The Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC

Cannabis Sativa is a complex plant with over 100 different compounds, affecting each individual uniquely. Depending on the quantity, quality, and other factors, comparing delta-8 vs. delta-9 can produce different intoxicating, psychoactive effects or a “high.” Despite their similarities, delta-8-THC (delta-8) and delta-9-THC (delta-9) also have significant differences that you should understand before consuming either substance.

Carolina Hemp Cabinet strives to educate our community about delta-8-THC and other products; keep reading to learn more.

Understanding the Differences Between Delta-8 vs Delta-9 THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis out of the over 100 cannabinoids identified in the plant. Delta-8-THC is an isomer of delta-9-THC; the molecular formula of delta-8 is similar to delta-9 but has different chemical properties.

Although similar, the effects on the body differ depending on:

• Consumption frequency
• The amount consumed
• The quality production (cultivation, extraction, and processing of cannabis products)
• Method of administration
• Health status of the user

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) is found in industrial hemp and marijuana, but most delta-8 is derived from industrial hemp because the amount in the cannabis plant is not significant for extraction.

Delta-8 products are available in various forms, including gummies, vape cartridges, infused drinks, cookies, and tinctures.

Its consumption often leads to a mild high accompanied by less anxious feelings. The most common experiences a survey of delta-8 consumers brought forward include feeling euphoric, relaxed, and less anxious or paranoid.

Google searches about delta-8 have increased by more than 850 percent in the United States between 2020 and 2021. According to a recent study, 16% of regular marijuana consumers use delta-8.

What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant. When people smoke marijuana, they mainly feel the effects of the delta-9-THC variant. In states where delta-9 is legal, cannabis stores and dispensaries offer delta-9 products in many forms, including topical lotions, edibles, cookies, pre-rolled joints, and vape cartridges.

This THC variant is known to be intoxicating because of how specific receptors in your body react after using the substance. The compound triggers a response from your CB1 receptors, an endocannabinoid receptor location like the brain, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract nerve cells.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9: Extraction

Cannabis sativa plants are deciduous; they have both male and female plants. However, due to their different components, hemp and marijuana farmers seek to cultivate only female plants. The clothing industry prefers the male hemp plant because of its high fiber content.

The extraction of delta-8 is more strenuous because the compound is a minor cannabinoid. An easier alternative involves synthesizing delta-8 from CBD with the help of solvents. The only caveat is that the final product tends to come with a higher price tag.

As a result, more delta-8 is derived more from hemp than marijuana, which also ensures the concentration is under 0.3% delta-9-THC, the required threshold for federal legality.

Extracting delta-9 is relatively easy and inexpensive due to the abundance of the compound in the cannabis plant.

Delta-8-THC vs. Delta-9-THC: Effects

D8 and D9-THC bind to the same receptors in the body. It stimulates CB1 receptors in the different parts of the brain, including the frontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and executive functioning.

However, when comparing d8 vs. d9 effects, delta-9 can have stronger effects than delta-8, including;

• Perceptual alterations
• Euphoria
• Anxiety
• Working memory deficits
• Issues with memory recall

Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC: Legality

Delta-9-THC is the main compound that determines whether the federal government will legalize hemp or marijuana. Marijuana is considered a schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, while hemp, which contains less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC, is federally legal.

However, despite marijuana being considered illegal by the federal government, many states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use.

Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC: Availability

If you live in a state that has legalized the use of marijuana, you can comfortably buy the substance from your local dispensary or online stores. Unfortunately, for delta-9-THC, the online options are limited due to the prohibition of shipping across states.

Since delta-8 is federally legal, you can ship the product across states or buy it online. However, it’s essential to use caution when purchasing delta-8 products, as the FDA does not regulate them.

Buy delta-8 products from a trustworthy brand to avoid low-quality products containing unwanted impurities.

Order Delta 8 and Other Hemp Derived Products Online

At Carolina Hemp Cabinet, we have extensive knowledge about CBD and THC products, and can answer all questions about the difference between delta-8 and delta-9 products. If you live in or near Charlotte, Denver, Gastonia, Belmont, Norman, Concord, and Matthews in North Carolina, stop by our store and let our knowledgeable team help you on your CBD journey to wellness. Contact us today for all your CBD needs!

Image credit: Seth Michael