Delta-8 and Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have become immensely popular cannabinoids in recent years. One reason these compounds have gained notoriety is the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC by weight. Shortly afterward, Delta-8, 9, and 10 products started appearing in stores across the country, even in certain states without legalized cannabis.
These cannabinoids can be derived from hemp and may be found in some cannabidiol (CBD) products, but they can also originate from the traditional THC-heavy marijuana plants we know and love. Although these two substances have much in common, they also have a few notable differences.
TL;DR: What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9?
Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are both cannabinoids that share a similar molecular structure with a slight difference. Delta-8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain, while Delta-9 has it on the 9th carbon chain. This small but significant change affects how THC interacts with receptors in the body.
- Potency: Delta-8 is about half as potent as Delta-9. People often experience a milder, less intense high with Delta-8.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants. Because cannabis plants usually contain only small, trace amounts of Delta-8, it’s often extracted from hemp-derived CBD. You can find Delta-8 in products like gummies, vapes, tinctures, edibles, and more. While it’s currently legal in many states, it’s been outright banned in 15 states.
- Milder High: Delta-8 produces a less intense high compared to regular cannabis, but the effects are very similar.
- Health Claims: Although some brands claim Delta-8 can help with a range of health issues, these claims are still relatively unfounded and need more research.
How Much THC is in Delta-8?
The THC percentage and concentrations of Delta-8 vary widely depending on the product:
Naturally Occurring
Cannabis plants have very low amounts of naturally occurring Delta-8, sometimes as little as 0.1%.
Concentrated Products
Delta-8 distillates might have concentrations of 70-90% Delta-8.
Edibles and Tinctures
These products have lower concentrations and are often measured in milligrams (mg) of Delta-8 per serving.
Products in states without legal cannabis can only contain hemp-derived Delta-8 with less than 0.3% THC by weight, so they won’t have the high amounts of THC found in products from legal dispensaries.
Benefits of Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC provides several benefits, especially for those seeking a milder experience than Delta-9 THC.
- Milder High: Delta-8 offers a clear-headed, relaxed high with reduced anxiety and paranoia compared to Delta-9. This makes it a preferable option for those who want the therapeutic effects of THC without the intense psychoactive experience.
- Potential Health Benefits: Delta-8 has been noted for its potential anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, appetite-stimulating, and pain-relieving properties. However, more research is needed to fully confirm these benefits.
- Legal Status: Since it’s derived from hemp, small amounts of Delta-8 are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. This makes it easier to access than traditional cannabis products, providing a legal option for people who can’t access dispensaries.
Risks of Delta-8 THC
While Delta-8 offers several benefits, it also comes with potential risks:
- Lack Of Regulation: Delta-8 products often lack proper regulation, leading to inconsistencies in potency and purity. Contaminants like residual solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals can be present if products are not properly tested.
- Psychoactive Effects: Despite being milder, Delta-8 still has psychoactive effects and can lead to impairment. Some people may experience side effects like dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, and in some cases, anxiety or paranoia, especially if taken in large doses.
- Limited Research: Comprehensive studies on the long-term health effects of Delta-8 are still scarce.
What is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC is the primary cannabinoid in marijuana responsible for producing the psychoactive “high” effect. It works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system, particularly the CB1 receptors, altering various mental and physical functions.
- Widespread Use: Delta-9 is easily extracted from cannabis and can be found in traditional flower products, edibles, tinctures, vapes, oils, and more.
- Medicinal Benefits: While Delta-9 has demonstrated medicinal benefits, it's essential to purchase from reputable sources that provide third-party lab testing to avoid false claims and ensure safety.
How Much THC is in Delta-9?
Delta-9 THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, and in its pure form, it is 100% THC. The concentration of Delta-9 in cannabis products varies significantly.
Cannabis Flower
Typically contains 15-30% Delta-9 THC by weight, although some strains may have more.
Concentrates
Products like oils, waxes, and shatter can have much higher concentrations, often ranging from 60-90% Delta-9 THC.
