Delta 8 vs Delta 9

If you’ve frequented a CBD dispensary in the last year or so, you’ve probably heard at least a little bit about Delta 8 THC. You may have seen Delta 8 products for sale, even in states where THC still isn’t legal for medical and/or recreational consumption. Some people assume that it’s just a weaker strain of THC, but that isn’t quite the case.

More people have experience with Delta 9 THC, because until recently, it has been easier to find and occurs in higher concentrations. Let’s look at the properties of Delta 9 before explaining Delta 8.

What is Delta 9 THC?

Usually, when people talk about THC, they are talking about the Delta 9 variant. It stands for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the active chemical that produces the “high” that so many people associate with marijuana. It binds with your cannabinoid receptors to create this effect.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is also a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants. The molecular structure is very similar to that of Delta 9 THC. However, it occurs in much smaller quantities than Delta 9 THC. It will also bind with cannabinoid receptors, but the effects are quite a bit different than that of Delta 9.

How Delta 8 and Delta 9 Affect You Differently

Despite their similarities in molecular structure, Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC do not affect you in the same way. They bind with some of the same receptors, but their slight chemical variations mean that you will feel quite a bit different after consuming Delta 8 than you would after consuming Delta 9.

Delta 9 THC has a wider range of more intense effects. Some of these could be positive – such as euphoria, pain relief, and excessive laughter. However, many people report negative effects like paranoia, anxiety, and depersonalization. This is due to the psychoactive nature of the chemical, which may be uncomfortable for many people.

Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, does not induce such an intense “high” feeling. Instead, it works more slowly and tends to produce milder effects of relaxation and pain relief. It can still stimulate the appetite and help with sleep, but the effects aren’t as pronounced as they might be with Delta 9 THC.

Is Delta 8 Right for you?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to Delta 8 vs Delta 9. Some people can enjoy the psychoactive properties of Delta 9 THC without becoming paranoid or anxious. However, they will likely still be impaired from both a motor skill and cognitive standpoint.

Delta 8 doesn’t seem to impair cognitive function as much as Delta 9, but still provides many of the benefits. It is also legal anywhere that hemp-derived CBD can be sold, so it may be easier to find.

Ultimately, if you’d like to receive some of the calming effects of THC without having to deal with the intensity, Delta 8 could be an excellent solution for you.