Debunking Myths: The Realities of Hemp and Marijuana Derived Delta 9 THC Gummies

Understanding cannabis and hemp can sometimes feel like you're learning an entirely new language. Two absolutely crucial ones you're bound to encounter are Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, often abbreviated to Delta 9 THC, and the source of this compound - whether it's from marijuana or hemp. You've probably found yourself asking, what on earth is the difference between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC? Don't worry, friend. You're not alone and we're here to clear it up for you.

In this guide, we're going to explore the difference between hemp-derived Delta 9 THC in gummies VS marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC in gummies. We’re also going to discuss the legalities, effects, and potential benefits associated with each. So let's go!

To make Delta 9 distillate from hemp, there are several rigorous processes that must be followed.

The most common method for producing commercial delta-9 THC distillate from hemp involves a process called fractional distillation. Here's a simplified overview of the process:

1. Extraction: Hemp plant material is first processed to extract cannabinoids, including CBD (cannabidiol), from the plant material. This extraction can be done using various solvents such as ethanol, CO2, or hydrocarbons.
2. Winterization: The extracted oil is then winterized to remove impurities such as fats, waxes, and chlorophyll. This is typically achieved by mixing the oil with ethanol and freezing it, causing the impurities to solidify and separate from the desired cannabinoids.
3. Decarboxylation: The winterized oil is heated to a specific temperature to convert any remaining cannabinoid acids (such as CBDA and THCA) into their active forms (CBD and THC). This process, known as decarboxylation, activates the cannabinoids and increases their potency.
4. Distillation: The decarboxylated oil is then subjected to fractional distillation, a process that separates and refines the cannabinoids based on their boiling points. This allows for the isolation of specific cannabinoids, including delta-9 THC, CBD, and others, into highly concentrated forms.
5. Purification: The distillate may undergo further purification steps to remove any remaining impurities, ensuring a high-purity product.
6. Testing: Throughout the process, the distillate is tested for potency, purity, and safety to meet regulatory requirements and ensure product quality.

Keep in mind that even with this high-level description, the actual process of producing Delta 9 distillate from hemp can be much more involved. Manufacturers may use various techniques and technologies to enhance the potency and purity of the final product further. It's this whole procedure that shapes the effects we experience from hemp-derived Delta 9 THC in gummies and what sets it apart from its marijuana-derived counterpart.

Is Delta 9 THC still natural if it is synthesized from Hemp?

Yes and No (well, technically no, but wait... sort of) . Let's address the elephant in the room straight away. There's a common misconception hovering over the notion that hemp-derived Delta 9 THC isn't as effective as its marijuana-derived counterpart. But before we delve into unraveling this, we need to understand the fundamental similarity shared by both; they are identical on a molecular level. Hemp derived Delta 9 THC It is not a man made chemical like MDMA for example (mdma exists nowhere in nature on its own). However, we are taking cbd and moving it along in its natural cycle to become THC by basically force degrading it with the help of catalysts that are later removed.

What makes hemp-derived Delta 9 THC just as good as its counterpart, despite the differences in origin?

To put it simply, this is all down to our bodies' endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS doesn't discriminate between hemp and marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC - it interacts with them in an identical manner. This means that, whether the Delta 9 THC comes from hemp or marijuana, the effects you'll experience will be fundamentally the same.

"Both hemp-derived and marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC are equal in potency because our body's endocannabinoid system interacts with them identically."

• Purity: The Delta-9 THC in both hemp and marijuana-derived gummies is 99% pure. This means that regardless of the source, by the end you get the same quality in both.
• Effects: As mentioned earlier, the effects of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC are equally potent as those of marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC due to their identical interaction with the ECS.
• Legality: Unlike marijuana, hemp is legal federally, making hemp-derived Delta 9 THC gummies more accessible across states.

But still, it's made in a lab, so it's not natural, right?

It's essential to grasp that the discourse around "natural" isn't as clear-cut as one might assume. Regardless of their source, be it hemp or marijuana, Delta-9 THC gummies are largely synthesized in labs because extraction techniques are needed to draw out and concentrate the Delta-9 THC compound. This does not, however, make them unnatural.

Here's an analogy to help you understand. Whole fruit is natural. Fruit juice, which is extracted from whole fruit, still is considered natural, even though it's the result of a process. Similarly, even though Delta-9 THC is extracted and concentrated in a lab, it is still a natural compound, it’s only more concentrated, just like fruit juice.

Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC gummies undergo a similar process to those derived from marijuana. These processes aren’t designed to alter the product’s chemical makeup, but rather to isolate and preserve the compounds that we desire. So, you can still savour that "natural" experience, regardless of it being hemp or marijuana-derived.

