How is Medical Marijuana Different from Delta-9 THC?

Medical marijuana has huge potential for treating a multitude of psychological and physical disorders for people living in the US. But with current marijuana legislation, possession and use of medical marijuana can put people at risk of a criminal record.

Within the marijuana category, both recreational and medicinal products are becoming increasingly popular among people seeking natural relief. Luckily there are now many options for people to experience the same potential health benefits but without a medical marijuana card.

Hemp-derived products, such as cannabis drinks, are an accessible and in many ways more affordable alternative to medical marijuana for people who live in states where it is illegal or are worried about run-ins with the law.

In this article, we will explore the active ingredients in medical marijuana, how it affects the body, and what the alternatives are for people who can’t get it.

What is the Active Ingredient in Marijuana

Marijuana is a legal definition¹ of the cannabis plant when it contains more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. It has a cannabinoids list that is between 80 and 100 compounds long but the main ones are CBD and THC, along with terpenes that give different strains their distinct smell and flavor.

The two main cannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are the reason for marijuana being used for medicinal purposes. There is widely documented research into the benefits of THC² for people suffering from physical and mental diseases or conditions.

Delta-9 THC interacts with the body through a network called the endocannabinoid system that regulates mood, appetite, pain, and sleep. By binding to CB1 receptors in the brain—particularly in areas like the hippocampus and basal ganglia—THC mimics anandamide (a natural cannabinoid) and influences cognition, memory, and emotion. This interaction triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, impacting mood and perception.

What is THC Flower?

The cannabis plant comprises several parts, including leaves, stems, roots, and most importantly, the flowers (or buds). These flowers are where cannabinoids like THC and CBD are concentrated.

Cannabis is typically grown from either seeds or clones, requiring a careful balance of light, water, and nutrients. The plant goes through several growth stages: germination, vegetative, and flowering.

As female plants begin to flower, they produce resinous buds coated in trichomes or “crystals”—tiny, crystal-like structures rich in THC. The buds form over time as the plant matures, and once harvested they are clipped and pruned of any excess leaves to leave a densely packed bud. The buds are dried and cured to enhance their potency and flavor.

These THC-rich buds are what we call “THC flower.”

The unique combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids create the plant’s unique effects, flavors, and aromas. This is why there are so many different types of marijuana each with a unique name. The names usually refer to the effect, country of origin, aromas, and genetic makeup. They can also just be fun names dreamt up by the breeders.

Different Types of Cannabis Products

Using THC flower as the raw product, a huge variety of THC products can be made to suit people’s consumption preferences, make it more convenient, and expand the accessibility of cannabis beyond just smoking.

Marijuana products list

Depending on the state you live in, you may be able to walk into a store or go online and buy weed products in different forms like flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, vape cartridges, tinctures, topicals, oils, capsules, beverages, and hash.

If you’re unsure, you can click here to check marijuana legality by state³.

Fortunately for many of us not living in a state that has legalized marijuana, the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp (cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight) federally legal. This means that a wide range of hemp-derived THC products are now available to purchase legally in-store and online.

It should be noted that not all states allow the sale or consumption of products that contain even a small amount of THC so we still recommend you check local state hemp regulations⁴.

Hemp-Derived THC Products

With a huge boom in the hemp market since its declassification, the cannabis products list now rivals the weed products list. That includes THCA flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, vapes, tinctures, topicals, oils, capsules, and drinks like DELTA beverages.

THCA Flower and Pre-rolls

Let’s face it, joints are going nowhere and there will always be people who prefer to smoke. THCA flower is a new product on the hemp market and a clever interpretation of legislation because the THC doesn’t activate until it’s smoked or heated. As a result, purchasing a joint is legal as long as your state’s laws align with federal regulations.

Liquid Cannabis

For traditional smokers, switching to a form of liquid THC that can be used in a vape is about as close as smoking a joint without as many of the harmful side effects.

The liquid can also be purchased as an oil or “tincture” and consumed by ingesting sublingually (putting drops underneath your tongue) or added to drinks and edibles. Liquid cannabis is also used to create THC capsules.

THC Edibles

Edibles are a broad product range that includes gummy sweets, cookies, brownies, chocolate, and a long list of edible treats. Gummies normally use liquid THC as a base added to a normal gummy sweet mixture before forming. They can contain as much as 60 mg THC per sweet but the exact amount will vary because of the nature of the ingredients and manufacturing process.

Baked goods and chocolates often use up to 40% THC strain buds which are decarboxylated (heated) to activate the THC and then added to a cookie, brownie, or chocolate mixture. Again, the exact amount in each edible is not consistent making it hard to dose.

Cannabidiol Products

At the other end of the cannabis spectrum are CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC or none at all. Cannabidiol can provide all of the same holistic health and wellness benefits making them suitable for anybody and a great entrance into the world of cannabis.

Some popular CBD products include oils, tinctures, gummies, capsules, soft gels, topicals, vape pens, cartridges, drinks, edibles, patches, bath bombs, and pet products.

CBD oil ingredients can vary depending on what type of CBD is used. CBD isolate only contains cannabidiol and none of the other cannabinoids. Full-spectrum contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp, with a very small percentage of THC. Broad-spectrum products include all of the cannabinoids and terpenes minus THC. The type used in prescription CBD can vary depending on the product and manufacturer.

Why Drinking THC is Our Favorite

Drinking THC is one of the easiest and best ways to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the usual drawbacks or need for a medical marijuana card. For starters, THC drinks are made with low sugar and natural ingredients, making them a healthier choice compared to sugary edibles or the potential risks of smoking. If you're looking for a cleaner option, these drinks are a great way to get the experience without the downsides.

Beyond that, convenience is key. THC beverages are super easy to carry, discreet, and fit right in with any social setting. Whether at a party, chilling with friends, or relaxing alone, sipping a drink feels totally natural and socially acceptable.

And perhaps the biggest perk—consistent dosing. Unlike edibles, where it's far too easy to overdo it, or smoking where it’s hard to gauge, THC drinks give you a reliable experience every time. The packaging tells you exactly how much you’re getting and, sip by sip, you can steadily increase the dose.

Especially for newbies and the canna-curious, it’s easier to control and enjoy the effects. And with different recipes ranging from as little as 1mg THC to over 25mg, there is something for everyone.

So, if you're after a laid-back, healthier, and more social way to enjoy THC, cannabis beverages are the way to go.

At DELTA, we have two product types to keep things simple. We have the more social-friendly—drink more than one per session—beginner-friendly DELTA Light, as well as the more potent DELTA Cannabis Water which contains 20mg THC per serving. Both types are available in a range of delicious and refreshing flavors.

Not sure which is best for you? Click here to find out what cannabis water you should choose.