Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC

What’s the difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC? Delta-8 (Δ8) and delta-9 (Δ9) refer to two different forms of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis and hemp. Although they are both found in the plant naturally and have similar structures, there are some major differences as well as dangers associated with Delta 8. This is because almost all of the Delta 8 THC on the market is made synthetically, by converting CBD into Delta 8 THC. There is not enough regulation over this process and there have been many health warnings and even a death associated with Delta 8. When looking at Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC, there is one clear winner: Delta 9 THC. Read on to learn more about these two cannabinoids.

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Delta 8 vs Delta 9 chemical structure

Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC have slight variations in their molecular structures. Delta-8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon chain, whereas delta-9 THC has it on the ninth carbon chain. This structural difference affects the way they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors.

Is Delta 9 stronger than delta 8?

Delta-9 THC is known for producing a very relaxing, euphoric feel. Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is considered to be less potent in terms of psychoactivity. Users often describe the effects of delta-8 THC as milder.

Legal Status

When it comes to the legal status of Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC, when the latter comes from cannabis it must be sold in cannabis dispensaries.

For a time, Delta 8 THC vapes, oils, gummies and more were sold in stores and online outside of dispensaries. This was allowed because the Delta 8 products were made from hemp-derived CBD and did not contain any Delta 9 THC. However, Delta 8 is no longer allowed in a number of states now. With more and more reports of adverse effects from Delta 8 THC, more and more states are banning it.

Delta-9-THC is allowed to be sold online and in regular stores and locations as long as it comes from hemp and comes in a product that contains less than 0.3% THC by weight. When a full spectrum Delta-9-THC oil is extracted from hemp it will often contain a smaller amount of THC with a high level of CBD and other rare cannabinoids. The creates a well-rounded full-spectrum oil that can be used products like Rare Cannabinoid Company’s THC Mood Gummies (which also contain high levels of CBC (cannabichromene). Our THC Mood Gummies can be purchased in many of the 400 locations that stock Rare Cannabinoid Company products and can be bought online and shipped to all 50 states.

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Dangers of Delta 8

The dangers around Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC appear to be greater. In fact, the FDA has received many adverse reports involving products containing Delta 8 THC. The FDA lists 104 adverse event reports from Dec. 1, 2020 and Feb. 28, 2022. See the full report here and bullet points below, including a death:

77% involved adults, 8% involved pediatric patients less than 18 years of age, and 15% did not report age.
55% required intervention (e.g., evaluation by emergency medical services) or hospital admission.
66% described adverse events after ingestion of delta-8 THC-containing food products (e.g., Delta 8 brownies, Delta 8 gummies).
Adverse events included, but were not limited to: hallucinations, vomiting, tremor, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

National poison control centers received 2,362 exposure cases of delta-8 THC products between January 1, 2021 (i.e., date that delta-8 THC product code was added to database), and February 28, 2022. Of the 2,362 exposure cases:

58% involved adults, 41% involved pediatric patients less than 18 years of age, and 1% did not report age.
40% involved unintentional exposure to delta-8 THC and 82% of these unintentional exposures affected pediatric patients.
70% required health care facility evaluation, of which 8% resulted in admission to a critical care unit; 45% of patients requiring health care facility evaluation were pediatric patients.
One pediatric case was coded with a medical outcome of death.

Benefits and Safety of Delta 9 vs Delta 8

Delta 9 THC is naturally found in hemp and cannabis. As long as it is being extracted from hemp as a full spectrum oil or from cannabis as a full spectrum oil or even isolate, then it appears to carry fewer risks than Delta 8 THC. This is because it is a naturally derived cannabinoid versus one that is converted from CBD with little regulation for safety.

Delta 9 edibles such as Rare Cannabinoid Company’s THC Mood Gummies contain a safe, lab-tested full spectrum oil of Delta 9 THC, CBC, and CBD. This rich oil offer:

Delta-9-THC benefits: Relief from discomfort and soreness after exercise and occasional nausea while promoting relaxation, sleep.
CBC oil (cannabichromene): Improves mood and outlook on life, promotes happiness and balance.
CBD oil: Promotes calm, relief, and provides the entourage effect.

When looking at delta 8 vs delta 9 gummies, we would highly recommend delta 9 gummies. Always do your due diligence and check that all THC gummies (and all cannabinoid products) are made in a cGMP certified facility and come from a reputable brand that shows its lab test results on its website.

What about THC-O?

When looking at THC-O vs Delta 8, THC-O is even worse. THC-O was recently banned because it does not exist in nature and is a 100% man-made cannabinoid. THC-O is converted from CBD and can be dangerous.

Delta 8 vs Delta 10 THC

Delta 10 THC is similar to Delta 8 THC in that it is a cannabinoid that is converted from CBD into THC for the vast majority of Delta 10 products, but it does exist naturally in the hemp and cannabis plant in very small quantities.

THCV vs Delta 8

THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) may sound like THC, but it has completely different effects from Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC or any other THC. THCV gummies and THCV oils have an uplifting effect and some say it helps them focus. Find THCV for sale here. We even have new THC THCV Gummies. These edibles offer the euphoric feeling of Delta-9-THC without the couchlock and munchies.

Summary

In addition to the stated dangers of Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC, it’s worth noting that research on delta-8 THC is relatively limited compared to delta-9 THC. As a result, there’s still much to learn about its long-term effects, safety profile, and potential therapeutic applications. If you’re considering using delta-8 THC or any hemp or cannabis-derived product, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional and familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations in your specific area.