Now, if you are a 100% purist, and want no interference from humans, then marijuana gummies may still be more of your thing. But considering the realities of the cost and the current hassles to obtain 'marijuana', it seems the trade off is pretty appealing for most to have our legal Delta 9 Gummies shipped right to your door.

One last fact to chew on as a naturalist; hemp-derived Delta-9 THC gummies are often seen as a more desirable choice due to the farming practices associated with hemp cultivation. Hemp tends to be grown in a more sustainable manner than marijuana. Hemp farmers often use less water, fewer pesticides and herbicides, and tend to have a lower ecological footprint.

Are the effects any different between the two even though they are structurally the same?

Remarkably, and in keeping with their structural similarity, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC gummies and Marijuana-derived Delta-9 THC gummies offer almost identical effects to the user. Both types of gummies interact in a similar way with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is a complex bodily system involved in managing various functions including mood, appetite and sleep. THC, whether derived from hemp or marijuana, binds to the same receptors ( CB1 receptors) located within the ECS. This interaction promotes the release of neurotransmitters in your brain, which can elicit feelings of euphoria, alter the sensation of bodily discomfort, and potentially induce a sense of calm and relaxation.

In terms of potency, contrary to a widespread belief, hemp-derived gummies do not contain less THC as compared to their marijuana counterparts. While the initial concentration of THC in hemp and marijuana plants might differ, but the final products - the gummies - often end up with similar levels of THC due to distillation and extraction techniques.

So, not only does choosing hemp-derived Delta-9 THC gummies contribute to more sustainable farming practices, but you’re unlikely to notice any difference in terms of the effects you experience.

But, but hemp D9 Gummies Aren't as Strong for me....

Still not convinced, eh?! Let's address some other reasons you may believe that hemp Delta 9 THC gummies aren't as strong as their marijuana-derived counterpart. It's crucial to take into account three key factors: tolerance, dosage amount and placebo effect when drawing such conclusions.

Firstly, let’s talk about tolerance. Like any other substance, both hemp and marijuana THC can build up a tolerance in your system over time. You might perceive that hemp-based gummies aren't as potent simply because your body has grown accustomed to the chemical composition of THC, therefore requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.

This segues into our next point, which is the dosage amount. Due to differences in regulations and legalities surrounding hemp and marijuana, the concentration of THC in their respective gummies can vary significantly. Hemp Delta 9 THC gummies can contain less THC per chew, making them seem less potent in comparison. Therefore, keep in mind that you may need to consume a higher quantity of hemp gummies to match the dosage you'd get from marijuana gummies. In the US, especially, we tend to take insanely high doses compared to Canada for instance.

Lastly, the placebo effect plays a crucial role in our perception of effectiveness. When you believe that marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC gummies are the 'real deal', you naturally perceive them to be more potent. This perception -- more than the actual chemical differences between the two -- can influence your overall user experience.

Remember, whether derived from hemp or marijuana, Delta 9 THC is the same compound with the same molecular structure. The source does not inherently change its effectiveness. Therefore, with a proper understanding of tolerance, dosage and placebo effect, you'll find that hemp-derived Delta 9 THC gummies can indeed be just as good as those derived from marijuana.

So How Much Should I Take?

If you're used to consuming marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC gummies, you may have a specific potency you prefer. Commonly, these range from 5mg to around 20mg of THC per piece. So, you could be wondering how to match these levels with hemp-derived gummies?

Well, the good news is, you can accomplish this quite easily. As molecular chemistry allows hemp-based manufacturers to refine and concentrate their Delta 9 THC to quite potent levels, comparable to the machines of marijuana-dominant processes. Your 10mg, 15mg, or 20mg marijuana-derived gummy dose can be systematically matched with hemp-derived counterparts.

For example, our current strongest Delta 9 THC gummy clocks in at 12mg, which is quite strong, and probably even overwhelming for a noob. However, if you are used to buying 20mg or 30mg THC gummies from a licensed marijuana dispensary, you need only to match this 1:1 in terms of milligrams.

What About the Entrourage Effect Though?

When it comes to considering the entourage effect, it's important to understand that it isn't about being derived from hemp or marijuana, but how Delta 9 THC interacts with other compounds present in the cannabis plant. The entourage effect is a theory that suggests the compounds in cannabis can work together, or synergize, to create different effects than they would individually. This holistic interaction can potentially magnify the benefits of Delta 9 THC, no matter the source.

