What’s the difference between Delta 8 vs. Delta 9?
Delta 8 and delta 9 THC are two completely different cannabinoids that offer unique results to every person. But, when you compare delta 8 vs. delta 9, which one makes for a better cannabis experience?
In case you’re torn between delta 9 and delta 8 products — or maybe you just aren’t sure what the main differences are between the two — we’ve got you covered. Below, we’re talking about all the primary ways that delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC differ: from potency to legality and everything in between.
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9: Are They Both THC?
At first glance, understanding the difference between delta 8 and delta 9 THC may be a bit confusing, simply because they sound so similar. However, just because both cannabinoids are THC variants doesn’t mean they are the same compound.
Yes, both delta 8 and delta 9 are THC variants. But, they have different chemical structures that then lead to different results in the body.
Typically, when people talk about “THC” in general, they are referring to delta 9 THC. But, it is important to specify these days, especially with how many different cannabinoids are available on the market.
But, before we talk about the difference between delta 8 and delta 9 THC, let’s take the time to define them both. This way, you have a bit of a better understanding of what these compounds have to offer.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. However, the delta 8 cannabinoid is a minor one: this means that it is only present in trace amounts naturally within the plant, so it doesn’t have as abundant of a presence as other compounds.
Because of its low percentage in cannabis plants, this cannabinoid hadn’t been looked into or worked with extensively until the past few years. But, thanks to recent scientific advancements and legalities, it’s allowed the industry to better understand delta 8 THC and work with it in ways we hadn’t been able to before.
This cannabinoid is a THC variant, so it does have similar properties to delta 9 THC. That being said, delta 8 THC is a psychoactive compound. It is not a cannabinoid you want to consume if you’re trying to avoid getting high — as it’ll probably get you a bit intoxicated!
However, many people do enjoy delta 8 THC for its ability to get you high while also promoting more calming, soothing properties. The combination is becoming well sought-after for many consumers, making delta 8 THC a hot commodity on the market today.
Even though it hasn’t been popular for too long, there are still tons of delta 8 products available. You can find delta 8 THC in practically any form you’d like, including flower, tinctures, edibles, topicals, and more.
What is Delta 9 THC?
Now that we’ve covered delta 8 THC, let’s talk about delta 8, instead.
Delta 9 THC is the most abundant psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It has the highest levels of presence alongside CBD (its non-psychoactive counterpart).
This cannabinoid is most famous for its intoxicating properties. Essentially, everyone knows cannabis for the euphoria that it brings, and you can thank the delta 9 THC for those results specifically. Delta 9 also offers myriad supportive health benefits that are helpful to consumers, too, including pain relief and boosts in mood.
Just like delta 8 THC, the effects of delta 9 THC are going to vary from person to person. But, it’s important to recognize that at the most basic level, delta 9 THC is going to get you high — even higher than delta 8.
The powerful psychoactive effects of delta 9 are best for experienced consumers who have been in the world of weed for quite some time now.
As we mentioned above, delta 9 THC is the cannabinoid that most people are referring to when they just say THC. This is because, until recently, other forms of THC weren’t widely known to the mainstream market! But, now that delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10 are all popular, it’s important to clarify which one is being referred to.
Of course, you can find delta 9 products in various forms. There is top-shelf delta 9 flower, D9 edibles, topicals, tinctures, moon rocks, pre-rolls, and so much more. Plus, thanks to certain guidelines, you can even buy these cannabis products online.
What is the Difference Between Delta 8 and Delta 9?
Now that you’re familiar with what delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC are, let’s compare them directly. What’s the difference between delta 8 and delta 9? Let’s find out.
Is Delta 9 Stronger Than Delta 8?
One of the biggest differences between delta 8 and delta 9 THC is the potency. Both delta 8 and delta 9 are psychoactive compounds; however, delta 9 is going to be much stronger than delta 8.
Studies show that delta 9 THC tends to be about twice as potent as delta 8 THC in terms of effects. The cannabinoid is very powerful, providing full-bodied psychoactive effects that tend to last for quite a while. This can be great for those with high tolerances to cannabis or chronic pain conditions.
Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is touted as the more gentle “nicer” younger sibling. This cannabinoid is going to get you high, but the results will be much less intense. These effects are described as more relaxing and mild, making them good for people who find delta 9 too strong.
In other words, if you have 20 mg of delta 9 THC and 20 mg of delta 8 THC, you will find that the 20 mg of D9 is going to feel much stronger than the 20 mg of D8.
This discrepancy in potency is likely due to the chemical composition of the cannabinoid itself. The main difference between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC is the location of the double-bond structure on the molecules themselves. This double-bonding happens on the ninth atom for D9, and on the eighth atom for D8.
Scientists believe that this difference in location affects the cannabinoid’s ability to bind to the receptors in the body, making delta 9 a bit more susceptible to our CB1 and CB2 receptors. Thus, the cannabinoid produces more noticeable effects.
When asking the question: which is stronger: delta 8 or delta 9? Delta 9 THC is going to be more powerful than delta 8 THC, producing stronger intoxicating effects. This is very important to keep in mind when determining which product is right for you: are you searching for something stronger, or are you wanting something a bit more gentle? Consider the severity of your medical conditions, as well. When it comes to a drug test, consumers must understand that both D9 and D8 may be easily detected, so it’s best to approach with caution, especially if you have a drug test coming up.
Delta 9 vs. Delta 8 Legality
Next, let’s compare delta 8 vs. delta 9 legality. And, buckle up, as things get a little confusing here.
At the federal level, delta 8 THC products are technically legal federally as long as they follow certain guidelines. Essentially, hemp-derived delta 8 THC is legal on the federal level if it doesn’t have more than 0.3% THC. But, if it follows that guideline and comes from hemp plants, then it is federally legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill.
However, this doesn’t mean that delta 8 is legal in all 50 states. Even though it’s permitted federally, many states have started implementing bans on the cannabinoid, making it illegal in many places around the country. Today, more than 14 states have banned the compound. Thus, you cannot access D8 or delta 8 products in any place where the cannabinoid isn’t legal.
The legality of delta 9 THC, on the other hand, is the opposite.
At the federal level, any more than 0.3% delta 9 THC is federally illegal. The US. The marijuana plant, as a whole, is federally illegal. This means that it is entirely up to the states to legalize or permit the cannabinoid.
Thankfully, many states have legalized cannabis or cannabis plants in some capacity. Almost 40 states have legalized the plant either medically or recreationally, granting access to delta 9 THC in those areas. And, hemp-derived delta 9 THC is becoming more popular, as it also follows the 2018 Farm Bill guidelines.
For medical patients, obtained medical cannabis in the form of delta nine or delta eight may be done by way of a prescription. But, if you’re buying delta 8 or delta 9 THC products for recreational use, it’s important to double-check that they follow the regulations surrounding THC isomers in your area.
Is Delta 9 Natural?
Another main difference between delta 8 and delta 9 THC is how the compound is created.
Delta 9 THC is a 100% natural cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. This means that the plant naturally curates it and produces it in large quantities. Its large presence makes it easy to work with, allowing professionals to effortlessly extract and utilize delta 9 extract. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 THC, while naturally occurring, doesn’t occur in large enough amounts in the plant. Because its presence is so minute, it makes it nearly impossible for extractors to work with. Thus, they’ve turned to making the cannabinoid in labs, instead.
To make delta 8 THC, manufacturers will take hemp-derived CBD (or even THC) and rearrange the molecular structure of the cannabinoid using a process called isomerization. Once the D8 extract has been made, professionals can then use it to make other products, such as delta 8 flower, edibles, or tinctures.
But, all of this does mean that the delta 8 cannabis products you see on the market are all synthetic. All of the delta 8 in these products have been curated in a lab, relying on professional extractors and chemists to do the hard part.
So, when you compare delta-8 vs delta-9, it becomes apparent how much more natural delta 9 is than delta 8 — at least when you buy it on the market.
Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System Longer Than Delta 9?
