What's the Difference Between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is considerably more powerful than Delta 8 THC, with some believing it to be roughly twice as strong. The side effects of Delta 9 are also more significant, including paranoid delusions, mental confusion, impaired motor skills, and increased feelings of anxiety. Despite their similarities, Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC have important differences that should be understood before consuming either substance. Delta 8 THC is infused in formats similar to CBD and Delta 9 THC.

It can be found in tinctures, edibles, concentrates, vaporizers, and raw distillates. However, the most common method for obtaining Delta 8 is through chemical conversion. Before consuming either substance, it's important to understand the chemical difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, which creates different effects. Aside from the DEA's recent statement regarding the legality of Delta 8 THC products, no federal agency has officially banned it. A recent study by researchers at the University of Chicago showed that the impact of Delta 9 on anxiety is dose-dependent.

For example, Delta 8 is less mind-boggling and less anxious at high doses, so it's unlikely to make you feel paranoid. This has led to a boom in Delta 8 THC, which has attracted the attention of recreational and medical cannabis users due to its milder effect and health benefits similar to those of Delta 9.Plant breeders have not found a way to selectively cultivate cannabis with a high concentration of Delta 8 because this cannabinoid is mainly produced as a byproduct of THC. However, thanks to recent scientific advances, commercial manufacturers have been able to extract significant amounts of Delta 8 using hemp or marijuana plants. The new law legalized hemp and its derivatives, including Delta 8, by removing the plant from the list of controlled substances. Delta 8 is much milder than Delta 9 but can still cause some common side effects such as anxiety, extreme tiredness, and low blood pressure.

As the name suggests, the Delta 9 isomer has a double bond in the ninth carbon chain while the Delta 8 isomer has it in the eighth carbon chain. In short, THC Delta 8 can protect brain neurons from damage which could prevent degeneration that causes diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.