Delta-8 vs. Delta-9: Exploring the Similarities and Differences

If you’ve ever wondered what the differences and similarities are between Delta-8 vs. Delta-9, you’re not the only one. While many hemp and marijuana plant users prefer choosing between cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a new variety of THC, Delta-8 and Delta-9, has been gaining immense popularity among users since its recent legalization in the United States and its potential effects.

Keep reading this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about Delta-8 vs. Delta-9.

General Information About Delta-8 vs. Delta-9

Although it is simple to think that Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are the same because their characteristics and potential effects are quite similar, they each have significant differences. In fact, you should know that research shows that Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 products have nearly identical chemical structures, except for a few electrons.

Nonetheless, there are several significant differences between these two THC products that you should know before selecting your preferred option. The section below delves deeper into general facts about Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 THC

Generally, Delta-8 THC is the least known of the two THC products, but it is still a crucial cannabinoid. This THC variant is available in hemp plants in concentrated amounts and also in the marijuana plant but in minimal amounts. It is synthetically produced in a laboratory in an extraction process that usually involves various acids and solvents used at varying temperatures. 

Note that the best and most efficient option when producing Delta-8 is CBD oil. Given the recent increase in CBD production resulting from the 2018 Farm Bill, the cost of CBD oil has dropped exponentially, allowing farmers to find more profitable uses for the extra CBD oil available on the market.

When it comes to uses and effects, users can smoke, vape, or even infuse Delta-8 in beverages, add it to gummies, or use it in a tincture or distillate. In turn, it provides a moderate psychoactive effect; meaning makes you feel high.

Research reveals that some benefits of using this cannabis product include:

• Increasing appetite
• Pain relief
• Enhances feelings of relaxation and euphoria
• Reduces vomiting and nausea
• Protects the nervous system from damage and injury

Potential Side Effects of Delta-8

Although there are minimal research studies on Delta-8, statistics reveal that it has fewer potential side effects than Delta-9. Some of them may include the following:

• Red eyes
• Fatigue
• Shifted sense of time
• Difficulty in focusing
• Dry mouth
• Defective short-term memory

Delta-8 users should also know that this product is not as strictly regulated as Delta-9. Thus, keeping an eye out for added chemicals and other components when buying Delta-8 products is vital. In addition, Delta-8, which naturally occurs in cannabis plants, significantly differs from that extracted from CBD oil in a laboratory, which is generally less safe for use.

Delta-9 THC

When you hear people referring to THC, they are actually talking about Delta-9. Delta-9 THC is among the more dominant cannabinoids that are responsible for the usual high effect you experience upon ingesting THC products. It is a naturally-occurring compound found abundantly in cannabis plants, meaning it can be used directly by rolling it in a joint, inhaling it from a bong, or even smoking it in a pipe.

However, other users prefer to use it in making edibles or apply it topically. Based on the marijuana plant variety and the terpene mixture within the strain, delta-9 THC reportedly causes various effects, including sedation, laughter, elation, appetite, and impaired memory. Studies also show that this THC product may have benefits for certain conditions, such as:

• Pain relief
• Anxiety 
• muscle tremors
• Nausea and vomiting
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Enhances sleep quantity and quality
• Boosts brain cell growth and memory retention
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer and chemotherapy

Potential Side Effects of Delta-9

Due to the potent nature of Delta-9, it may cause several side effects, including:

• Rapid heart rate
• Mumbling
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Euphoria
• Paranoia
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Poor coordination of motor skills
• Headaches
• Sluggishness

How Do Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 Compare? What Does Research Reveal?

When searching for information on Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC, you will likely find plenty of research on the differences between these two cannabis products. Although research on Delta-8 is quite limited, recent studies suggest it is less potent than Delta-9. Let us delve deeper into the differences between Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 products.

Extraction Process

As mentioned, Delta-9 is a naturally occurring and abundant compound in hemp plants. At the same time, Delta-8 is found in marijuana and hemp plants in minimal amounts. Thus, the extraction process of Delta-8 requires more effort than Delta-9. Luckily, studies show that converting CDB to pure Delta-8 THC is possible using various solvents and chemicals.

Although this process may be more costly, it offers a more straightforward method of manufacturing Delta-8 products. This process also makes it easier to guarantee that the resulting Delta-8 products have at least 0.3% of Delta-9 THC, as US federal law requires.

Effects

One of the significant differences between Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 is the potency of their effects. Generally, studies reveal that Delta-9 is more potent than Delta-8, with some research suggesting its potency to be twice as much as that of the latter. Likewise, the potential side effects of Delta-9 are more defined than those of Delta-8. 

However, the effects of Delta-8 are reportedly more gradual than those of Delta-9, as many users reveal that they feel calm and clarity after ingesting Delta-8 products. Although they claim to experience a definite ‘high’ feeling, it does not impair judgment or disrupt concentration. Instead, people merely get a sense of relaxation and relief from stress.

Another crucial distinction between Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 is the duration required to feel the classic ‘high’ sensation. Delta-8 users claim that they ease into a relaxed mood gently and gradually, while Delta-9 users report that the effects are more immediate and quicker. 

Availability

While the making and use of marijuana are not federally legal in the United States, 34 states have legalized its use for recreational or medical purposes. However, according to federal law, any amount of Delta-9 THC that is more than 0.3% is illegal. 

On the other hand, Delta-8 remains technically legal due to the ambiguities of the Farm Bill of 2018. The bill does not mention that deriving Delta-8 from marijuana and hemp plants is illegal. Because of this ambiguity, Delta-8 is more prevalent than Delta-9. However, 15 US states have banned the use and sale of Delta-8 products, while 6 have pending legal actions on this matter. 

Thus, the availability of these products heavily relies on the state laws of your residing state. It is vital to note that while Delta-8 is legal to deliver across most state lines and buy physically in-store, you should ensure that it is from a reputable and trustworthy brand, like Hemponix.

Buy High-Quality CBG Products From Hemponix Company

The choice between Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. Although these two THC products share several similarities, they also have a handful of differences that set them apart. Delta-9 THC is often considered the ‘go-to’ choice among many in the cannabis community. However, Delta-8 products have gained immense popularity due to their legal status and milder effects. In fact, some experts suggest that it may end up being the most popular form of THC over time. 

At Hemponix, we offer a wide range of premium quality CBG, CBD, CBN, HHC, Delta-8, and Delta-9 products. Due to our 30 years of experience in the industry, we are dedicated to ensuring that our customers get only the best cannabis products on the market. Visit us at any of our locations for more information, or browse our vast product list for a wide range of high-quality cannabis products.