Is Delta-9 THC Synthetic? What Every Consumer Needs To Know

Delta-9 THC is one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market—but it’s not legal everywhere. So, how do consumers in non-legal states get their buzz?

While many consumers still find relatively safe ways to buy weed, the illicit market is filled with risky, unregulated products that can potentially lead to adverse health effects.

With all the potential threats out there, we’ve been getting some questions: how safe is delta-9 THC, and is delta-9 THC synthetic?

We totally understand the confusion. The cannabis market has been flooded with various cannabinoids with similar-sounding names (delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC), many of which are synthesized or converted from other cannabinoids.

But when you consider the presence of truly synthetic weed products like K2 and Spice, things get even murkier.

This guide breaks down the essence of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, how it’s made, and what to avoid at all costs.

Delta-9 THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is the key cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants responsible for producing psychoactive effects that make you feel “high.”

This is crucial to understand when wondering if delta-9 THC is synthetic. Since this cannabinoid naturally occurs in cannabis and hemp plants, it’s not synthetic. It’s real, natural, and has been used for centuries medicinally and recreationally.

Delta-9 THC works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, like CB1 receptors. Once D9 latches on to these receptors, it can alter how pain, time, physical sensations, appetite, and mood are experienced.

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is most commonly known for producing euphoric, deeply relaxed effects, whether for medical or recreational use. But in doses “too high” for your tolerance, there’s always the risk of paranoia and anxiety induced by delta-9 THC.

No. Delta-9 THC is THC—the latter is simply a more casual way of saying it. They’re used interchangeably, and they both refer to the key cannabinoid in cannabis plants that many weed users know and love.

That said, there are a few different types of “THC.” That’s why many users specifically choose to say “delta-9 THC” instead of simply “THC” when referring to their cannabis products. Some of those THCs include:

• Delta-8 THC
• Delta-9 THC
• Delta-10 THC
• Delta-11 THC

If we really want to get into the science of things, “delta” refers to the position of a specific double bond in the molecule’s chemical structure. Delta-9 THC has this double bond located at the ninth carbon in the central ring system, while in delta-8 THC, it’s at the eighth carbon, delta-10 THC on the 10th, and so on.

This small structural difference affects how each compound interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body. Not only does that mean these cannabinoids produce different effects, but it also introduces some confusion when discussing natural and synthetic cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids like delta-8 THC are naturally occurring but only in trace amounts. So, in order for it to be abundant in cannabis products, chemists convert Delta-9 THC or CBD by altering its chemical structure to reflect that of delta-8 THC.

This would make delta-8 THC a semi-synthetic cannabinoid—since it still originates from the hemp or cannabis plant, but it’s altered slightly in a professional laboratory setting. Delta-8 THC is not a synthetic cannabinoid altogether.

Synthetic weed refers to lab-made chemicals designed to mimic the effects of THC but with far more dangerous and unpredictable results. Often sold under names like “Spice” or “K2,” these products have nothing to do with natural cannabis and are completely unregulated.

Unlike real delta-9 THC, synthetic weed consists of chemical compounds sprayed onto plant material to give the appearance of cannabis. But what chemicals are actually used? No one really knows—and it’s definitely not delta-9 THC distillate.

Instead of working similarly to cannabis, these synthetic psychoactive drugs are often stronger, more addictive, and far more dangerous. Remember the 2019 vape crisis? Many of those cases were attributed to chemicals like vitamin E acetate in illicit vape cartridges.

Some other risks of consuming a synthetic form of weed include:

• Extreme anxiety and paranoia
• Hallucinations and psychosis
• Seizures
• Elevated blood pressure and heart attacks
• Kidney damage
• In severe cases, death
• With continued use, potential cannabis withdrawal symptoms or cannabis use disorders

The CDC confirmed 68 deaths across 29 states and the District of Columbia directly related to illicit vape products with vitamin E acetate. If it’s not a wake-up call, I don’t know what is.

Additionally, this synthetic form of weed is basically a fast track to cannabis use disorders. Since the effects are stronger, they’re far more addictive and likely to produce cannabis withdrawal symptoms (and later, cannabis withdrawal syndrome), potential mental health conditions, and a generally unpleasant experience.

TLDR? Here’s a simplified visual of the key differences between real delta-9 THC and synthetic weed:

• Produced by the cannabis plant
• Scientifically called delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol
• The ideal choice for medical and recreational use
• Has been consumed by humans for thousands of years
• Has been studied for safety with known effects and risks
• No recorded deaths or fatal overdoses from natural cannabis use
• Works with other natural compounds in cannabis (terpenes, other cannabinoids) to create balanced effects

• Often much stronger than delta-9 THC
• Has basically no relation to the cannabis plant
• Uses new and unknown substances with limited research
• Has caused many hospitalizations and 68 deaths as of 2020
• Highly unpredictable effects that can vary dramatically between products

Delta-9 THC is still federally illegal in the United States, with different states legalizing medical use and/or recreational use. Still, there’s a legal loophole that can make delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol legal to use, sell, and ship nationwide (while still being regulated, safe, and lab-tested).

Per the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products must contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC in order to be considered legal. So, in order for it to be legal, delta-9 THC must be derived from hemp and fall under that percentage in the final product.

• Federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act
• Legal for adult use in 21 states plus DC
• Medical use is legal in 37 states

• Legal under the 2018 Farm Bill if it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight
• Has created a loophole where products with higher delta-9 THC content can be legal if the percentage stays below 0.3% (such as large gummies)
• Some states have rolled out restrictions on hemp-derived THC products