Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 (THC): 10 Key Differences Explained
Discover the key differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9, from their origins and potency to benefits and legal status with this guide from Mood.
Written by Shepherd King
Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 (THC): 8 Key Differences Explained
If you’re exploring Delta-8 products, you might be wondering what the differences between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are.
Whether you’re new to cannabis use or just trying to expand your horizons, understanding the key differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 can help you figure out which form of THC is right for you.
Let’s take a look at the biggest differences between these two cannabinoids and how they affect you when you consume them by smoking or ingesting cannabis.
Table of Contents
What Are Cannabinoids?
Delta-8 and Delta-9 Compared: 10 Differences
FAQs About Delta-8 and Delta-9
Where To Buy Delta-8 and Delta-9
What Are Cannabinoids?
Before we talk about Delta-8 and Delta-9, you need to know a bit about cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that form naturally in the structure of the cannabis plant. We currently know about over 100 of these compounds, but only a few are responsible for the main psychoactive effects of cannabis (getting you high).
The primary psychoactive component in weed is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which comes in multiple forms: Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10. We’ll specifically focus on Delta-8 and Delta-9 in the sections below.
Delta-8 and Delta-9 Compared
Let’s take a closer look at the biggest differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.
The Cannabinoids From the Cannabis Plant
When it comes to comparing Delta-8 and Delta-9, the first difference to understand is that they are different cannabinoids.
These compounds are found in the cannabis sativa plant, and each one is unique.
From cannabidiol (CBD) to Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCa) to Delta-10 THC and beyond, the cannabis plant is home to a wide range of other cannabinoids with different uses and effects on your body’s endocannabinoid system.
The two we’re focusing on here are Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC) and Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC):
Delta-9-THC: The most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, Delta-9 THC leads to the psychoactive effects typically associated with weed.
Delta-8 THC: A cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that’s nearly identical to Delta-9 THC in its chemical structure, but typically has milder effects.
Both Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC will get you high, but your experience with Delta-8 might be more calming and sedating. However, the overall character of your high will depend on factors like the total amount of THC you consume, your tolerance level, and the consumption method you choose.
The Chemical Structure of Cannabis Plants
While they are almost identical, the chemical structures of Delta-8 and Delta-9 are still unique.
The key chemical difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC is the location of a particular double bond in their molecular structures.
Delta-8 THC has a double bond on the eighth of the carbon atoms in its molecular structure, whereas Delta-9 THC has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom in its molecular structure.
This difference is referenced in the cannabinoids’ names: Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC. The extra carbon atom in the molecular structure of Delta-9 gives the compound a bit more potency.
The Receptor Attachments
Both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC bind to the same cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which produce the psychoactive effects that you expect from smoking or ingesting Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica strains
These cannabinoids specifically bind to one called the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors found in your central and peripheral nervous systems. These receptors play multiple roles in your body in addition to triggering the psychoactive properties of weed.
It’s believed that Delta-9 THC has a stronger attachment to the CB1 receptor than Delta-8 does. Delta-8’s weaker attachment to the CB1 receptor is what causes the key difference between the two cannabinoids: their potency.
The Potency
Is Delta-9 THC stronger than Delta-8? Most of the time, the answer is yes.
Delta-8’s weaker attachment to the CB1 receptor can lead to milder effects, making it less potent than Delta-9 overall.
In general, Delta-8 can be a gentler alternative to typical Delta-9 THC, but keep in mind that both will produce a high.
When you’re comparing these two cannabinoids, think about the type of high that you want to experience and your desired mood while using weed.
Trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to take it slow. Increase your cannabis intake in small increments to see how different products make you feel.
The Side Effects
Although some of the effects of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are the same — like dry mouth, red eyes, and a case of the giggles — some are different.
Despite their similarities, many people find that Delta-8 THC’s milder high is associated with fewer negative side effects than Delta-9 THC.
In addition, some folks find that they get less overwhelmed when using Delta-8 rather than Delta-9 THC. If the intoxicating effects of weed have felt like a bit too much in the past, switching to Delta-8 gummies might be helpful.
The Products
You might find that there are fewer Delta-8 THC products to shop for than Delta-9 THC products.
This is mainly because Delta-8 is a less abundant cannabinoid in its natural form and is often extracted in smaller amounts. Because of this, it’s common for shops and dispensaries to have less product variety and availability of Delta-8 vs. Delta-9.
When you visit the Mood Shop, you can find high-quality Delta-8 and Delta-9 products in a wide variety. Our lineup of premium edibles even includes gummies and other treats containing a balanced combination of cannabinoids.
Legality (State and Federal Level)
Mood’s legal status explained: A letter from attorney Rod Kight
If you’re wondering about the legal status of psychoactive compounds like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, you’re not alone. It’s a gray area in the minds of many potential cannabis users. We’re here to help you sort it out once and for all.
In some parts of the US, you can get both Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC either online or in a local dispensary. That’s all thanks to the Agriculture Improvement Act, also known as the Farm Bill.
In 2018, the Farm Bill removed hemp plants from the list of controlled substances. This means that all hemp products — defined as cannabis goods containing less than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC by dry weight — are now legal in many states.
Because of this bill, THC complies with federal law on its own, but Delta-9 THC is only federally legal when it meets this legal limit. On the state level, the legality of both Delta-8 and Delta-9 is based on specific state laws.
In some states, differences between the legality of recreational use vs. medical use also affect your ability to enjoy Delta-8 and Delta-9 products. Check your state’s specific guidelines for cannabis products before you order Farm Bill-compliant hemp-derived products locally or online.
The Market
The cannabis industry is constantly changing, and both the Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC markets keep evolving by the day. In addition, cannabis research continues to reveal incredible new cannabinoids like THCp (discovered in 2019), which can be combined with Delta-8 and Delta-9 to produce powerful effects.
These changes impact where you can purchase Delta-8 and Delta-9 cannabis-derived products. While you should always be able to find both Delta-8 and Delta-9 in dispensaries in certain parts of the country, you may be surprised to find Delta-8 in other types of places — like gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores.
However, while picking up Delta-8 from the corner store might seem like a convenient option, it doens’t always end you up with a high-quality product or a balanced high. The concentrations of Delta-8 in these products can vary widely, as they’re often not thoroughly tested.
On the other hand, the products from Mood go through rigorous testing to rule out any quality or safety concerns. Our products get reviewed by experts in third-party labs and feature cannabis sourced from trusted American farms.
FAQs About Delta-8 and Delta-9
Q: Which cannabinoid is right for me?
A: If you’re not sure whether Delta-8 or Delta-9 is the best option for you, we recommend giving both a try — separately and together.
Products that combine Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, which you can find in the Mood Shop, give you a more balanced high, especially with CBD added into the mix. This combination of cannabinoids can be a fantastic starting point for new cannabis users.
In addition to giving Delta-8 and Delta-9 a shot together, experiment with using them separately to see how the high differs. Everyone has their own unique response to these and other cannabinoids, so don't be afraid to explore and go with what makes you feel the best.
Q: What’s the difference between THCa and THC?
A: THCa stands for Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, the chemical precursor to Delta-9 THC.
THCa doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. Once the cannabinoid is heated, it becomes more potent.
Q: Will Delta-8 THC make me fail a drug test?
A: Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC can show up on a standard urinalysis drug test up to 90 days after use. If you have a drug test coming up for work or school, we recommend skipping all products made from hemp plants for at least three months, including Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies.
Q: What do Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies taste like?
A: Gummies don’t have a weed-y taste like what you’d expect from flower or concentrates. Instead, the gummies in the Mood Shop have delicious fruity flavors and no cannabis aftertaste. They're perfect for both newcomers to cannabis use and experienced enthusiasts.
On the other hand, DIY edibles made with Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC might taste like weed. If you want to avoid the taste of cannabis altogether, we recommend ordering high-quality edibles online rather than trying to make your own at home.
Q: Can I make my own THC gummies?
A: Speaking of homemade edibles...DIY gummies are always an option if you’re crafty and want to put some of your THCa flower to good use.
However, making gummies at home is a process that takes some tools, skill, and patience. As we mentioned, it may also end up with gummies that taste a bit like a weed. Nevertheless, if you’re up for a fun DIY cannabis project, homemade gummies are a fantastic option. You can also flex your baking muscle by whipping up brownies or cookies using homemade cannabutter.
Where To Buy Delta-8 and Delta-9
If you’re looking for a convenient place to buy both Delta-8 and Delta-9, check out the Mood Shop.
Our online dispensary delivers high-quality, 100% legal cannabis to your doorstep.
These are some of our top recommendations for Delta-8 and Delta-9 products:
15mg Delta-9 THC Gummies
Available in multiple tasty flavors, these powerful gummies provide a balanced high thanks to a combination of Delta-9 THC and CBD. With effects that hit within 45-120 minutes, you’ll enjoy a classic high that can last for several hours.
Pick up a 5-count of 15mg Delta-9 THC Gummies for just $19. Subscribe to save 15%.
50mg Delta-8 Gummies
These fruity gummies feature a balanced mix of Delta-8 THC and CBD for a strong chill high. You’ll feel the effects within 45-120 minutes.
We recommend trying half of one of these Delta-8 gummies if you’re new to cannabis and want a milder, more relaxing high.
Save $35 or more when you grab a 30-count of 50mg Delta-8 Gummies for just $79. Subscribe to save 15%.
25mg Delta-8 THC Gel Caps
If you want a compact, convenient source of a chill, long-lasting high, these gel caps are for you. Available in bottles of 30, these capsules contain 25mg of Delta-8 for smooth and mellow psychoactive effects.
Get a 30-count of 25mg Delta-8 THC Gel Caps for just $49. Subscribe to save 15%.
Looking for something else? Head to the Mood Shop to browse our full selection of premium cannabis products, including more delicious edibles.
Prices subject to change.
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