HOUSTON – On Monday at 10 p.m., Investigative reporter Joel Eisenbaum discovered how easy it would be to get a prescription for medical marijuana in Houston.
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With so many changes ahead for the cannabis community, have you ever considered the difference between THC, CBD, Delta-9, Delta-10 and marijuana?
Earlier this week, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced that it’s moving forward with reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
The proposal would move marijuana from the “Schedule I” group to the less tightly regulated “Schedule III.”
Schedule III drugs are controlled substances that are subject to various rules that allow for some medical uses. Schedule III drugs include things like, ketamine, anabolic steroids and some acetaminophen-codeine combinations.
Even if the proposal is passed, it still wouldn’t make marijuana legal for recreational use, only medically.
What is THC?
THC, also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the “high” feeling experienced when smoking marijuana or consuming edibles.
THC is usually available in three common forms: herbs or flowers, hash or hashish, and hash oil. The herbal form, made from dried cannabis leaves and flowers, is the most popular. It can be smoked or added to food and beverages.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not induce a feeling of being “high.” It is more readily available in the United States compared to THC, but regulations on the sale of CBD vary from state to state.
CBD can be found in various forms such as oils, extracts, patches, vapes, and topical lotions. It is believed to have several health benefits. Additionally, CBD is the active component in Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved medication derived from a marijuana ingredient, specifically for treating epilepsy.
What is Delta-9?
Cannabis and hemp plants contain multiple cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC exists in various forms in cannabis, with delta-9 being the most prevalent form associated with the effects of THC. However, there are other forms of THC, such as delta-8 and delta-10, which have similar chemical structures but produce different effects.
According to WebMD, it is commonly used as a recreational drug but it’s not federally legal in the United States, and each state has its own laws regarding cannabis.
Similar to marijuana, Delta-9 can cause the following side effects:
- anxiety
- dry mouth
- increased appetite and heart rate
- memory loss
- red eyes
- slowed reaction times
What is Delta-8?
Delta-8 THC, short for delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis (marijuana) plants, albeit in minimal quantities.
In select states, people can legally purchase various products infused with concentrated delta-8 THC, such as gummies, vape cartridges, and capsules. The popularity of delta-8-infused products is burgeoning, with availability ranging from specialty cannabis dispensaries to commonplace convenience stores.
Known for inducing a gentle, euphoric sensation akin to marijuana, delta-8 THC is favored by some for its milder effects. Additionally, it is purported to alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like stress, depression, and chronic pain, although conclusive research supporting its efficacy for these purposes remains scarce.
Delta-8 is often referred to as “marijuana lite” or “diet weed.”
Are Delta-8 and Delta-9 legal?
Presently, delta-8 THC is legal on the federal level, although it’s not universally permissible across all states. Delta-9 THC remains federally illegal, yet its recreational and/or medicinal usage is lawful in numerous states. It’s crucial to note that regulations governing the production, sale, and consumption of both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are subject to ongoing changes and updates.
So, what’s the difference between marijuana and hemp?
Marijuana and hemp are distinct varieties of the cannabis plant. According to federal regulations in the U.S., plants with a delta-9 THC content exceeding 0.3% are classified as marijuana, whereas those with lower levels are considered hemp. In terms of chemical composition, marijuana typically contains high levels of delta-9 THC ranging from 10% to 30%, while hemp plants contain 5% to 15% CBD.