WTF is Delta-9?
If you’ve ever picked up a beverage labeled “Delta-9 THC” at a grocery store or pop-up and felt a little confused, you’re not alone. For many people, THC is still something associated with dispensaries and doctors’ notes. Seeing it on a can, out in the open, raises a fair question: is this actually legal?
The short answer: yes, in some cases.
But the longer answer is more interesting (and more important). Hemp, THC, and the functional beverages that are blurring the lines between the two can be hard to navigate. So, let’s break it down in a level-headed guide to something that’s often overcomplicated.
Delta-9, But Make it Simple
Delta-9 is shorthand for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. If you think this name is a bit of a mouthful, then you’ll likely recognize it by its much simpler acronym: THC. It’s the main psychoactive molecule in THC and the reason people feel “high” after consuming certain forms of it.
When THC enters the body, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system. This interaction can trigger effects like euphoria, altered perception, a heightened sense of time, and physical relaxation. Like most things, the experience varies depending on the person, the dose, and the setting.
What’s important to understand is that Delta-9 (or THC) occurs naturally in both hemp and marijuana. While sometimes used interchangeably, these two plants are actually different. However, they both belong to the same species: THC sativa.
Delta-9 is Delta-9, no matter where it comes from. Whether it’s extracted from hemp or marijuana, the molecular structure is the same. What changes are the rules and regulations that govern its sale.
Hemp vs. Marijuana: Same Species, Different Legality
This is where things get tricky. Truthfully, the science here isn’t complicated. The legislation is.
As we covered, hemp and marijuana are both members of the THC sativa family. They look similar, smell similar, and contain many of the same compounds, including Delta-9 THC. But under U.S. law, they’re treated very differently.
The dividing line comes down to one number: 0.3%.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is defined as THC that contains 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Anything above that threshold is considered marijuana, which remains federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act.
The Farm Bill Gives Hemp a “Loophole”
The bill’s legal nuance opened the door to some creative formulation. Because the 0.3% rule is based on weight, brands can produce hemp beverages that contain a functional dose of Delta-9 and still stay compliant.
The math gets a little wonky, but here’s the gist: a 12-ounce beverage (roughly 340 grams by weight) can contain up to around 1,100 milligrams of Delta-9 THC and still fall under the 0.3% limit.
(To be clear: no one’s putting 1,100 milligrams of THC in a single drink. That’s a theoretical cap, not a serving suggestion. Please don’t try it.)
Most legal hemp products, like ours, use significantly lower doses intended to enhance the user’s experiences. But the fact that such a thing is even possible explains why you’re now seeing Delta-9 outside dispensaries, in everything from gummies to, well, beers.
As long as the product is made from hemp and contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by weight, it’s federally permitted under the Farm Bill. State laws can vary, but on a national level, hemp-derived THC is no longer a controlled substance.
Dosage & Safety 101: How to Enjoy Delta-9 ~Responsibly~
If you’re new to Delta-9, the best rule of thumb is also the simplest: start low and go slow.
Unlike caffeine or CBD, THC has a more noticeable effect on the body and mind. That doesn’t make it something to fear, but it does make thoughtful dosing important.
While alcohol has a standard dosage unit (a “shot,” or 1.5 ounces of a distilled spirit), there isn’t an official standard dose for THC. For most people, however, 1 to 2 milligrams of Delta-9 THC is a good place to start.
We created FABRIC to be mindful of these variations, both in the user’s individual tolerance and their occasion-based desires.
Rhythm contains 1.5 mg of Delta-9 THC, along with a balance of CBD and CBG, for a gentle and low-dose experience. This is best for those dipping their toes into the space. You’ll feel it, but you’ll still very much feel like yourself.
And of course, there’s Downtime, with 10 mg of Delta-9 THC and a bit of CBD for balance. Downtime is our most potent formula; it’s closer to a standard dispensary edible in terms of strength and is built for intentional use, providing a true, noticeable high.
Always remember that with edibles and beverages, the effects build gradually. It can take 30 to 60 minutes to start feeling the difference, and between 1 and 2 hours to reach peak intensity.
Don’t rush the experience by assuming nothing is happening. Overconsumption is more likely to result from impatience than from potency.
Okay, What Next?
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably gathered that there’s no single “right” way to engage with hemp. But there is a better way to think about it: through the lens of mindset and intention.
We completely understand how entering this space can be intimidating. That’s why we’ve put together this super simple, no BS guide to enjoying FABRIC. If you have more questions about THC beverages, our products, and how to use them safely, we’ll see you over there!