Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC What's the Difference?
If you are interested in cannabis, you may have heard of Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC. These are two of the most common cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and they have different effects, benefits, and legal status. In this article, we will explain what Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC are, how they differ, and how to choose between them.
Key Takeaways
Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC are two types of tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Delta 8 THC is less potent and has a lower binding affinity to the CB1 receptor than Delta 9 THC, which means it produces milder and more manageable effects. Delta 8 THC may have some medical benefits, such as pain relief, anti-nausea, and anti-anxiety, without causing too much intoxication or paranoia. Delta 9 THC is more potent and has a higher binding affinity to the CB1 receptor than Delta 8 THC, which means it produces more robust and more intense effects. Delta 9 THC may also have some medical benefits, such as appetite stimulation, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective. Still, it may also cause more side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, and memory impairment.
Delta 8 THC is federally legal in the United States, according to the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3%. Delta 9 THC is federally illegal in the United States, according to the Controlled Substances Act, but it is legal in some states for medical or recreational use.
Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are available in various forms and products, such as gummies, tinctures, vapes, etc. To choose between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, you should consider your preferences, needs, goals, tolerance, dosage, quality, safety, and legality.
What are Delta 9 and Delta 8?
Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are two types of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC is responsible for the euphoric, relaxing, and mind-altering effects of cannabis, as well as some of its medical benefits.
Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC have the same chemical formula, C21H30O2, but they have a slight difference in their molecular structure. Delta 8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom, while Delta 9 THC has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom. This difference affects how they interact with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and enzymes regulating various physiological and cognitive functions, such as mood, pain, appetite, memory, etc.
Delta 8 THC has a lower binding affinity to the CB1 receptor, mainly found in the brain and nervous system, than Delta 9 THC. This means that Delta-8 THC is less potent and produces milder and more manageable effects than delta-9 THC. Delta 8 THC may also have a higher affinity to the CB2 receptor, which is mainly found in the immune system and peripheral organs, than Delta 9 THC. This means Delta 8 THC may have more anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects than Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 THC is naturally present in deficient concentrations in the cannabis plant, usually less than 1%. However, Delta 8 THC can be extracted from hemp-derived CBD or synthesized from Delta 9 THC using chemical processes. Delta 8 THC products are usually made from hemp, which is a type of cannabis that contains less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, according to the 2018 Farm Bill. Delta 8 THC products may also have other cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBG, CBN, etc., as well as terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its flavor and aroma.
Effects of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?
Delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC have similar effects, but they differ in their intensity and duration. Both delta 8 and delta 9 THC can produce euphoria, relaxation, appetite stimulation, visual distortions, and altered perception of time and space. However, Delta 8 THC is usually less psychoactive and more stable than Delta 9 THC, which means it does not cause as much intoxication or paranoia as Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 THC may also have some advantages over Delta 9 THC in terms of medical benefits. Delta 8 THC may have more anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving effects than Delta 9 THC, according to some studies. Delta 8 THC may also have less impact on memory and cognition than Delta 9 THC, which may make it more suitable for patients who need to function normally while using cannabis.
Delta 9 THC, on the other hand, may have more benefits for conditions that require higher doses of THC, such as cancer, glaucoma, or epilepsy. Delta 9 THC may also have more appetite-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects than Delta 8 THC, according to some studies. Delta 9 THC may also have more synergistic effects with other cannabinoids and terpenes, which may enhance its therapeutic potential.
The effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC may vary depending on the individual, the product, the method of consumption, and the environment. Some of the factors that may influence the effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are:
- Potency: The potency of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC products may vary depending on the concentration, purity, and quality of the cannabinoids. Generally, delta 9 THC products are more potent than Delta 8 THC products, but some Delta 8 THC products may have higher concentrations of Delta 8 THC than others. The potency of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC products may also be affected by the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes, which may have additive or antagonistic effects.
- Tolerance: The tolerance of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC may depend on the frequency, amount, and duration of use. Generally, Delta 9 THC may cause more tolerance than Delta 8 THC, which means that users may need to increase their dosage over time to achieve the same effects. However, some users may also develop tolerance to Delta 8 THC, mainly if they use high doses or consume it regularly.
- Dosage: The dosage of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC may determine the effects' onset, peak, and duration. Generally, Delta 8 THC may have a slower onset and a longer duration than Delta 9 THC, which means that users may need to wait longer to feel the effects and may experience them for more extended periods. However, the dosage of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC may also depend on the method of consumption, the product type, and the individual metabolism.
- Consumption Method: The process of consumption of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC may affect the bioavailability, which is the amount of cannabinoids that reach the bloodstream. Generally, inhalation (such as smoking or vaping) may have higher bioavailability than oral ingestion (such as gummies or tinctures), which means that users may feel the effects faster and more robust. However, the method of consumption of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC may also affect the duration and safety of the impact, as inhalation may have shorter and more variable effects than oral ingestion. Still, it may also pose more risks for the lungs and throat.
- Environment: The environment of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC use may influence the mood, mindset, and expectations of the users, which may affect the perception and intensity of the effects. Generally, Delta 8 THC may be more suitable for social and daytime use, as it may cause less anxiety and impairment than Delta 9 THC. However, Delta 9 THC may be more appropriate for medical and nighttime use, as it may cause more relaxation and sedation than Delta 8 THC. However, the environment of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC use may also depend on the personal preference and comfort of the users, as some users may enjoy different effects in different settings.
Legal Status of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?
Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC have different legal statuses and availability in the United States, depending on federal and state laws. Delta 8 THC is federally legal, according to the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Delta 9 THC is federally illegal, according to the Controlled Substances Act, as it is classified as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
However, the legal status of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC may vary from state to state, as some states have legalized or decriminalized Delta 9 THC for medical or recreational use. In contrast, some states have banned or restricted Delta-8 THC for any use. Therefore, users should check the local laws and regulations before buying or using Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC products in their area.
Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are available in various forms and products, such as gummies, tinctures, vapes, etc. Users can buy Delta 8 THC products online or in local stores, such as dispensaries, smoke shops, or health stores, depending on the state laws and regulations. Users can buy Delta 9 THC products in licensed dispensaries, where they may need to show a valid ID or a medical card, depending on the state laws and regulations. Users should always check the quality, safety, and lab testing of the Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC products they buy, as some products may contain contaminants, additives, or inaccurate levels of cannabinoids.
How much Delta 8 is equivalent to Delta 9
Given that Delta 8 THC is approximately half as potent as Delta 9 THC, calculating equivalent doses involves multiplication or division by two. Precise dosage equivalence depends on product type, concentration, and individual sensitivity. It is crucial to approach Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC responsibly, starting with low doses and adhering to product labels and healthcare professional recommendations.
The potency of Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC surpasses Delta 8 THC in terms of psychoactive potency, producing a more intense high. Delta 8 THC, in contrast, yields a milder and more pleasant high. Delta 9 THC may induce more adverse effects, including paranoia, anxiety, and impairment. At the same time, Delta 8 THC tends to cause fewer and milder side effects, such as dry mouth, red eyes, and drowsiness.
