As the world of CBD and THC expands, new discoveries are being made along the way with new cannabinoids found from the hemp plant. One of the newest compounds gathering quite a bit of buzz is Delta 8. For the more seasoned cannabis veteran, you might already be familiar with Delta 9, but what’s the difference between Delta 8 vs Delta 9?
Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are two cannabis compounds that share many similarities in their chemical structure and overall effects. The potential effects include elation, relaxation, and much more euphoric feelings. The main difference between Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC is the potency levels and legality.
Let’s take a closer look at Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC, the origin of both compounds, their benefits, differences, potential products, and much more!
What is Delta-8?
Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant, similar to CBD. The Delta 8 compound is found in small concentrations and is derived through a distillation process. Like CBD, there are many potential benefits to taking Delta 8 products, such as feelings of relaxation, relief, and much more.
THC is the other main compound extracted from the cannabis plant (specifically marijuana) that causes high and intoxicating effects. However, the THC that most people are familiar with is Delta 9.
Delta 8 THC is not as intoxicating as Delta 9, but it still produces some mild psychoactive effects. However, Delta 8 THC has become increasingly popular because it provides consumers with the benefits they know and loves from THC. The biggest difference is that most people can enjoy the euphoria of Delta 8 without the overbearing side effects of Delta 9.
Some of these side effects might include:
- Red eyes
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
Many people describe Delta 8 as the perfect balance between CBD and Delta-9 THC!
Where Does Delta-8 Come From?
Like other cannabinoids, Delta 8 is extracted from the cannabis plant through a fractional distillation process. Delta 8 can come from both hemp and marijuana. However, Delta 8 can be hard to isolate and extract because it makes up less than 1% of the entire cannabinoid profile in cannabis.
What is Delta 9?
Delta 9 THC is the most well-known type of THC. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant, found in high amounts in marijuana. When people think of marijuana or THC in general, it’s Delta 9 that provides the high and intoxicating effects that many people seek.
THC activates specific brain receptors connected with memory, appetite, visual and auditory perception, and other senses. When THC binds to these receptors, it results in a euphoric feeling that many know as being “high.”
Although Delta 9 THC is popular with many people, it can also have many adverse side effects. When people consume Delta 9 THC, it can alter the body chemistry and lead to effects like:
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Impaired decision-making abilities
- Decreased motor function
- Extreme drowsiness or fatigue
- Paranoia or anxiety
Where Does Delta-9 Come From?
Similar to Delta 8, Delta 9 THC is a major cannabinoid that is extracted from the cannabis plant. Delta 9 THC is typically derived from marijuana, making up about 50-90% of the entire cannabinoid profile. However, Delta 9 THC is more abundant in marijuana and has lower concentrations in hemp.
Delta 8 Vs Delta 9: What Are the Key Differences
The main differences between Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC are in the chemical structure and effects. Both cannabinoids are similar in that they bind to the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors to produce a euphoric effect. The way each compound performs this process is a bit different due to the double bond in their chemical structures.
Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC contain a double-bond structure and a chain of carbon atoms. Delta-8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon, while Delta-9 has a double bond on the ninth. Because of the different locations of the carbon double bond, Delta 8 binds to the receptors differently. Many researchers believe that this separate binding location makes Delta 8 less potent and intoxicating than Delta 9.
Delta 8 THC still provides many of the same soothing benefits that Delta 9 does. However, the sensations and side effects are not as strong, which may be preferable for some people. The resulting effect of Delta 8 is a mild euphoria, somewhere in between CBD and Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 Vs Delta 9: Legalities
Delta 8 currently resides in a legal gray area because it is still fairly new and being researched. Most state laws do not have any specifics regarding the use or production of Delta 8 products. These laws usually pertain to the use of Delta 9 THC and CBD products.
Due to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp and hemp-derived products are legal for sale in the United States. As long as the Delta 8 is derived from hemp and not marijuana, it is still legal. Despite the mildly euphoric effects of Delta 8, as long as there is only 0.3% or less of Delta 9 THC, you can still purchase it.
Currently, sales of Delta 8 are restricted in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington.
