Key Differences Between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC
By Ryan Najjar
If you keep up with cannabis news, you may have first heard about Delta 8 THC a few years back. Some call the buds “fake weed”, others call them a different “type” of weed, and the debates are heated & ongoing.
What is it, though? How does it compare to the standard Delta 9 THC?
What is Delta 8 THC?
Let’s define Delta 8 via comparison. Delta 9 THC, you may recognize, is the most prominent cannabinoid out of the hundreds in cannabis. It’s responsible for the high weed offers, and many partially judge a strain’s quality by its Delta 9 percentage.
The name similarity between it and Delta 8 may lead you to think the latter’s nearly identical, but key differences stand between Delta 9 and its emerging counterpart.
What’re the Differences Between Delta 8 and Delta 9?
We have a few key ways we can distinguish Delta 8 from Delta 9. There are more differences than we’ll be laying out here, which we will hopefully explain in future articles, but let’s start here.
Legality & Regulation
As it turns out, unlike Delta 9, Delta 8 is federally legal in the USA! As long as your specific state hasn’t illegalized it, which some have, it’s only subject to the same laws as hemp with less than .3% Delta 9 THC. In turn, you can find it anywhere from the CBD shop to the gas station.
Availability & Pricing
It’s important to consider there’s far less Delta 8 than Delta 9 in the average cannabis plant. Some are bred for higher concentrations of the former, although their buds tend to be more expensive than comparable Delta 9 offerings.
Effects & Dosage Recommendation
Although the effects vary from person to person, there seems to be a consensus that Delta 8 offers a mild, even-tempered version of the typical Delta 9 high.
The University at Buffalo found as much in their Delta 8 study. A decent amount of subjects also claimed experiencing little to no anxiety or paranoia, unlike average reported experiences with using Delta 9.
The results came from a social media survey, though, so proceed with proportional skepticism. The researchers also suggested conducting further research before voicing full confidence in Delta 8 flower or any derived products.
Molecular Structure
Capping things off, let’s consider the fundamental, molecular differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.
It all comes down to the placement of a double bond between carbon atoms within the molecules. This difference is actually what the cannabinoids are named after; Delta 9’s double bond is on the 9th molecular chain, while Delta 8’s is on its 8th. Can you believe all those differences start with such a simple discrepancy?
Is Delta 8 Better or Worse than Delta 9?
So, is one of these cannabinoids better than the other? As boring of an answer as it may be, it all comes down to your personal biology and preferences. The best thing you can do, assuming both are legal in your state, is try both side by side and see how you feel.
Since it isn’t as heavily regulated as Delta 9, it may also be smart to consult your doctor as you start trying Delta 8. Also, don’t go overboard with dosage, even if the latter is reported to be less potent than the former.