You might’ve heard the term THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s what causes marijuana users to get a euphoric high. You may think that THC is a name for one chemical compound, but that’s not the case. You can call it a family name for a group of cannabinoids with a similar chemical structure.
In the hemp market, two versions of THC, Delta 8 and Delta 9, are very famous. You’ll find a wide product range containing both of these cannabinoids. However, before trying out these products, people tend to have many questions regarding them, such as; is Delta 8 more potent than Delta 9? How does a Delta 8 high compare to a Delta 9 one? This article extensively compares both of these cannabinoids.
What Is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a psychoactive cannabinoid that naturally exists in small quantities in hemp. It’s also called a homolog of Delta 9, meaning there is only a minor difference in their molecular structure. Delta 8 is a form of THC that can make you feel high when consumed.
This chemical compound occurs due to the conversion of Delta 9 to CBN as hemp plants are exposed to light and heat. Although only a small percentage of Delta 9 converts into Delta 8, manufacturers extract Delta 8 through hemp-derived CBD.
What Is Delta 9?
Delta 9 is a psychoactive cannabinoid similar to Delta 8 and belongs to the family of THC. The chemical compound naturally exists in higher concentrations in marijuana, whereas in hemp, it exists in concentrations less than 0.3%. Delta 9 can cause strong and intense effects when consumed.
Delta 8 Vs Delta 9: How Are They Different?
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Chemical Structure
You can say that Delta 8 and Delta 9 are quite similar. The slight difference between them is due to the positioning of their double bonds in the carbon chain.
Delta 8 has the carbon-to-carbon double bond in the 8th carbon chain. Whereas Delta 9 has it on the 9th carbon chain. As a result, both interact a little differently with our body’s endocannabinoid system.
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Potency
As mentioned earlier, Delta 8 and Delta 9 can cause a high by interacting with our body’s endocannabinoid system. They stimulate the cannabinoid receptors, making you feel psychoactive effects. Nevertheless, these intoxicating effects differ by potency. At equal doses, Delta 8 will cause psychoactive effects that are around 50% less potent than Delta 9.
After consuming Delta 8, you may feel euphoric, relaxed, and clear-headed. On the contrary, Delta 9 causes a stronger high, which may make you enter a deeper relaxation mode.
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Cost Of Products
Delta 9 products are cheaper than Delta 8. This is because the extraction process of Delta 9 is more straightforward. On the other hand, Delta 8 has a complex manufacturing process and requires extensive testing. This increases the manufacturing costs of Delta 8 products, thus, making them a bit more expensive.
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Legal Status
The legal status of Delta 8 and Delta 9 in the US is affected by both state and federal laws. On the federal level, Delta 9 THC is illegal as it’s categorized as a Schedule I drug. However, Delta 9 products are legal in states where marijuana is allowed for medical or recreational purposes.
In the case of Delta 8, the chemical compound is produced from hemp-derived CBD, making it a federally legal product. Why? This is because the 2018 Farm Bill declares all hemp-derived products which contain no more than 0.3% THC as federally legal. On the contrary, state regulations on hemp-derived products vary. If you live in a state that bans hemp-derived products, you can’t use or buy Delta 8 products.
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Dosage
The dosage range of Delta 8 starts from 10 mg to 60 mg in a single dose. In contrast, the dosage range of Delta 9 is between 5 to 30 mg as it’s twice as potent as Delta 8.
Depending on your method of consumption, follow the serving guidelines mentioned on product labels to achieve your required dose.
Can Delta 8 And Delta 9 Make You Fail A Drug Test?
Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 contain THC. Thus, they will form THC metabolites and make you fail a drug test.
How long THC metabolites can be detected in your body depends on the testing method and your metabolism. Through hair testing, THC can be detected for up to 90 days, whereas 30 days through urine testing. Blood tests can detect THC for only up to 4 hours. In your saliva, THC can be detected for up to 3 days.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
- How Long Does It Take For Delta 8 Gummies To Kick In?
The effects of consuming Delta 8 gummies begin after 1 or 2 hours. Delta 8 has to pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. Hence, ediles have the longest onset duration.
- How Is Delta 9 Different From CBD?
Delta 9 and CBD have different molecular structures, which causes them to behave differently in our body’s endocannabinoid system. On consuming Delta 9, you’ll feel intense, intoxicating effects. On the other hand, CBD doesn’t cause intoxicating effects.
- Can You Fly With Delta 9 Vape Carts In The US?
Delta 9 is federally illegal as it’s categorized as a Schedule I drug. This means carrying Delta 9 vape carts at the airport may get you charged for carrying prohibited products. Therefore, it’s not advised to fly with Delta 9 vape carts.
According to the TSA, you can only carry hemp-derived products that are federally legal, i.e; they contain no more than 0.3% Delta 9.
- Is Delta 8 Natural Or Synthetic?
Delta 8 is a natural psychoactive cannabinoid since it exists in hemp. Yet, hemp contains only minute quantities of this cannabinoid, making it difficult for manufacturers to extract Delta 8 directly. Therefore, to obtain a sufficient amount of Delta 8, manufacturers use hemp-derived CBD and convert it to Delta 8.
- Is Delta 9 The Strongest Cannabinoid?
Delta 9 isn’t the most potent psychoactive cannabinoid. The strongest psychoactive cannabinoid is a form of THC called THC-P.
Where to find the best Delta 8 and Delta 9 Products?
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are great ways to treat everyday aches and pains and can be used for several other medical reasons and will only continue to skyrocket. Like most shopping, knowing who you’re buying from and how reputable they are is essential. You don’t want to take shortcuts, especially with something you plan to ingest or put in your body.
When it comes to reputable and reliable brands that sell delta 9 products, there is no better place than Delta 8 resellers. For all of your cannabis needs, Delta 8 resellers have hundreds of respectable brand names and products that are ideal for you. Choose from hundreds of products to help with anxiety, including pens, cartridges, flowers, CBD products, and more. You can also sign up for a wholesale account to place online orders.
Find everything you need at the most affordable prices and if you’re still skeptical, talk to a customer service representative that will answer your questions. Purchase a good Delta 8 edible or Delta 8 gummies, and you will find relief in no time.
Takeaway – Delta 8 Vs Delta 9
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are psychoactive cannabinoids that belong to the THC family. They interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system, inducing similar intoxicating effects. However, their slight structural difference causes a gap in their potencies. Delta 9 gives a high almost twice as potent as Delta 8.
If you’re looking for intense psychoactive effects, you should try Delta 9 products. Otherwise, the mild intoxicating effects of Delta 8 may prove a better fit for you.
