THC is popular both for its medical uses and its recreational uses due to its wide range of potential advantages. It’s possible, though, that the plethora of THC options on the market today could lead to confusion. When comparing Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC, what is the primary distinction between the two? We want to clear up some of the confusion around these two cannabis chemicals in this post.
Extraction
Cannabis contains high concentrations of the main cannabinoid delta 9 THC, as well as other cannabinoids such as hemp derived Delta 9 THC. As a result, the process of extraction is often low-cost and straightforward. It is typically extracted from marijuana plants.
On the other hand, Delta 8 THC must be extracted using a significant deal more labor. This can be a challenging process. Due to the fact that Delta 8 is a relatively insignificant cannabinoid, this is the case. Delta 8 is naturally present in cannabis, but only in such low concentrations that it is not worth the massive effort required to isolate it.
Lucky for us, there’s another method of making Delta 8. Delta 8 was successfully synthesized from CBD using only solvents. The conversion procedure can be costly, but it has greatly simplified the development of Delta 8 products. Thus, Delta 8 is mostly derived from hemp rather than marijuana. It also guarantees that their Delta 9 THC concentrations are below the federally mandated minimum of 0.3%.
Causes
The effects produced by Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are very different from one another. For most people who are on the fence about which option to select, this is the decisive factor.
The effectiveness of Delta 9 far exceeds that of Delta 8. In the eyes of some, it’s roughly twice as powerful. Delta 9 furthermore results in significantly more severe adverse consequences. A few examples are paranoid delusions, brain fog, motor skill impairment, and elevated anxiety.
There are reports that the Delta 8 experience is significantly more pleasant. Users typically report feeling significantly more at ease and able to think more clearly. Those who have tried it say it gives them a “high,” but not so much that it interferes with their ability to think clearly or concentrate on tasks at hand. Instead, you’ll notice a general sense of calm and relief from stress.
Also distinguishing Delta 8 and Delta 9 is the time it takes to start feeling the effects. Delta 8’s calming effects are felt gradually over time. Delta 9’s onset, on the other hand, is much quicker and more immediate.
Legal Status
You undoubtedly already know that federal law in the United States makes marijuana use illegal. The initiative for legalization has been delegated primarily to the states. There are currently 34 states that have made medicinal or recreational marijuana legal.
As a direct result, the legal status of Delta 9 THC has changed. Over 0.3% THC is illegal on a federal level, and individual states’ regulations regarding marijuana’s legality will vary.
Though, technically speaking, Delta 8 is still lawful in the United States at the federal level. This is due to the fact that the language in the 2018 Farm Bill, which authorized hemp cultivation, is somewhat vague. Nothing in the bill precludes extraction of Delta 8 from hemp or the production of Delta 8-containing goods.
Delta 8’s psychoactivity has led to a number of state-level bans. As of right now, Delta 8 goods are restricted in 15 states, with additional legal action ongoing in another 6.
For this reason, the future of Delta 8’s current prevalence over Delta 9 is uncertain.
Availability
If you happen to be lucky enough to reside in a state where you can legally purchase and use Delta 9 THC. To get what you require, visit a dispensary in your area. However, there is a smaller selection available online because of the ban on interstate delivery.
The scenario changes when Delta 8 becomes available. Since Delta 8 does not violate any federal laws, it can be transported between states. As a result, there are many more places to buy Delta 8 items online. Most legitimate retailers, however, refuse to deliver to states where Delta 8 is outlawed for legal reasons.
Avoid getting it from places like gas stations or unknown stores. Delta 8 products, like other supplements, are not governed by the FDA, so there is a plethora of low quality items on the market that could include a wide variety of undesirable contaminants.
The Delta 8 you purchase should come from a reputable manufacturer. You can assume nothing good about a company if their production process is not detailed on their website, and if you can’t request and see lab findings whenever you like.
Concluding Remarks
Which of the two forms of Delta THC, 8 or 9, is best for you depends on your own circumstances and preferences. They may have some commonalities, but their distinctions are sufficiently large to distinguish them from one another.
It’s possible that some members of the cannabis community consider Delta 9 to be a traditional option, but Delta 8’s mellower effects and widespread legal availability have led to a rapid rise in its popularity. Possible future widespread adoption as the THC of choice.
