Hemp is defined as a cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Marijuana is a cannabis sativa plant containing more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Hemp-derived products are (1) produced using hemp derivatives, and (2) under 0.3% THC by dry weight. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived products are federally legal.

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant. Delta-9 is present in much higher quantities in the cannabis sativa plant and is the compound most closely associated with the high users feel when ingesting the plant. Commercially available Delta-9 THC products sold outside of state licensed dispensaries are generally derived from converting hemp-derived CBD to THC.

Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC has the same chemical structure as naturally occurring cannabinoids derived from marijuana, but they are generally created by a chemical conversion process.

A variety of chemical and organic compounds can be used to convert CBD to THC. These compounds vary depending on the converting organization. At Ripple, we test all incoming material to be sure our cannabinoids are safe from residual solvents such as pentane. We carefully vet our vendors to ensure they are following safe D9 conversion practices and going above and beyond in purification processes.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production and sale of hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids.