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

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

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So you've just found out that there's more than one type of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Now you're asking, "What is the difference between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC?"

Well, you've come to the right place- Don't worry, we're not going to drone on and on about chemistry. Instead, we'll put everything in plain, simple, easy-to-understand terms.

What is THC?

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a compound that can be found in cannabis (aka "cannabinoid"). Nothing too complex.

THC is commonly referred to in the context of marijuana, specifically Delta-9 THC. What you should know is that Delta-9 is not the only type of THC out there. There are several variants, which include Delta-8 THC. The significance of any cannabinoid, in general, is that it binds to the cannabinoid receptors of your endocannabinoid system.

"Cannabinoid receptors? Endocannabinoid system?"

Don't stress. In your body, you have an endocannabinoid system. It's a nerve signaling system that helps maintain stable conditions and functions.

There are also substances produced in your body called endocannabinoids which activate the cannabinoid receptors in this system. THC also happens to activate these receptors. Because of varying chemical structures, different types of THC (such as Delta-8 and Delta-9) and other cannabinoids like CBD create different reactions with these receptors.

What Are the Effects of Cannabinoids?

Woman with cannabis buds

As we mentioned earlier, THC is a cannabinoid. So what are some of the effects of these types of compounds? The answer is a bit complex. That's because there are at least 113 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis.

Some of the most well-known cannabinoids are:
  • Delta-9 THC
  • Delta-8 THC
  • Cannabidiol (CBD)
However, there are also a lot of others that are not as well known, which include:
  • Cannabichromevarin (CBCV)
  • Cannabichromevarinic acid (CBCVA)
  • Cannabicyclol (CBL)
  • Cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA)
  • Cannabicyclovarin (CBLV)
  • 10-Ethoxy-9-hydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol
  • 8,9-Dihydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol
  • Cannabitriol (CBT)
  • Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ8-THCA)
  • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid (THCA-C1)
  • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
  • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA)
  • Cannabifuran (CBF)
  • Cannabiglendol
  • Cannabiripsol (CBR)
  • Cannbicitran (CBT)
So the answer to this question? There is no definite answer that can accurately describe the general effects of cannabinoids since they vary so widely.

However, we can dive deeper into specific cannabinoids such as Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC.

What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is the most prominent cannabinoid in cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana. The name comes from the fact that it has a chemical bond on its 9th carbon chain.

Effects of Delta-9 THC can include:
  • Feelings of euphoria
  • Increased sensory awareness
  • Changes in perception
Like all cannabinoids, Delta-9's effects can vary from person to person. Compared to other cannabinoids, Delta-9 can seem like it's the most "intense." Delta-9, when extracted from hemp and at a 0.3% concentration by dry weight or lower, is legal in all 50 states. Yes…all 50 states (as of this writing). Be sure to check with your state laws and your physician before trying Delta-9 THC.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is not as prominent in the cannabis plant. It appears only in small amounts in industrial hemp.

Hemp and marijuana are the same species; the differentiation is mainly legal. In the United States, hemp is cannabis with levels at or less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 is known to have several effects, which include:
  • Uplifting feelings
  • Relaxation 
  • Sense of wellbeing
Delta-8 is federally legal, as of the 2018 Farm Bill, which considered all cannabinoids derived from hemp, but it is not legal in several states. It came under threat in Texas in 2021. However, Hometown Hero fought against this proposed ban, and we won.

Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC 

There are some qualities of Delta-8 THC that you may find favorable to Delta-9.

Although Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both THC forms, they have different reactions, and those reactions can vary from person to person.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Delta-8 exhibits lower potency than Delta-9.

People with a sensitivity to the effects of cannabinoids may find the impact of Delta-8 more manageable than the effects of Delta-9. Even with that considered, we encourage you to take care in your approach to trying Delta-8 THC. 

Another critical consideration with Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 is legality. Materials containing Delta-9 THC levels greater than 0.3% are considered Schedule I controlled substances. Delta-8, on the other hand, is legal on a federal level through the 2018 Farm BillDelta-9 is legal in some form or another in some states.

In other states, it's illegal in all forms. You may find that Delta-8 is legal in your state, which prohibits Delta-9. You may also find that in states where Delta-9 is legal, some of the restrictions applied to Delta-9 do not apply to Delta-8.

Laws regarding Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC vary from state to state. It is best to take time to do your research to make sure that whichever form of THC you desire to consume complies with your local laws.

Can You Mix Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC?

You can mix Delta-9 and Delta-8 THCHowever, there are a lot of things you need to consider before doing so.

Here are just a few of them:
  • Your state’s laws on Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC
  • Consulting your doctor about taking Delta-8 and Delta-9 products
  • Determining how these types of products affect you
  • Cannabinoids can have a range of effects, and there's a range of laws in their regard.
Make sure you consult medical experts and comply with local laws.

Is Delta-9 Better Than Delta-8?

When it comes to whether or not Delta 9 is better than Delta 8, or vice versa, the answer will depend on each person. Some will enjoy one, while others will prefer the other. Either way, it is up to you to determine which one is more appealing.

Each compound offers different effects with a unique experience, so by trying them individually, you’ll be able to find your favorite and give feedback to others confidently.

Where to Buy Delta-8 THC Online

Curious about trying Delta-8 THC? Not sure if there's any store that sells it near you? You can order it online! At Hometown Hero, we offer a wide variety of Delta-8 THC products, all directly extracted from hemp. Plus, through Hometown Hero, every purchase you make goes towards helping out veterans.

Here is just a range of the products we offer:
And more developments are on the horizon!

Conclusion

What is the difference between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC? They’re both forms of THC, but in a different chemical arrangement with different effects.

Here's a review of everything we covered:
  • THC is a cannabinoid that binds to cannabinoid receptors
  • Delta-9 and Delta-8 are two forms of THC, but there are others
  • Marijuana contains concentrated amounts of Delta-9 THC
  • Hemp contains trace amounts of Delta-8 THC
  • Delta-8 and Delta-9 have the same chemical formula but with different arrangements and, thus, effects
  • There are too many cannabinoids to give a definite answer on their exact effects
  • You may favor Delta-8 over Delta-9 because of its milder effects or its legal status, depending on your state
  • You can mix Delta-8 and Delta-9, but it is best to consult with a medical professional and check your state laws before doing so
Until next time, happy exploring, and mind your mind!

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.

This Legal Disclaimer is incorporated by reference and subject to our Terms of Service which you agree to by using this website.

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