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I’m sure you’ve heard of both Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC, but have you ever wondered what the difference is?
You’re not alone! As more states move towards the legalization of recreational and medical cannabis products, it’s important to be informed about these two compounds. We’ll break down the difference between them so that you can make an educated decision when purchasing your cannabis product. With knowledge comes power – knowing exactly how different types of cannabis can affect us will ensure we make smart choices for ourselves and enjoy safe consumption practices!
Without further ado, let’s get into the uses, health benefits, potential side effects, and real-life reviews of Delta-9 vs. Delta-8.
Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC are two distinct forms of naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. Each one carries potent psychedelic properties and drastically different effects on the body. They offer unique and all-natural medical benefits for general users and those dealing with body aches and pain, sleepiness nights, anxiety, and other internal ailments.
To understand their differences, it helps to look at their plant source – industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is high in CBD but also contains small amounts of Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC, both of which can be extracted using various techniques such as distillation or CO2 extraction. Delta-9 THC has psychoactive properties very similar to marijuana-derived THC products, making it ideal for a variety of medical uses and recreational purposes, while Delta-8 THC offers more calming and sedative intoxication like that of an Indica-strain. Since both Delta-9 and Delta-8 are derived from hemp, each comes with less risk of the unwanted side effects associated with marijuana use.
Another important thing to point out is the legalities behind it. As long both are derived from hemp, and Delta-9 THC stays below 0.30% total dry weight, you are legally allowed to purchase these types of compounds in retail stores and online shops like ours.
In terms of potency, Delta-9 THC tends to be stronger than Delta-8 due to its higher levels of concentration in the flowers of the hemp plant, but Delta-8 products tend to use higher dosages for equally strong and rejuvenating highs.
Each compound provides unique therapeutic benefits depending on your needs, whether you’re looking for something to relax you in the evening hours or a little pick-me-up during the day. Understanding the difference between these two cannabinoids is essential if you want to get the most out of your medication or recreational use experience.
After years and years of critical cannabis research, scientists have become more efficient at extracting THC from the hemp plant. But how is it done exactly?
CBD isolate is one way, but it’s not that simple—the extraction process for each compound requires specialized knowledge and skill.
The first step to extracting either is to obtain a high-quality hemp plant material. This can be done by harvesting mature flowering heads from female cannabis plants or through other methods such as carbon dioxide extraction, ethanol extraction, or supercritical fluid extraction. Whatever method a cannabis brand chooses, however, it is vital that the hemp plants are organic and free of pesticides and heavy metals. We truly believe the best Delta-9 and Delta-8 isolates come from the highest-quality source plants.
Once the raw material has been obtained, it must then be processed into an oil, tincture, paste, wax, or concentrate before undergoing further refinement processes like winterization and distillation. These steps remove unwanted impurities like chlorophyll and lipids while preserving beneficial cannabinoids like Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC.
Finally, once all impurities have been removed and isolated components separated out using chromatography techniques (like liquid chromatography), the desired end product—CBD isolate—can be extracted from the remaining solution. With this method, both Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC can then be added back into the mix if desired for use in products like edibles or topicals.
It’s a long extraction process, but being able to provide beneficial THC compounds and other cannabinoids as an alternative to prescription and pharmaceutical pills is worth every step.
The primary difference between Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC lies in their chemical structure; Delta-9 has double bonds only at its 9th carbon position, while Delta-8 has double bonds located on both the 8th and 9th positions. This slight but important variation affects how they interact with our endocannabinoid system, leading to different effects in terms of pain relief and other medical use.
For instance, some studies suggest that Delta-9 may provide more potent analgesic effects than Delta-8 due to its greater affinity for CB1 receptors. On the other hand, users report experiencing more relaxing, slightly less potent psychoactive effects with Delta-8 compared to those experienced with Delta-9 – making it ideal for discomfort and pain without feeling overwhelmed by psychotropic side effects.
Realistically, whether derived from marijuana plants or hemp, both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC can help sufferers find natural, non-habit-forming relief. For a little extra power, new research suggests combining Delta-8 with Delta-9, and the minor cannabinoid CBN is ideal for pain relief, excess inflammation, and joint & muscle soreness.
Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC, as well as other cannabinoids like Delta-10, CBD, and HHC, are derivatives of the Cannabis Sativa plant, also known as hemp. However, even with similar chemical structures, there is a crucial difference between these two compounds.
While Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form found in hemp, Delta-8 THC remains far more difficult to obtain. According to research from The University of Mississippi’s Marijuana Project, only 0.1% of all cannabinoids present in hemp plants are actually Delta-8 THC – making it hard for producers and farmers to access this compound on a large scale and leading to some brands choosing synthetic cannabinoids over the real deal.
As explained further up, by using a more advanced extraction and production process, an organic solvent, and innovative preservation techniques, high-quality brands can extract and maintain high enough levels of Delta-8 to create highly-beneficial THC products.
Part of the reason these two psychoactive compounds are so popular is that, at their core, they are natural health and wellness products. They have so many different benefits, with little-to-no risk of adverse side effects. Even compared to marijuana-derived THC, hemp-derived Delta-8 and D9 have far less risk of increased heart rate and paranoia because hemp products, in general, contain less Delta-9 THC compared to pure marijuana, or at least it’s a lot easier to control your intake.
