Is Delta 9 THC Natural or Synthetic?

As THC compounds such as Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 continue to gain widespread access and popularity, many of our customers in the Vermont community and beyond are curious about the details and safety of Delta 9 THC

How is it extracted? Is it a natural or synthetic compound? If you’ve found yourself asking these questions about Delta 9 THC, read on!

What is Delta 9 THC?

As the common cannabinoid people associate with getting “high,” Delta 9 THC is known as the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and hemp. It’s what people usually refer to when they use the term ‘THC’ without specifying a particular isomer.

The history and discovery of Delta 9 THC

Cannabis has been cultivated and used both recreationally and medicinally for thousands of years. There is evidence of its use dating back to ancient China, India, and in the Middle East. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that scientists isolated and identified Delta-9 THC as the compound responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. This discovery not only gave us an understanding of how cannabis interacts with the human body but also paved the way for the study of the endocannabinoid system.

Understanding the chemical structure of Delta 9 THC and how it differs from other cannabinoids

Delta 9 THC is a cannabinoid with a distinctive chemical structure that sets it apart from other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). It has a formula of C₂₁H₃₀O₂, which includes 21 carbon atoms and a specific arrangement that features a double bond at the ninth carbon. This structure is what gives Delta 9 THC its ability to cause psychoactive effects, as it connects easily to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system. 

Other cannabinoids have different structures — for example, CBD doesn’t have the same closed ring or double bond, so it doesn’t cause a “high.” These small differences in structure explain why each cannabinoid affects the body in its own way. 

Is Delta 9 THC natural or synthetic? 

Whether you’re shopping for gummies, tinctures, capsules, or infused beverages – there are two types of Delta 9 THC compounds, synthetically derived Delta 9 and hemp-derived Delta 9 THC.

Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC 

Products containing plant-derived Delta 9 THC are extracted directly from cannabis or hemp plants. This method typically yields a full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the plant, making it the best option for those seeking a pure, potent, and natural approach to Delta 9 THC.

Synthetically Derived Delta 9 THC

Because of the low quantities of Delta 8, Delta 9, or Delta 10 THC found in hemp plants, some manufacturers will synthesize these cannabinoids to create these compounds to meet consumer demand.

While this method allows for precise control and consistency over the compound’s potency and concentration, these synthetically derived cannabinoids are missing the full-spectrum benefits and effects that come with naturally derived THC.

This is why at Upstate Elevator all of our Delta 9 THC gummies and beverages are crafted with natural hemp-derived THC for a pure experience

Extraction methods for Delta 9 THC

Extracting Delta 9 THC from cannabis involves several methods designed to isolate and concentrate the compound for use. Each extraction method has its advantages and is chosen based on the desired end product, whether for edibles, oils, or concentrates. 

Solvent Extraction 

One of the most common techniques is solvent-based extraction, which uses substances like ethanol, butane, or CO₂ to dissolve the plant’s cannabinoids and separate them from unwanted materials. Among these, CO₂ extraction is particularly popular because it is clean, efficient, and produces a highly pure product without leaving harmful residues. Overall, solvent-based extraction is chosen for its cost-effectiveness and high yields.

Solventless Extraction 

Another method is solventless extraction, which involves mechanical processes like dry sifting or pressing cannabis to collect resin-rich trichomes where Delta 9 THC is concentrated. This method is known to produce clean, high-purity extracts but it requires more expensive equipment and expertise.

Our THC products are crafted with a focus on purity and quality, and we use a variety of extraction methods to achieve this. While we do use some solvent-based extraction methods, such as cold organic ethanol extraction, we also employ mechanical hashing, which is a solventless method. This ensures that we can offer a range of products that meet different preferences and needs. If you’re interested in learning more about our manufacturing process, you can check out our Our Process page for more details.

Discover Delta 9 THC at Upstate Elevator Supply Co. 

Here at Upstate Elevator, all of our delicious Delta 9 THC drinks and gummies are made with organic ingredients and clean, hemp-derived THC you can count on. We always say no to synthetic Delta 9 THC — proudly providing our customers with a pure hemp-derived THC experience minus any preservatives, artificial flavors, or lab-created ingredients. Join the journey today!

×
 
Why Choose to Autoship?
  • Automatically re-order your favorite products on your schedule.
  • Easily change the products or shipping date for your upcoming Scheduled Orders.
  • Pause or cancel any time.