The Effects of Delta 9 THC

Delta 9 THC has been a friend to pain relief and insomnia for ages. Consuming lower doses of THC has even greater therapeutic benefits. According to research, “THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses and increase anxiety at higher doses.”

That’s why we’re such big fans of microdosing Delta 9 THC.

Microdosing avoids the unwanted side effects of THC, and gives you all sorts of benefits. And there’s no better way to microdose than with our collection of Delta 9 edibles.

For example, try our Relax Plus gummies, with only 5 milligrams of THC, and experience first-hand the gentle release of tension.

Effects of Delta 9 THC

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC) is one of the two major cannabis compounds. Delta 9, or more commonly THC, is known to elicit feelings of euphoria and relaxation in cannabis users. But there’s more to this intriguing molecule than simply recreational allure. 

Delta 9 in the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of chemical signals called endocannabinoids and receptors whose main role is to maintain homeostasis. It achieves our body’s internal balance and stability by regulating a wide range of physiological functions, such as:

• Sleep
• Mood 
• Pain perception
• Metabolism
• Motor control
• Immunological response
• Stress response
• Cognition and neuroprotection

According to Lerner, et. al., the ECS “serves pivotal roles in a diverse range of physiological and pathophysiological states, including behavior, pain, schizophrenia, obesity, Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disease.”

Our bodies produce endocannabinoids, but cannabinoids are also found elsewhere. Those that come from plants are called phytocannabinoids. Delta 9 THC is a phytocannabinoid from cannabis plants. It binds to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the ECS to relieve pain, alter mood and perception, influence sleep, hunger, and other important bodily functions. 

The effects of Delta 9 THC are best defined by Pertwee, et. al., who describe THC as a “partial agonist” of cannabinoid receptors.

Δ9-THC, the main psychotropic constituent of cannabis, is a CB1 and CB2 receptor partial agonist and in line with classical pharmacology, the responses it elicits appear to be strongly influenced both by the expression level and signaling efficiency of cannabinoid receptors and by ongoing endogenous cannabinoid release. 

When taken in sufficient amounts, Delta 9 generates euphoric feelings in users because of its interaction with CB1 receptors. Its interaction with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor produces anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Studies show that THC might have more health benefits if taken together with cannabidiol (CBD). Russo suggests that “the synergistic contributions of cannabidiol to cannabis pharmacology and analgesia have been scientifically demonstrated. Other phytocannabinoids…exert additional effects of therapeutic interest.” 

This synergy of phytocannabinoids is often referred to as the “entourage effect.” 

The Entourage Effect: The Synergy of Delta 9 and CBD

The entourage effect is an idea in which cannabis components combine to provide a more potent and beneficial effect than any of the separate compounds in isolation. When CBD and THC are combined, the positive effects of cannabidiol become more pronounced, and vice versa.

CBD has been shown to mitigate the possible adverse effects of THC. In the combination of THC and CBD, CBD appears to reduce the likelihood of THC’s psychoactive effects, as well as tachycardia (increased heart rate), increased anxiety, and sedation.

While the entourage effect is not something you can feel, you might start to sleep better or notice reduced symptoms of anxiety. Many of our edibles combine THC and CBD to produce an entourage effect. Shop our collection of full spectrum CBD gummies to experience the ultimate synergy of THC, CBD, and other minor cannabinoids. 

Read more about full spectrum CBD right here. We’re positive that once you try our full-spectrum Energy gummies, you'll never part with them. These vegan edibles contain balanced doses of CBD and THC to produce a sweet buzz and relax you to bits.

Is Delta 9 Psychoactive?

Delta 9 is the main psychoactive component found in cannabis plants. It can produce feelings of “high” and even cause mild side effects when taken in higher doses. When THC enters our system, it affects the dopaminergic system—brain regions that aid reward and pleasure regulation. Delta 9 THC helps our brain release dopamine and stimulate feelings of euphoria and well-being—the characteristic "high" associated with cannabis use.

But not all cannabis use. It is smoked cannabis that gives THC a bad rep, as the signature high and side effects occur with significant concentrations of THC. If you do consume cannabis at higher doses, here are the potential adverse effects you may experience: 

1. Paranoia
2. Memory impairment
3. Changes in heart rate
4. Dry mouth
5. Red eyes
6. Sedation
7. Increased anxiety
8. Impaired motor control

Low-THC edibles are a safer, psychoactivity-free option for consuming cannabis. With 10 mg or less of Delta 9 per gummy, our delectable edibles can have potential benefits in relieving pain, reducing anxiety, and promoting sleep and appetite. Case in point: our Euphoria gummies infused with pink lemonade. 10 mg of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC packs a mild euphoric experience, while the seductive taste of lemonade will leave you speechless.

Microdosing Delta 9 THC

Microdosing cannabis involves taking extremely small dosages, typically with THC concentrations that don’t produce psychoactive effects in most people. Low doses of Delta 9 THC appear to stimulate the endocannabinoid system and alleviate symptoms associated with many health problems.

Surprisingly, lower THC doses may provide more health benefits than higher doses. THC in high concentrations can actually reduce the efficiency of CB1 receptors and perhaps trigger unpleasant THC effects. 

