Is Delta-9 Legal in Oregon?
- Oregon Cannabis
- Oregon Hemp
- Oregon THC
- Oregon Delta THC
- Oregon Delta-9 THC
What Is Delta-9 THC?
Delta 9 THC is an isomer of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is present in both hemp and marijuana. It has a wide range of effects, including psychoactivity, pain relief, relaxation, and increased appetite, but it can also cause anxiety and cognitive impairment. Delta 9 THC is available in a variety of forms, including oils, tinctures, vapes, gummies, and edibles.
Is Delta-9 Legal in Oregon?
Delta 9 is legal in Oregon, provided it is obtained naturally from plants and not from chemical synthesis. In accordance with Measure 67 and Measure 91, marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC is legal for use by Oregon-registered medical marijuana patients and adults aged 21 or older.
The 2018 Farm Bill also legalized hemp-derived Delta 9 in all states, making hemp-derived Delta 9 products legal as long as they contain no more than 0.5 milligrams of the Delta 9 THC compound. Hemp-derived Delta 9 products containing more than 0.5 milligrams of Delta 9 THC are called Adult Use cannabis products in Oregon and may not be sold to persons under 21 (unless sold in a cannabis retail store to a medical marijuana card holder under 21 but over 18).
What is the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are two cannabinoids with similar chemical structures, primarily responsible for marijuana's euphoric effects. Delta 8 refers to Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol, and while trace amounts of Delta 8 can be found in cannabis, most commercially available Delta 8 THC is produced through chemical conversion processes using CBD extracted from hemp.
Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 interact with the endocannabinoid system and produce euphoria, with the double bond in their chemical structures being responsible for the intoxicating effects experienced by users. However, the double bond in Delta 8 is on the eighth carbon, resulting in a slightly different connection to the body’s endocannabinoid system than Delta 9, making it less potent.
Delta 9 can be found in higher concentrations in marijuana than Delta 8, which is mainly derived from chemically synthesized and concentrated cannabinoids. However, synthesization potentially increases the risk of unwanted additions and byproducts in Delta 8 products, which can cause side effects such as dry mouth, red eyes, short-term memory, paranoia, and anxiety, similar to those of Delta 9.
Some THC users prefer Delta 9 to Delta 8 due to its stronger intoxicating effects, while others choose Delta 8 for its more manageable high. Hence, despite consuming Delta 8, users can continue their daily operations without feeling “cloudy”.
Delta-9 vs Delta-10
Both Delta 9 THC and Delta 10 THC are isomers of Delta THC; however, their molecular structures differ somewhat. Unlike Delta 9, which is naturally occurring in abundant quantities in marijuana, Delta 10 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in minute amounts in cannabis plants, making its extraction more challenging. While synthetic Delta 10 THC is possible, the compound is still not as widely available as Delta 9 THC.
Due to their distinct molecular structures, Delta 9 THC and Delta 10 THC have different effects on users, although further research is required to determine their precise effects. Delta 9 THC is the favored cannabinoid for recreational and therapeutic use, as it is the more common of the two. Yet, some users may favor Delta 10 THC because of its potentially gentler effects. As per potency levels, Delta 9 THC is more potent than Delta 10 THC, which is believed to possess only a fraction of the psychoactive effects of Delta 9 THC.
How Long Does Delta-9 Stay in Your System?
The length of time that Delta 9 THC remains in your system depends on a variety of parameters, including the amount and frequency of use, your metabolism, and your body fat percentage. With continuous use, Delta 9 THC can accumulate in the body and may take longer to leave the system in heavy use cases. In addition, the effects and duration of the consumption of cannabis products containing Delta 9 THC may vary among individuals. Delta 9 effects on the body may take several hours to wear out.
Drug tests can identify the presence of Delta 9 THC in the body. Therefore if you have recently consumed the compound or its products, you may test positive. The majority of drug tests are designed to detect Delta THC but do not differentiate between Delta 9 THC, Delta 8, Delta 10 THC, and other THC isomers. Nevertheless, specialized drug tests may be able to distinguish between these substances.
Delta 9 THC is commonly detectable:
- In blood: for up to 36 hours
- Hair follicle: for up to 90 days
- Urine: for up to 30 days
- Saliva: for up to 72 hours after consumption
Where Can I Find Delta-9 Gummies in Oregon?
In Oregon, Delta 9 gummies and other Delta 9 products can be purchased from physical and online marijuana dispensaries licensed by the OLCC. The OLCC is the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission which regulates the state’s cannabis industry. Note that Delta 9 gummies will get you high since they contain the Delta 9 THC compound, the cannabinoid responsible for marijuana's intoxicating effects. However, they are generally safe to consume.
