Breaking Down The Differences Between Delta-8, Delta-9, & Hemp
If you follow cannabis-related news, you’ve probably heard of Delta-8. In this article, we'll break down the differences between Delta-8, Delta-9, and CBD/hemp products.
How is Delta-8 THC Produced?
Delta-8 THC is an isomer of Delta-9 THC and does not occur naturally in the cannabis plant. Instead, chemists utilize solvents to treat CBD extracted from hemp - the resulting reaction is responsible for producing the Delta-8 chemical.
The purest way to produce high-quality Delta-8 is through treating CBD extracted from hemp with a chemical solvent.
After CBD becomes Delta 8, it undergoes extensive filtration and distillation procedures that ensure the end product is an unadulterated CBD solution. The final product is free from unwanted cannabinoids and traces of the solvent used to mix it.
Are Delta-8 and Delta-9 Any Different?
We need to clarify one scientific fact upfront. Delta-8 and Delta-9 products will both get you high. Unlike CBD and traditional hemp products, Delta-8 is responsible for producing a noticeable psychoactive effect on its users. Delta-8 THC causes a psychoactive effect that is moderately similar in feeling to Delta-9 without carrying the legal restrictions that come with traditional marijuana products.
Delta-8 THC products are federally legal, as Delta-8 is derived from CBD extracts rather than from Delta-9 THC. This is great news for people living in states where Delta-9 THC is still medically and recreationally illegal.
Delta-8 THC is a refined version of Delta-9 (Delta-9 THC is found naturally in the cannabis plant). Delta-8 THC causes a high, but the high is not nearly as intense, foggy, or mentally impairing as the high caused by traditional cannabis. Unlike regular THC, Delta-8 provides a relaxing feeling rather than intensified audiovisual sensations and euphoria. Delta-8 also takes longer to kick in than Delta-9 cannabis. You'll enjoy a much smoother experience that takes the edge off daily stressors rather than blasting you into the stratosphere.
Delta-8 is much less likely to induce THC-related psychosis because it is only 50% as potent as Delta-9. Delta-8 can quell your anxiety and induce a calmer state of mind without exposing you to the risk of “greening out." Similarly, Delta-8 doesn’t impair your motor functionality or limit your ability to move around. If you are new to using cannabis products, you’ll find that Delta-8 offers a better starting point for you than traditional cannabis.
How Are Delta-8 and Delta-9 Similar?
While Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products are very different in terms of psychoactivity, they share a number of the same reported health benefits.
Much like Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 has valuable antiemetic properties, meaning that it reduces nausea and increases appetite in the same fashion as Delta-9. In scientific studies, Delta-8 and Delta-9 products assisted clinical patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.
Because Delta-8 is much less psychoactive than Delta-9, it's suitable for situations where you need to have your wits about you (but would still appreciate some relief).
Both products can also reduce the intensity/frequency of seizures stemming from epileptic disorders.
Does Hemp Get You High?
The short answer to this question is no - hemp does not produce a high or psychoactive effect. The THC level in hemp is so low (<0.3%) that it is federally legal.
What Does “Hemp” Mean?
In a federal context, the term “hemp” is used to indicate cannabis that contains 0.3% or less (<0.3%) THC content by weight. Any form of cannabis that contains more than 0.3% THC by weight is not classified as hemp and is not federally legal.
The 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to grow hemp throughout the United States. By extension, it made hemp-derived CBD products federally legal to use.
How Are CBD and Hemp Related?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is found in both hemp and marijuana plants, and it can be derived from either form of cannabis. However, it’s worth noting that CBD products are only classified as federally legal if they stem from cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC.
How Does CBD Compare to Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?
Unlike Delta-8 and Delta-9 products, CBD products do not have a psychoactive effect on their consumers. However, CBD still shares health benefits with these kinds of products. CBD and hemp products are federally legal and easily obtainable across all 50 states. Because CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, it’s an appealing option for discreet and daily use among consumers searching for pain relief and appetite stimulation.
CBD products offer consumers significant anxiety relief and chronic pain relief. CBD and hemp can also reduce painful symptoms of bodily inflammation while promoting restful sleep. Hemp imparts these health benefits on consumers while lacking a euphoric high. Because CBD and hemp products don’t bind to your cannabinoid receptors, they don't cause intoxication. By contrast, Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products deliver a psychoactive high.
Instead, CBD activates your serotonin receptors and allows your body to utilize its existing serotonin more effectively. CBD’s activation of serotonin gives it anxiolytic and pain-relieving qualities. CBD and hemp products can be used on a daily basis for anxiety relief, pain relief, and appetite stimulation.
Choosing The Right Cannabis Products For You
As a consumer, you should have as much information as possible at your disposal to choose the right kind of cannabis product for your needs.
If you’re in a state where Delta-9 THC is illegal for medical or recreational usage, we recommend that you try Delta-8 as a replacement for traditional cannabis.
Because Delta-8 products are derived from CBD rather than Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 remains federally legal while offering the same slew of appetite stimulation and pain-relieving qualities.
Delta-8 THC is also a great starting point for those new to the effects of cannabis. Delta-8 will provide you with pain relief, but it won't cause the overwhelming high less tolerant consumers are prone to experiencing with Delta-9.
To enjoy non-intoxicating pain and anxiety relief, you should use CBD or hemp products. CBD and hemp products are gentle on your system. They provide discretion for those wishing to enjoy pain and anxiety relief without feeling mentally or physically impaired.
