Delta 8 Vs. Delta 9: Everything You Need To Know

If you are interested in trying quality delta products, check out our sister brand, Otterspace.

Delta 8 is a type of naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant that produces psychoactive effects. This means that you will feel high after taking a delta 8 product. However, this formulation is meant to deliver a more calming result that is similar to a light feel rather than feeling too high as with other cannabinoid types.

Manufacturers derive delta 8 from the whole flower and stalk of the cannabis plant and often extract an oil as a result. It also contains other cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, and CBN.

Delta 8 works on the endocannabinoid system by binding to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. This binding triggers a cascade of events that produces similar effects to that of Delta 9 THC. These receptors are activated by natural cannabinoids like THC and CBD, but they can also be activated by cannabinoids like delta 8 THC.

The end result is similar to what you would experience with natural cannabinoids.

The endocannabinoid system is an important part of our biology, and it's responsible for a lot of the functions we take for granted. It manages things like appetite, mood, memory, and pain perception.

Delta 8 has become more popular especially in treatment for various medical conditions and diseases including:

• Pain Management - Delta 8 THC may be used along with other medicines to treat severe pain from cancer or other causes. It is also used to treat chronic pain caused by nerve damage.

• Nausea - Delta 8 THC is extremely effective at reducing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy treatments such as chemo-radiation therapy and even radiation treatment.

• Epilepsy - Delta 8 THC may be used along with other medicines to treat seizures caused by epilepsy. If you have had a seizure while taking this medicine, you should not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Anxiety - Delta 8 THC can help with anxiety and stress by calming down the user’s nervous system. This will help reduce stress levels and anxiety. It also helps the user feel calm and relaxed.

For more information on potential medical benefits, you can always discuss this further with your physician.  

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Delta-8 THC. However, not everyone who uses this cannabinoid will experience problems. Most users tolerate it quite well. The most common side effects associated with Delta-8 THC include:

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth

• Nausea

• Red eyes

Delta 9 is a type of major cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant that produces a higher psychoactive effect than its counterpart delta 8. Similar to delta 8, delta 9 binds with CB-1 receptors in the brain which produces strong psychoactive effects.

When you’re thinking of traditional THC products that produce a high, then you’re probably thinking about delta 9. It has been studied and discussed for decades, even leading to state regulation. For more information on your state’s guidelines, check out this live map to see where delta 9 is legal.

The FDA has actually approved two synthetic THC formulations which are used to help with nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. The two drugs, Dronabinol and Nabilone, utilize the delta 9 THC structure to help patients deal with the often difficult symptoms post chemotherapy treatments. 

According to Forbes Health and Dr. Dave Gordon, a double-board certified integrative and functional medicine physician with expertise in cannabis therapeutics and advisory board member for Leaf411, an online resource for using cannabis safely and effectively, there are some medical benefits of delta 9 to explore including:

• Relaxation 

• Feelings of happiness or a lightness 

• Decreased anxiety

• Improved sensory perception

• Increased appetite

As with any THC product, there is a chance of having an adverse effect. This is due to the higher psychoactive nature of the product. As delta 9 activates the CB1 receptors (which can be positive for the reasons above) it can also lead to overstimulation, which can lead to:

• Lethargy

• Anxiety

• Dry mouth

• Increased heart rate

If you are experiencing this it’s best to stop use or start with a smaller dose before determining what works best for you.

Delta 8 is largely considered to be “marijuana light” when compared to delta 9 varieties. The side effects are considered to be milder especially in relation to psychoactive type feelings.  

It may be better to start with a delta 8 formulation to see how you feel before continuing on to a stronger delta 9 product.

The chemical breakdown of delta products is similar, but there is a key difference to the makeup of delta 8 vs. delta 9. Delta 8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom whereas delta 9 has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom.

To the average consumer this may sound too scientific and of no real consequence. However, this ever so slight difference in the molecular structures is responsible for the stark difference in overall effect. This is where delta 9 becomes the better choice for those looking for a euphoric high that THC brings.

 It is also where delta 8 becomes a milder choice for those looking for potential medical impact when dealing with pain, nausea, epilepsy, and anxiety among others. 

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