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Originally Posted On: https://www.3chi.com/blog/delta-9-vs-delta-8-which-is-right-for-you/
When people discuss THC, they typically talk about Delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid in Marijuana (Cannabis sativa with greater than 0.3% Delta 9 THC). However, Delta 9 isn’t the only THC out there. More have been discovered and produced in recent years. The most popular minor THC cannabinoid is the hemp extract Delta 8 THC.
The Cannabis Plant
One of the most common misconceptions when talking about the cannabis plant is confusion between hemp and marijuana. The easiest way to understand the difference is this – Both marijuana and hemp are cannabis plants. The 2018 Farm Bill changed the definition and made hemp legal while marijuana remains illegal. Hemp is classified as cannabis with a less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC concentration. Anything over 0.3% Delta 9 THC is classified as marijuana. Products containing less than 0.3% D9 by dry weight volume are legal. Plus, many states have also adopted similar laws regarding hemp and marijuana.
What is Delta 9 THC?
But before we get into comparing these two cannabinoids, and their uses, let’s take a look at each of them. First, there is Delta 9, also known as THC or D9. This is what creates the effects marijuana is known for. It is popular for creating a full-body sense of relaxation in people, but it’s also what has been prohibited across the country for decades in its marijuana form. In recent years, several states have legalized recreational and medical adult-use marijuana. This is typically marijuana flower with high concentrations of Delta 9, and other high potency cannabis products. But almost all states currently offer legalized D9. That is, as long as the final product contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 by dry weight. These products fall under the definition of industrial hemp and can be sold online and in stores.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Said to be a lighter version of Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid said to have lots of potential benefits. It’s becoming more abundant thanks to the new definition of natural hemp defined in the farm bill. Delta 8 THC is typically described as being about half as potent as Delta 9. Consumers report some of the effects typically associated with D9, but they don’t experience some of the adverse effects. It’s the best of both worlds when it comes to feeling euphoria while also remaining functional.
Comparing Delta 8 and Delta 9
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of each Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC, it’s time to dive into their similarities and differences. This will help you understand what each THC can do for you and help you find that perfect sensation.
Similarities
Because both of these cannabinoids are THC cannabinoids, and their recreational use, there are a lot of similarities. Both create psychoactive effects which cause customers to reach a certain level of calmness. But they can also have some of the same potential positive benefits, which is another reason both Delta 8 and Delta 9 are rising in popularity and demand.
Both are said to promote full body relaxation, a sense of calm, sleep improvement, increased appetite, and that euphoric sensation we’ve mentioned before. With readily available products for both cannabinoids, this makes choosing and feeling each cannabinoid on its own to help decide which is the right product for you. Additionally, both THCs are legal on the federal level and according to several state laws, within certain guidelines.
Keep in mind, both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC will test positive on a drug test. These tests look for any THC molecule and can’t distinguish between each of the THCs. If you know you need to take a drug test soon, it’s recommended you don’t take any THC products for up to three weeks before the test to help guarantee you won’t have a positive result.
Differences
Even though two things have similarities, they aren’t the same. These two cannabinoids are no different. Though they are both THC based cannabinoids, there is a crucial difference between the two. Each Delta THC gets its name from a double bond along the carbon chain of the chemical structure. For Delta 8, that bond exists on the 8th carbon chain. D9 has its bond on the 9th carbon chain. This different placement of double bonds is one of the main ways that D9 is much more intense than Delta 8 THC.
The other really big reason Delta 8 is not as strong is because of the receptors it binds to. Inside each person is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system works to create a balance between all other functions to create nirvana in the body. There are receptors that react differently depending on which cannabinoid attaches to them. For D9, it attaches primarily to CB1, which creates that psychological effect. Other cannabinoids, like CBD, attach primarily to CB2, which is said to help reduce pain and stress.
But Delta 8 THC is different. It attaches to both CB1 and CB2. This is how Delta 8 creates the minor psychological effects while also helping to improve sleep and reducing pain, according to anecdotal evidence from consumers. It’s also a big reason for why Delta 8 most people report little to no adverse effects after consuming. D9 users commonly report getting confused, paranoid, and extremely lethargic after D9 products are consumed. These are typical side effects associated with marijuana.
What’s Best For You?
Knowing what the best product is for you can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many options to choose from. First, decide which experience you are more interested in. Are you looking for a full body, mind, and spirit sensation that will relax you into the couch at the end of the day? Then looking into Delta 9 products would be the way to go. Or are you interested in some euphoric sensations while still remaining functional on some level? If so, then Delta 8 THC products will be your preferred choice.
Once you’ve decided on what sensation you would like, then it’s time to narrow down to which product. Here at 3CHI, our legal Delta 9 products come in edible form. There is a wide range of edibles, like cookies and brownies, and flavors, such as our five unique flavors for our Delta 9 THC gummies, including Orange Dreamsicle, Blue Raspberry, and even Watermelon. For Delta 8 products, there is a wider range of different types of products, such as carts for vaping, tinctures, edibles, gummies, and concentrated sauces and oils for dab rigs and more.
Regardless of which product you choose, users can trust 3CHI. Our hemp derived products offer the best of the best and have created gold standards across the cannabis industry, along with the hemp industry. It’s just a matter of trying everything and finding what’s best for you and see what all the benefits of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are.
