Is Delta 9 Safe?

With the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes becoming more widespread, people are being exposed to Delta 9 through various cannabis products. But is Delta 9 safe? Understanding what Delta 9 is, its effects on the body, and how prolonged use can lead to dependence and addiction can help people make informed decisions about their personal marijuana use and when to seek professional help. 

What Is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the many different compounds found in cannabis plants. Delta 9 is a psychoactive compound that creates the “high” people experience when using marijuana. It can create a state of euphoria, relaxation, and calmness. It is also responsible for increasing one’s appetite. 

Is Delta 9 Safe? Understanding the Facts

Whether Delta 9 is safe depends on several factors, such as:

• The amount consumed
• The frequency of use
• The duration of use
• The overall health and mental well-being of the individual

Prolonged Delta 9 use can lead to dependence and eventual marijuana addiction due to the pleasurable effects experienced. There can also be undesirable side effects from continued use, including:

• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hallucinations

Evaluating the Safety of Delta 9 THC: What You Need to Know

Delta 9 THC should be treated as any other addictive substance. It has both short-term and long-term effects on the body. The extent of the effects can and do vary from one individual to another. 

Short-Term Effects

• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Calmness
• Increased appetite
• Impaired cognitive functions
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness

Long-Term Effects

• Memory problems
• Dependence and addiction
• Transitioning to other substance use
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Engaging in risky behaviors

The Health Implications of Delta 9 Consumption

Delta 9 THC interacts with receptors in the brain, such as pain receptors. It can block pain signals, increase sleepiness, reduce nausea, and increase appetite. However, continued use can lead to more serious health implications, such as:

• Impaired cognitive function
• Memory recall problems
• Learning difficulties
• Impaired decision-making
• Increased risk of lung and throat cancer from smoking marijuana
• Elevated heart rate
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke 
• Brain development impairment in adolescents and young adults

The Delta 9 Risks and Safety Concerns Explored

There are many potential adverse effects of prolonged Delta 9 THC use. These do vary based on the dosage, frequency of use, and duration of use and may include:

• Panic attacks
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Disconnect from reality
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Lung cancer
• Lowered immune system response

Withdrawal symptoms can also occur when someone has developed a dependence on or addiction to marijuana and can include:

• The development of or worsening of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression
• Nervousness
• Decrease appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Anger
• Aggression
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle aches
• Flu-like symptoms

Is Delta 9 Safe for Regular Use? 

Many people associate regular Delta 9 use as not being any more dangerous than regularly drinking alcohol. However, regular use often leads to dependence and addiction. The body also builds tolerance to Delta 9, meaning people need larger amounts to achieve the desired effects.

Furthermore, long-term use can increase the risk of adverse side effects and lead to the development of mental health disorders. Marijuana is also considered a gateway drug, much like drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. People who drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes will often transition to other substances, with marijuana generally being the second substance they turn to. 

For marijuana users, many will transition to alcohol, hallucinogens, and opioids. Therefore, regular use of Delta 9 should not be considered safe, even when used for medicinal purposes. 

Legal and Health Aspects of Delta 9 THC

In recent years, there has been much debate about marijuana and Delta 9 THC. At the federal level, marijuana is still considered an illegal substance. However, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the list of controlled substances. So, Delta 9 THC derived from hemp in concentrations of less than 0.3% is considered legal.

At the state level, numerous states have passed legislation that makes it legal to use marijuana and Delta 9 THC for medicinal purposes, such as increasing appetite and alleviating nausea common with cancer treatments. 

Many states have passed legislation that allows people to use marijuana recreationally. However, just like alcohol, there are health risks associated with regular and long-term use. These states have also passed laws that make it illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana, with penalties similar to those for driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Safety of Hemp-Derived Delta 9 Compared to Other Cannabinoids

Some people mistakenly assume hemp-derived Delta 9 is safer than other cannabinoids because the federal government limits it to less than 0.3%. However, since Delta 9 is a psychoactive compound, people can still experience a “high” even when using hemp-derived Delta 9. 

In addition, there are now synthetic Delta 9 and cannabinoid compounds being used in hemp-derived products that could pose significant health risks, as there is limited research on their long-term effects on people. Prolonged use of hemp-derived or synthetic Delta 9 can still lead to dependence and addiction.  

Find Treatment for Marijuana and Delta 9 Addiction in Southern California

When you want help quitting marijuana and Delta 9 use, help is available at Phoenix Rising Recovery in Southern California. We offer comprehensive and personalized detox and addiction treatment programs to ensure Delta 9 is safely discontinued. We can also treat co-occurring mental health conditions and multiple substance use disorders. Contact us today for further information about our addiction treatment programs or to start the admissions process. 

Published: 4/1/2025