Nevada THC Overview

What Is THC?

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a psychoactive chemical compound found in the cannabis Sativa plant. It produces the high sensation that is traditionally associated with marijuana consumption. It is also an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. As a result, it is used for the treatment of medical conditions such as chronic pains, rheumatism, and arthritis. THC consumption is not risk-free. The side effects of THC consumption include memory loss, anxiety, and paranoia. Previously, people consumed THC by smoking dried cannabis flowers. In recent times, THC is available in oils, tinctures, capsules, and other forms.

Hemp and marijuana are both species of cannabis Sativa with varying amounts of THC. Hemp is a cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3% THC content by dry weight. On the other hand, marijuana usually contains higher THC content. Marijuana-infused products may contain as high as 35% THC. Marijuana is legal for medical and recreational uses in Nevada.

THC exists in different chemical forms known as isomers. Isomers of THC include:

  • Delta-9 THC - Delta-9 THC is the most common isomer of THC and the main psychoactive component in cannabis. It binds with cannabinoid-1 (CB-1) receptors in the brain to produce the ecstatic feeling associated with marijuana

  • Delta-8 THC - Delta-8 THC is not as psychoactive as delta-9 THC. Natural delta-8 THC is not in abundant supply. As a result, it is mostly produced through the synthetic conversion of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD)

  • Delta-10 THC - Delta-10 THC is a cannabinoid that derives from cannabis, like other isomers of THC. However, it is less potent. It causes a lighter ecstatic feeling that augments focus, and it is ideal for daytime

  • Exo-THC - Also called delta-9,11-THC, Exo-THC is an offshoot of the synthesis of dronabinol. It can be created by treating delta-8 THC with gaseous hydrochloride

  • **Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) **- Also known as diet weed, THCV is a cannabinoid that derives from cannabis stains alongside other THC. It is less psychoactive. It is formed as an impurity of delta-9 THC synthesis

Is THC Legal in Nevada?

Recreational marijuana, which typically contains high THC concentration, is legal in Nevada. The Regulation And Taxation of Marijuana Act enacted in 2016 allows persons 21 years of age and above to legally use high-THC marijuana products, including cannabis concentrate and hashish. An adult is allowed to possess up to 1 ounce (3.5 grams) of retail marijuana with no more than 35% THC. Also, all hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3% THC content by dry weight, except delta-8 THC, are legal in Nevada. Marijuana-derived THC products can be used by medical patients licensed by the Cannabis Control Division (CCD). The only places recreational weed can be consumed are licensed social venues and private residences. According to the Assembly Bill 533, the consumption of marijuana in public is a misdemeanor that attracts a fine of $600. Offenders are issued a traffic ticket-like citation by law enforcement officers.

How Much THC is in Weed?

During the period between the 1960s to 1980s, weed potency was less than 2% THC. Over time, THC concentration in weed has increased due to more deliberate cultivation processes. Currently, the amount of THC in marijuana has gone up and can be as high as 35% or more. However, hemp in Nevada must not contain more than 0.3% THC in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill (also known as the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018) requirement. THC oil, THC distillates, and Marijuana concentrates contain up to 90% THC due to extracted cannabinoids and no plant material.

The average weed in recent times is about five times as potent as the weed in the 1960s. The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) carried out an analysis of weed samples seized by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in 2021 as containing an average THC concentration of 15.34%.

Popular weed strains sold at Nevada-licensed cannabis dispensaries and their potency include the following:

  • Sweet Skunk: 9.1 % THC *

  • Afghani: 15.6% THC

  • Jean-Guy: 17.3% THC

  • Jack Herer: 17.9% THC

  • Lemon sour diesel: 18.3% THC

  • White widow: 18.7% THC

  • OG Shark: 21.4% THC

  • Skywalker OG: 22.9% THC

  • Master kush: 25.6% THC

  • Pink kush: 25.8% THC

  • Glow, by the grower circle: 22.44 % THC

  • Quantum Kush: 30.6% THC

  • Grease Monkey: 31 % THC

  • Chiquita Banana:33% THC

  • Godfather OG: 34% THC

What is the Legal Limit for THC While Driving in Nevada?

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal in Nevada. The consumption of any amount of THC-derived products puts a person at risk of impaired driving. There are restrictions on how much cannabis a person can possess at a time and where it can be consumed. The use of cannabis in any public place or a moving vehicle in Nevada is prohibited.

Cannabis flower with a THC percentage content of 7-11.9% (about 70-119.9mg of THC per gram) produces a mild psychoactive effect. This is below average, and it is considered mild. Cannabis flower with a THC percentage content of 12-16.9% (about 120-169.9mg of THC per gram) is considered a medium-potent THC product. Products from cannabis flowers with a THC percentage content of 17-20% (about 170-200mg of THC per gram) are considered highly potent THC products. This range is typical of most products found at the dispensaries.

