Delta 9 vs. Delta 8: What to Know

Delta 9 vs. Delta 8: What to Know

Cannabis and hemp have become a commonly used medical substance, all thanks to the research conducted on its components — CBD and THC. Therefore, nowadays, you will find several variations of Cannabis, each having different health purposes.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is further divided into various types. You should choose the THC or hemp kind depending on your requirements, medical status, and doctor’s recommendation. Another factor contributing to your choice of THC variant is your state’s laws regarding the substance. 

So, which one should you choose? Read this detailed guide to decide the right one for your needs.

What are the Common Types of THC?

THC is a natural substance present in the leaves and other flowering parts of the cannabis plant. With the advancement of science, chemists have extracted different variants of THC to serve different beneficial purposes. 

There are six common types of THC readily available in the market. These variants include Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, THCA, THCV, and THCO. 

Federally, less than 0.3% is legal; however, each state has different laws for each variant of THC. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding the product before consuming it. 

What is Delta-9 THC

 (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta-9 THC, is the most common, naturally occurring variant of THC in the cannabis plant. It is a psychoactive component that causes a person to feel high. Traditionally, this component is activated after heating the cannabis flower. 

The chemical structure of Delta-9 THC is C₂₁H₃₀O₂. It is used for both recreational and medical purposes. However, the FDA does not regulate the use of THC in dietary supplements.

Delta-9 THC Discovery

In 1964, Delta-9 THC was discovered by Bulgarian chemist Raphael Mechoulam in Israel. He is known as the father of cannabis and has provided his services in the seclusion of different cannabis components. He also isolated Cannabidiol (CBD) in 1963. 

Legal Status of Delta-9 THC

Hemp was excluded from the Federal Controlled Substance Act (CSA) in 2018 as per the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations. By Hemp, the law means any part of the cannabis plant, its extracts, isomers, and derivatives with less than the legal amount of Delta-9 THC. 

According to the Farm Bill 2018, Hemp with less than 0.3% THC is legal throughout the U.S. However, some states have different laws regarding the consumption of THC.

Few states have more strict laws about THC. Breaking those laws can result in paying the penalty or serving jail time. However, all 50 states have still removed Hemp, all its parts, derivatives, extracts, and isomers from the list of illegal substances. 

It means Hemp is currently allowed throughout the United States, with minor differences due to different interpretations of the word Hemp in various states. Currently, Oregon is the only state that has set strict dosage control of THC, restricting it to 2 mg per serving only. 

What is Delta-8 THC 

(−)-trans-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta-8 THC, is a scarcely found variant of THC in the cannabis plant. It is a synthetic compound as most of the commercially available Delta-8b THC is made synthetically. 

The chemical structure of Delta-8 THC is C21H30O2, and it is much milder than Delta-9 THC. Currently, it is not regulated by the FDA because of some potential side effects that require more research. 

Delta-8 THC Discovery

One year after discovering Delta-9 THC, Raphael Mechoulam discovered and extracted Delta-8. THC in 1965. Delta-8 THC was also commonly known as Delta-6 THC, but this name is now obsolete. Even after many years of its discovery, scientists didn’t study its full potential. 

Legal Status of Delta-8 THC 

Delta-8 is a synthetic variant of THC that is still not considered safe to use. Despite its several benefits, there are several controversies tied to this variant. Surprisingly, since it is milder, it is legal in 31 states, including: 

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
  • Washington D.C.

In contrast, some states have unclear laws about Delta-8 or have banned its consumption like Delta-9 THC entirely. Here are the states where owning, using, or selling Delta-8 THC is not allowed: 

  • Arizona
  • Alaska
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Idaho
  • Iowa
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • New York
  • Nevada
  • North Dakota
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Utah
  • Washington

Delta-9 vs. Delta-8 THC: Which One Should You Choose?

Whether you should choose Delta-9 or Delta-8 THC depends entirely on your preference. If you like to experience a euphoric high for a more extended period, delta-9 is the best option. 

In contrast, if you like a milder high paired with an instant mood boost, Delta-8 THC is what you need to try. Even though Delta-8 THC is a synthetic variant, it is equally appreciated as Delta-9 among Cannabis users. 

People who like to consume THC during the day also prefer Delta-8. However, Delta-9 is ideal for an undisturbed sleep at night, making it a favorite among night users. 

Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC Product Buying Guide

Whether you buy Delta-9 or Delta-8 products, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to get your hand on the ideal product. Here are a few points to consider before buying THC:  

Certificate of Analysis 

Finding a trusted seller is the most crucial step to getting the right THC product for yourself. When searching for a brand, go through its Certificate of Analysis (COA). It is a necessary step as it proves whether the advertised ingredient list is correct or not. 

Furthermore, it also determines the correct potency and the number of contaminants in the product. A high-quality brand will always share the COA with its customers to ensure 100% transparency. 

The Potency of the Product 

Potency is a product’s strength that determines how quickly and efficiently it will show its effects. Make sure to understand the potency of the THC product to prevent any intoxication in the future. With the new cultivation and extraction methods, manufacturers are creating more potent THC that can be pretty harmful. 

