The Difference Between Delta8 THC and Delta9 THC Which is More Beneficial

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are two of the cannabis varients that boldly steal the limelight. These compounds are quite famous because of the distinctive effects that they bring. However, they are not the same. There are differences in the benefits they bring, legality, and eventually side effects. To understand them more, continue reading as we explore the issues associated with them, which is better in certain cases, and how they compare in different aspects. Let's break it down step by step.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, most commonly known by the abbreviation THC, is the name of the chemical found in cannabis that gets people “high.” In the human body, THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and pain mediation, among others.

THC does seem to have a lot of effects on the body, the most common one being the burning sensation in the head, which is caused by the substance locking itself onto the CB1 receptors situated in the brain. These actions include levels of happiness, relaxation, and the sensation of hunger. THC has synchronization and tons of other positive effects that were previously believed to be absent. 

Studies supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) also suggest that THC has potent medical use in the management of pain and nausea, amongst other things.

Overview of Delta-8 THC

Delta8 THC is the cousin of another tetrahydrocannabinol called Delta9 THC and is found to be present in small proportions in the hemp plant. Delta8 is not as potent as Delta9 THC due to its slight difference in molecular structure, and it is generally produced from hemp by a special conversion process.

Delta8 is known to provide a more favorable and agreeable high to the user. Most of the people who consume Delta8 proclaim that it relieves them of anxiety and provides mental clarity as opposed to Delta9 THC, which can have paranoia as one of its side effects. Due to its mild effects, Delta8 may be found in edibles, such as gummies and tinctures, or in vape products.

When it comes to Delta8’s legality, it’s still a little grey area. Hemp-based products that have less than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC were made legal with the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018. However, due to safety concerns, some states have decided to impose a ban on Delta 8.

Introduction to Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 THC is the biologically active component of the marijuana plant with the highest psychotropic effect. It is considered the most popular form of THC. It is more devastating than Delta8 and is often known to induce intense pleasure.

Delta-9 THC can be extracted from hemp and marijuana plants alike. Delta-9 from marijuana is illegal according to the directives of federal law, while Delta-9 from hemp is legal, and it comes in a concentration of less than 0.3 percent. As a result, it can be legally bought in specific CBD oils and edibles available in the United States.

Delta-9 THC is most commonly used for therapeutic applications, which include the following:

• Relieving Pain
• Enhancing appetite (usually beneficial for patients with malignant tumors)
• Decrease incidence of muscle spasms

The 5 Striking Differences between Delta8 and Delta9 THC

It may be the key to the world of cannabis compounds to identify the difference. Let's slice the detail:

1.  Chemical Structure

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are both THC cannabinoids and have the same molecular formula but have a different arrangement of atoms. The main structural variation is the position of the double bonds in their carbon-to-carbon chains. In the case of Delta-8, the double bond is located on the 8th carbon, while in the case of Delta-9, the double carbon is found on the 9th carbon.

While this change may seem to be a small one, it is significant when considering how both complexes are able to interact with the endocannabinoid system of the body, in particular the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This difference in the placement of the bond also accounts for the slight difference in the binding affinities of Delta-9 and Delta-8, which in turn affects their psychoactive properties, the side effects, and the overall effects on the user.

2.  Potency:

A study done in 2020 by researchers at the University of California reported this fact that  Delta-9 THC is more potent than THC Delta-8 and is known to be between 50% to 70% stronger than the latter. 

The increased potency is primarily attributed to Delta-9’s high binding affinity to the CB1 receptor, mostly found in the brain. The users go through more profound effects with Delta-9 and this includes, rather, euphoric experience, a higher degree of sensual perception, and a stronger feeling of being ‘high’.

Delta-8, on the other hand, is not only less effective than Delta-9’s euphoric feeling but is also characterized by fairly mild addiction. As a result, Delta-8 is preferred by users who would like to experience a milder effect or prefer a more functional high that suppresses any distracting feeling while going about their daily activities.

3.  Psychoactive Effects:  

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC’s psychoactive effects are very distinct. One of the most common descriptions of Delta-8 is that it is a clear and smooth high, which many users say it focuses them more and makes them more relaxed. Furthermore, it appears to have a more gentle and relieving effect on the body and the mind, which is why it is a better option for people trying to treat anxiety or stress looking for a mild option.

