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Many people seek out THC for the many benefits it provides, even though it is also popular on a purely recreational level. However, there can be some confusion about the different types of THC that are available now.
What is the big difference between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC? In this article, we have laid out the truth about these two cannabinoid compounds.
But first, before we get into the details, here’s our list of the best Delta 8 products on the market right now.
Top Delta 8 products
1. Everest
2. Penguin CBD
3. Space Otter
4. Peak
5. Planet Delta
6. TRĒ House
7. Moonwlkr
8. Delta effect
9. Area 52
Extraction
Delta 9 THC is a major cannabinoid that can be found in abundance in cannabis. As a result, extraction is usually quite cheap and simple. It tends to be extracted specifically from marijuana plants.
On the other hand, extracting Delta 8 THC requires a lot more effort. This is because Delta 8 is a minor cannabinoid. Cannabis produces so little natural Delta 8 that it’s not worth the huge effort to extract it.
Fortunately, there is another way to produce Delta 8. It has been found that Delta 8 can be synthesized entirely from CBD using solvents. Although the conversion process can be a bit expensive, it has made creating Delta 8 products much easier. As a result, most Delta 8 comes from hemp, not marijuana. It also ensures that their concentrations contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC, the threshold required for federal legality.
Effects
One of the main differences between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC is the effect they produce. This is usually the deciding factor for most people who are not sure which one they want to take.
The Delta 9 is significantly more powerful than the Delta 8. Some believe it is about twice as powerful overall. Side effects are also more significant with Delta 9. They can include paranoid delusions, mental fog, impaired motor skills, and increased feelings of anxiety.
In comparison, the Delta 8 is reported to provide a much smoother experience. Most users experience a great sense of calm and clarity. Many report a definite “high” experience, but not enough to impair the ability to form coherent thoughts or focus on activities. Instead, you just feel calmer and less burdened by stress.
The length of time it takes to feel the effects also separates Delta 8 and Delta 9. Delta 8 works slowly and gradually while easing users into a milder state. Meanwhile, Delta 9’s startup is faster and instant.
Products
The two cannabinoids are quite similar in terms of products. They can be smoked as a flower, inhaled through vaporization, or consumed in edible form. There is also a wide variety of topical products, capsules, tinctures, nutritional products and other products.
Legality
As you probably know, marijuana is not federally legal in the United States. The pursuit of legality is largely left to individual states. So far, 34 states have legalized it for medical or recreational use.
The legal fate of Delta 9 THC is directly affected as a result. Any amounts above 0.3% are not legal at the federal level, and the state level is entirely up to their local marijuana laws.
However, Delta 8 is still technically legal at the federal level. This is due to ambiguities in the 2018 farm bill that legalized hemp production. There is nothing in the bill that would prohibit the extraction of Delta 8 from hemp and the creation of products with the compound.
However, the psychoactive nature of Delta 8 has led to quite a few state-level bans. There are currently 15 states that restrict the sale and use of Delta 8 products, with another 6 states where legal action is pending.
So while the Delta 8 is more prevalent right now than the Delta 9, how long that will last is yet to be determined.
Availability
If you happen to live in a state where you can safely buy and consume Delta 9 THC, then congratulations. Go to your local dispensary to get what you need. Online options are a bit more limited, however, given that shipping across state lines is prohibited.
The presence of Delta 8 is a different situation. Because it is federally legal, Delta 8 can be shipped across state lines. So as a result there are many more online retailers for Delta 8 products. However, most reputable companies will not ship to countries where Delta 8 is illegal for obvious reasons.
Delta 8 can also be purchased from physical locations. You can exercise some caution here.
For example, you probably don’t want to buy it at a gas station or some vagrant shops. Like other supplements, Delta 8 products are not regulated by the FDA, which means that there is an abundance of low-quality products that can contain a myriad of unwanted impurities.
Whenever you buy a Delta 8, it should be from a recognizable and reliable brand. If they don’t have a website with information about their manufacturing process as well as lab results available upon request, then you should reject them entirely. For more information and purchase options you can find here.
Final thoughts
Choosing between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC ultimately comes down to your personal needs and desires. Although they share a handful of similarities, there are enough significant differences between them to set them apart.
While Delta 9 may be considered the “classic” choice by some in the cannabis community, Delta 8 is quickly gaining popularity due to its milder effects and legal availability. In time, it may even become the preferred form of THC for most users.
Finally, if you want to improve your health and energy, you should also pay attention to sleep. There are many ways to improve your sleep. According to studies better sleep can lead to better concentration, more energy, a faster metabolism and less inflammation. Overall, good sleep will help you get the most out of the products above and set you up for long-term success on your health journey.