Delta 8 vs Delta 9

Choosing a hemp-derived THC product to try can seem overwhelming at first. There are delta 8 products, delta 9 products, and CBD products all available to choose from, and they each create different effects in the body when used. THC is a cannabinoid that produces psychoactive effects in the body when used, so we’re going to look at the similarities and differences between delta 8 vs delta 9 THC.

What Is THC?

The cannabis plant has more than 100 cannabinoids, and THC is just one of them. THC is the most abundant cannabinoid found in cannabis. A cannabinoid is a chemical compound that makes up the cannabis plant. The THC cannabinoid contains psychoactive properties that cause the user to feel high. Delta 9 THC is the most abundant THC isomer, making it a major cannabinoid of hemp.

Cannabis doesn’t produce nearly as much delta 8 THC as delta 9 THC. Because of this, delta 8 THC is considered a minor cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. The extraction process is more intricate and involved than the delta 9 THC process because there is so little delta 8 THC found in the plant.  

What Is Delta 8 THC?

THC is classified as delta 8 when the chemical compound has a double bond located on the 8th carbon chain. The location of the double bond is what gives THC its intensity. When the double bond is located on the 8th carbon chain, it produces milder effects than when the double bond is located on the 9th carbon chain.

What Is Delta 9 THC?

THC is classified as delta 9 when the chemical compound's double bond is located on the 9th carbon chain. Delta 9 THC is the most abundant isomer of THC, making it the most abundant cannabinoid found in hemp. Since delta 9 THC is the major THC isomer in cannabis, many of the THC products you find will contain delta 9 THC.  

What Are the Effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC?

Delta 8 and delta 9 are both isomers of THC—therefore, they both create psychoactive effects in the body. The effects of both delta 8 and delta 9 THC are similar and include the following:

• Calmness
• Increased happiness or elevated mood
• Relaxation
• Increased laughter
• Increased appetite
• Stress-free
• Less edgy

While delta 8 and delta 9 THC products create the same type of effects, the main difference between them is noticeable in their intensities. Delta 8 is noticeably less intense than delta 9 THC. Because of this, you should consider starting with delta 8 THC products to see how you will react to the product and notice if you have any adverse reactions to it. 

Are Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC Products Safe?

Yes, delta 8 and delta 9 products are both safe as long as they are used responsibly. The extraction process of delta 8 THC requires it to be synthesized with additional substances.

Occasionally, substances added during synthesis can result in adverse reactions or side effects. While these reactions are common and safe, they can still create a less enjoyable experience for the user.

The best way to avoid having an adverse reaction to delta 8 or delta 9 is by taking the recommended dosage amount listed on the product. When you take more, you can increase the intensity and duration of the effects of the product. When you take the recommended dosage, the effects will last between 3 and 5 hours. Taking more than the recommended dosage can cause the effects of both delta 8 and delta 9 to last as long as 6 to 8 hours.

You should also take delta 8 or delta 9 THC products with food. The effects can be felt much quicker and more intensely when taking them on an empty stomach. 

Can Delta 8 and Delta 9 Create Adverse Reactions or Side Effects?

Both delta 8 and delta 9 products are safe, but there is always the possibility that a user can experience adverse reactions or side effects. Side effects are more common in delta 9 THC products than delta 8 THC simply because the intensity of delta 9 is stronger.

The most common side effects of these products include the following:

• Paranoia
• Mental fog
• Increased anxiety
• Fatigue
• Nausea

An adverse reaction to a delta 8 or delta 9 THC product is normal. If you have taken the product's recommended dosage, the adverse reaction should only last between 3 to 5 hours.

What Is the Legality of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC?

Cannabis became legal on a federal level when the 2018 Farm Bill was signed. The 2018 Farm Bill states that hemp products are legal as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis. Currently, no language prohibits the cultivation and harvesting of delta 8 THC products.  

Some states have passed legislation permitting delta 8 and delta 9 THC products, while others have banned them completely. It’s important to research your local laws to determine if delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC are legal to purchase in your state.

Where to Buy Delta 8 and Delta 9 Products

The best place to purchase delta 8 and delta 9 THC products is at a reputable retailer or online store. You shouldn’t purchase THC products secondhand as you may not entirely know where the product has come from or what the product has been mixed with. You should only choose a retailer or an online store that provides a certificate with lab results to verify the product's legality.

Our Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC Products

We have many delta 8 THC products and delta 9 THC products to choose from if you’re ready to get started! All of our products have been tested and come with results you can examine for yourself.

You should always follow the recommended dosage amount listed on the product to experience the best effects.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9—Final Thoughts

As you can see, delta 8 and delta 9 have both similarities and differences. Unless delta 8 or delta 9 THC has been banned in your state, there is no wrong choice when choosing between the two. They will both produce the same type of psychoactive effects in the body when the cannabinoid attaches to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain.

The main difference will be the intensity of the effects. If you want a milder experience, you should choose delta 8 products. If you want a more intense experience, we recommend choosing delta 9 THC.

You should always take the recommended dosage of delta 8 or delta 9 products so that they give you the best experience. The effects can be felt as soon as 30 minutes or as long as 90 minutes. If the effects of the THC product you’re using aren’t felt after 90 minutes, you can take one additional serving.