The cannabis plant has been used for centuries for its medicinal and recreational properties, but researchers are still unlocking its biochemical secrets. You've probably heard of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-9 THC, the primary molecule associated with marijuana’s psychoactive effects. But in recent years, there has been an increased interest in many of the minor compounds the plant contains, particularly delta-8 THC — delta-9’s closely related cousin.
If you’re not up on the latest cannabis science, you may be wondering what’s behind the fascination with this molecule. What is delta-8 and what are its benefits? And how is it different from its more well-known relative delta-9?
In this guide, we will explore the differences, benefits, risks, and everything you need to know about delta-8 and delta-9 THC. For your safety and satisfaction, it’s crucial to read up on these cannabinoids and their pros and cons before you purchase any goods containing either one.
At a glance:
Key Takeaways
We’ll explore the similarities and differences between delta-9 and delta-8 THC in depth below. But for those who just want a quick breakdown, here are the essential things to remember about these cannabinoids.
- Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the most well-known form of THC and is much more abundant in natural hemp than delta-8
- Both cannabinoids produce similar kinds of effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief
- The effects of delta-8 THC appear to be significantly milder and gentler than those of delta-9
- There is still relatively little research on the safety and effectiveness of using delta-8 THC for health and wellness
- Many delta-8 products on the market are contaminated, so looking for lab test results is a crucial safety measure
As researchers continue to investigate delta-8 and delta-9 THC, our understanding of their pros, cons, benefits, and risks may change. For now, it’s worth remembering that delta-8 THC is still an experimental product in many ways and delta-9 has several known health risks. Exercise caution when using either one.
What Is Delta 9 THC?
Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in cannabis plants. When people talk about “THC,”, they’re almost always referring to delta-9. It belongs to a group of compounds known as phytocannabinoids. These plant-derived molecules can interact with receptors in the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), an interlocking collection of receptors and proteins that supports homeostatic balance throughout the body.
The ECS appears to help regulate functions including:
- Mood
- Emotional processing
- Learning
- Pain perception
- Inflammation and immune system response
- Appetite and metabolism
- Sleep
Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the plant’s intoxicating effects. It’s known for producing a feeling of euphoria or "high" when consumed. However, it also has potential therapeutic uses, with research suggesting that it may help to relieve problems like pain, nausea, and muscle spasms.
This powerful, naturally occurring compound has a long history of use as a medicine and a recreational drug. It binds to both CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body — its action on CB1 seems to be responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects.
Delta-9 is commercially available in a variety of forms, including edibles, tinctures, oils, capsules, and more. It can be found in a variety of concentrations depending on the product, though the most potent ones aren’t legal everywhere.
Potential Health Benefits
While its use is still controversial and heavily regulated or illegal in many places, research has shown that delta-9 may have some potential health benefits and real-world medical applications. Some benefits of consuming delta-9 THC may include:
- Decreased anxiety
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
- Feelings of happiness or exhilaration
- Heightened imagination
- Improved sensory perception
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of dronabinol (Marinol), a synthetic form of delta-9 THC, to stimulate appetite in people undergoing chemotherapy, individuals with HIV/AIDS, and anorexia. This is the only THC-based medication currently approved for use in the US. However, studies indicate that people also use THC to treat symptoms like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and insomnia.
Some research suggests that THC could be even more effective at providing benefits like pain relief when combined with cannabidiol (CBD). This non-psychoactive cannabinoid may help protect against the adverse effects of THC while enhancing its ability to relieve pain and anxiety. If you want to experience this effect yourself, check out FOCL's selection of premium CBD products, many of which also include mild doses of THC.
Side Effects of Delta-9 THC
Both scientific studies and user reports indicate that the use of delta-9 THC can sometimes lead to side effects. The following are among the most common:
- Difficulty paying attention or thinking clearly
- Dizziness
- Coordination and movement problems
- Dry mouth
- Bleary, red eyes
- Increased appetite
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Elevated heart rate
- Visual distortions or hallucinations
The dosage of delta-9 THC can have a significant impact on its effects. For example, some trials have found that anxiety and stress may be reduced by low doses of this cannabinoid but increased by higher doses.
Taking high doses of delta-9 THC for prolonged periods can pose additional risks. Heavy use may lead to addiction or a disorder of severe nausea and vomiting called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. Some evidence also suggests that frequent use of cannabis high in delta-9 THC could lead to a higher risk of psychosis — especially in children and teens.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC or simply delta-8, is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant. It’s extremely similar in structure to delta-9, the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. The only difference between the two molecules is the location of a single double-electron bond between two carbon atoms.
