The Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC

Delta 8 & Delta 9 are two forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found naturally in cannabis plants. Learn more about their differences & effects.

The Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most potent form of THC found naturally in the cannabis plant, making it easier to extract and more frequently smoked. However, delta-8-THC is about half as potent. When it comes to adverse effects, delta-8 and delta-9 differ in their potential for intoxication and their side effects. Delta-9 produces a stronger high than delta-8, thus increasing the risk of overconsumption and adverse effects.

Some users of delta-8 can also feel the effects of excessive consumption if they exceed their tolerance to THC. Generally, it is accepted that delta 8 is approximately half as strong as the equivalent dose of delta 9, at least in terms of psychoactive effects. Other effects may be on par with Delta 9, or even stronger; for example, Delta 8 has a remarkable calming action. Most people who use Delta 8 for non-recreational purposes take a lower dose than they would with Delta 9 THC products.

When it comes to choosing between THC delta-8 or delta-9 THC products, it ultimately depends on the experience you want and whether you care about the legal status of the delta-8.Both are cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant, with delta-9 being the most common. However, if the delta-8 THC product contains concentrations of delta-9 THC, a drug test may show a positive result for THC. Delta-8 THC is slightly more expensive than THC delta 9 and requires about twice as much to get an equivalent intensity level, but it's worth it for people who want the benefits of THC but feel that it overwhelms them too much. If this is your first time consuming it, delta-8 THC may seem like CBD's natural next step compared to trying it right away.

At a given dose, THC delta 9 is more likely to cause unpleasant effects than HHC or THC delta 8 because of its greater potency. It is impossible to say definitively that delta-8 THC does not give a positive result in a drug test, since it depends on the quality and content of the specific product used, as well as the type of drug test administered. Once extracted from biomass in a concentrate, both delta-8 THC and DELTA-9 THC extract can be used to create various infusion products such as edibles, extracts, vaping cartridges, tinctures, topical products, capsules and transdermal patches. Depending on quality, quantity and other factors, both can produce intoxicating psychoactive effects or a “high”.Before betting on the delta-8 trend, there is a chemical difference to observe between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC which creates different effects.

Research on the long-term use of delta-9 THC and its effects on sleep is limited; some studies show an improvement in sleep patterns while others indicate that chronic use of delta-9 THC may have the opposite effect since it alters sleep and delays its onset. Delta-8 THC is popular with many cannabis users especially those who do not have legal access to delta-9 THC.

Christy Cancio
Christy Cancio

Typical coffee fanatic. Evil bacon junkie. Proud food junkie. Wannabe zombie maven. Subtly charming travel maven.