Delta-8 THC is a lesser-known yet increasingly popular form of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. While both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, Delta-8 THC is distinct from Delta-9 THC in both its chemical structure and effects.
Delta-8 THC is often marketed as a "milder" version of THC with fewer psychoactive and negative side effects. However, consumers should be aware of some important differences between the two compounds before using either form of THC.
In this article, we will explore the differences between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC and examine the potential benefits and risks of using both.
What Is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis plants. THC can be found in all strains of the cannabis plant family. Cannabis Indica (Marijuana) is known for having a very high concentration of THC. Cannabis Sativa (Industrial Hemp) contains a very small amount of THC.
THC direction affects the endocannabinoid receptors in our brain that deal with thinking, pleasure, memory, time perception, and coordination. THC attaches to these receptors and activates them.
THC is formed when the cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) is broken down in the hemp plant by cyclized enzymes. This process then produces what is known as THCA.
When THCA is heated by the sun, decarboxylate turns THCA into THC. That type of transformation leaves the question of what different types of THC are there.
The different types of THC are as follows: THC, THCA, THCV, Delta-8 THC, and Delta-9 THC. What are the differences of each of these, and what are the benefits?
For the sake of the article, we will focus on Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC because they are the most common forms of THC found in Full Spectrum CBD oil.
What Are Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC?
Delta-8 THC is naturally occurring in all hemp and cannabis plants in small concentrations. However, through science, THC and CBD can be converted into Delta-8 THC. The majority of Delta-8 products are manufactured from Hemp plants and turned into Full Spectrum CBD oil or Delta-8 Oil. Full Spectrum Delta-8 THC is popular as it provides the benefits that THC normally does but doesn't get the user as high.
Delta-9 THC does have some key differences in comparison to Delta-8 THC. Delta-9 THC is more commonly associated with the 'high.' Delta-8 THC is found in smaller amounts and is rising in popularity.
How Is Delta-8 THC Different From Delta-9 THC?
Full Spectrum vs Delta-8 THC is more commonly related to the calm and relaxed 'high' feeling, whereas Delta-9 THC is more commonly associated with the intense 'high' feeling where the user may feel a bit out of control and may have more anxiety.
When taken in smaller amounts, under 0.3%, this is not a common result. When taking Full Spectrum CBD, small amounts of either THC type have been shown to enhance the benefits of the CBD and other cannabinoids.
They provide deeper results interacting with our bodies' endocannabinoid system. Chemically, the only difference is where the double bond is located on the chain of carbon atoms.
What Are The Benefits of Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC?
Full spectrum Delta-8 THC users find that results are very relaxing and stress relieving. Many people describe the feeling as a weight lifted, more energetic, relaxed, clear-minded, and more!
Delta-9 THC has similar results, but a higher milligram (mg) amount can be more intense. Paranoia and anxiety are often side effects of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC if taken in larger amounts. Delta-8 THC does have less of this effect than Delta-9 THC.
Does Delta-8 THC Work Like CBD?
Full Spectrum Delta-8 THC can complement CBD, but it does have different effects. The same goes with Delta-9 THC. In small amounts, within a Full Spectrum CBD product, you will find complimenting benefits of relaxation, calmness, and more.
In some states where Marijuana and high THC levels are legal, you can find products containing only THC. These are used more for 'getting high,' providing high levels of relaxation, calmness, and a floaty feeling.
What Is CBD and Its Benefits?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of several cannabinoids found in the Cannabis family of plants. Most CBD products come from the Industrial Hemp Plant, which is federally legal in all 50 states.
CBD has quickly gained popularity as one of the most beneficial Cannabinoids. However, there are several Cannabinoids in the Hemp plant, and with time and research, we are finding each has several benefits within a wide range of results.
Combining them can provide a full range of beneficial results. Here is a small breakdown of popular CBD products. Full Spectrum products contain a 'full profile' of Cannabinoids and usually contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 or Delta-8 THC.
Less than 0.3% THC is the Federal legal limit for all 50 states. States where THC is legal for medicinal and recreational use may have products with higher levels of THC.
Broad Spectrum products are similar to the Full Spectrum products and contain a 'full profile' of cannabinoids minus the THC. This type of product is a great alternative to Full Spectrum products if you are subject to drug testing and aren't allowed to have THC.
Isolate (Iso) products contain specific Isolated Cannabinoids for specific benefits. The most common Iso cannabinoids available on the market today are CBD, CBN, CBG, and CBC. Listed below are the common uses for those iso products.
- CBD (Cannabidiol) Isolate is a more affordable option than Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum and provides only CBD's benefits.
- CBN (Cannabinol) Isolate targets sleep and relaxation.
- CBG (Cannabigerol) Isolate provides mental support and assists in calming the overstrained mind.
- CBC (Cannabichromene) Isolate targets pain and discomfort.
Will Delta-8 THC Get You High?
Full Spectrum Delta-8 has been known to cause similar effects to Delta-9. Those psychoactive effects, such as the 'high,' are less amplified with Delta-8 than with Delta-9 in general.
The high varies from person to person depending on past use and tolerance that has been built up. In general, the effects can last anywhere from 2-10 hours. This again depends on which form of THC was used, the tolerance, how much was taken, etc.
Does Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC Cause a Failed Drug Test?
Yes, both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC will cause a drug test to test positive for THC. Therefore, if you are subject to drug testing, you should avoid products containing Delta THC.
Are Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC Legal?
THC is federally legal in amounts less than 0.3%. However, each state has different laws concerning the legal levels of Delta THC. In some states where recreational usage of Marijuana has been legalized, THC is legal in higher percentages, and other states have lower legal limits.
Most states have at least matched the federal legal limits. It is important to know your state's laws concerning Delta THC levels.
Sum It Up!
What is Delta-8 THC? Delta THC is a naturally and chemically engineered cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. This cannabinoid's ability to get one high is less compared to other forms of THC.
As common with other THC's, it can help promote relaxation, comfort levels, appetite, and creativity. When paired with other cannabinoids, it can help boost the effects through the entourage effect.
What Does Zatural Have To Offer?
If you are looking for a product with THC, then Zatural has the products for you. The Zatural Full Spectrum line contains the federal legal limit of THC. Zatural is all about keeping our products natural, and since Delta-9 appears more naturally than Delta-8, our products contain Delta-9.
At Zatural, our goal is to provide products that offer therapeutic benefits to as many as possible at affordable pricing. We continue to strive to offer a wide selection of products and strengths to meet everyone's individual needs. We also offer these options in different delivery methods, such as oil tinctures, gummies, or capsules.
For educational purposes only
*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.