Edibles and Tinctures
Usually measured in milligrams (mg) of Delta-9 THC per serving, with common doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg per serving. The specific amount of Delta-9 in any given product is always listed on the packaging, allowing consumers to control and manage their intake effectively.
Benefits of Delta-9 THC
Delta-9 offers several potential therapeutic benefits:
- Pain Relief: Well-known for its analgesic properties, which provide relief from chronic pain, benefiting patients with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis.
- Antiemetic Effects: Effective in reducing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and other treatments.
- Appetite Stimulation: Helps people with conditions that cause appetite loss.
- Mental Health Benefits: Can lessen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia due to its euphoric and sedating effects.
Risks of Delta-9 THC
Like any substance, Delta-9 has some risks associated with its use:
- High Doses: May cause side effects like anxiety, paranoia, red eyes, dry mouth, dizziness, and lung irritation from smoking.
- Impairment: Can result in delayed motor or cognitive skills, making activities like driving dangerous. New users should start with small doses and gradually increase to avoid issues.
- Setting And Usage: It’s important to use Delta-9 in a safe setting, such as at home, to avoid potential accidents or discomfort.
Delta-8 vs. Delta-9: Comparing the Differences
| Feature | Delta-8 THC | Delta-9 THC |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Structure | Double bond on the 8th carbon chain | Double bond on the 9th carbon chain |
| Potency | About half as potent as Delta-9 | More potent and popular |
| High | Milder, more clear-headed | Stronger psychoactive effects, including euphoria |
| Anxiety/Paranoia | Less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia | More likely to cause anxiety or paranoia |
| Legal Status (Federal) | Legal under the 2018 Farm Bill (<0.3% THC by weight) | Federally illegal, but legal in some states |
| Legal Status (State) | Varies by state; banned in some states | Varies by state; legal in some states for medical or recreational use |
| Origin | Found in hemp and cannabis, often extracted from CBD | Primary cannabinoid in marijuana |
| Concentration In Products | Typically 70-90% in distillates | Varies widely: 15-30% in flower, up to 60-90% in concentrates |
| Product Forms | Gummies, vapes, tinctures, edibles | Flower, edibles, tinctures, vapes, oils |
| Therapeutic Benefits | Potential anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, appetite-stimulating, pain-relieving (needs more research) | Pain relief, antiemetic, appetite stimulation, mental health benefits |
| Regulation | Less regulated, potential for contaminants | More regulated, especially in legal states |
| Side Effects | Milder, but can include dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate | May cause anxiety, paranoia, red eyes, dry mouth, dizziness, lung irritation from smoking |
| Safety Considerations | Lack of long-term research, use caution | Known risks, especially with high doses |
Chemical Structure
- Delta-8 THC: Double bond on the 8th carbon chain
- Delta-9 THC: Double bond on the 9th carbon chain
Potency
- Delta-8 THC: About half as potent as Delta-9
- Delta-9 THC: More potent and popular
High
- Delta-8 THC: Milder, more clear-headed
- Delta-9 THC: Stronger psychoactive effects, including euphoria
Anxiety/Paranoia
- Delta-8 THC: Less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia
- Delta-9 THC: More likely to cause anxiety or paranoia
Legal Status (Federal)
- Delta-8 THC: Legal under the 2018 Farm Bill (<0.3% THC by weight)
- Delta-9 THC: Federally illegal, but legal in some states
Legal Status (State)
- Delta-8 THC: Varies by state; banned in some states
- Delta-9 THC: Varies by state; legal in some states for medical or recreational use
Origin
- Delta-8 THC: Found in hemp and cannabis, often extracted from CBD
- Delta-9 THC: Primary cannabinoid in marijuana
Concentration in Products
- Delta-8 THC: Typically 70-90% in distillates
- Delta-9 THC: Varies widely: 15-30% in flower, up to 60-90% in concentrates
Product Forms
- Delta-8 THC: Gummies, vapes, tinctures, edibles
- Delta-9 THC: Flower, edibles, tinctures, vapes, oils
Therapeutic Benefits
- Delta-8 THC: Potential anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, appetite-stimulating, pain-relieving (needs more research)
- Delta-9 THC: Pain relief, antiemetic, appetite stimulation, mental health benefits
Regulation
- Delta-8 THC: Less regulated, potential for contaminants
- Delta-9 THC: More regulated, especially in legal states
Side Effects
- Delta-8 THC: Milder, but can include dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate
- Delta-9 THC: May cause anxiety, paranoia, red eyes, dry mouth, dizziness, lung irritation from smoking
Safety Considerations
- Delta-8 THC: Lack of long-term research, use caution
- Delta-9 THC: Known risks, especially with high doses
Delta-8 vs. Delta-9: Similarities
Delta-8 and Delta-9 share several similarities due to their close chemical structures and roles in the cannabis plant.
