Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC

Up until very recently, nearly every hemp enthusiast would associate the term “THC” with marijuana, and for obvious reasons.  THC has developed a somewhat notorious reputation for being the compound that determines the legality of each plant belonging to the cannabis genus.  As THC gets you high, many people have chosen to abstain from it, especially if they live in a state in which it’s completely outlawed.

Recently, a new type of THC has hit the scene, and it’s changing our concept of what this type of cannabinoid can offer.  Delta 8 THC, also known as delta 8 and delta 8 THC, is a form of THC that’s actually different from Delta 9 THC, despite having a lot in common with it. 

Delta 8 THC is coming in many products, similarly to Delta 9 THC. There are Delta 8 THC vape cartridges, gummies, capsules, tinctures, and more! That’s only scratching the surface, as there are key differences between the two. But first…

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What is THC?

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, and it’s one of over one hundred naturally occurring cannabinoids native to the cannabis genus.  It operates in the body just like CBD and other cannabinoids that many of us take daily, being utilized by the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote homeostasis by attaching to cannabinoid receptors found throughout the bodily systems. 

THC includes Delta 9 THC, plus THCA. When THCA is heated it becomes Delta 9 THC. However, then what is all this talk about Delta 8 THC?

How Does Delta 8 THC Differ from Delta 9 THC?

Understandably, some people are hesitant to give delta-8 a try, as all that they know about THC in general is that it’s illegal and gets you high.  But delta 8 is quite different from delta9 in a number of ways, which we will explain in detail. This includes the legality of both, drug testing, how they are made, the differences of how they feel, and where to buy. 

Delta 8 THC is Federally Legal, and Delta 9 THC is Not

To see our full Delta 8 THC state by state list for legality click here. To understand why this is the case, we must refer to the Farm Bill of 2018.

When this bill was passed to legalize the hemp plant across the country.  Hemp and marijuana both belong to the cannabis genus, but hemp is non-psychoactive while marijuana is.  This is because marijuana contains 15 to 25% delta 9 THC, meaning that each dose of the plant material causes psychoactive effects.  In hemp, there’s only 0.3% delta 9 THC.

The law states that all hemp products are legal, including isolated cannabinoids, as long as they have no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC.  Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that comes from hemp and is different from delta 9 THC.  Therefore, according to federal law, delta 8 can be sold and used legally. 

Additionally, Delta 8 THC is not made artificially, as an existing cannabinoid in the Hemp plant. The process of converting CBD isolate to Delta 8 THC, is also only changing the chemical structure of the CBD isolate. Therefore not included in the “non-natural” occurrence of Cannabinoid which would cause illegality. 

Of course, a couple of states have outlawed delta 8 as they learn more about it.  But, in most of the country, it’s completely accessible and lawful.  And, in states where marijuana is fully legal, residents can use both delta 8 and delta 9 freely as they desire.

Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC Drug Tests?

We know Delta 9 THC will fail a drug test. However, this brings up the question, does Delta 8 THC trigger a drug test? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Drug tests look for total THC. Delta 8 THC still falls into this overall category, and will be picked up on a proper drug test. Therefore if you are drug tested for work, school or athletics, you should not take Delta 8 THC. Learn more about Delta 8 THC drug tests here.

Delta 8 Occurs in 0.1% of Hemp (By Composition)

Delta 8 is a minorly occurring cannabinoid, being present in only 0.1% of the entire plant’s chemical composition.  This amount is so low that even high doses of raw hemp material won’t get you high.  Delta 8 must be extracted using specialized processes that concentrate the compound without damaging its structural integrity.

Delta 9 Occurs in 0.3% of Hemp (By Composition)

Meanwhile, Delta 9 THC has to occur in 0.3% of the hemp plant to be considered legal Industrial Hemp. However, depending on the plant genetics, Cannabis could easily have a much higher percentage of hemp. This also means that there is more delta 9 than delta 8 present in hemp.

Delta 8 THC is Delta 9 THC With 1 Isomer Difference

Another fascinating difference has to do with how they occur.  Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC only differ by an Isomer. This also means that Delta 10 THC, Delta 7 THC and all of the other numbers exist too. However, the rest do not contain any psychoactive effects. Or effects in general. 

