Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC: What’s the Difference?

August 13, 2021

Nine in ten Americans are in favor of legalizing cannabis federally. After all, cannabis benefits the brain and body, offering relaxation and a major mood boost.

But did you know that you don’t have to live in a state where recreational cannabis is legal to harness the benefits of cannabis and THC?

There are many THC variants, some of which offer similar effects and the added benefit of being legal. Delta-8 THC is one of these THC strains.

What exactly is delta-8? And what’s the difference when it comes to delta-8 vs. delta-9 THC? We’re answering these questions and more in this guide, so keep reading for everything you need to know.

Delta-8 THC: Explained

Delta-8 THC is one of the many types of cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants. It’s relatively rare, making up about 1% of the total cannabinoid concentration per plant.

How Does Delta-8 THC Work?

Like all cannabinoids, delta-8 THC acts on the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS consists of:

Receptors, known as CB1 and CB2
Endogenous (i.e., made by the body) cannabinoids, known as Anandamide and 2-AG
Enzymes that break down Anandamide and 2-AG

Delta-8 binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout your body and brain.

CB1 receptors concentrate in the central nervous system (CNS), while CB2 receptors are more commonly found in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Delta-8’s activity at these locations explains its effects.

Does Delta-8 THC Make Your Feel High?

Delta-8 is highly similar to delta-9 THC. So, it should be no surprise that delta-8 THC confers a similar “high” feeling to its more famous cousin.

However, delta-8 users report it to be less euphoric than delta-9. More on that later.

What Are the Benefits of Delta-8 THC?

Aside from euphoria, what are delta-8’s effects? Anecdotal evidence shows that delta-8 helps with mild pain and insomnia while also providing a mood boost.

Is Delta-8 THC Safe?

There aren’t any recent studies looking at the safety of delta-8 THC. Older studies on fewer than 10 research participants found little to no delta-8 side effects. Irritability and euphoria were the most commonly reported symptoms.

In animal studies, researchers administered relatively large doses. The only reported side effects included depressed mood and reductions in the ability to feel pain.

For now, you can generally expect delta-8 to be safe for consumption in small- to mid-sized doses. But we need more research to know for sure.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

Today, it’s common to find delta-8 for sale online and in stores. That’s because the majority of delta-8 on shelves comes from hemp.

And since the 2018 Farm Bill, it has been legal to sell and use hemp-derived cannabinoids.

As long as your delta-8 THC product contains 0.03% delta-9 THC or less, it is legal to buy and use.

The only exception is the 11 US states that will not allow online purchases of delta-8 THC, which we’ll talk about next. Also, note that New York has banned delta-8 THC products altogether.

What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 vs. Delta-9?

When we talk about THC, we usually mean delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is everyone’s favorite cannabinoid for a reason. It offers relaxation, appetite stimulation, and, of course, euphoria.

But by now, you may be wondering: why all the hype about delta-8? Are delta-8 and delta-9 really that different? Here are the top reasons people are choosing delta-8 over delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 THC Is Less Potent

The biggest difference between delta-8 and delta-9 is their structures. These two types of THC are virtually identical, even sharing the same carbon side-chain.

However, delta-8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon in the side-chain. Meanwhile, delta-9 has a double bond on the ninth carbon.

Why does this matter? A chemical compound’s structure determines its function. So, it should be no surprise that delta-8 and delta-9 THC act differently on the ECS.

For example, delta-8 THC is far less potent than delta-9. That’s why it doesn’t cause as robust of a high as regular THC.

Delta-9 THC Isn’t Legal in All 50 States

Delta-9 THC is only legal in 17 states, plus Washington DC. People who live in medical cannabis states can also access delta-9 THC products with a valid medical marijuana card.

Delta-8, on the other hand, is technically legal in all 50 states. But keep in mind that 11 US states will not allow mail shipments of delta-8. That means you can’t buy delta-8 online in:

Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
Idaho
Mississippi
Montana
New York
Rhode Island
Utah

If you don’t live in one of the above states, you should have access to delta-8.

Keep an eye on this blog for future updates about delta-8’s ever-fluctuating legal status in the US.

Delta-8 THC Is Less Addictive

Despite numerous claims to the contrary, delta-9 THC is still a Schedule I drug because of its addictive potential.

Using delta-9 for long periods of time produces withdrawal symptoms upon ceasing use. And using delta-9 every day can lead to dependence and addiction.

The good news is that delta-8 offers less potential for addiction than more potent THC variants. This is because it’s less euphoric, meaning you’ll crave delta-8’s effects much less than you would delta-9 THC.

Are You Ready to Try Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC is the latest cannabis craze. And we can see why considering the difference between delta-8 vs. delta-9. With delta-8, you can harness all the benefits of regular THC without concerns about feeling high or getting in trouble with the law.

Looking to order delta-8 THC online so you can see its benefits for yourself? Find out if The River Provisioning delivers to your area!