Let’s start with the basics. The cannabinoid (chemical compound) found in the cannabis plant that gets you high is called Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. For short, Delta-9 THC or “D9.”

“Regular THC” is Delta-9 THC.
In states where weed is legal, plants are grown with high concentrations of Delta-9 THC and used for recreational and medical products. In legal states, you don’t often see THC derivatives – for example, Delta-8 (a lower-strength THC).

It’s important to note that hemp and weed are both cannabis; the only difference is a legal one based on the concentration of Delta-9 THC found in the flower that each plant produces. Regular THC is found in hemp! While it grows to lower concentrations, it is still the exact same compound that is cultivated from legal weed.

In 2018, the federal government passed the Farm Bill (The Agriculture Improvement Act). They created a legal definition of hemp – cannabis products that contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight measurement.

This bill removed hemp from the list of DEA-controlled substances and created the Legal Hemp Industry. Federally, it is legal to sell hemp and all of the compounds found in it, including THC.

The verbiage of the law created a loophole that allowed for the selling of Delta-9 THC edibles, drinks, vapes, and flower that can contain pretty high doses! Some states created their own laws that further limit THC levels, but as of 2024, North Carolina has not made any changes to the federal law.

Cannabis knowledge is constantly evolving, so it’s important to fact-check your resources and stick with brands you trust. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at redheadhemp@gmail.com or on Instagram @redheadhemp.