Delta 8 and Delta 9 are family members of more than 100 cannabinoids found in hemp. You’ll be able to find their products in states where marijuana is legal for medical and recreational purposes. Both have a similar name, but do they provide the same effects on the body?

These 2 cannabinoids act similarly by causing mood-altering effects that are coupled with sedation. Yet, their range of effects differs. Before trying out these cannabinoid products, you must get familiar with their similarities, and differences.

What Is Delta 9?

Delta 9 is a member of a big family of compounds called cannabinoids found in hemp plants. This cannabinoid is highly psychoactive and is the main cause of the high that marijuana consumers get. In hemp plants such as marijuana, Delta 9 occurs in high amounts.

Since Delta 9 is naturally found in high traces in hemp plants, the extraction of this cannabinoid is fairly easy and economical. Usually, this cannabinoid is extracted from marijuana plants since they contain high Delta 9 content. 

In states where Delta 9 is legal for recreational and medical use, you’ll find a variety of Delta 9 products from edibles and infused beverages to tinctures and vaping carts. As this cannabinoid is highly intoxicating, you’ll usually find its products to have lower potencies.

 

What Is Delta 8?

Delta 8 is another compound of the cannabinoid family found in hemp. Naturally, it exists in minute traces, which isn’t sufficient for manufacturing products. Thus, Delta 8 is produced from hemp-derived CBD, a costlier process involving various lab extraction methods. 

Although CBD doesn’t cause intoxicating effects, Delta 8 shows psychoactive properties. They’re similar to Delta 9 but at a lesser intensity.  The cannabinoid is available in the form of tinctures, vaping carts, edibles, and oils.

How are Delta 8 And Delta 9 Different?

Though both Delta 8 and Delta 9 have a similar chemical composition, they differ in the following areas.

• Medical Research

There is a significant number of studies on the psychoactive effects of Delta 9 in the human body. However, research on Delta 8 is at the preliminary stage.

• Potency 

Delta 9 is a more potent psychoactive cannabinoid compared to Delta 8. A Delta 8 product would be nearly one-third as potent as a Delta 9 product of the same dosage.

• Safety Regulations

States, where Delta 9 is legal, have placed strict testing and labeling laws for the regulation of its products. However, Delta 8 products aren’t regulated as much as Delta 9 products are. This means that the chances of getting a poor-quality Delta 8 product are much greater compared to Delta 9.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Delta 8 Safe For Athletes?

Delta 8 in lower doses may help athletes improve their mood and concentration before working out. 

Takeaway – Are Delta 8 And Delta 9 Similar?

Delta 8 and Delta 9 are psychoactive cannabinoids that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. By stimulating the CB1 and CB2 receptors of our endocannabinoid system, these cannabinoids can induce beneficial or adverse effects.