Seeking to spice up your Friday fiestas? Our low-dose THC buzz drops might help kick your weekend into high gear. Combined with low concentrations of CBD, this zero calories THC drink will help you relax after a long day. Infuse your favorite drink with the perks of Delta 9 and CBD, and party like there’s no mañana.

Not sure whether to drink or chew your THC? Maybe this detailed comparison between edibles and THC drinks can help. 

Benefits of Microdosing Delta 9 

Because of its powerful therapeutic effects and the way it interacts with our endocannabinoid system, Delta 9 THC is also used for medical purposes. Research suggests that microdosing cannabis can have greater medical and therapeutic benefits than higher amounts. 

Here’s a glimpse of the effects of microdosing THC (for a more comprehensive look, check out our in-depth guide to the benefits of microdosing Delta 9): 

1. THC can alter our sensory perception, leading to potential benefits in pain management and mood regulation.
2. Delta 9 THC can lower inflammation and potentially help treat chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and multiple sclerosis.
3. Low amounts of THC are good for the brain. 
4. Low amounts of THC can also help glaucoma sufferers. 
5. THC increases appetite and regulates metabolic processes. This makes it useful for treating conditions like wasting syndrome or severe weight loss.
6. Microdosing cannabis may provide relief from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Microdosing cannabis could potentially modulate the ECS and alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, spasms, and altered bowel movements, according to research.
7. Many people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) turn to cannabis as a natural way to improve focus and concentration. It can also relieve the side effects of ADHD, like restlessness, impulsivity, and emotional disregulation.  
8. At low doses, THC and CBD have anti-cancer properties, particularly in the treatment of prostate cancer. A medically reviewed study found that THC and CBD can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. According to the results of the study, “cannabinoids were shown to reduce the size of prostate cancer tumors in animal models.”
9. Low THC doses also promote neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are created in the brain, by improving cognitive performance and memory function. A case study showed that THC-rich microdoses relieved the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease without causing severe adverse effects. The findings of the study showed that “the primary beneficial effect on memory/cognition is provoked by compensatory low doses of THC for an aging-impaired endocannabinoid system.”
10. Microdosing cannabis may provide relief from symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as muscle spasticity, pain, and tremors. A 2022 study found that cannabis-based medicine was effective in reducing and managing “MS outcomes such as spasticity, pain, tremors, ataxia, bladder functions, sleep, quality of life, and adverse effects.”

To find out more about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its effects on your body, take a look at our detailed THC guide.

The Best Way to Microdose Delta 9 THC

If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your health, you’ve just found it: microdosing cannabis can potentially offer relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and inflammation while promoting better sleep and enhancing your overall mood. With their exquisite flavor profiles, our quality CBD gummies with THC are the perfect way to reap the benefits of cannabis.

If you’re a beginner, you should probably start small: Sleep Plus gummies contain only 2 mg of THC, 25 mg of CBD, and 3 mg of melatonin. With the juicy blackberry lavender flavor, improving sleep has never tasted so fresh.  

Check out our comprehensive guide to melatonin and find out how this nighttime hormone works. 

Delta 9 Legality

Delta 9 is legal at the federal level across the US, provided the products containing THC are compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill. For THC products to be Farm Bill compliant, they must meet the following criteria: 

• The Delta 9 THC must come from hemp, not marijuana.
• The THC product must contain a low amount of THC. Specifically, it cannot contain more than 0.3% of Delta 9 THC by dry weight.

All nama CBD products are Farm Bill compliant, which makes them federally legal in 48 states. Only two US states chose to ban THC outright (we’re looking at you, Idaho and Kansas). 

Choose from our collection of federally legal Delta 9 gummies and never worry about crossing any legal boundaries to enjoy your dose of wellness.

Resources

Lerner, R., Lutz, B., & Bindila, L. (2013, September 19). Tricks and Tracks in the Identification and Quantification of Endocannabinoids. ELS. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470015902.a0023407

The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin - PubMed. (2008, January 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0707442

Russo, E. B. (n.d.). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x

Brugnatelli, V., Turco, F., Freo, U., & Zanette, G. (2020, April 21). Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Manipulating the Endocannabinoid System as First-Line Treatment. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00371

Cannabinoids and Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies - PubMed. (2020, August 29). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21176265

Ruver-Martins, A. C., Bicca, M. A., de Araujo, F. S., Lameiro de Noronha Sales Maia, B. H., Pamplona, F. A., da Silva, E. G., & Nascimento, F. P. (2022, July 12). Cannabinoid extract in microdoses ameliorates mnemonic and nonmnemonic Alzheimer’s disease symptoms: a case report - Journal of Medical Case Reports. BioMed Central. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-022-03457-w

Haddad, F., Dokmak, G., & Karaman, R. (2022, May 5). The Efficacy of Cannabis on Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3390/life12050682

Effect of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on nocturnal sleep and early-morning behavior in young adults - PubMed. (2004, June 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.jcp.0000125688.05091.8f

Oleson, E. B., & Cheer, J. F. (n.d.). A Brain on Cannabinoids: The Role of Dopamine Release in Reward Seeking. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a012229

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