Will THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

THC may show up on a drug test in Nevada. However, the type and amount of THC products consumed can contribute to the possibility of THC detection. Also, the frequency of consumption of THC is another important factor in determining the possibility of THC showing in a drug test. A frequent marijuana consumer will more likely test positive on a drug test than a person who does not consume it frequently. THC is stored in the body even after the psychoactive effect has subsided. The rate of individual body metabolism also determines if THC will show up on a drug test.

Additionally, the method of THC product consumption contributes to THC showing up on a drug test. The quicker the absorption into the bloodstream, the more rapidly it shows up in a drug test. THC product consumption through smoking or vaping results in quick absorption. Ingested THC products are slowly absorbed with a delayed effect. In other words, THC product that is ingested remains in a person’s body system for much longer than THC consumed by smoking. Furthermore, the type of drug test used is also a determining factor in whether THC will show up on a drug test in Nevada.

How Long Does THC Stay in the Body?

How long THC remains detectable in a person’s body depends on the method of consumption, as well as the type of drug test used. THC metabolites are fat-soluble, and they combine with fat molecules in the body. This takes some time for them to leave the body system. The metabolic rate, which is different for each person, determines the time it takes for THC to stay in the body. THC metabolism starts after the consumption of THC products. The bloodstream carries it through the lungs (if inhaled) or through the intestine (if ingested) and then delivers it to the liver. Enzymes in the liver metabolize THC into different compounds, including 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and THCCOOH (11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which leave the body through urine, sweat, saliva or hair.

Urine tests, which are the most commonly used drug tests, can detect THC for up to 3 days in a person who uses it only a few times. For moderate consumers, THC may stay in the body for up to 7 days, while the detection window in frequent users may last up to 15 days or more. THC often remains in the bloodstream for up to 12 hours for regular consumers. For chronic THC users, blood tests may detect THC 7 days after the last use. Saliva tests have a shorter detection window than others but are also less intrusive to use. It can detect THC in a person’s body for up to 24 to 72 hours after the last use. Hair tests can reveal THC 90 days after the last use.

What Is THC Oil?

THC oil is a concentrate extracted from marijuana flowers and buds. The percentage by mass concentration of THC oil ranges from 50% to 90%, depending on the cannabis plant from which THC oil was extracted. CBD oil is another oil extract with varying chemical composition. It contains a trace amount of THC content. As a result, CBD oil does not produce a high sensation like THC oil.

THC oil is extracted from hemp or marijuana by decarboxylation. Additionally, solvents such as alcohol, ethanol, or butane can be used to dissolve the THC from the cannabis plant. Afterward, the solvent is filtered and evaporated, and a sticky, resinous liquid remains. Also, CBD can be converted into THC isomers through synthetic processes with concentrations higher than those found in the cannabis plant. THC oil is available in vape pens, vape cartridges, capsules, edibles, and gummies. THC oil is illegal due to its high THC amount, for residents of Nevada, except for medical patients licensed by the Cannabis Control Board. No restrictions apply to buying and consuming CBD oil in Nevada.

What Is THC Distillate?

THC distillate is the purified form of THC extracted from the marijuana plant. The psychoactive effect created by THC distillate is stronger than that of THC oil. Also, THC distillate contains more than 90% THC, and it is thicker than THC oil. THC distillate is made using cannabis distillation equipment to isolate pure cannabis extract from other cannabinoids. Once distilled, an odorless, golden amber-colored THC distillate is formed.

While THC distillate is created by removing all other cannabinoids except THC, CBD distillate is produced by eliminating all other cannabinoids, leaving CBD in its purest form. Like THC oil, THC distillate is available in vape cartridges, edibles, and topical. It can also be used orally.

Where to Buy THC in Nevada

Residents of Nevada can buy Delta-9 THC products with no more than 0.3% THC from state-licensed adult-use cannabis retail stores. Delta-8-THC is considered a controlled substance in Nevada. Consequently, it is not as accessible as other hemp products. Many people prefer to buy online as it allows them to buy directly from a brand instead of a third-party vendor. Most vendors do not understand the effect and uses of Delta-8 or the laws surrounding it. The following are examples of available THC products in Nevada:

  • Cannabis flower

  • Cannabis concentrates

  • Cannabis-infused edibles, beverages, chocolates, or gummies

  • Cannabis oil, capsules, or tinctures

  • Cannabis suppository

  • Cannabis extracts

  • Hair and skin care lotion(topical)

  • Hashish( or dried herb)

  • Marijuana vape pens, cartridges, and pre-rolls

  • THC Oil

  • Transdermal patch

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