose and quality of the resin produced by the plant depend on the humidity, temperature, light, and soil. Therefore, the cannabis grown outdoor considerably differ in strength. Indoor hemp plants often have been grown with optimized cultivation conditions and without soil, using hydroponic cultivation. This way, cannabis plants have a consistently more elevated potency. The secretion of Delta 9 is most generous in the flower heads and surrounding leaves of the hemp plant. The portion of resin is usually influenced by the light, temperature, humidity (environmental conditions), time of harvest, and sex of the plant. The Delta 9 THC content ranges from:
- 10 to 12% in flowers
- 1 to 2% in leaves
- 0.1 to 0.3% in branches, and
- less than 0.03% in the roots.
Drug Test
The chemical compositions of Delta 8 THC and other cannabis extracts are remarkably similar. Usually, drug tests are not designed to distinguish between the analogs of Delta 9 THC. They are just looking for THC compound and its metabolites. Consequently, taking Delta 8 THC and other products containing cannabis extracts can show a positive result for regular THC levels. It is best to withhold from taking cannabinoids if you know of an upcoming drug test.
The Legality Of Various Cannabis Extracts
Delta 8 THC and other hemp-derived extracts are theoretically legal at the federal level because it meets the conditions set by the Farms Act 2018. The new law legalized cannabis and its derivatives - including Delta 8 by removing the plant from the list of regulated substances. Apart from the DEA, which recently issued a negative statement on the legality of delta 8 THC products, no federal agency regarding Delta 8 has officially banned it. Here are the most important warnings about the legality of Delta 9 THC and its analogs. Delta 9 THC is illegal at the federal level. However, individual states have the right to regulate this compound within their jurisdiction. Fifteen states of the USA have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Therefore, Delta 8 THC is legal at the federal level in most US states.