From discussing philosophy to sharing memes, Reddit has long been one of the largest online forum hosts in the world. With the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018 and the subsequent legalization of hemp-derived cannabinoids, it’s no surprise that the online site has also pitched in on the effects, benefits, and side effects of these compounds.
Delta 9, also known as THC, has been a key player in the cannabis industry even since before the federal legalization of hemp, but now that it’s widely popular and available across the United States—especially in gummy form—Reddit has lots to say about the compound. But what exactly are delta 9 gummies, and what are users on Reddit saying about the products?
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9), is the major psychoactive compound in cannabis. Delta 9 gummies are exactly what they sound like: gummy products infused with THC concentrate.
The cannabinoid works by binding to receptors, including the CB1 receptor, in the body's endocannabinoid system to produce effects. Additionally, it stimulates the release of dopamine, which is closely linked to euphoria. Stress, sleep, pain, and other bodily functions are modulated by CB1 receptors, making THC effective for treating related conditions.
The cannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters in our bodies interact with delta 9 to produce a variety of benefits. People's responses to THC vary based on factors such as weight, age, tolerance, and metabolism, but the compound is known to cause the following effects:
Aside from its popular recreational use, delta 9 has a number of potential medical uses as well. In fact, humans discovered the medicinal benefits of cannabis thousands of years ago and have been enjoying them ever since.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, delta 9 may be effective in treating:
In spite of delta 9's many potential benefits, medicinal and otherwise, some evidence indicates that it may also have adverse effects. The most common cannabis side effects are dry eyes and dry mouth. If you experience any of these side effects, don't worry; all you need to do is grab a cold glass of water and some eye drops to treat them!
Other, less common risks associated with delta 9 THC include:
Even though THC has some uncomfortable side effects, its long-term effects are not too severe. The World Health Organization has concluded that the compound poses no significant health risks to users, and its abuse is extremely rare.
In some states with medical or recreational marijuana programs, marijuana-derived THC is legal, but it is illegal under federal law. Delta 9 derived from hemp, however, is legal under federal law and in many states. But is there a difference between delta 9 derived from marijuana and delta 9 derived from hemp?
All the molecules in hemp and marijuana are similar, but they differ in their THC content, which is what makes them legally distinct. Cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC are defined as hemp, while cannabis plants containing more than 0.3% THC are defined as marijuana. There is virtually no difference between THC from hemp and THC from marijuana, except that sourcing THC from one type of plant is legal, but not from the other. The most popular methods of obtaining THC from hemp are isomerization and extraction.
A process known as isomerization converts hemp-derived CBD into THC. Since all cannabinoids are derived from CBGA, or "the mother cannabinoid," their molecular structures are very similar. The process of isomerization involves rearranging the molecules in one compound to create the structure of another compound. This case involves rearranging CBD compounds into THC compounds.
THC can also be extracted directly from hemp. Since extraction does not require chemical manipulation, THC remains in its original form throughout the entire process. Because hemp plants are richer in CBD than they are in THC, however, isomerization is the most common method for producing THC from hemp.
The process of making THC gummies is the same regardless of whether the THC is derived directly from hemp plants or isomerized from hemp-derived CBD. Gummies are made by mixing their usual ingredients, heating them, and pouring them into molds. THC is then added to gummy products before they harden after cooking.
Now that you know a little more about delta 9 gummies, let’s get into what the trusty people of Reddit have to say about the products.
“Are delta 9 hemp gummies as potent?” asks user u/Ericules under the r/Trees forum. They say they usually source their delta 9 from a dispensary in a state where marijuana is legal, but currently find themselves in an illegal state and came across some delta 9 hemp-derived gummies. "Since they’re 10mg per [gummy], I popped 10 of them about twenty minutes ago. How should the potency compare” to marijuana edibles, they ask. “Safe travels, see you when you get back to Earth,” replies a user under their thread. “Godspeed bruh,” says another user. After some time, the original poster (OP) comes back with an update: “I f*cked up.”
A common misconception about hemp-derived delta 9 gummies is that they’re much milder than marijuana-based delta 9 gummies, but they’re actually the same exact compound. The only difference is the amounts of THC the products contain. This user certainly discovered the compound’s potency the hard way!
Another user, u/Sea_Scheme6784, posted to the r/Weed subreddit confessing their nervousness regarding trying delta 9 gummies for sleep for the first time. “Never been high before and I’m a little nervous,” they say, “What should I expect, and what are some things that may enhance the experience?” In typical Reddit fashion, more seasoned users come to the rescue with recommendations on dosages and strategies for a good experience. Do it “at home, or somewhere safe where you won't be interrupted, and have some good, trusted friends around that you don’t mind looking impaired in front of,” chimes in one user, also recommending watching something fun or playing a game, as well as chilling with loved ones and perhaps taking a walk outdoors.
The user then asks OP to report back with their experience, to which they reply, “It was great… I took 5mg and after an hour and a half didn’t feel anything, so I decided to just take the rest, and about 30 minutes later it kicked in. At one point, it got really intense, and I didn’t like it, but was able to calm down and really enjoy it. I ended up listening to ASMR for most of the high, and it was so relaxing. There was absolutely nothing to worry about.” This user ended up loving their delta 9 experience, but did end up having a little bit of a bad time due to taking too many gummies before they had the chance to fully kick in. Although these adverse effects aren’t too dire, this user could’ve benefitted from waiting a little longer for their initial dose to take effect.
Another user, also under the r/Trees forum, posts, “I just had two 30mg of delta 9 gummies, and I’m tripping way too hard. I thought they’d not work on me considering how I smoke every now and then, but I’m just having one of the most intense kind of high right now.” Under the post, another user replies, “If it starts getting out of hand, chew some peppercorns and take some CBD.” Peppercorns are well known for containing certain terpenes known to damped THC’s psychoactive tendencies, creating a more calming effect. CBD may also reduce the ability of THC to bind to the CB1 receptors, decreasing the potency of THC’s psychotropic effects.
All in all, Reddit seems to be in agreement that even though they’re made from hemp, delta 9 gummies are strong products not to be taken lightly. Many users underestimate the compound’s potency due to the plant it’s sourced from, but taking too much THC, regardless of whether it is hemp or marijuana-based, can produce intense effects.
Delta 9 gummies can be an extremely effective way to reap the benefits of THC, especially since they produce prolonged and potent effects. That said, understanding how they work and how to dose them is important in order to ensure a safe and positive psychoactive experience.
Reddit users agree delta 9 gummies are extremely potent and are to be taken seriously. The fact that they’re derived from hemp instead of marijuana doesn’t make them any less psychoactively potent! From relaxation to pain relief, these products can help with a plethora of ailments as long as they’re taken at the correct doses.
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