What is the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?

difference between delta-8 thc and delta-9 thc

There has been a new level of gatekeeping amongst the cannabis world since The government implemented the Federal Farm Bill of 2018 from the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA). Delta-8 THC has grown to be loved or despised by lovers and law enforcement traditional (delta-9 THC). Delta-9 fans often rant that it’s “fake weed.” And the law is infuriated that there is a legal loophole that allows citizens to get high. All while Delta-8 fans are just thankful to have a legal option. Then a year or two passes; now we are all aware that Delta-8 THC is gaining a brand new fan base that prefers D8 over D9. Why can’t they be happy for us? Don’t we all want to get high legally? And really, what’s the difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC?

Delta-8-THC

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid similar to its cousin Delta-9 THC but has some key differences. It is an analog of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that still carries major medicinal antiemetic, anti-anxiety, appetite stimulation, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties that delta-9 does. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive and cannabis plant, both hemp, and marijuana. Delta 8 is federally legal here in America, but not in all states (for reasons we will talk about).

To meet the federal guidelines of the Farm Bill of 2018, delta-8 has to be hemp-derived, maintaining a delta-9 concentration of less than 0.3%. Delta-9 THC is illegal here in Georgia because Delta-9 THC is marijuana.

The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp and its derivatives, which means that hemp-derived Delta-8 THC is legal. But federal law also prohibits everyone from using synthetic THC; there is no specificity as to what form of THC can or cannot be synthesized; it was written under the presumption that Delta-9 THC or traditional marijuana was the only existing form of THC. Delta-8 belongs to a regulatory gray area because hemp can obtain it, and this goes for all of the minor cannabinoids on the market—Delta-10, THC-O, THCv, and HHC.

Since Delta-8 is not as potent as Delta-9, the most abundant THC found in marijuana, the rules regarding legality are less clear. It is possible to obtain delta-8 THC from the rich CBD of hemp through chemical processing, which raises a tricky legality issue.

Another issue that the industry has faced is that, thus far, no federal laws are prohibiting the production of Delta-8. It is a legal product to sell as long as it is hemp-derived and maintains a percentage of 0.3% or lower in delta-9 THC. Therefore, Delta-8 products such as Delta 8 flower are more commonly found in the same legal category as CBD products. But, the CBD industry isn’t regulated, making room for a vulture-like market. Unregulated markets will always be frowned upon in America because of the past. ATLRx separates the past from the present by being transparent; there must be research before trying any delta-8 market products.

Delta-8 is found in trace amounts of a cannabis plant, which means that it is economically impractical to extract it directly from several cannabis plants. Vast quantities of D8 are converted from CBD or Cannabidiol. Delta-8 companies are working with a distillate that involves an extraction process. But that doesn’t excuse neglecting any necessary procedures to protect your clientele. ATLRx complies with the federal regulations of recreational states such as Colorado and Oregon. We use DEA-certified lab panel testing, QR Codes and do not let any new products touch the shelves until the test is immaculate. There are options to take so there are no excuses.

Delta-9 THC

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as marijuana, was first isolated in 1964 from Lebanese Hashish by the Israeli chemist Rafael Meshulam. Delta-9 is naturally produced in cannabis and cannabis plants, and Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both forms of THC. But when people generally talk about THC, they refer to Delta-9, which refers to traditional marijuana.

THC has many different components, among which delta 8 and delta 9 are very similar in molecular structure that both interact with the Endocannabinoid System or the ECS, which gives us the medicinal traits. Delta 9 binds to CB-1 receptors in the brain, leading to psychoactive effects such as euphoria, relaxation, talkativeness, and laughter. On the other hand, if it is too potent, it can cause anxiety and paranoia. Both Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC have a euphoric effect; there is a difference in their intensities. Delta-9 is around 40% stronger than delta-8. However, d8 is less likely to give you any paranoia. Users who have developed a higher THC tolerance generally prefer the level that Delta-9 provides. The two have similar properties, such as potentially stimulating appetite, reducing pain, or improving sleep, but delta-8 THC has been reported to have a lower psychoactive effect than delta-9 THC.

But most people, especially those who are new to THC or are looking for it only for its medicinal benefits, prefer Delta-8 because of its lower potency. It makes paranoia less likely, leaving room for individuals to enjoy the euphoria without the paranoia. It is more stable and mild than its powerful cousin Delta-9 THC. Many of the less desirable effects of THC, such as paranoia and anxiety, are diminished when they’re blended. CBD is a great way to bring down a high, mellowing you into a normal headspace. When CBD is added to Delta-8, it further reduces the psychotropic effects, which is why you get the benefits of Delta-8 along with CBD with little or no effect. The most significant difference between CBD and Delta-8 is their non-psychoactive and psychoactive properties.

Extractors and manufacturers have begun to isolate this cannabinoid, convert CBD into Delta-8, and taken it further to discover a plethora of cannabinoids, including the psychoactive THC-O.

After fractionation, the rapid heating, cooling, and evaporation process helps separate the compound from the plant. Therefore, extractors and manufacturers have begun to isolate this cannabinoid and convert hemp-derived CBD into Delta-8 Distillate; as a distillate, it’s flexible with all consumptions, Delta 8 gummies, vape cartridges, concentrates, and chocolates.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is by far the best known of these cannabinoids but certainly not the only potent chemical found in the cannabis flower. Since delta-8 has a different structure, it produces less noticeable effects than delta-9 THC. However, more research is needed to understand the effects of delta-8 better. The consensus is that the strength of delta 8 is about 60 percent the equivalent dose of delta 9, slightly minimizing the potential of psychological effects. Any form of THC is both a stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogenic. Delta-8 THC is unlikely to cause anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate, and blood pressure, known side effects of delta-9 THC.

The CB1 receptor in ECS is thought to regulate the mental effects of THC, so the difference in molecular binding between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC is significant for consumers.

In summary, through these studies, we can see that Delta-8 THC can help clearer and less anxiety and help relieve pain and inflammation, stimulate appetite, suppress nausea, and is generally a more accessible option to handle. We would love to see both delta-8 and Delta-9 served together, in harmony, under the same roof of a dispensary. What the future may hold, we do not know exactly. While legal states have often smeared the Delta-8 industry for it being unethical, against a code of honor, and without federal regulation, it isn’t considered an alternative; we are aware that it isn’t the truth. Delta-8 is seen as a competing market for Delta-9 because it removes the adverse side effects such as paranoia and fear.