Because these two forms of THC have nearly identical structures, they interact with the same endocannabinoid receptors and produce very similar effects. However, delta-8 binds these receptors less efficiently due to a slight difference in shape.
Delta-8 naturally occurs in cannabis plants in substantially small amounts, but delta-9 is much more abundant. As such, Delta 8 products are typically made by synthetically converting CBD or delta-9 THC into delta-8. Like delta-9 and CBD, delta-8 can be found in forms including edibles, tinctures, vaping cartridges, and even infused drinks.
Potential Health Benefits
Delta-8 is said to offer a mild, subtle high, which can make it a better option for those who are new to cannabis and want to avoid intense psychoactive effects. A 2022 study surveyed 521 delta-8 users, many of whom claimed that the side effects of delta-8 products were not as bad as those of regular cannabis.
Another recent survey showed that half of those taking delta-8 use it for medical reasons, most notably:
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Stress
- Bipolar disorder
The research showed that consumers felt delta-8 was an effective substitute. In some instances, they thought delta-8 had less severe side effects. Other potential benefits of delta-8 THC may include improved sleep quality, improved appetite, and reduced inflammation.
However, more trials will be needed to understand the full scope of delta-8’s effects on the body. There has been virtually no placebo-controlled, peer-reviewed research on its impacts on humans, making it hard to say for sure what health benefits it may have.
Side Effects of Delta 8 THC
As we noted above, many users say that the side effects of delta-8 THC tend to be milder than those of delta-9, perhaps because its overall strength is lower at equal doses. This doesn’t mean there are no adverse effects at all, however. Frequently reported side effects include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Short-term memory impairment
- Anxiety, paranoia, and panic
- Increased heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
It’s worth noting that our knowledge of the side effects of delta-8 is based almost entirely on self-reports, since there have been no controlled human studies of this cannabinoid’s adverse effects. There’s no way of verifying whether the products responsible contained pure delta-8 THC — in some cases, reported adverse effects might be related to contamination with delta-9 THC or other synthetic cannabinoids.
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9: Main Differences
Delta-8 and delta-9 are both forms of THC, and although they’re very structurally similar, certain key factors may affect your choice between these two cannabinoids. Here are the main differences between delta-8 and delta-9.
Origin
Delta-9 is the most abundant and well-known cannabinoid in cannabis. It is produced naturally by the plant and is responsible for the majority of its psychoactive effects. It is synthesized in the trichomes of the cannabis plant, which are small, hair-like structures that cover the leaves and buds.
Delta-8, on the other hand, is a far less prominent cannabinoid that occurs in much lower concentrations in the plant. Small amounts are produced naturally through the degradation of delta-9, but to get commercially viable quantities, manufacturers have to synthesize it chemically from cannabidiol (CBD).
Production of delta-8 THC often serves as a way to produce a psychoactive product while evading the regulations on delta-9 THC. Since there’s little oversight of the industry, many manufacturers are lax about quality control and safety. Multiple studies have found that delta-8 products are frequently contaminated with potentially toxic impurities resulting.
Potency
Delta-8 is slightly less potent than delta-9, likely due to the way these molecules interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. Delta-8 THC has a slightly lower affinity with the CB1 endocannabinoid receptor, meaning that it doesn’t bind as strongly. As such, it takes a higher dose of delta-8 to achieve the same psychoactive effects.
This lower potency comes from a subtle difference in molecular structure. Both cannabinoids have the same chemical formula — C21H30O2 — but differ in the placement of a double bond in their molecular structure. In delta-8, this double bond connects the eighth and ninth carbon atoms, while in delta-9 it links the ninth and tenth carbon atoms.
The different placement of this bond alters the 3-D shape of the cannabinoid, affecting the way it binds to the CB1 receptor. As a result, delta-8 is reported to have a less intense psychoactive effect than delta-9. This means its euphoric, relaxing, and psychedelic properties may be milder, but it can also mean the side effects are less severe.
It's worth noting that the potency and effects of both delta-8 and delta-9 can vary depending on the dose, the method of consumption, and individual factors such as body weight, metabolism, and tolerance. Taking a strong enough dose of delta-8 THC can still produce intense mind-altering effects. Use both molecules with caution, and don’t do anything on delta-8 that you wouldn’t do on delta-9.
