What's the deal on Delta-9 Gummies?
In order to understand what Delta-9 Gummies are and how they are legal, we need to understand what is the definition of hemp.
What is the Definition of Hemp?
Hemp is defined as the Cannabis plant and all parts containing (including isomers, derivatives, etc.) that is under 0.3% Delta-9 THC at a dry weight basis. This implies that there may be some Delta-9 THC inside of hemp products.
This means for every 1000mg of hemp, you can have up to 3mg of Delta-9 THC. Most gummies by weight are around 5000mg (or 5 grams) which means you could have up to 15mg of Delta-9 THC in every gummy and so long as that Delta-9 THC is derived from hemp it would be considered legal by the definitions currently set in law.
What are Delta-9 Gummies being sold in CBD Stores/Smoke Shops?
Delta-9 Gummies are gummies that contain 0.3% or less of hemp derived Delta-9 THC. However there are a few things you should look at before making your decision on purchasing a Delta-9 THC gummy.
Delta-9 THC is the form of THC we normally represent when we say things like "Weed" or "Pot" or "THC". It is considered marijuana if it is not derived from Hemp.
So what's the catch?
There isn't a catch. However you do need to make sure that what is being advertised on the label is actually what is in the lab report.
A lot of companies are currently advertising Delta-9 Gummies as JUST Delta-9 THC on the label, but in reality they are actually High Dosage Full Spectrum CBD Gummies.
This means that instead of it being advertised at 10mg Delta-9 THC per gummy only, there is actually a large amount of CBD (50-100mg) and some other cannabinoids that aren't being advertised on the packaging itself.
See below for an example of what this may look like.
What is the difference between Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC and Full Spectrum CBD?
Delta-9 THC is the most known form of THC and is normally referred to as THC, Pot or Weed. When eaten it turns into delta-9-11-hydroxy-thc, a metabolite that is responsible for the feeling you get. Normally this metabolite converts over sporadically and not consistently which can explain why some people feel the "roller coaster" effect when taking it (feeling the effects greatly one minute, then having reduced effects the next).
Delta-8 THC is newly used form of THC that is derived from Hemp. When eaten it turns into delta-8-11-hydroxy-thc, a metabolite that is very similar to Delta-9's but converts over more consistently and is usually less dramatized of a feeling.
Full Spectrum CBD Gummies are CBD gummies that contain Delta-9 THC under 0.3% concentration. Because CBD is a direct antagonist to THC, it will usually reduce the recreational effects felt from THC (delta-8 or delta-9).