Many people know that tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive element in cannabis, but not everybody knows that THC comes in distinct forms. The cannabinoids Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are both found in the Cannabis Sativa plant family and industrial hemp and marijuana plants. The concentrations of these two cannabinoids in these two types of cannabis plants differ. Because Delta 9 THC is the most prevalent kind of THC present in cannabis plants, it is referred to simply as “THC.” It’s known for giving consumers a psychoactive high that includes increased visual and auditory stimuli.
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What is Delta-9 THC?
Delta 9 THC, also known as Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. It’s a phytocannabinoid, which implies it’s part of a class of cannabis-derived plant chemicals. Delta 8 THC, CBD, and other plant cannabinoids are among them. These phytocannabinoids influence the endocannabinoid system in the body. The CB1 and CB2 receptors located in the body’s central and peripheral neurological systems form this system. CB1 receptors are present in the brainstem and brain, whereas CB2 receptors are distributed in the body’s peripheral nerves. The endocannabinoid system can impact how the body interprets pain, hunger, and feelings when it is activated. Delta 9 THC has an effect on an individual through the endocannabinoid system.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is present in marijuana as well as commercial hemp. However, there are no legal restrictions on the amount of Delta 8 THC present in hemp. Commercial hemp is used to make the bulk of Delta 8 THC products available in the market. Delta 8 THC can also be detected in full-spectrum CBD products. These cannabinoids provide a relaxing, euphoric, and physically relaxing entourage effect. Like Delta 8 and 9, CBD works by interacting with the same endocannabinoid system as Delta 9 THC. Nevertheless, each of these cannabinoids has a particular effect on this system, resulting in diverse effects in the body.
How Can You Compare Delta-9 THC to Delta-8 THC?
The point of difference between delta 8 and delta 9 THC chemical formula is the location of a carbon double-bond. This minor chemical change results in a significant difference in strength, with delta 8 THC being around 50–60% weaker than delta 9 THC. In terms of psychotropic and physical effects, delta 8 THC is similar to delta 9. So, how are the two types of THC different from each other? Let’s find out.
● Basis of Distinction: Extraction
When you’re taking something like THC in your body, you must ensure it is secure. Delta 9 THC is a cannabinoid present in large quantities in cannabis. It is extracted from marijuana plants. As a result, extraction is usually inexpensive and straightforward. The extraction of Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, necessitates a significant amount of effort. This is mainly attributable to Delta 8 being a minor cannabinoid. Cannabis yields so little natural Delta 8 that extracting it isn’t worth the effort. However, there is another way to create Delta 8. Delta 8 is synthesized from CBD without any solvents. While the transformation procedure can be costly, it has simplified the production of Delta 8 products.
● Basis of Distinction: Intensity Of Effects
Delta-8 is a psychoactive component, which means it can make you high! But not in the way you might assume, and not the same way you’d get from Delta-9. Each cannabinoid has its own set of effects that differ from one another. Delta-9 THC is well known for its capacity to get a person insanely high in a jiffy. The high that Delta-9 provides is quite appealing to habitual THC users. If you’re new to THC and have a low threshold, we recommend starting with Delta-8 before moving to Delta-9. The side effects are so strong and come on so quickly that they might cause anxiety in some people. It can be very psychoactive, causing bizarre hallucinations and other audio-visual experiences that can be overpowering. It will disrupt your motor abilities, make your body lose strength, and make it difficult to move. Also, you may experience brain fog, which may impede your decision-making and prevent you from concentrating on your everyday activities. A high is produced by Delta-8 THC. However, it is not as strong as Delta-9. It’s the polar opposite of Delta-9!
However, delta-8 THC has a gentler effect. It takes you on a nice, smooth ride rather than hitting you straight away. It induces relaxation, happiness, clarity of thought, and a positive view of life. Delta-8 THC will keep you relaxed and tranquil, but it will not impair your physical or mental abilities; you may go about your day with Delta-8. Another advantage of Delta-8 is that the high lasts longer than Delta-9. However, if you’re concerned about remaining high indefinitely, don’t be. The high, like any other drug, wears off after a while. If you’re looking for anything to help you cope with the stresses of everyday life, Delta-8 THC is a great choice.
Takeaway: Delta-8 THC vs Delta-9 THC
The molecular compositions of Delta-8 and Delta-9 are nearly identical. They further differ in how they’re made. Delta-8 is more complicated and expensive, whereas Delta-9 is considerably cheaper. Although marijuana is illegal on the federal level in some regions, Delta-8 THC, which is extracted from hemp and has less than 0.3% THC, is allowed. Delta-9 THC is a highly restricted chemical that the DEA classifies as a Schedule I controlled substance. Delta-8 is a less intense version that provides a calming and relaxing impact. It’s not as strong as Delta-9, but it’s still a psychoactive chemical, so you get high without the acute anxiety and potential hallucinations.
Delta-8 THC provides similar health benefits as Delta-9 THC, but it’s safer, particularly for those with a weak immune system or a low threshold to THC. Delta-8 and Delta-9 products are commercially available, although Delta-8 products are more easily obtainable because they are legal at the federal level in some regions. In the end, it comes down to the individual and the high they need. If you’re new to marijuana, specifically THC, it’s not a good idea to start with Delta-9. Most people still favour Delta-8 THC because it gives similar benefits to Delta-9, but with a lower high that won’t cause you to feel insane.
