Delta-9 cannabis is a hot topic right now.
There are many people who are curious about this new form of marijuana, and there are also a lot of misconceptions about it. In this blog post, we will explore the legality of delta-9 cannabis, how it’s different from regular cannabis (also known as marijuana), and whether or not delta-9 cannabis is addictive.
We will also take a look at if delta-9 cannabis is safe for people in addiction recovery.
What Is Delta-9 Cannabis?
Delta-9 cannabis is a new form of marijuana that has recently become available in dispensaries. Delta-9 is a cannabinoid, which means it is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Delta-9 is similar to delta-8, which is found in THC, the active ingredient of cannabis/marijuana.
THC is the ingredient in marijuana that gets people high. It works by affecting areas on nerve cells called cannabinoid receptors. When THC binds with these receptors, people experience the euphoric feelings associated with cannabis use.
However, delta-9 is not as psychoactive as delta-8. In fact, delta-9 is about half as psychoactive as delta-8. This means that users don’t experience the same “high” feeling when using delta-8 cannabis. Cannabis plants also don’t produce nearly as much delta-9 as they do delta-8, and extracting delta-9 from the plant is difficult. Most delta-9 available for purchase is synthesized from CBD, itself a hemp-based product used in supplements, creams, and more.
Delta-9 is different from delta-8 in another way: it’s federally legal. Delta-9 is not scheduled as a controlled substance, while delta-8 is. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production … and contained nothing about creating delta-9 products from hemp.
The Effects Of Delta-9 Cannabis
Delta-9 cannabis has effects similar to regular cannabis when consumed. Delta-9 produces feelings of calmness and relaxation, although to a less intense level than delta-8. Regular cannabis can cause sensations of anxiety, physical impairment, paranoia, and even hallucinations if it’s strong enough.
Also, delta-9’s effects tend to come on much more gradually than delta-8.
Is Delta-8 Cannabis Addictive?
Every substance which changes how people experience reality is addictive. Delta-9 behaves the same way in the brain as its more potent brother — it binds to cannabinoid receptors to produce similar (if less intense) effects. Delta-9 also stays in our systems as long as regular cannabis and can show up on drug tests too.
Although more studies need to be done, delta-9’s lowered intensity means tolerance and addiction take longer to manifest, and the withdrawal symptoms of delta-9 are likely to be less intense as well. Withdrawal symptoms of cannabis are minor, but include:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Appetite problems
- Trouble sleeping
Like any mood-altering substance, people in recovery should absolutely avoid delta-9. Media reports, advertising copy, and stories may make it sound relatively harmless, but it’s not worth jeopardizing hard-won recovery over.
A Few Words About Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a real phenomenon, and it’s more common than you might think. CUD is defined as using cannabis in ways that are harmful or lead to negative consequences. This could include using too much, using when you shouldn’t, getting addicted to cannabis, or experiencing negative effects from using cannabis such as trouble at work, school, or in your social life.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 30% of people who use marijuana may have some degree of CUD. While not everyone with CUD may qualify as an addict, it’s still a very real issue and can be quite problematic when left unchecked.
Remember, addiction isn’t necessarily about this substance or that substance. Addiction is about behaviors. Spending more and more money on obtaining a substance, losing interest in things that used to be enjoyed, and damaging careers and relationships due to substance use are all part of the sad cycle of addiction.
As we said, more studies need to be done, both on regular cannabis and newer varieties such as delta-8. However, no mind-altering substance is worth experiencing a relapse over.
Sober Living Homes Help Develop A Sober Mindset
It can be easy to misjudge drugs like delta-9. Thinkpieces say it’s harmless; press releases tout its benefits. But addiction is a real disease and delta-9 likely will trigger relapse or act as a substitute for a drug formerly abused.
Sober living offers a great shield against relapse and addiction triggers, especially if you’re attending treatment at an addiction center. By living in an environment with people who share your goals of long-term recovery, you’re able to protect yourself against temptation and stay on the positive path you’ve forged for yourself. You don’t need addictive substances like delta-9 to really experience life.
Finding a sober home can be difficult, however. There are so many to choose from, and you’ll probably have plenty of questions to ask before you decide on a sober home to move to. You want to find a home that has the right environment for you. SoberLivingNearYou.com is the perfect resource for searching for sober living homes. We have thousands of listings across the US that will help you find your ideal sober living solution.
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