The cannabis industry was estimated to be worth $13.6 billion in 2019, despite marijuana being illegal at a federal level. As more states legalize its recreational use, this number is expected to continue to rise.
While previously the entire cannabis plant was considered a Schedule I drug, now part of this plant is federally legal and therefore more widely available.
What part of this plant is legal, what is Delta 8 THC, and why is it important to know the difference between Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC? Keep reading to find out.
Chemical Make-Up
Both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds, and the cannabis plant has over 120 variants of them.
These cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating different systems in our body.
When THC interacts with the C1 receptor in your brain, you get the euphoric feeling of being “high.” Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 produce these effects.
However, they differ by only a few atomic bond placements, which is what the 8 and 9 refer to. This bond placement changes how your body reacts to it, which is the most important difference between the two—more on that below.
Along with this, Delta 8 THC is generally only found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant, whereas Delta 9 is much more common.
Side Effects
Due to the different chemical placements, Delta 9 THC binds to the C1 receptor in the brain three times more efficiently than Delta 8 THC. This creates intense psychoactive properties, which can have negative side effects.
With Delta 9, you may experience paranoia, anxiety, panic attacks, and dizziness.
Will Delta 8 get you high, then? Is it considered weaker than Delta 9?
Yes, Delta 8 does contain psychoactive properties, so you could feel high. However, it will be a much calmer, more relaxed high, so you won’t have any of the adverse side effects that Delta 9 has.
It is not considered weaker, as it contains all of the benefits of CBD, another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that is non-psychoactive, and THC without any of the negatives. You can use it in all of the same ways you can use Delta 9 without getting extremely intoxicated.
Are you ready to try it now? Check out this cartridge that is pre-made for you so that you can start your Delta 8 journey easily.
Legality
So, where is Delta 8 available?
In 2018, hemp was legalized by the federal government via the Farm Bill. This legalized industrial hemp when it contains less than 0.3% of Delta 9 THC.
When Delta 8 THC is derived from hemp, it is also legalized. However, because it’s rare, many dispensaries use a process to convert CBD into Delta 8 THC.
So, while Delta 9 is still illegal federally, you should be able to find and buy Delta 8 in any dispensary unless your specific state has restrictions.
Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC: Who Wins?
So, who’s the winner in the Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC debate? Delta 8 has everything that Delta 9 has without any of the negatives.
It’s legal, it’ll make you feel good, and you can use it any way you want. If you’re considering trying a THC product, you should try Delta 8 first. You may never want to try anything else!
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