Subjective Experience
Some users say that the psychoactive effects of delta-8 and delta-9 THC feel different. The delta-8 high is often described as more clear-headed and functional than delta-9, with a mellower sense of relaxation and euphoria.
Delta-8 is also said to have a lower risk of inducing anxiety, paranoia, or other negative side effects that some people experience with delta-9 as well. This may make delta-8 a preferable option for those who are sensitive to the effects of delta-9 or who are looking for a milder cannabis experience.
However, these descriptions come from surveys of people who prefer delta-8 THC, meaning that selection bias is possible. The subjective differences could also simply be due to the lower potency of delta-8 — as we noted above, milder doses of delta-9 THC also carry less risk of adverse effects like anxiety.
Legality
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC are federally legal. In technical terms, this renders delta-8 THC legal because it is obtained from hemp extracts. However, some states have placed restrictions on delta-8 THC sale and use.
Delta-9 THC is still federally illegal in the United States and is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Delta-9 products can only be purchased legally if you live in a state with legalized medical or recreational cannabis. However, some organizations are using loopholes to sell delta-9 THC by deriving it from hemp rather than cannabis.
Bottom line: the legality of delta-8 and delta-9 THC products may vary from state to state and laws can be tricky. Therefore, it is important to check your local laws before purchasing any THC products.
Delta 8 And Delta 9: Factors To Consider When Choosing the Right Dosage For You
Here are a few things to consider when trying either of these cannabis compounds for the first time.
It is important to remember that delta-8 and delta-9 can interact with different bodies in different ways. Experimenting with different doses can help you find the one that works best for you. The best advice is to “start low and go slow” — begin with a mild dose and increase it little by little.
Can I Take Delta 8 And Delta 9 Together?
The short answer is yes, you can take delta-8 and delta-9 THC together. Most natural cannabis products contain at least a small amount of each cannabinoid. However, the effects of combining the two compounds can be unpredictable and may vary from person to person.
Also, there are few studies on the effects of combining delta-8 and delta-9, so it’s not clear whether it’s safe to take them together in large amounts. Taking significant doses of two different types of THC at once might increase the risk of side effects. We’d suggest waiting until you have a good idea of how both compounds affect you on their own.
It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new substances, including delta-8 and delta-9, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Which Is Better For You? Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC
Ultimately, the choice between delta-8 and delta-9 THC comes down to personal preference. Both compounds offer their unique benefits and drawbacks. Neither is necessarily a better choice in regard to your health.
Consider your needs and goals when deciding which compound is better for you. If you’re new to cannabis, delta-8 might be a good place to start, as it’s said to be milder and less overwhelming than delta-9.
On the other hand, some users may be concerned about the limited amount of research on the compound’s safety and health effects of delta-8 THC. It may also be harder to find a trustworthy source since many producers are primarily interested in getting around government restrictions. Some customers steer clear of this compound due to concerns about contamination and quality.
If you’re looking for a more intense experience (and it’s legal in your state), delta-9 might be the way to go. Users who want an all-natural product might also prefer delta-9 THC since commercial delta-8 is always produced synthetically.
Does delta-9 get you higher than delta-8?
In general, yes. Delta-9 THC is more likely to produce a strong psychoactive effect, including a more intense feeling of euphoria and greater alterations in consciousness. Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is said to be less psychoactive and produces a milder effect.
Keep in mind that this difference may only apply to identical doses, and individual tolerance matters a great deal. While 20 mg of delta-8 will likely feel less potent than 20 mg of delta-9, it could still have stronger effects than 2 mg of delta-9 — and it may still be uncomfortably strong if you’re highly sensitive to cannabinoids!
Final Thoughts
As more cannabinoids flood the market, keeping track of what they are and what they do can be difficult. The good news is that if you have any experience with cannabis, you probably have a good idea of what delta-8 will feel like — all the evidence suggests that it’s similar to a lower dose of delta-9.
Still, knowing what cannabinoids do is no substitute for having a supplier that takes your health, well-being, and satisfaction seriously. If you’re interested in trying full-spectrum CBD with a mild dose of THC, FOCL is here to help you begin your wellness journey! Our Premium Full-Spectrum CBD products are expertly crafted with the highest quality ingredients and backed by scientific research to help you achieve optimal wellness.