Delta 8 THC is Delta 9 THC, with a new atomic configuration.  However, Delta 8 THC is 50-70% milder than Delta 9 THC. This is why Delta 8 is known for being milder, and while being psychoactive, having effects quite different from those for which delta9 is known.

Delta 8 THC is Milder Than Delta 9 THC

As we said, delta 8 is milder than delta 9.  But, just how much milder?  Well, experts agree that delta 8 is about 70% as psychoactive as delta 9.  This means that while it can get you high, you won’t feel as high as you would if you were consuming delta 9 THC.  Many people say that the high produced by delta 8 is one in which they maintain more consciousness and alertness, and that the biggest effects relate to their mood.  Many say it makes them feel both calm and uplifted at the same time.

Delta 8 Double-Binds with CB1 Receptors

Delta 8 is unique from other cannabinoids in general, delta 9 included, in that it engages in a fascinating double-binding process with cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, which are known as CB1 receptors.  Cannabinoids are compounds that bind with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body to trigger regulatory actions that allow our bodily processes to function in a more efficient manner.  Double binding with cannabinoid receptors may promote more potent effects throughout the body’s nervous system, which could relate to everything from mood to pain.

Delta 8 THC is Easily Available Through Trustworthy Online Sites

Delta 8, unlike delta 9, is accessible, because it is federally legal.  This means that you’ll have an easier time finding high-quality, trustworthy delta 8 products than you would delta 9.  Delta8 goods that are sold online are formulated for widespread commercial use, which means that you don’t have to worry about them being made with low-quality methods that could potentially give you a disappointing experience.

Binoid CBD is one of the most trusted online Delta 8 THC and CBD shops that sells all Delta 8 THC products and brands with vape cartridges, tinctures, gummies, and capsules. Binoid carries top companies like 3Chi, Hempire Direct, Delta Effex and more for the best prices online with discounts all the time.

Delta 8 and Delta 9 May Produce Different Effects Through the Endocannabinoid System

Delta 9 THC has been studied widely for its various effects, which may relate to mood, pain levels, appetite and more.  Delta 8 does seem to have its own distinctive properties since, as we said earlier, it has a different atomic configuration than delta 9.  What this means is that delta8 may offer effects that delta 9 cannot. 

Unfortunately, delta 8 is such a newly discovered compound that research on it is presently lacking, and so we cannot give a comprehensive list of its effects just yet.  So far, it’s been reported by users that it may offer a calming effect on the body and mind, may offer feelings of euphoria and may aid in digestion.

Delta 8 is Made Differently from Delta 9

Delta 9 THC is easy to extract and isolate, as it’s the most abundant cannabinoid in the marijuana plant. Additionally, it’s also very easy for Hemp plants to become “hot” with THC. All farmers do is leave the crops out for an extended time. Therefore, for both Hemp and Marijuana it is very easy to get Delta 9.

Extracting and isolating Delta 8 THC isn’t nearly as easy.  Being such a minorly occurring cannabinoid, scientists must employ specialized methods in order to get the cannabinoid without crossing the lines of legality.  As delta 8 is an isomer of CBD, most companies choose to rearrange the atoms of the cannabidiol compound to produce delta 8 in a more cost-effective and reliable way. 

It’s not possibly to simply isolate Delta 8 in hemp plants because you waste the rest of the plant for a small residual amount of Delta 8 THC. It is much easier to create it through CBD isolate conversion, with almost a 90-95% conversion rate. This is very efficient, with very little waste. This makes Delta 8 THC easy to get large amounts of, due to the fact that CBD isolate is abundant in the industry. Therefore, giving great prices on Delta 8 THC products to consumers. 

Final Thoughts

Both delta 8 and delta-9 THC are forms of THC, but only the former is legal and widely accessible.  If you wish to give delta 8 a try, you can look through the selection of delta8-infused products at Binoid CBD.  We offer carefully extracted, properly formulated and lab-tested delta 8 in various delivery methods and strengths so that you can experience its effects in a highly personalized way.