For example, let's consider Terpenes, the aromatic oils that give cannabis its distinct smell and flavor. They’re not just there for aroma; they also play a crucial role in influencing our experience with Delta 9 THC. Some terpenes can promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others encourage focus. So, in theory, when you consume a hemp-derived Delta 9 THC gummy that also contains a rich profile of these terpenes, the overall effect can be enhanced compared to a product that only contains THC.

Similarly, it is believed that other cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN can interact with Delta 9 THC to modulate its effects. The collective impact can be significant, shedding light on why some people find a difference in their experiences between consuming synthetic THC and naturally occurring THC from a whole plant.

Therefore, the entourage effect could indeed make your THC experience more potent, regardless of whether your gummies are hemp or marijuana-derived. Given this, we could argue that it's perhaps less about whether hemp-derived Delta 9 THC gummies are as good as their marijuana-derived counterparts and more about the other compounds they're paired with!

What are the legal implications of using hemp vs marijuana gummies?

As mentioned above, hemp is Federally legal, with some individual States imposing their own specific rules. But as a rule of thumb, hemp derived products are less likely to cause you issues with the law in 95% of cases.

What would happen if I got caught with marijuana based gummies in a non-legal State?

Getting tangled up in legal issues is a hassle no one wants to deal with. But let's explore what could occur if you did get caught with marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC gummies in a non-legal state. Unlike their hemp counterparts, marijuana-derived gummies might be classified as controlled substances, depending on the enforcement laws of the state in question.

The consequences could range from fines to potential jail time, often depending on your previous record and the discretion of the law enforcement involved. This can disrupt your life in many ways, from job prospects to personal relationships.

On the other hand, hemp-derived Delta 9 THC gummies are generally considered legal in all 50 states, providing they contain less than 0.3% THC. This small-but-crucial distinction is thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which decriminalized hemp. Therefore, you can carry and consume hemp gummies with peace of mind, knowing that they are universally accepted across the nation.

So why not avoid unnecessary legal complications by choosing legal, hemp-derived Delta 9 THC gummies, particularly when the benefits are virtually identical?

So hemp based Delta 9 is safer in regards to the law?

First off, you can never count on any cop to be cool with this in 100% of scenarios, but likely at the end of the day there will be nothing to try you on.

Experience and anecdotes suggest there's often a lack of knowledge when it comes to distinguishing hemp and marijuana products. This means that in some cases, you might find yourself explaining the legality of your hemp-derived Delta 9 THC gummies to a law enforcement officer. This is not an ideal situation, however, as it places the burden of proof on you.

Legal hemp products, like your Delta 9 THC gummies, have less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. They're not considered controlled substances and are legal in most states. In contrast, marijuana-derived gummies can house a higher concentration of THC, over the 0.3% federally legal limit, making them illicit in many states. Having a lab certificate on hand displaying your gummy's cannabinoid content can certainly help smooth over any potential misunderstandings in this regard.

So yes, hemp-based Delta 9 THC gummies are safer in terms of legality. However, it's worth noting that local laws can significantly change the dynamics of this situation. Safe to say, understanding your local legislature is crucial. When in doubt, consult with a legal professional to make sure you're aware of all the implications around the use and possession of cannabinoids in your area.

This lack of clear distinction between the two substances in most law enforcement scenarios means that until full federal legalization occurs, discretion and understanding the laws in your locality are crucial to ensuring a hassle-free experience with hemp or marijuana-derived gummies, whether they are Delta 9 THC or not.

Pro-tip: The QR Code on the side of our gummy jars take you right to the compliancy pdf. Surely you can remember that in the heat of the moment, right?

Enjoy the Trip

As we've covered here, the experiences are going to be 99% identical in 99% of cases for marijuana VS hemp based Delta 9. As always it's important to use caution and remember that set and setting are crucial to the outcome of any trip. Importantly, whether derived from hemp or marijuana, your Delta 9 THC gummies are meant to offer you a pleasant, controlled experience.

With hemp-derived THC gummies, you're not only assuring a high-quality, consistent product, you're also on the right side of the law in most regions. The substantial similarity in effects between hemp and marijuana means you can enjoy your experience without the unnecessary worry of encountering legal issues.

Despite any lingering doubts, scientific evidence strongly suggests that the impact of the gummies is largely identical, irrespective of its hemp or marijuana origin. So, rest easy, understand your dosage, and savor the enjoyable experience that hemp-derived Delta 9 THC gummies have to offer.

To draw a conclusion, one could say that the choice between hemp and marijuana-derive Delta 9 THC gummies is a matter of personal preference and legal considerations. As most of the attributes – effects, potency, the overall experience – remain unchanged, the real winner here is user freedom and preference.

So, wherever your preference may lie, remember to consume responsibly, keeping in mind your well-being and the well-being of those around you.