If you are a beginner, start off with a less potent product, then slowly work your way up. For example, most THC products have 60 to 80% potency, which is relatively high for beginners. 

Extraction Method

The way THC is extracted from the plant also plays a significant role in the quality of the product. The two major categories of THC extraction are solvent-based and solvent-less. Each extraction method has its pros and cons. 

So make sure to thoroughly research the brand’s preferred extraction method to understand what quality of THC you will be getting. Why? Because it is crucial to know every detail about the drug you will consume daily, 

Source of Hemp 

The farms where the brand has sourced its hemp determine the quality of the product. If the hemp is from a registered and quality-controlled farm, there will be fewer contaminants and impurities in the product. 

Premium quality brands also opt for organic and ethically grown hemp farms. It does not only make their product high quality, their brand responsible but helps the environment stay cleaner. 

Manufacturer’s Reputation 

Next, you need to research the brand you select. There are several THC brands in the market with a variety of products. These products include gummies, capsules, vapes, cartridges, edibles, oils, and topicals. 

Before you invest your money go through user reviews to understand what this brand is offering. No brand will advertise its shortcomings. Therefore, it is essential to read authentic testimonials to understand your desired THC product. 

Price Tag

Lastly, the price of the product is essential. You do not have to go over your budget to get a good product. Many prime quality brands offer effective products at a reasonable price rate.

With a little bit of research, you can find the exact product you need at a much lower cost. However, most Delta-8 THC products are relatively expensive due to their scarcity in nature and extensive procedure to manufacture them synthetically. 

Therefore, the prices of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products may vary. 

Availability of THC Products

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products are readily available online in the states where it is legal. You can order these products from a renowned e-store like Direct CBD Online. They have a complete collection of THC and CBD products, including:

cbdMD delta 9 thc gummies 10 mg cherry and blue razz next to each other - Direct CBD Online

Edibles

THC edibles include flavorful gummies like cbdMD CBD Oil Gummies. 

Capsules

cbdMD delta 9 thc microdose softgel capsules 1mg - Direct CBD Online

A popular THC capsule is cbdMD Micro Dose Capsules. 

These products are also available in registered physical stores. You might need to show your I.D. to access THC products. Only buy from reputed brands to prevent any scam or potential damage. 

FAQs 

Some of the most frequently asked questions about Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC are: 

Does Delta-9 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

Delta-9 THC is an intoxicating element that can accumulate inside our bodies. Since it causes the person to feel high and impair their senses, people are tested for this drug in various aspects of their life. 

THC can easily appear in a urine test, even after 90 days of consumption. It takes a long while to flush out of your body correctly. Since it stays in your saliva or tongue for only 24 hours, you may pass an oral drug test after a day. 

Does Delta-8 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes, Delta-9 THC can also show up on a drug test. Even though it is milder, it is still a variant of THC, which accumulates in our blood for up to 90 days. It is pretty similar in structure to Delta-9 THC except for one double bond in carbon. 

Therefore Delta-8 might even show up as Delta-9 in a presumptive test. Furthermore, it can also show up on blood, urine, or oral tests. 

Is Delta-8 THC Superior to Delta-9 THC?

Delta-8 THC is quite similar to Delta-9 THC and contains more qualities than its older variant. So yes, it is considered superior among cannabis users because of fewer side effects, milder highs, and a quicker mood-boosting quality. 

Delta-8 THC is also not the most suitable for smoking. Therefore, it is also considered a cleaner way of consuming THC. With a little more research about Delta-8 THC, it can become even more popular than Delta-9 THC. 

It is also legal in more states than Delta-9 despite being synthetic. 

Are There Any Possible Drug Interactions With Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC? 

Yes, both THC variants can interact with certain medicines. Delta-9 THC can react with common sedatives, pain killers, antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, and anticoagulants. Therefore, it is essential to consult your doctor before incorporating THC into your everyday life. 

Since there isn’t much research about Delta-8 THC drug interactions, doctors suggest avoiding using any form of THC with the medication mentioned above. Using Delta-9 or Delta-8 THC in combination with these drugs can either lower its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. 

What is the Difference Between CBD and THC? 

CBD and THC are both components of the Cannabis plant. CBD is the non-psychoactive part of the plant known for its healing properties. It is ideal for daytime use as well since it does not cause intoxication. 

On the contrary, THC is a highly addictive, psychoactive component of the plant. It is known to cause a euphoric high that gives it a bad reputation. However, there are many potential benefits of using THC daily in small doses. 

Conclusion 

We hope you can differentiate between both variants of THC with the help of this article. You can make better and informed decisions regarding which one you should choose. 

However, consult with a professional or research online to understand your state’s laws regarding THC. 

Whether you choose Delta-9 or Delta-8 also depends on your preference. Some people prefer Delta-8 over Delta-9 as this variant does not get you too high. 

Keep in mind that you can only choose the suitable THC variant for your medical issues with complete knowledge. So, ensure to research before consuming THC.

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