5 Key Differences Between Delta 8 And Delta 9

There’s a plethora of substances and compounds in the cannabis plant, and we want you to understand each one as much as possible.

Maybe you’ve already heard about the differences between THC and CBD, but there’s more!

We partnered with the folks at Eighty Six to create this guide with everything you need to know to differentiate Delta 8 and Delta 9. Be sure to check out their selection of Delta 8 vapes, edibles, and their new syringes.

THC in the form of Deltav8 is an isomer of Delta 9, this means that Delta 8 THC has the same chemical formula as Delta 9 THC, but its molecular structure differs slightly.

It may not seem like much, but even little changes in a compound’s molecular structure can result in distinct variances in the pharmacological effects it can have.

The names of the two cannabinoids come from their chemical structures. The double bond in the carbon atom of Delta 9 THC is on the 9th chain of its chemical structure.

The double bond in Delta-8 THC’s carbon atom, on the other hand, is on the 8th chain. As a result, the names Delta 8 and Delta 9 were chosen.

Delta 9 THC is a significant cannabinoid naturally found in the cannabis plant, which means it is the most abundant psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.

Delta 8 also naturally occurs in cannabis, but it’s considered a minor cannabinoid, which indicates the plant only produces small amounts of Delta 8 THC.

Since there is an abundance of D9 in cannabis, it’s much easier and cheaper to be extracted from the plant.

Delta 8, on the other hand, takes a lot more effort to extract naturally, which is why this cannabinoid may be produced synthetically in a lab by treating hemp-derived CBD with solvents.

This is perhaps the most notable difference between these substances, but there is still much to research and learn about the potency and effects of Delta 8 THC.

Generally speaking, Delta 8 is far milder and has less psychotropic power when compared to Delta 9 THC. Don’t get confused because Delta 8 THC can still get you high!

Delta 8 is a psychoactive component, which means it may make you high! But not in the way you might assume, and certainly not in the same way you’d get from Delta 9.

As we saw before, the chemical structures of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are almost identical, and the slight change in double bonds is barely discernible. Still, it makes each cannabinoid’s effects distinct.

Delta 9 THC is well known for its ability to get a person insanely high instantly. The high that Delta 9 provides is quite appealing to habitual THC users.

If you’re new to THC and have low tolerance, we recommend starting with Delta 8 before moving to Delta 9.

Delta 8 THC can produce a mild high, which isn’t as strong as the one made by Delta 9, but maybe longer.

In reality, you may place D8 on the extreme opposite of D9! Delta 8 THC has a smoother impact; it may take you on a lengthy, lovely ride instead of striking you right away.

It is claimed to induce relaxation, happiness, clarity of thinking, and a positive view of life.

Thanks to the federal government’s passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, Delta 8 THC is in a sort of legal limbo. THC in all forms is now legal in the United States, as long as it’s produced from hemp (and only hemp) and has less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

In August 2020, however, the DEA still designated Delta 8 THC as a restricted drug. As a result, several states have outlawed not just Delta 9 but also Delta 8 THC.

It’s vital to remember that Delta 8 THC is lawful in the United States as long as it’s sourced from hemp and includes less than 0.3 percent Delta 9 THC.

It depends on the local marijuana regulations at the state level. We recommend researching state and local laws to understand your state’s regulations before trying Delta 9 or Delta 8 THC. 

Every substance we put into our bodies can cause adverse reactions, side effects, and potential risks.

This is true for coffee, alcohol, weed, and any other chemical compound that causes a set of reactions in our bodies and mind. As such, we should always take precautions and understand what we may put our bodies through. 

Delta 9’s adverse effects are so strong and come on so quickly that they might cause considerable anxiety in some people. It can be very psychoactive, causing paranoid delusions and other audio-visual experiences that can overpower specific users.

Other times, it will ultimately impair your motor abilities, make your body feel heavy, and make it difficult for you to move.

Additionally, you may have brain fog, which may impede your decision-making and prevent you from focusing on your everyday tasks.