On the other side, Delta 9 THC is illegal in many states and still federally illegal. Any amount over 0.3% THC is considered a marijuana product and has more restrictions in most places.
In the United States, Delta-9 THC is still listed as a Schedule I drug on a federal level. However, from state to state, the sale and consumption of THC products may vary. Be sure to check your state’s policies on CBD, Delta 8, and Delta 9 THC!
Delta 8 Vs Delta 9: Benefits
The benefits of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are rather similar, but the potency of Delta 9 is much stronger. There are also much stronger psychoactive side effects when taking Delta 9 compared to Delta 8 THC.
Some of the benefits of taking Delta 8 THC include:
- Stimulation of appetite
- Little to no nauseating effects
- Relief of soreness, aches, and discomfort
- Uplifting and happy feelings
- Increased relaxation
These are all benefits that you can experience with Delta 9 as well. However, the effects may be heightened due to its higher level of THC. Depending on how your body reacts to the cannabinoid, you may experience a different range of effects with Delta 9.
Delta 8 Vs Delta 9: Effects
As with the benefits, Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC share many similarities. The effects are typically stronger with Delta-9 due to its higher potency levels. Here are some effects you may feel when taking either Delta 8 THC or Delta 9.
- Feeling weightlessness
- Increase in energy levels
- Maintains your focus
- Relaxed and soothing feelings
- Encourages appetite
With Delta 8 THC, the effects are milder than Delta 9 and typically provide users with a clearer mind and more energy. Delta 8 THC bypasses many of the undesired side effects of THC, such as paranoia and nervousness.
Depending on your tolerance, the effects of Delta 9 are much stronger and can bring about feelings of euphoria and changes in visual and auditory perception. Although the effects can be more calming and therapeutic, it’s more likely for people to feel anxious or paranoid due to the higher levels of euphoria. It’s one of the main reasons that Delta 8 is one of the hottest new products on the market — the ability to feel a slight euphoria without any nausea or drowsiness.
Delta 8 Vs Delta 9: Potency
As mentioned earlier, the major difference between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC is their potency levels. The potency relates to how strong the effects are when consuming either THC product.
Delta 9 THC is much more potent than Delta 8 THC. Delta 9 is believed to be about twice as strong, causing significant differences in effects. With Delta 8, most people report a smooth, mellow experience while staying coherent, functional, and active.
Delta 8 Vs Delta 9: How Is It Made?
Delta 8 THC is found in small amounts from hemp plants. The most common way to isolate it is to convert it from CBD or Delta 9 THC. However, since only hemp-derived CBD products are legal, Delta-8 is commonly extracted from CBD rather than Delta 9.
In its simplest form, there are four steps to take to make Delta-8 THC:
- First, you catalyze the extracted CBD isolate with an acid reagent.
- Next, you neutralize or remove the acid and solvent present.
- Then you purify the final product by washing and distilling.
- After cleaning, you test the product for purity and dilute as needed to stay under 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
Because this process is so delicate and time-consuming, Delta 8 products are typically more expensive. The final distillate amounts to about 60-70% Delta 8 concentration. Converting Delta 9 into Delta 8 goes through a similar process of extraction and isolation. However, the Delta-9 has to be diluted to comply with the legal limits of 0.3% THC.
Delta 8 Vs Delta 9: Side Effects
With any kind of THC product, there are always potential side effects that may occur. Delta 8 THC is less potent and may generally only lead to mild side effects. At the same time, Delta 9 THC could lead to more psychoactive and “high” effects.
Here are several side effects you may experience with Delta 9 THC:
- Anxiousness or nervous feelings
- Paranoia
- Mental fogginess
- Rapid heartbeat
- High or low blood pressure
- Increase in body temperature
- Difference in appetite
- Auditorial and visual perception altered
Why Choose Delta-8 Products Over Delta-9?
When comparing Delta 8 vs. Delta 9, Delta 8 products are newer and more highly sought after than Delta-9 because they do not leave you feeling as intoxicated. Delta 8 THC products are perfect for getting you through the day when you need a bit of a boost of energy or focus while still giving the feeling of mild euphoria. These products can bring you relaxation and calming feelings without the overbearing side effects that Delta 9 is known for.
