Hemp Derived THC Vs. Marijuana Derived THC: A Guide For Wholesale Buyers

Sourcing THC products to cater to the needs of cannabis consumers? Here’s what you should be aware of. The cannabis retail business grows on two main components: product quality and legal compliance. High-quality products ensure customer trust, leading to repeat purchases, and legal compliance ensures smooth operation of your cannabis store.

If you are new to the retail business or have a lesser understanding of THC content in cannabis products, this guide is for you. There are two types of THC products in the market, hemp-derived and marijuana-derived. It means THC could possibly be derived from two different types of plant sources.

While science does not differentiate between hemp THC and marijuana THC, legality does. Continue reading this article to know more about hemp-derived THC and marijuana derived THC, their difference, and stocking the right one.   

What is Hemp-Derived THC?

THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Hemp-derived THC means that the THC cannabinoid is extracted from the hemp plant. It contains THC  content less than 0.3% by dry weight.

The 2018 Farm Bill has legalized the sale and consumption of hemp-derived cannabis. This opens up doors to increasing sales of hemp-derived, lab-tested THC products. The THC forms include delta 9 THC, delta 8 THC, and delta 10 THC.

What is Marijuana Derived THC?

Marijuana-derived THC represents that the delta 9 THC is sourced from marijuana, which has high THC content by dry weight, ranging from 0.3% to 30%. Marijuana-derived THC is not legalized at the federal level and is categorized as a controlled substance. 

However, at the state level, the laws may vary, allowing marijuana products for medical use only, or for both medical and recreational use. The potency of each THC product varies with respect to the concentration of THC included in it. It not only provides the high associated with delta 9 THC, but also offers a variety of flavors.

Why Retailers Need to Know the Difference?

Imagine stocking cannabis products without having enough knowledge of the cannabinoid legality. As a retailer, if you are not aware of the difference between hemp-derived and marijuana derived THC, you might face legal risk. In some states, selling hemp-derived cannabis products requires no dispensary license as the products meet the threshold of federal and state laws. 

 Marijuana derived THC is not federally legal; selling the wrong product in the wrong locality can lead to fines, legal actions, or even the loss of the business license of the retailers. Therefore, retailers need to know this difference in detail. 

Hemp THC Vs.THC Derived From Marijuana 

Delta 9 THC is the primary naturally occurring psychoactive cannabinoid. The primary effects include intoxicating effects when consumed through cannabis products. THC is mainly extracted from two different sources: one is hemp, and the other is marijuana. Both of these sources offer similar chemical structures but differ in their uses and legal status.

Apart from the cannabis products, hemp is also useful for producing paper, ropes, and textiles. Because of high THC content, marijuana is celebrated for producing intoxicating effects. Let’s compare certain properties of hemp vs. marijuana THC side by side.

1.   Chemical Structure and Potency

The chemical composition of both hemp and marijuana THC is similar, except for the potency of the cannabinoid. Hemp THC mainly contains THC concentration less than 0.3%, while the rate of THC in marijuana is slightly higher.

Apart from the chemical structure and varying potencies, hemp-derived THC offers varying cannabinoid options and user experiences. The hemp plant contains other cannabinoids as well, while marijuana is cultivated mainly for its THC content.

2.   Extraction Source & Methods

Hemp THC is derived from industrial hemp, while the other delta 9 products are formed using the cannabis plant that contains a high level of THC. The extraction methods for both types of THC are different. Hemp-derived THC is extracted using the technique of isomerization, while marijuana derived THC uses simpler methods, like solvent extraction or ethanol extraction.

3.   Effects of Hemp vs. Marijuana THC

The effects of both hemp-derived and marijuana derived THC are similar because they interact with the endocannabinoid system in the same way. However, the intensity and duration of effects may vary with varying potency levels and concentration of THC per serving. Cannabis users looking for gentle or lesser high effects with benefits like pain management or stress relief use hemp-derived THC. Individuals who want to experience more psychoactive effects choose marijuana derived THC.

4.   Legal Landscape

The main difference between these two THCs lies in their legal status. The 2018 Farm Bill has shifted the cannabis market and increased consumer demand. According to this bill, all hemp-derived products with THC content less than 0.3% by dry weight are considered legal for sale and consumption at the federal level. 

The legal status is different at the state level. Many states allow the use of hemp-derived THC products, while others restrict or ban their use. Similarly, in the case of marijuana derived THC, some states allow its use for medical purposes, while some allow its use for both medical and recreational purposes. Therefore, before stocking THC products, stay updated on the local cannabis law to ensure compliance with it. You need to buy THC products from a reputable wholesale supplier that provides lab-tested, compliant THC products.

5.   Uses and Applications

Both hemp-derived and marijuana THC have different product forms catering to the needs of cannabis consumers. Users looking for legal and accessible options go for hemp-derived THC gummies or vapes. 

Marijuana THC is used for both medical benefits and recreational enjoyment. Hemp THC is largely legal and widely accessible in most areas, while marijuana THC is not widely available to cannabis users unless they have a medical marijuana card or doctor’s recommendation.

Which One Retailers Need to Stock?

Retailers need to consider all the factors before stocking THC products. They need to understand the differences between the hemp-derived and marijuana derived THC. For retailers, hemp-derived THC is the best option concerning the increasing consumer demand. Users are looking for legal and accessible THC products to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without facing any legal discrepancies. 

You have a range of product options in hemp-derived THC, including gummies, tinctures, vapes, flower buds, pre-rolls, cartridges, and chocolates. This diversity in product range makes this a highly profitable opportunity for retailers aiming to improve their retail growth.

Best Wholesale Supplier to Source THC

Selecting the best wholesale supplier is necessary for your retail success, as consumers prefer products that are formulated using high-quality hemp extract and ensure legal compliance. At AHDist, all of our delta 9 product collection is of high quality and undergoes rigorous third-party lab testing to ensure the transparency, purity, and potency of the product. 

We offer a range of delta-9 products for retailers to fulfill the needs of a wider range of customers. The product collection includes delta 9 gummies, THC disposable vapes & cartridges, and THC flowers to elevate the consumer experience by providing the desired effects while ensuring legal compliance and product safety.

Bottom Line

Retailers planning to update their retail inventory with delta 9 products must understand the difference between hemp-derived and marijuana derived THC. This not only allows retailers to make an informed decision but also prevents them from getting involved in legal issues. 

As a reputable wholesale supplier, we try to make things easy for retailers by offering premium quality cannabis products with certified lab reports. All of our products have scannable QR codes on the labeling to win the trust of your customers, allowing them to know what they are consuming. Find out the best delta 9 products wholesale to level up your retail growth.