| Feature | Delta-8 THC | Delta-9 THC |
|---|---|---|
| Interaction with ECS | Binds to CB1 receptors in the brain | Binds to CB1 receptors in the brain |
| Psychoactive Effects | Both produce a high | Both produce a high |
| Therapeutic Benefits | Pain relief, anti-nausea, appetite stimulation, anxiety reduction | Pain relief, anti-nausea, appetite stimulation, anxiety reduction |
| Consumption Methods | Edibles, tinctures, vape cartridges, flower | Edibles, tinctures, vape cartridges, flower |
| Measurement in Products | Typically measured in milligrams (mg) in edibles and tinctures | Typically measured in milligrams (mg) in edibles and tinctures |
| Versatility | Available in various forms for recreational and medicinal use | Available in various forms for recreational and medicinal use |
Interaction with ECS
- Delta-8 THC: Binds to CB1 receptors in the brain
- Delta-9 THC: Binds to CB1 receptors in the brain
Psychoactive Effects
- Delta-8 THC: Both produce a high
- Delta-9 THC: Both produce a high
Therapeutic Benefits
- Delta-8 THC: Pain relief, anti-nausea, appetite stimulation, anxiety reduction
- Delta-9 THC: Pain relief, anti-nausea, appetite stimulation, anxiety reduction
Consumption Methods
- Delta-8 THC: Edibles, tinctures, vape cartridges, flower
- Delta-9 THC: Edibles, tinctures, vape cartridges, flower
Measurement in Products
- Delta-8 THC: Typically measured in milligrams (mg) in edibles and tinctures
- Delta-9 THC: Typically measured in milligrams (mg) in edibles and tinctures
Versatility
- Delta-8 THC: Available in various forms for recreational and medicinal use
- Delta-9 THC: Available in various forms for recreational and medicinal use
FAQs on Delta-8 vs. Delta-9
Does Delta-9 get you higher than Delta-8?
Yes, Delta-9 is more potent than Delta-8, resulting in a stronger high.
Is Delta-9 Sativa or Indica?
Delta-9 can be found in Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains. The Indica and Sativa ratio depends on the strain.
Is Delta-9 safer than Delta-8?
Both can be safe when purchased from reputable, state-licensed dispensaries. Avoid unlicensed products.
Is Delta-8 or Delta-9 better for sleep?
Delta-9 has stronger sedative effects, making it potentially better for sleep.
Final Takeaway: Understanding Delta-8 and Delta-9
Understanding the differences and similarities between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC is crucial for making informed decisions about cannabis use. Delta-8 THC is about half as potent as Delta-9 THC, providing a milder, clear-headed high. It is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, though its legal status varies by state. Delta-9 THC is more potent, producing a stronger, euphoric high, but it is federally illegal and only legal in some states. Both cannabinoids have therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief, anti-nausea, appetite stimulation, and anxiety reduction.
However, Delta-8 THC tends to have milder side effects and is less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia compared to Delta-9 THC. Both are available in various product forms, including edibles, tinctures, vapes, and flower. When trying THC for the first time, start with low doses to gauge your tolerance and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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