What is the difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9? There's quite a few, actually. Let's take a look.
- Delta-8 has a less intense high than delta 9. It is less likely to give you the same anxiety that Delta-9 gives you.
- The Delta 8 THC can significantly improve appetite, more so than regular Delta 9.
- Delta 8 has a longer shelf life than Delta 9
- Typical THC, or Delta 9, is twice as potent as Delta 8
- Delta 8 binds to both the CB1 receptor and the CB2 receptor
- You will build up tolerance to Delta 8 easier and faster than Delta 9
- If we take a Goldilocks approach, Delta 8 is the middle ground between typical THC and CBD products. It's the ideal combination of both!
Only one small chemical structural change separates the two forms of THC, Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. But make no mistake, this small structural change makes a large difference in how they affect you.
Delta 9 has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom, which is exactly why it's referred to as Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 has its double bond on the eighth chain, which is why it is named Delta 8 THC.
While that’s the technical stuff out the way, let's take a look at what that tiny change does to how it affects us.
What is Delta 8?
Cannabis sativa contains minuscule amounts of delta 8 THC, so manufacturers tend to make it from CBD. To abide within legal parameters, this CBD tends to come from hemp.
Reduce the non-psychoactive component of cannabis that has proven to be effective for treating a number of ailments. It is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn't produce a "high" feeling.
CBD is legal in all 50 states, but the FDA has not approved it as a treatment for any medical conditions. In addition to its lack of psychoactivity, CBD has been shown to:
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Alleviate pain and nausea
- Improve sleep quality
- And stimulate appetite - all without causing a "high."
Even though CBD doesn't have any intoxicating effects, Delta-8 THC has similar psychoactive properties to Delta-9 THC.
There's a broad range of Delta 8-based products on the market, from Delta 8 gummies and candy to Delta 8 vapes and THC drinks. While its effects are more similar to those of Delta 9, the product range is more similar to CBD-based products.
The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated or approved claims that delta-8 THC products can treat medical conditions. Despite this, some manufacturers continue doing so.
Okay, so we cannot tout Delta 8 as having any medical application. But, we do know many people are sharing their experiences with Delta 8 and how it helps them deal with certain medical issues.
So, let’s take a look at Delta 8’s potential benefits, as per anecdotal reports and preliminary studies.
Broad reaching statements about benefits or risks about either CBD, Delta 9 or Delta 8 don’t do us any good. There are many factors that can change cannabinoids’ effects.
These are:
- The spectrum of cannabinoids and other cannabis compounds included (terpenes, flavonoids, etc.)
- How much is consumed (dose)
- Frequency: How often you take it
- How you take it (what form, or how it is administered)
- Product quality (including extracting, how the hemp is grown, and how the products are made)
- Individual factors (health status, etc.)
Now we’ve done the responsible thing, let’s jump into the potential benefits of Delta 8 THC.
What are the Benefits of Delta 8?
Users and preliminary studies suggest that Delta 8 could assist with:
- Balancing an overactive immune system
- Helping to even out an overactive nervous system
- People struggling with a poor appetite
- Helping to calm inflammation
- Pain relief
Are there any potential risks for Delta 8 THC?
Like all things in excess, delta-8 THC can cause some unpleasant side effects when consumed in large quantities.
Like all things in excess, delta-8 THC can cause some unpleasant side effects when consumed in large quantities. Delta 8 THC is more likely to cause anxiety and paranoia than delta 9, although both can cause those effects.
With that being said, there are some minor side effects from Delta 8 if you consume more than your body needs or can handle.
The side effects that you experience while dosing heavily depend on how much you take. The more you take, the more likely you are to have an adverse effect.
Overconsumption of delta-8 THC may lead to short-term adverse effects such as:
- Fatigue
- Increased anxiousness
- Fast heart rate
- Trouble with coordination
As you may notice, these side effects are similar to Delta 9 THC. The difference is that Delta 8’s effects are not as prominent and much milder. They will present themselves at a much lower dose when compared to Delta 9 THC.
Can Delta 8 Trigger a Drug Test?
The answer depends on what type of drug test you will be subject to. Most tests will be on the hunt for the typical Delta-9 THC metabolite. In this case, your Delta-8 products won't trigger a positive drug test.
However, check how the products are made. Hemp-derived Delta-8 products will not contain more than 0.3% THC. But it is always a good idea to check for the certificate of analysis.
This COA will tell you the exact cannabinoid content, as well as if there are any potentially harmful residual solvents.
Conclusion: What is the difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9?
Although similar in name and chemical structure, there are a few key differences between these two cannabinoids. The 2018 Hemp Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp on a Federal level.
This includes all hemp-derived components and products made from hemp, including Delta 8. Delta 9 is the main psychoactive component in marijuana. THC is not present in hemp flowers, so it remains a controlled substance.
So, legality is one key difference. The two cannabinoids are separated by the location of their double bond. Delta 8 has its double bond on the eight carbon chain. Overall, we can say this gives Delta-8 about half the potency as Delta-9. Delta-8 is also less likely to give you those anxious jitters that often accompany typical THC.
If you're looking for an easy way to enjoy Delta-8, try a Delta-8 beverage. Using nanotechnology, Coolout seltzers give you a refreshingly simple way to get your Delta-8 dose.
