WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DELTA-8 AND DELTA-9?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DELTA-8 AND DELTA-9?

Hemp, cannabis, and marijuana belong to the same family plant. The hemp and cannabis plants were legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill after being found to have potential health and wellness benefits. The common dominant element found in marijuana, hemp, and the cannabis plant is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is an intoxicating element of either the plants which leads to restriction of hemp-based products in some states in the USA. Another reason for legalizing hemp and cannabis plants is due to their THC levels, which are 0.3%. Marijuana was not legalized since its THC levels are way high that it would harm the users. It has over 2.5% THC levels. Delta-8 is derived from cannabis or hemp plant while Delta-9 is from marijuana. The main differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 are as follows;

Extraction

Gurny et al (1972) showed that extraction is an important part of producing any hemp or cannabis-based products. Delta 9 THC takes a significant portion of cannabis. Its extraction is usually simple and cheap. To be specific, Delta-9 is derived from marijuana. On the contrary, extracting Delta-8 requires more effort. This is because Delta-8 is a minor element of the hemp plant. The dominant element of the hemp plant is cannabidiol (CBD). Since it’s a minor element of the hemp or cannabis plant, a lot of effort is used in extraction. Most brands prefer the use of CO2 since it minimizes contamination of the environment and the end products. Since hemp-based products’ THC levels should be restricted to 0.3%, most companies prefer converting CBD to THC to avoid exceeding the THC levels. However, this is so pricy.

Effects

A major difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is drawn when it comes to the effect. The impact or side effects of Delta-9 are more significant than of Delta-8. The effect can be used as a major guideline for those people who are caught up between choosing Delta-8 and Delta-9.  The side effects of Delta-9 are believed to be twice that of Delta-8.  According to Greydanus et al (2013),  the main signs of the side effects are mental fog, paranoid delusions, increased anxiety, and impaired motor skills.

On the contrary, Delta-8 is noted to deliver a much easier experience. Richard& Paul (2017) noted that most Delta-8 users experience a calm and clear sense. Although most people have reported a “high” experience, they are still able to make good judgments and maintain focus. In simpler words, Delta-8 makes users calm and relieves them from stress. The duration of the side effects also differs. The impact on the side effects of Delta-8 is slow and gradual. This allows you to manage it and find a place to relax. On the other hand, the impact of Delta-9 is rapid and instantaneous that it might get out of hand to be managed.

Legality

Marijuana was prohibited by the federal government of the United States. The struggle for legalizing it was directed at the state level. Of 50 states in the US, only 34 have legalized it but only for both recreational and therapeutic use. The fate of the legality of Delta 9 products is directed to the side effects. According to DeAdder (2016), the federal laws, any amounts exceeding 0.3% THC are illegal.

On the contrary, the legality of Delta-8 products is rested upon the federal government, its regulation is stricter. The 2018 Farm Bill in the USA legalized hemp products making them free for recreational or therapeutic use. The Farm Bill is not categorical on the laws concerning the legality of Delta-8 products. However, the psychoactive side effects of Delta-8 have made some states restrict its products including for therapeutic use. Currently, 15 states are yet to legalize Delta-8 products for both therapeutic and recreational use. In 6 states, there are still pending motions on the legality of Delta-8 products.

Products

Delta-9 and Delta-8 products share most products. One of the latest developments in either are vape products. Vaping has become common among the youth and most hemp and marijuana-based manufacturers are offering their Delta-9 and Delta-8 products in vape form. Unlike other formulations, vaping triggers rapid effectiveness. Other delta-8 and Delta-9 infused products include tinctures, gummies, capsules, and topicals.

Availability

The availability of Delta-8 differs from Delta-9. Since all hemp-based products were legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill, Delta-8 products are available in nearly all the states. Delta-8 products are in 35 states. However, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has a close eye on all hemp-based manufacturers to ensure they are offering quality products including Delta-8. The FDA strengthens the 2018 Farm Bill laws regarding hemp-based products. Besides, Delta-8 products can be easily accessed online and in local stores near you. However, since hem-based manufacturers continue flooding the market, consider buying from a reputable brand. Suppose the brand doesn’t display its manufacturing process from the hemp seed level to the end products, dismiss it.

Delta-9 products are difficult to find since marijuana is yet to be legalized in the USA. Its dealers are going against the laws and so they have to sell them discreetly. To avoid being on the wrong side of the law, consider using Delta-8 products. Brands manufacturing Delta-8 products don’t ship their items to states restricting hemp-based products.

Buying either of the products online is the best option. It allows you access to the best prices and discounts on both recently established brands that have been in the market for a long. It also allows you access best products and have a wide range of options in terms of potency levels and other factors.

Conclusion

Delta 9 products can also be defined as the concentrated form of Delta-8. Delta-8 to most veterans sounds a cliché since it won’t trigger the desired effect. Both the products are used for recreational use. However, they are also likely to offer health benefits. Research on the impact of THC on our health shows that it promotes mental health and reduces pain but only if it is used moderately. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of THC. However, the benefits are yet to be approved by the FDA and other health institutions. The primary difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is the side effects. Delta-9 poses more health threats than Delta-8.

References

Deadder Jd, S. B. (2016). The Legal Status Of Cannabidiol Oil And The Need For

Congressional Action. North Carolina Central University Science & Intellectual Property Law Review, 9(1), 4.

Greydanus, D., Hawver, E. K., Greydanus, M. M., & Merrick, J. (2013). Marijuana:

Current Concepts. Frontiers In Public Health, 1, 42.

Gurny, O., Maynard, D. E., Pitcher, R. G., & Kierstead, R. W. (1972). Metabolism Of (-)-.

Delta. 9-And (-)-. Delta. 8-Tetrahydrocannabinol By Monkey Liver. Journal Of The American Chemical Society, 94(22), 7928-7929.

Richard, O. N., & Paul, O. B. (2017). Medical Marijuana: Basic Scientific View.

Ieva Kubiliute

Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

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