if you’ve ever looked at a shelf of hemp products and wondered what the difference is between CBD, THC, delta-9, and hemp-derived THC, you’re definitely not alone.
they can all come from the cannabis plant, but they don’t all do the same thing.
here’s the simple version.
first: what is hemp? 🌱
hemp and marijuana are both cannabis.
under current federal law, hemp is cannabis containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.
and here’s where people sometimes get confused: hemp can naturally contain several cannabinoids, including CBD and THC.
so “hemp-derived” does not automatically mean THC-free or non-intoxicating.
what is cbd?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp.
the big distinction?
CBD is not considered intoxicating.
people often choose CBD products when they want a non-intoxicating cannabinoid experience.
think of CBD as the cannabinoid that can come to the party without necessarily changing the party. 🌿
what is thc?
THC is the cannabinoid best known for producing the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis.
there are different forms of THC, but delta-9 THC is the one most people are referring to when they simply say “THC.”
and yes — delta-9 THC can be derived from hemp.
wait… hemp can contain thc? 👀
yep.
this is probably one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding hemp.
hemp-derived THC is still THC.
“hemp-derived” tells you about its source and the regulatory category of the product. it doesn’t mean the THC suddenly behaves like CBD.
if a hemp-derived product contains delta-9 THC, it can still produce intoxicating effects.
that’s why looking at the amount of THC per serving is much more useful than assuming something labeled “hemp” will be non-intoxicating.
cbd vs. hemp-derived thc: the quick version
CBD = generally non-intoxicating
THC = intoxicating
both can be derived from hemp.
both are cannabinoids.
but they interact with the body differently and can create very different experiences.
some products also intentionally combine CBD and THC in the same serving.
what does delta-9 mean?
delta-9 is a specific form of THC.
and here’s another important distinction:
delta-9 THC derived from hemp is the same delta-9 THC molecule found in marijuana.
the primary difference is where the THC came from and the legal framework surrounding the product — not a completely different kind of THC.
does hemp-derived thc get you high?
it can.
how noticeable the experience feels can depend on several things, including:
- how many milligrams of THC you consume
- your individual tolerance
- your metabolism
- whether you’ve eaten
- your previous experience with THC
this is why milligrams matter.
1 mg of THC is a very different serving from 10 mg or 20 mg.
starting with a lower amount and giving it plenty of time before consuming more can help you better understand how THC affects you personally.
where does sam after hours fit in? 💕
we created sam after hours around a simple idea:
after hours doesn’t look the same for everybody.
that’s why our collection includes different strengths and formats designed for different occasions.
slay all day 🌿
micro mint • 1 mg THC + 1 mg CBD
stay awhile 🍑
soft peach bellini • 8 mg delta-9 THC gummies
settle in 🍒
shirley temple cherry pop • indica • 10 mg delta-9 THC gummies
say less 🍏
appletini sour apple • sativa • 20 mg delta-9 THC gummies
whether you’re looking for a tiny, controlled microdose or something considerably more noticeable, knowing the amount of THC in each serving makes it easier to choose intentionally.
so… should you choose cbd or thc?
it depends on the experience you’re looking for.
if you specifically want to avoid intoxication, CBD may make more sense.
if you’re intentionally looking for the effects of THC, a hemp-derived THC product may be the better fit.
and if you’re curious but aren’t sure where to begin?
start low.
you can always take more another time. you cannot untake the gummy you ate 20 minutes ago because you decided “nothing was happening.” 😘
the bottom line ✨
CBD and hemp-derived THC can come from the same plant, but they’re not interchangeable.
CBD is generally non-intoxicating. THC is intoxicating. And hemp-derived THC is still THC.
once you understand that difference, reading labels and comparing hemp products gets a whole lot easier.
know what you’re taking. know how much you’re taking.
and find the version of after hours that works for you. 💕
for adults 21+ only. start low and allow plenty of time before consuming more. do not drive or operate machinery after consuming THC. hemp and THC laws vary by state and can change; always follow applicable laws where you live. these products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.