How is Delta-8 different from Delta-9?

September 10, 2021

After the 2018 Farm Bill, the legal status and usage patterns of cannabis products have constantly changed. One of the products that are popular amongst cannabis users is Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 is similar to Delta 9 in some aspects but has differences from Delta-9 too.

There is not much research on either of the substances due to the taboo related to cannabis products. However, various user accounts and existing studies prove the benefits and implications of cannabis products. We can expect more research on it in the future to obtain evidence for the claims and use them.

Its unique qualities are what make it so attractive to users who choose it over Delta 9. If you, too, want to try out Delta-8, there are some things you should know about Delta-9. With a wide array of Delta-8 products available on the market right now, many new users want to try it out. Before you experience it for yourself, here is everything you need to know about it.

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Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, similar to Delta-9 THC. It interacts with our endocannabinoid system to help provide relief from pain, anxiety, inflammation, etc. In addition, it also gives the user a high, but it is quite different from that of Delta-9. 

However, it comes mostly from hemp plants that do not have a high THC content, to begin with. However, the legal status of hemp is more liberal than that of Delta-9 due to its origin. 

Also, it comes from CBD, derived through ‘isomerization.’ Since it comes from industrial hemp and not marijuana, it is much more accessible to many people across the States.

After changing the arrangement of CBD to create Delta-8, you get pure Delta-8 which might not be a lot but is very intense. Delta-8 then goes into numerous products such as vape juice, rolls, gummies, etc. Overall, not only is Delta-8 more accessible to many people across various states, but it also has different and better results than Delta-9 does in many aspects. 

What is Delta-9?

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol gets simplified to THC. Delta-9 is probably the most common form of THC found in cannabis plants. It is a psychoactive substance that gives the user a euphoric and slightly mind-altering experience after consumption. It is one of the main reasons people use cannabis, although other implications have arisen with research.

Delta-9 comes from marijuana plants, and people usually use it along with the other cannabinoids present in the marijuana plant for a better effect. Apart from achieving a euphoric effect, people also use Delta-9 to deal with anxiety, pain, etc. However, Delta-9 users experience more inconveniences than others. A WHO report on Delta-9 also stated how Delta-9 comes with numerous side effects like vomiting, nausea, anxiety, etc.

Delta-9 interacts with the cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid system similarly. In addition, the effects it has are certainly more intense and mind-altering if you compare it with Delta-8. Also, the legal status of Delta-9 is murky due to it coming from marijuana plants and not industrial hemp.

What Does Delta-8 Feel like?

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One of the crucial features of Delta-8 that sets it apart from Delta-9 is its balanced psychoactive effects on the user. It does not have as intense of effect as Delta-9 yet gives a euphoric and fuzzy feeling. A study of the effects of Delta-9 on users concluded that it comes with plenty of desired and undesired effects. 

The high that comes with Delta-9 is intoxicating and may be too intense for some users. In addition, the high users experienced various adverse effects after consuming THC. These effects ranged from minor nausea and vomiting to paranoia, increased anxiety, and short-term memory impairment. These adverse effects often hold people back from enjoying the medicinal properties of cannabis products.

For people who want to enjoy the medical benefits of THC or relax after a tough day, the adverse effects discourage them. Consequently, more people turn to Delta-8 since it has a smoother high. With Delta-8, you will not have all the adverse effects but feel euphoric and fight anxiety and stress.

What are the famous products of Delta-8 in 2021?

There are plenty of retailers who specialize in various Delta-8 products. But since these products do not have the FDA’s approval, it is essential to choose a trusted brand. Here are some of the most popular Delta-8 products that users appreciate in 2021-

  • Budpop Delta-8– Budpop is a newer company in the Delta-8 business, but it is a game-changer due to its many advantages. Its products are of the best quality and are always third-party tested. It also provides a wide array of products to choose from, so there is something for everyone. It is such a reputed brand that it even earned a feature on Forbes.
  • Exhale Delta-8– One of the most reputed brands in the Delta-8 market, Exhale specializes in the best Delta-8 strains. Exhale has such a wide variety of Delta-8 strains available for multiple purposes that you will have endless options to explore. Their products are also third-party tested and of optimum quality. They have some of the best gummies, flowers and rolls out there.
  • Delta EFFEX– Another example of an established and successful brand in the market for a long time, Delta EFFEX provides the ultimate quality products. They always abide by the federal laws and ensure that they only produce the best products. Their products are third party tested and have an intricate production process to create the highest quality products.

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How can you detect Delta-8 in cannabis?

The process of detecting and extracting it from industrial hemp is a complicated one. Consequently, Delta-8 is slightly on the expensive side. Without a doubt, it is worth it due to all its benefits. The distinct structure of Delta-8 is what makes it unique, and a PubChem report explains it in great detail alongside other characteristics.

To derive Delta-8, producers first derive CBD out of the industrial hemp. Once they take out CBD, it gets rearranged and restructured to form Delta-8 THC. However, even after this tedious process, the amount of Delta-8 is not a lot. But since the derived product is so potent, a little goes a long way, and the price difference between the two isn’t even that drastic.

The difference and distinguishing feature of Delta-8 is that the double bond is on the eighth chain in Delta-8 while it’s on the 9th chain in Delta-9 THC. This minor difference between the two is what makes all the difference. While Delta-9 majorly only interacts with the CB-1 receptor (leading to psychoactive effects), it interacts with both CB-1 and CB-2(leading to health benefits). To sum it up, Delta-8 is beneficial and yet slightly psychoactive, so it has the best of both worlds.

Does Delta-8 have medical potential?

Due to the lack of research on cannabis products in general, these products haven’t yet received the FDA’s approval. While we wait for that and more research into various fields, we have some evidence and user accounts that prove that Delta-8 is indeed helpful in alleviating multiple health problems. Here are some of them:

  • Appetite StimulationStudies have shown that Delta-8 can act as an appetite stimulant if taken in appropriate doses. Consequently, it holds immense potential for fighting eating disorders and helps fight drastic weight loss.
  • Pain and Anxiety- Delta-8 THC can actively reduce pain and anxiety and help with other problems like inflammation, stress, etc. Since it interacts with our endocannabinoid system, relief is also quicker than traditional medication.
  • Nausea Reduction- THC is proven to reduce nausea and vomiting in individuals. With the correct dosage, it can effectively control nausea and helps do so for cancer patients.
  • Improved Sleep- unlike Delta-9, Delta-8 has a balanced high, which reduces anxiety and calms the user. It can lead to better sleep in individuals and help achieve better quality sleep too.
  • Neuroprotective Properties- Though there is a lack of research, some studies show that Delta-8 may help preserve brain functions. 

delta 9

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Conclusion

We have seen how Delta-8 and Delta-9 differ in structures, effects, and side effects. To put it briefly, Delta-8 is a superior variant to Delta-9 due to its balanced high medicinal properties, and lesser side effects. Furthermore, its origin from industrial hemp also adds to its benefits and makes it more accessible to users across various states.Given these facts, we can say that it is an ideal cannabis product for new and old users. For beginners who want to enjoy the benefits but do not want the extreme psychoactive effects of cannabis, Delta-8 is best. You, too, can try out Delta-8 THC and enjoy all the medicinal benefits as well as the euphoric effect it has to offer. Just make sure to check the laws of your state and opt for a known brand, and you will be ready to explore the wonders of Delta-8.

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