A type of THC extracted from industrial hemp has appeared across the US. Called Delta-9 THC, the extract promises users the same "high" as regular THC, the chemical that gets users high with marijuana. The legalities of the drug are murky, but there's no doubt it's popular. It's sold in the same type of places that other "iffy" products like Kratom are sold. Pop-up marijuana markets, online stores, apps like WhatsApp, gas stations, and head shops often carry it as a product. So, is it safe? And is it legal?
Delta-9 THC's Legality
Many drug dealers like to think of themselves as entrepreneurs, and the sellers of Delta-9 products are no exception. Because the products are usually made from industrial hemp, they don't contain regular THC. This is what retailers will tell you keeps it from being illegal. However, some will add CBD, a legal chemical from hemp, to the product and water it down. In addition, some sellers won't disclose the amount of Delta-9 THC in the product.
Delta-9 THC is currently legal, but the DEA quickly acts on threats. For example, if they decide the drug is harmful, they will work rapidly to classify it. However, the truth is that it will likely stay in legal limbo due to the relaxation of marijuana laws in the United States.
Legal marijuana growers view the Delta-9 trend as a threat that can also be dangerous to legitimate businesses. Minors can quickly get ahold of Delta-9 gummies on the internet, and no controls or quality checks are required to sell such products.
Delta-9 THC gummies won't help anyone pass a drug test, which is one of the main reasons people seek alternatives to regular cannabis. Over a dozen states have made laws outlawing the sales of Delta-8 THC, another chemical that isn't quite as strong as Delta-9. However, new laws and awareness take time, so it will likely stay in limbo.
Is Delta-9 THC Safe for Drug Users?
So, is it safe to use Delta-9 THC? Many people love to think of marijuana as an innocuous drug that merely causes people to act lazy and eat snacks. But the physiological changes in your body vary, depending on the drug's strength and a person's biology.
While Delta-9 THC may remind you of marijuana, it’s not the same drug and doesn’t have the same side effects. Delta-9 THC is psychoactive, which means it can make you feel high, and when taken in higher doses, it can cause hallucinations and delusions. Emergency physicians are familiar with its effects because its use has become more common. Unfortunately, people often take gummies and overdo it, causing them to experience severe side effects.
Cannabis plants contain many different cannabinoids, and each one has other effects. For example, delta-9 THC can cause a rise in blood pressure and heart rate. The high – and side effects like hallucinations – can last up to twelve hours. Many people say the drug made them feel out-of-body or detached from reality. Some experience severe panic attacks.
Getting Help for Substance Abuse
If you or somebody you love has a problem with Delta-9 THC, cannabis, or another substance, we’re here to help. People from all walks of life can get sober and stay sober with the support and caring of our staff. We’re here to provide a safe space to recover your sense of self and begin your journey to recovery. So give us a call at 619-363-4767.
Mark Gladden brings both personal and professional experience to his role as co-founder of Present Moments Recovery. Now in long-term recovery himself after struggling with addiction for years, Mark understands firsthand the challenges men face in achieving and maintaining sobriety. It was this insight, combined with a desire to help others, that led Mark to establish Present Moments Recovery.