Consuming Delta 9 gummies, oils, or flowers can leave you feeling anxious and paranoid due to its increased potency. In addition, the change in body chemistry from consuming Delta 9 THC products increases the chances of addiction or over-reliance.
Why Choose Exhale Wellness Delta 8 Products?
Exhale Wellness’ mission is to bring you the best possible Delta 8 THC on the market so you can reap all the wonderful benefits our products have to offer. Currently, we are the #1 rated, top-selling Delta 8 company in the game! Exhale only uses the highest quality ingredients, using only the highest quality hemp to bring you the best Delta 8 THC experience.
We believe in providing a stable and comfortable Delta 8 experience, promoting the body’s overall well-being. Through our products, we want to spread awareness about the therapeutic qualities of the hemp plant, hoping to inspire users to look into holistic approaches to health.
At Exhale, we strive to demonstrate organic and natural alternatives to enhance your body’s functions. By combining natural ingredients with high-quality hemp, we know that we can produce incredible and beneficial products that will keep you going every day!
Types of Delta-8 Products
At Exhale Wellness, we have a wide range of Delta 8 products available. Our products are created to help elevate your body, mind, and spirit with a combination of Delta 8 THC and natural ingredients. We have a variety of products you choose from that have different consumption methods to meet your needs.
- Delta 8 Gummies: Our Delta 8 gummies are delicious, vegan, fruit-flavored snacks infused with Delta-8 extract. Our gummies are completely natural and have no artificial coloring, flavors, or preservatives.
- Delta 8 Vape Carts: Our vape carts provide are incredibly smooth and easy to take when you’re on the go. They’re made with quality Delta 8 THC with a handful of mouth-watering flavors for you to choose from, such as Cactus Cooler, Pineapple Express, Mango, and more!
- Delta 8 Flower: If you are more classic and like smoking flower, we have you covered! At Exhale, our Delta 8 flower is grown in the USA, free of any pesticides or chemical fertilizers. We want to bring you the best and most organic strand you can find, providing you with a smoking experiencing like no other. We have a long list of flavors that will delight your taste buds, such as Sour Diesel, Skywalker OG, Cookies, Northern Lights, and many more!
- Delta 8 Shatter: At Exhale, we also have a few different shatter flavors to provide you with a highly concentrated level of Delta 8 THC. Our shatters are third-party lab-tested to ensure safety and quality, are made with a safe and clean CO2 extraction process and do not contain any additives or preservatives. This is the purest form of Delta 8 THC you can find. We have amazing flavors such as Girl Scout Cookies, Sour Tangie, Purple Punch, and OG Kush.
Delta 8 Suggested Dosages
The proper dosage of Delta 8 THC varies from person to person due to such factors as age, weight, and tolerance level. Another key factor in determining the proper dosage is the desired effects you want to have when taking Delta 8.
It is important to note that certain methods of consumption are more potent than others. For example, oral ingestion has longer-lasting effects. Inhaling smoke or vapor can enter your bloodstream and system quicker than through the digestive system, but the effects don’t last as long.
If it is your first time using Delta 8 products or you’re switching over from CBD, it might be better to start at a lower potency level if possible and gradually move your way up until you feel comfortable. Although experiencing any serious side effects with any Delta 8 products is rare, it’s best to never take more than you can handle.
To see a full detailed dosage chart, click here.
Final Thoughts – Delta 8 Vs Delta 9
When entering the brand new world of Delta 8, it may be a bit overwhelming at first, especially when such compounds are so similar. However, one of the main things you should know about Delta 8 vs Delta 9 is that while it is less potent, they both and have many similar benefits from increased relaxation, discomfort relief, and reduced anxious behaviors. However, the more mellow euphoria of Delta 8 means there are less of the more serious side effects while allowing you to function and go about your day.
With that being said, if you are in the market for new cannabis products and want to experiment with Delta 8, check out Exhale’s online shop today!
