Delta 8 VS Delta 9

In recent years the hemp and cannabis industries have become arguably more mainstream than anyone could ever have predicted.  With the recent surge in very legal popularity, there are more terms than ever to keep up with.  Delta 8 vs delta 9 is only one of the many considerations to take into account before indulging.  Here, we cover all the specs on both cannabinoids.  

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Delta 8 vs Delta 9: The Basics

Any time you’ve heard someone refer to THC, they are referring to delta 9.  Both delta 8 and delta 9 are forms of THC.  Delta 8 and delta 9 are both cannabinoids.  Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants.  Other examples of cannabinoids include HHC and CBD.  They interact with our bodies endocannabinoid system.  This interaction is responsible for the “high” and other effects that we feel after using hemp or cannabis products.  

Is Delta 8 New?

For decades, delta 9 THC was the only cannabinoid getting any attention.  THC was famed for being the component of weed that was responsible for getting people high.  The average smoker knew nothing about the other parts of the magical plant that contributed to their good times.  As cannabis laws have changed in the US, more and more research has been completed and used to educate people about the complexity of cannabis and hemp.  

Delta 8 had actually been discovered in the 1940s by American chemist Roger Adams.  It only occurs naturally in trace amounts, so you would have needed tons of plant material to produce usable quantities of delta 8.  This didn’t make much sense at the time since delta 9 THC was so abundant.

Years later, “Grandfather of Cannabis” Raphael Mechoulam filed a patent for his process of “isomerization”, which could be used to convert naturally abundant CBD to delta 8.  With hemp and cannabis still outlawed in the US, there was still no real reason to explore delta 8 here, even with this new technology.

Delta 8: Why Now?

The real catalyst for delta 8 to become a big player on the scene came with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.  This bill legalized hemp on a federal level.  Legally, hemp is defined as cannabis containing .03% or less delta 9 THC.  The intent of this bill was to pave the way for hemp to be cultivated for food, clothing, rope, and other materials.  Opportunists saw it as a chance to bring other lesser known cannabinoids into the spotlight.  Some of these cannabinoids, like delta 8, have psychoactive properties.  This meant that people across the country could get high even in states where recreational cannabis was not legal.  Through Mechoulam’s method of isomerization, hemp-derived CBD could now legally be converted into delta 8.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9: How Does It Feel?

So now that you understand where delta 8 comes from and why it’s only been a buzzword in recent years, it’s time to go over how the high feels.  Delta 8 and delta 9 will both get you high.  Delta 9 is more potent than delta 8.  According to this article in Outlook India, “side effects are more severe with delta 9 including paranoid delusions, mental cloudiness, motor impairment, and anxiety”.  71% of delta 8 users who were surveyed in this study reported high levels of relaxation.  68% experienced euphoria.  74% of participants said they did not experience anxiety, while 83% said they did not experience paranoia.  So if you’re looking for a smooth high without the paranoia and anxiety, delta 8 is the move for you.  

Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Are They Legal?

If you live in the US, you probably know what the laws are in your state regarding medical and recreational cannabis use.  These are the laws that govern delta 9.  Delta 8, on the other hand, is a little trickier to keep track of.  Laws are constantly changing.  While delta 8 does technically remain legal on a federal level due to the 2018 Farm Bill, many states are pushing back.  Some seek to regulate the industry while others look to prohibit delta 8 altogether.  To make matters even more complicated, the Farm Bill is actually up for review this year.  Who knows whether an amendment regarding hemp-derived cannabinoids will be added?  

So if you live in a state where delta 8 is legal and you’re ready for a high that won’t leave you burnt out, paranoid, or anxious, you are in the right place here at DVNT.  Our products are lab tested so you actually know what you’re getting (part of why some legislators are pushing for regulation rather than a full ban!).  We do business the right way, hence our 98% customer satisfaction rating.  Get high the modern way with our awesome selection of prerolls, blunts, and gummies.