Delta-9 is a form of THC that we get from the cannabis plant. There are dozens of delta-9 products available in the market nowadays. You can find them everywhere. From local weed dispensaries to online stores, there are many places to buy delta-9. But, have you ever wondered how they extract Delta 9 THC for these products? Here, you will see the different ways of extracting Delta-9 from the marijuana plant.
How Does Delta 9 Benefit Its Users?
The transition of the cannabis market is paving the way for several products. Ever since the US farm bill legalized hemp farming in 2018, the number of delta-9 products has increased. Not just that, we also get much information about their extraction and uses.
The different medicinal benefits of THC are fueling the growth of the cannabis market. Reportedly, the cannabis market value in 2026 would be around 90 billion. We still need more research to know whether cannabis can replace conventional medicines in assisting treatments. Our body is a complicated unit consisting of different systems. One such system is the endocannabinoid system. Researchers say that the system is responsible for mediating several functions in the body. It consists of enzymes and receptors that regulate hormone and neuron functioning. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol interacts with these receptors and produces effects.
There are several health benefits that THC has to offer. Lately, the medicinal effects have been winning over the recreational effects of the compound.
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Pain relief
The ECS has a role to play in the pain management mechanism of the body. THC interacts with the different receptors of the endocannabinoid system and reduces pain signaling. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain caused by inflammation. In addition, delta-9 THC also has relaxant and neuroprotective properties. These come in handy for treating severe medical conditions.
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Reduction of mental stress and anxiety
THC benefits not just your body but your mind as well. It possesses anxiolytic properties that reduce anxiety and mental stress. It reduces neuron excitability and calms down the nerves. Not just that, it improves mood by causing euphoric effects.
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Relaxes the user
Users generally seek THC for its relaxing effects. It can help in reducing restlessness. At higher doses, Delta-9 can help in improving sleep quality.
How do we extract natural delta-9 products?
Now that you know the different health benefits of delta-9 THC let’s look at how they extract the compound from the cannabis plant. There are different methods of extracting THC. Most of them involve sophisticated types of equipment. Analytical testing is crucial before authorizing cannabis for medicinal purposes.
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Alcohol extraction
Cannabis alcohol extraction is probably the most commonly employed method. The method relies upon solvents. In this case, it is alcohol. In this method, they put the cannabis plant in alcohol. Ethanol works in bringing the plant extract separately. At the start, the only solvent in use was ethanol. Nowadays, several types of alcohol are making their way as solvents. In this method, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol acids separate due to their acidic hydroxyl group. While extracting cannabis using the ethanol method, removal of chlorophyll is crucial. It might cause a bitter taste.
One thing to note is that the process needs atmospheric levels of pressure. Temperature control is crucial while evaporating the alcohol after extracting the plant material.
Pros: The method of cannabis extraction leaves no residue behind. Also, the derived extract is of pure quality.
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Carbon Dioxide extraction
Standing next to alcohol extraction in popularity is Co2 extraction. Using reagents is costly whatsoever. Along with that, the cleanup time is also long. So, there is a need for an alternative cost-effective and time-efficient method. One such method is the carbon dioxide extraction method. In the place of alcohol, this method uses carbon dioxide to extract delta-9 from the plant matrix. Carbon dioxide is converted to a supercritical form under high pressure and heat.
While the equipment cost is higher than alcohol extraction, the yield is high. By changing the temperature to suitable amounts, the method yields plant extract. We can then recycle the carbon dioxide by passing it to the condenser that converts it to a liquid.
Pros: No residue remains after the process. The leftover carbon dioxide evaporates.
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Butane or propane extraction
Here, we use butane for extracting delta-9 from the plant. In this method, butane and cannabis under pressure constitute the extraction system. Evaporation removes butane from the system. People also refer to this extract as the shatter that constitutes THC, CBD, and other flavonoids. To make this, we must keep the terpene content at low levels. The high temperature helps in removing terpenes from the butane hash oil.
Butane and propane extractions differ in their yields as the optimum temperatures are different. The method is effective but hazardous. Handling the equipment and substances needs care.
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Extractions that do not involve solvents
Processes that involve no solvents can also help extract Delta-9. Sieving and grinding can be enough to separate the plant matrix from the plant. There are unique structures referred to as trichomes that have a bitter taste. They are usually the way for the cannabis plant to make herbivores stay away from the plant. Adding these trichomes to the extract powder can increase the potency.
Pros: The method doesn’t leave any harmful residue behind. Traditionally-produced hash is one such cannabis extract that contains no solvent. Along with the extract, other contaminants can get into the product. Thus, external factors play a role in deciding how the yield will be.
Things you should know
There are a few things to remember when buying natural delta-9 products.
- Be cautious of the ingredients. Some Delta-9 products in the market come with contaminants that can be hazardous to the user.
- Buy from reputable vendors to avoid hassles.
- Check for the product ingredients and understand how they might affect you.
- Get expert help if you are not sure of a product.
Lastly, overdosing on delta-9 can cause adverse effects on the user’s health. Naturally extracted delta-9 products can help you in several ways. But, it is essential to be mindful while using them. Before using a product, understand the product’s nature and your body to have a better experience.
