Most cannabis and hemp users understand the importance of THC in their decision-making when buying products. It’s the active ingredient that determines the “buzz” (as opposed to CBD which has a more calming effect on the nervous system).
But the delta 9 (or D9) concept adds an extra layer of complexity. It’s a specific type of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that varies in concentration across cannabis strains.
This guide aims to help you dial in your Delta 9 concentrate. We look at how you can determine what’s a good starting point for you and the possible benefits you could experience if you start using it. Then we explore the side effects some people experience and how to adjust your dosage to your needs.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What Is Delta 9?
Delta 9 is a form of THC found in cannabis plants. The full name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, a chemical name for its molecular structure. Other forms include delta-8 and delta-10.
The delta-9 form of THC is the most common and makes up the bulk of the concentration in most cannabis plants. The other THC types look similar under chemical analysis but have different effects on the body.
Delta-9 THC is the most studied form of the molecule (because it is the most common). Because of this, we know a bit about it, including how it affects people.
What Does Delta-9 THC Do To The Body?
Delta-9 THC has many of the familiar effects we associate with THC in general. Most people feel a euphoria after taking it.
If you consume cannabis products containing delta-9 THC, you may experience more focus and relaxation. There’s also a chance of feeling giddy and seeing time differently because THC adjusts how chemical messengers get sent into the brain, producing an altered conscious state.
Many people experience these effects as positive (which is why they consume cannabis). However, delta-9 THC can have some negative impacts on users including dry mouth and rapid heart rate. Therefore, assessing your tolerance levels and determining your concentration properly is critical.
Understanding Delta-9 THC Concentration
Natural cannabis contains delta-9 THC in ample concentrations. However, refined and manufactured products can vary their amounts significantly. Some contain none at all, while others have artificially high levels.
Most products specify delta-9 concentration as a percentage of the product’s dry weight. For example, you might see a product that contains “2% delta-9 THC,” meaning every 100 grams of cannabis has 2 grams of the compound.
You also see brands quoting the milligram concentration of delta-9 THC. For example, you might see something like “1.5mg D9 THC per serving” where a serving might be a drop from a tincture dropper or a single gummy.
Generally, measurements in milligrams per dose are more helpful because it is straightforward to measure how much you are taking. Percentage indicators are more challenging because they require measuring servings using a weighing scale.
What Factors Affect Delta-9 THC Concentration?
The amount of Delta-9 THC in cannabis products can vary significantly between plants. Some crops contain an abundance of the cannabinoid, while others have little.
The primary factor affecting these concentrations is the cannabis plant strain. Indica-dominant strains have the most, followed by the others.
Decarboxylation – a process that removes the carboxyl group from raw THCA– can also affect concentrations. If processors heat products, that can raise the levels of THC by turning non-psychoactive compounds into psychoactive ones.
Lastly, growing conditions can impact Delta-9 THC concentration. Some producers expose cannabis plants to intense sunlight during the flowering phase which is shown to increase the percentage of active ingredients in some lines.
Delta-9 THC Concentration Levels
The concentration of delta-9 THC in products can vary significantly. So what constitutes a low, medium, or high dose?
Low Dose: Under 15mg
Experts consider low doses to be under 15 mg per session. Small quantities are enough to provide mild effects including stress relief and maybe an element of euphoria.
Most edibles contain dosages in the 10 to 20 mg range. Therefore, you can adjust the amount you consume carefully.
If you are just starting, stick to 10 mg and see how it goes. Don’t assume nothing is happening, even if you don’t feel anything immediately. Instead, wait and experiment over a few sessions to see if you can detect any difference.
Moderate Dose: Between 15 and 20 mg
Experts consider moderate doses to be between 15 and 20mg. If you consume quantities in this range, the effects will be more intense.
For example, many users benefit from increased creativity. Taking more delta-9-THC lets them write, learn, develop new business ideas, and paint with less resistance.
You may also experience increased sensory perception – one of the main reasons people used cannabis historically. Changes in consciousness can sometimes deliver new spiritual insights and feelings of euphoria.
Forgetting about your pain can also be a happy side effect. The change in your brain chemistry may be so profound that discomfort disappears.
Lastly, moderate dosages of delta-9 THC are where most people see an uptick in their appetite. You may get the munchies after a higher dose and want to raid the refrigerator or order pizza.
High Dose: 20mg Or More
High doses of 10mg or more are available in some products. However, the effects can be strong, and sometimes overwhelming.
For this reason, always listen to your body and follow guidelines on packaging (if there are any). Don’t start with a high dose until you’ve built up tolerance, and avoid consuming large quantities (especially edibles). If you get hungry, try alternatives.
Most tinctures, concentrates, and edibles will tell you the milligram dosage on the packet or in the instructions. Use this information to calibrate how much you take and keep track.