But that’s not to say they’re for everyone. Both substances could potentially carry their own health risks depending on usage patterns and individual physiology – so it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider before using either one. Before deciding which cannabinoids might be right for you, do your research and get clear answers about what they are, how they work, and any possible side effects they might cause.
Give us a call directly if you have additional questions about which compound might be best for you.
Consuming too much Delta-9 THC derived from cannabis plants can cause a heightened feeling of anxiety or paranoia for some users. It has also been known to increase heart rate and blood pressure, as well as impair cognitive functioning due to its interaction with the central nervous system. Other possible side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, and red eyes.
The adverse effects of consuming Delta-8 THC tend to be less severe than its counterpart, but they still warrant caution when using it recreationally or for medical conditions. These may include drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, the ability to stimulate appetite, and mild anxiety at higher doses—not unlike the psychoactive experience you’d get from drinking alcohol.
So if you’re looking to experiment with either compound, it’s important that you do your own research first before diving in headfirst – no matter how tempting it may be! Start by speaking with a medical professional about potential risks associated with usage and go from there in order to make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you or not.
Thanks to recent changes in federal law, hemp-derived products, even those with higher psychoactive properties, are considered federally legal. This means that if certain requirements laid out in the Farm Bill are met, then hemp products containing Delta-8 and Delta-9 can be legally sold across the country. As long it’s correctly labeled, and the total D9 THC stays below its legal limit of 0.3%.
That being said, though federally legal, it’s still important to look up your local and State laws, as some states still have restrictions on cannabis plants, including hemp and hemp production. Most states allow the production and sale of hemp, but make sure wherever you are that you’re in full compliance with State and local laws!
Unfortunately, there’s not enough chemical difference between hemp-derived THC and marijuana-derived THC for hemp products to evade testing. If you’re subject to random or scheduled drug tests, it’s probably best to avoid any hemp product with Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC or any cannabinoids that would trigger a drug test.
For potential benefits without risking failing a drug test, there are Zero-THC options. Check out the full list of Zero-THC products we offer HERE.
Delta-9 typically has a higher concentration of THC than its counterpart Delta-8. As such, it produces more pronounced psychoactive effects when consumed. In fact, research suggests that Delta-9 can produce up to three times as much of an effect compared with Delta-8.
When choosing between these two compounds for recreational use, it all comes down to personal preference. Some users may prefer the more intense high associated with Delta-9, while others might opt for the milder experience provided by Delta-8. Ultimately, both offer reliable euphoric sensations without any harmful side effects or potential health risks. Plus, since neither requires inhalation or combustion to take effect – they’re also much safer alternatives to smoking marijuana flower or concentrates!
No matter which compound you choose, be sure to purchase products from a reputable source – preferably one backed by laboratory testing results verifying their potency and purity levels. This way, you know exactly what you’re getting before making your purchase, so you can make a confident decision based on your individual needs and preferences!
When it comes to buying Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC products, you have a few options. You can source raw plant materials from cannabis dispensaries or purchase pre-made items like edibles and tinctures that are infused with these compounds. Either way, you’re getting all the health benefits, the only difference is that pre-made items are much more convenient.
When finding trusted online retailers, there are a few things we suggest for new customers:
For trusted, high-quality hemp-derived THC, shop the BioWellnessX inventory HERE.
While both offer a wide range of relief, these two compounds can actually differ greatly. Hemp producers must take precautionary steps to ensure they comply with government regulations when using either compound in their products.
Delta-9 is known for its energizing effects, making it a popular choice among recreational users who want an alert high without feeling drowsy or sluggish.
On the other hand, Delta-8 produces more sedative effects, which help people relax and unwind after a long day. For example, one study found that patients suffering from insomnia experienced significantly better sleep quality on days when they consumed Delta-8 compared to nights when they didn’t consume any cannabinoids at all.
For these reasons, Delta-8 THC is the preferred compound for nighttime use and as a natural sleep aid.
No matter what you choose, be sure to research reputable vendors before purchasing any products containing either compound, hence, you know exactly what you’re getting into before trying them out yourself.
Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post does not constitute legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the food and drug administration FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.
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Both compounds occur naturally in the hemp and cannabis plants. As such, there are little-to-no serious side effects for either. Some adverse effects include impaired motor skills, drowsiness, dry mouth, and increased heart rate.
Simply put, Delta-8 is a slightly less potent high, but both provide euphoric full-body highs and offer a range of health effects. Delta-8 is more calming and suitable for nighttime use, and Delta-9 is more energetic and perfect for daytime use or during creative activities.
Delta-9 THC can be up to 3 times stronger than Delta-8 THC, but it’s important to check the dosage and concentration on each THC product. Experienced marijuana users will be most familiar with Delta-9 THC as it is the most common variety from marijuana plants.
Studies suggest that both D8 and D9 THC are capable of alleviating anxiety and relieving excess stress. But with Delta-8’s eighth carbon atom double bond in its molecular structure, it offers more calm and sedative effects, which could contribute to better results when fighting anxiety.
Since they’re derived from the hemp plant, both of these psychoactive compounds are technically legal at the federal level. So when shopping the THC and CBD market online, the only thing shoppers need to worry about is certain State legislatures and local laws against hemp and hemp products. The vast majority of states do not have any restrictions, but it’s important to make sure shoppers are in full compliance with the law.