On the other hand, delta-9 THC has stronger psychoactive properties; hence, it provides more of a euphoric and heady high. While such a state can be pleasurable for seasoned users, it should be noted that Delta-9 has a higher propensity for causing anxiety, paranoia, or even panic in most users, especially at higher doses, or for those users who are prone to getting anxious very easily.

4.  Side Effects:

The side effects of Delta-9 may seem to persist more than those of Delta-8. Some users of Delta-9 can develop several side effects, from increased anxiety and heart rate to dizziness and, at greater amounts, including hallucinations. It can also produce a feeling of being “stuck to the sofa,” as if the individual is unable to move due to the sedative effects of the substance. 

While there are fewer, some Delta-8 users reported lesser side effects in the form of lower levels of anxiety and lower chances of rapid heartbeat. Due to its comparatively more moderate effects on the ECS, delta-8 is termed a more beginner-friendly substance, providing easy states of relaxation and mild euphoria without the effects of harsh delta-9.

5.  Cost and Availability:

Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 have different legalities, costs, and availability in various states. 

Due to the 2018 Farm Bill, selling Delta 8 has become much easier as it is commonly synthesized from hemp, which makes Delta 8 legal to sell and ship in most states with the amount of Delta 9 THC contained being less than 0.3%. 

This provides room for the sale of Delta 8 in most states where it is illegal to sell Delta 9. For the most part, Delta-9, derived from marijuana, is considered a schedule one substance by federal law and is handed out in medical dispensaries in states where marijuana use is legal, recreational, as well as for medical purposes. Consequently, Delta 8 is a much simpler option to obtain and purchase in most cases because it has fewer restrictions than Delta 9.

Benefits of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8, popularly known as the "THClite," has a range of potential advantages, including:

Relaxation: For many, Delta8 may come as a shock to the senses, as they often feel relaxed in an intense way. It resembles a milder variant of delta-9 or is comparable to the effects of THC.

Anxiety Dispersion: According to several anecdotal reports or accounts since 2020 and posted in the Journal of Cannabis Research, Delta8 does not induce extreme paranoia while alleviating the effects of stress and anxiety.

Pain Alleviation: Similar to the generalized delta-9, Delta8 can exhibit pain-killing attributes as well as serving an anti-inflammatory purpose. A research paper published by Harvard University in 2021 confirmed the mild pain-reducing properties of Delta8.

Benefits of Delta-9 THC

Those who enjoy smoking marijuana usually recognize the capabilities of Delta-9 THC, whether for pleasure or for its medicinal properties. Among the top advantages are the following:

Euphoria: Because it can provide a significant ‘high,’ it is frequently employed for recreational purposes.

Arthritis and Muscle Aches: Chronic pain is alleviated by the use of Delta-9 THC. JAMA published articles in 2021 that revealed Delta-9 usage by patients was considerably reducing their pain.

Increased Appetite: It is used by chemotherapeutic patients to enhance the quantity eaten, which enhances their life.

Sleep Aid: Keeping you up all night Delta9 is frequently said to be used as a sleeping aid in a National Sleep Foundation survey conducted in 2020.

Legal Considerations

Delta8 THC: Delta-8 from a hemp source, according to the 2018 Farm Bill, is a legal product, provided that there is less than 0.3% of Delta9 THC in the product. However, New York and Colorado states have ruled out the use of Delta8, citing safety reasons.

Delta9 THC: Delta9 from a hemp source is legal as per the same rules of the Farm Bill; however, Delta9 from a marijuana source is US federally illegal except in the states that allow the use for medical or recreational purposes.

Which One is More Beneficial?

When considering Delta8 or Delta9 THC, it is important to understand your motivations, as both serve completely different objectives. If you prefer something more mellow and mild with minimal side effects, you should consider Delta-8. If you want something more intense in terms of pain alleviation, appetite stimulation, or general relaxation, try Delta 9.

Remember that there are legal considerations; define what you want and seek medical guidance before use.