While delta 8 and delta 9 have different potencies, both cannabinoids are said to stay in the body for a similar amount of time. This is likely due to their chemical composition and how alike they are.
How long delta 8 or delta 9 stays in the body does depend on the person, as well as the product that you consume. The stronger a product, the longer it is likely to hang around in the body. And, if you’re someone who has a fast metabolism or low body fat, the cannabinoid will also probably leave the body quicker than someone with a slower metabolism or higher levels of body fat.
The more frequently you consume delta 8 or delta 9 THC, the longer it’s going to stay in the body, as well. If you very rarely consume the cannabinoids, they will likely leave the body after about 24-72 hours. However, if you have D8 or D9 a few times a week, it’s going to be present for about a week or so, most likely.
Finally, daily consumers will find that they may still test positive for D8 or D9 even weeks after stopping consumption.
Can You Buy Delta 8 and Delta 9 Products Online?
Delta 8 and delta 9 products are both federally legal when they follow the regulations of the 2018 Farm Bill. This means that you absolutely can buy D8 and D9 products online.
What to Look For
When shopping for D8 or D9 online, it’s important to pay attention to where you’re buying your products from, ensuring it is a reputable company that follows federal guidelines. If you find a delta 8 or delta 9 product that you like but cannot find information regarding ingredients, third-party testing, or extraction, then it’s best to move on.
A good cannabinoid brand will guarantee that its COAs are updated and readily available, and all other product information is readable in the description. There shouldn’t be any guessing when it comes to cannabinoids, even delta 9 vs. 8.
Finally, although you can buy Delta 8 and Delta 9 cannabis products online, you have to first research the laws in your area regarding these cannabinoids. If Delta 8 or Delta 9 are illegal where you live, you won’t be able to get these products shipped to you.
If you do live where Delta 8 and Delta 9 are legal, and you’re wanting to buy some high-quality products online, you don’t have to look any further than Try the CBD.
Try the CBD offers a great selection of both Delta 8 and Delta 9. If you’re debating between Delta 8 vs Delta 9 gummies, you can both of them right on our website and see which one works best for your mind and body. Plus, we always have updated COAs for you to view; this way, you can purchase our cannabis products with complete confidence.
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9: Which is Better?
Now that you know the difference between delta 8 and 9, it’s time to determine which cannabinoid is better for you.
It’s important to recognize that when compared directly, we cannot say that one is better than the other. They’re two unique compounds! Instead, the cannabinoids may have properties that resonate more with you than the other one.
In order to determine which cannabinoid is better for your lifestyle, you need to ask yourself about potency preferences and effects.
If you’re someone who is seeking more mild, gentle effects, then delta 8 THC is going to be the better cannabinoid for you. But, if you want a compound that’s stronger — or you have more chronic conditions — then delta 9 THC is going to act as an ideal option.
In general, delta 8 THC appears to be better for relaxation than delta 9, but D9 may be better for boosting mood and motivation than D8. Thus, you have to establish what kind of effects you’re hoping to experience, and then find the cannabinoid that most aligns with those results. And, whether it is delta 8 THC, delta 9 THC, or even CBD, Try the CBD has the perfect products for you.
So, is delta 8 better than delta 9? That’s simply up to you and your personal preferences. While you may enjoy D8 more than D9, others may find that delta 9 is the cannabinoid for them. And that’s the beauty of cannabis!
Where to Buy the Best Delta 8 and Delta 9 Products Online
When comparing delta 9 versus delta 8, it’s clear that these two cannabinoids offer unique properties that people of all backgrounds can benefit from. Whether you’re interested in mild highs or stronger highs, relaxing properties or more stimulating ones, delta 8 and delta 9 THC have amazing things to offer. You just have to determine which one is best for you.
If you’re interested in trying products like Delta 8 and Delta 9 gummies, or Delta 8 Vape Pen, Try the CBD is here to give you everything you need and more. We offer a great selection of high-quality, affordable products that all come with copies of updated COAs to prove quality and purity.
The next time you’re wanting to buy Delta 8 or Delta 9 products, Try the CBD has the selection for you.
