What is the Difference Between Delta 8 And Delta 9?

If you’re curious about the different types of THC, you may have heard of Delta-8 and Delta-9. These are two versions of the same molecule, but they have some important differences in their effects, legality and availability. In this article we’ll explain what Delta-8 and Delta-9 are, how they differ from each other and what you need to know before trying them.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis and hemp plants, but in very low concentrations. It has a similar chemical structure to Delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, but with a slight difference: the location of a double bond between two carbon atoms. This difference provides different effects when ingested. The effects of Delta-8 are less potent with more of a body high and are less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia than Delta-9.

Delta-8 THC can produce some psychoactive effects, such as euphoria, relaxation and visual distortions, but they are usually milder and more manageable than those of Delta-9. Some people also use Delta-8 for medical reasons, such as chronic pain, stress, depression or panic attacks. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims or to determine the safety and effectiveness of Delta-8 as a long term therapeutic option.

Because Delta-8 is scarce in cannabis plants, most Delta-8 products are made by converting CBD into Delta-8 through a chemical process. This means that Delta-8 products are synthetic. The quality and purity of Delta-8 products vary widely depending on the manufacturer and the source of the raw material. This is why Delta8 Minds sources ONLY the best Delta 8 THC and other federally legal cannabinoid products, and you will always find links to third-party validated lab reports for any product you might be considering on our site.

What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is the most abundant and well-known cannabinoid in cannabis plants. Delta 9 THC is also found in hemp in very small quantities. Delta-9 is often created synthetically by converting CBD in Delta-9. It is responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis, such as feeling high, happy, hungry or sleepy. Delta-9 THC can also have some therapeutic benefits, such as reducing pain, inflammation, nausea or spasticity. However, it can also have some negative side effects, such as impairing cognition, coordination or reaction time. It can also cause anxiety, paranoia or psychosis in some people, especially at high doses or in inexperienced users.

Delta-9 THC is widely available in legal cannabis markets. It can be consumed in various forms, such as smoking, vaping, edibles, oils or tinctures. The effects of Delta-9 THC depend on many factors, such as the dose, the method of consumption, the strain of cannabis, the individual’s tolerance and mood.

Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC: Differences and Similarities

Although similarly composed, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC exhibit many differences.

Similarities

• Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC can produce the positive or adverse effects mentioned above.
• Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC can show up on a drug test as THC metabolites.
• Delta-8 THC and Delta 9 THC are legal under federal law if they are derived from hemp

Differences

• Delta-8 THC is less potent than Delta-9 THC.
• It is more common to eat delta-8 THC than smoke it.
• Delta-8 THC is less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia than Delta-9 THC. Some people prefer Delta-8 for its smoother and more relaxing effects.
• A product cannot contain more than .3% delta-9 THC by weight.

Delta-8 THC	Delta-9 THC
Less psychoactive	Psychoactive
Activates CB1 and CB2 receptors	Activates CB1 and CB2 receptors
Not approved by the FDA	Approved by FDA for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and stimulating appetite in HIV/AIDS patients
Typically derived from Hemp CBD	Derived from both hemp and cannabis

Conclusion
Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are two versions of the same molecule, but they have different effects, availability and legality. Delta-8 THC is less potent and less likely to cause anxiety than Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is more potent and more widely available, but it can also cause more side effects. Both forms of THC can have some benefits and risks, so it is important to be informed and cautious before trying them.