What Is The Difference?

For the time being, we know that Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC are the only compounds in the marijuana plant that produce all the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Because Delta-9-THC is much more abundant than Delta-8-THC, the psychoactivity of cannabis has been attributed largely to Delta-9 THC. That is until now.

How is Delta-8 THC different from Delta-9 THC?

In chemistry, “Delta” refers to the double bond in a compound’s molecular structure. Delta compounds have more electrons and will interact with the body differently than single bond cannabinoids. The only difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC is where the double bonds are located on the chain of carbon atoms. 

Delta-8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain, and Delta-9 has a double bond on the 9th carbon chain. This seems like a minor difference,  but it’s significant enough to produce slightly different cognitive and physical effects.

Does Delta-8 THC get you high?

Delta-8 will certainly get you high, but not like Delta-9 THC.  Delta-8 THC exhibits “lower psychotropic potency” than Delta-9 and might bind with the brain’s receptors differently than Delta-9, thereby explaining the variation of effects. 

On account of this, consumers have reported feeling less intense psychoactive effects with Delta-8 THC. But still noticeable. Delta-8 users experience appetite stimulation and euphoria–just not as intensely as they do from Delta-9 THC.  Also, It’s been reported that Delta-8 THC lacks the anxious, paranoid feeling people experience when using Delta-9 THC.

Does Delta-8 THC act the same way in the body as THC?  

Like CBD and other cannabis compounds, Delta-8-THC communicates with receptors in the body, making up the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is the homeostatic regulator that affects nearly every system of the body. 

The ECS’ main receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors primarily reside in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. 

Delta-8-THC communicates with CB1 and CB2 receptors to balance several functions, including pain, appetite, mood, hormones, inflammation, and blood pressure. This process is what marks Delta-8-THC’s therapeutic and psychotropic abilities. 

Also, a commonly asked question, “ will Delta-8 THC make me fail a drug test” seems to be popping up more and more.    The answer to this question,  yes.

Is it easy to extract Delta-8 THC from hemp?

Extracting Delta-8 from hemp to create a product potent enough to produce noticeable effects isn’t easy. But it’s certainly possible. Commercial processors use selective breeding, distillation, and molecular isolation to create concentrates that are rich in Delta-8. 

In 2004 Dr. Mechoulam filed a patent for a recipe to convert the common cannabinoid CBD into Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC; this method is called isomerization.

 Other companies are employing the “thin-film distillation” of cultivated flower and trim. Through this process, manufacturers utilize vacuums, temperature manipulation, and scientific equipment to convert Delta-9 THC to Delta-8. 

Is Delta-8 THC legal? 

The legal status of delta-8 THC is very grey, with large amounts of bad information being put into circulation.  Here’s what we know currently:

Delta-8 THC derived from marijuana is federally illegal since marijuana is still a banned controlled substance. Hemp-derived Delta-8 THC is technically legal if it’s naturally extracted. The problem is hemp contains only trace amounts of the compound. So most delta-8 products are synthetically created by converting CBD into delta-8. 

According to the DEA, this puts delta-8 in the illicit category. In its interim final rule published on August  21, 2020, the DEA said, “All synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinol remains a schedule I controlled substances.”

Luckily, this rule is not final yet. You can submit commentsuntil October 20th for consideration.

What type of Delta-8 THC products are available? 

 Delta-8 THC products are available in nearly every form.  That means consumers can vaporize, eat, or ingest Delta-8 through the following types of products: