Can hemp get you high? All about intoxicating hemp products

Hemp is naturally non-intoxicating because it has a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of 0.3% or less.

However, as the hemp market evolves at a rapid pace, more consumers are encountering intoxicating hemp products in stores. These products are made by chemically altering compounds in hemp and turning them into cannabinoids that produce psychoactive effects.

Intoxicating hemp products blur the lines between hemp and traditional cannabis, offering psychoactive effects similar to marijuana but with different legal and regulatory rules.

Read on for a breakdown of what intoxicating hemp is, its pros and cons, and how it compares to cannabis.

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What is intoxicating hemp?

Intoxicating hemp refers to products derived from hemp plants that produce psychoactive effects.

While hemp can legally only contain up to 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight, intoxicating hemp often contains semi-synthetic cannabinoids at concentrations that produce a “high” or altered state of consciousness.

These include:

• Delta-8 THC
• Delta-10 THC
• Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)
• Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP)
• Tetrahydrocannabinolic O-Acetate (THC-O)

These compounds are typically synthesized or concentrated from naturally occurring hemp cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), and offer varying degrees of intoxication.

Because they are technically derived from legal hemp, these semi-synthetic cannabinoids currently occupy a legal gray area in many states, leading to an increase in availability but inconsistent regulation.

Examples of intoxicating hemp products

Intoxicating hemp products come in a variety of forms, offering different methods of consumption and effects. You can find them online, in smoke shops and convenience stores, and increasingly in wellness and lifestyle retail settings.

Consumables

These products are digested and processed through the liver, often resulting in delayed onset but longer-lasting effects.

• Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and candy infused with delta-8 THC, THCP, or other cannabinoids.
• Drinks: Sparkling waters, mocktails, sodas, and teas with intoxicating cannabinoids like delta-8 or hemp-derived delta-9 THC.
• Capsules and tablets: Pre-measured doses for consistent effects and discreet use, often marketed for sleep, pain, or relaxation.

Sublinguals

Held under the tongue for faster absorption into the bloodstream, these offer quicker effects than edibles but longer duration than inhaled products.

Examples include bottled tinctures and oils, which are usually measured with droppers for precise dosing.

Inhalation

Inhaled products provide the fastest onset of effects because they’re absorbed through the lungs, making them ideal for those seeking immediate relief.

• Smokable flower: Hemp flower infused or coated with delta-8, THCP, or HHC distillate.
• Vape cartridges and disposables: Pre-filled devices containing hemp-derived THC oils, available in many strains and potencies.
• Concentrates: Dabs, wax, and other high-potency extracts for experienced users.

Topicals

While not typically intoxicating through normal skin absorption, these products may contain intoxicating cannabinoids. They’re typically used to deliver localized effects for pain relief.

• Lotions and balms: Often marketed for pain relief or inflammation, and may include cannabinoids like delta-8 or delta-10 with warming or cooling effects.
• Transdermal patches: Designed for systemic absorption; if formulated with intoxicating cannabinoids, they can potentially cause psychoactive effects.

Pros and cons of intoxicating hemp

Understanding the benefits and drawbacks can help you decide whether these products are right for you.

Pros

• Widely available and accessible: Often sold outside of licensed dispensaries.
• Legal (for now): Federally permitted under the 2018 Farm Bill, though some states have made these products illegal or are currently pushing for restrictions.
• Affordable: Usually less expensive than regulated cannabis products.
• Many options: Available in a variety of delivery forms, potencies, and cannabinoid profiles.

Cons

• Loosely regulated: Products may not be subject to the same testing or safety standards as cannabis sold in licensed dispensaries.
• Inconsistent effects: Cannabinoid content may vary widely, even within the same brand.
• Possible contaminants: May contain residual solvents, heavy metals, or synthetic additives if not third-party tested.
• Legal uncertainty: Regulations are shifting rapidly, and what’s legal today may not be tomorrow.

Intoxicating hemp vs. cannabis

While both cannabis and intoxicating hemp can get you high, they differ in several key ways:

If you’re seeking therapeutic relief, regulated cannabis products may be a better option, especially under the guidance of a medical professional.

Getting a medical cannabis card not only provides access to more thoroughly tested and predictable products but also legal protection and a wider range of formulations designed for medical use.

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Tips for selecting intoxicating hemp products

Choose wisely to protect your health and ensure a positive experience:

• Look for third-party testing: Always check for a certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent lab on the product label.
• Understand what cannabinoid you’re ingesting: Know the difference between delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, and other cannabinoids.
• Start with small amounts: Begin with a low dose, especially if you’re new to intoxicating hemp compounds.
• Avoid synthetic additives: Choose products made with natural ingredients and clearly listed cannabinoid content.
• Check local laws: Legality varies by state and can change quickly.
• Get a medical cannabis card: If you want to access intoxicating cannabinoids safely and legally in your state, consider getting your medical card from Leafwell.

Resources

• Cannabidiol-derived cannabinoids: The unregulated designer drug market following the 2018 Farm Bill. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10864014/
• Hemp production and the 2018 Farm Bill. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
• MPP’s state by state guide to hemp intoxicants regulations. https://www.mpp.org/assets/pdf/policy/federal/delta8/MPPsStatebyStateGuidetoHempIntoxicantsRegulations-Main.pdf?v=1742932367
• Pharmacology of hexahydrocannabinols and other semi-synthetic cannabinoids. https://www.caymanchem.com/news/pharmacology-of-hexahydrocannabinols-and-other-semi-synthetic-cannabinoids?srsltid=AfmBOor6CnJvTWXKBXb7pAOG9Yyph-HkgJo_z5xe6XWpiVZS5SEM-Fw5