Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC: Differences and Similarities

Delta 8 THC (D8) and Delta 9 THC (D9) have become hot topics in the cannabis industry in recent years as marijuana laws have evolved due to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which removed hemp and its derivatives from the controlled substances list. D8 and D9 both come from the cannabis plant, but these types of THC affect the body and mind differently. 

This guide to delta 9 THC vs delta 8 THC explores the key similarities and differences between D8 THC and D9 THC. We also highlight their effects, how they compare, and answer some common questions to help you understand them better. Anyone who needs help getting back on track from delta 8 or delta 9 misuse can also discover how to get compassionate care.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9: What Is It?

Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are both forms of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the ingredient in a cannabis plant that triggers the characteristic high. [1] They are both derived from the cannabis sativa plant, and are legal in many states for recreational use as well as their therapeutic benefits such as relaxation and pain relief, and have become popular additions to the cannabis industry in recent years. While they are both considered relatively safe, there are potential risks associated with the two drugs as they are not regulated by the FDA.

Delta 9 THC is the most common type of THC found in marijuana plants. It’s well-known for producing strong effects like euphoria and relaxation, which is why it’s associated with the feeling of being high. Delta 9 binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain more directly, making its effects stronger and more immediate than those of Delta 8 THC. It can also be prescribed as medical cannabis in states where it’s legal to treat symptoms like chronic pain, nausea, and appetite loss.

Delta 8, by contrast, is found in smaller amounts in cannabis plants. The relative lack of naturally occurring delta 8 THC in the plant means it’s usually made from hemp-derived CBD through a special process. The result is a version of THC that’s milder than delta 9, with a smoother and less intense high, and without the paranoia or anxiety that can accompany a delta 9 THC high. Delta 8 THC is also a popular alternative to delta 9 THC because it doesn’t often show up on a drug test.

Differences Between Delta 8 vs Delta 9 After Smoking

Smoking delta 8 THC vs delta 9 THC leads to different experiences due to how each form of THC interacts with the brain.

When someone smokes delta 9 THC, the effects usually kick in quickly. People often experience a strong head high, euphoria, and an overall effect that’s intense and can last for hours. D9 is also linked to side effects like paranoia, anxiety, or rapid heartbeat. [2]

Delta 8 THC effects, by contrast, are milder and less intense. While D8 triggers a high, it’s much less powerful than the D9 high. The body high with delta 8 THC tends to feel more relaxing, with fewer mental effects, making it easier for people to stay calm and clear-headed when using the drug. Many people report feeling more in control when smoking D8 than D9.

Another key difference is how each type of THC affects the onset and duration of the high. Delta 9 hits harder and faster, while delta 8 THC can take longer to fully kick in, offering a less jarring experience. Both forms of THC can cause dry mouth, red eyes, and increased appetite, but the intensity of these effects is often stronger with delta 9.

Delta 9 THC High Effects

Delta 9 THC is the primary form of THC found in marijuana, and it’s known for its strong psychoactive effects. When someone uses delta 9 THC, the high typically kicks in quickly, especially when smoked or vaped. Delta 9 THC effects are intense and often bring a powerful feeling of euphoria. People may feel uplifted, relaxed, or even giddy. Along with these positive effects, changes in perception may occur, making sounds, colors, and tastes more vivid. For some, this can prompt a sense of creativity or deep thinking.

The strength of the D9 high can come with downsides, though. Many people report feeling anxious or paranoid after using too much delta 9 THC. It may also cause a racing heartbeat, dizziness, or confusion in higher doses. The intensity of the high may leave people feeling “couch-locked” (heavy, tired, and unable to move around easily).

Beyond these mental effects, delta 9 THC also affects the body. It commonly causes dry mouth, red eyes, and an increase in appetite known as the munchies. [3]

The delta 9 THC high usually lasts several hours, but sluggishness and drowsiness can linger for longer.

Delta 8 THC High Effects

Delta 8 THC delivers a milder and more balanced high than delta 9 THC. People often describe the D8 experience as smoother and less intense. While you may still feel relaxed and euphoric, the effects are generally gentler and more subtle.

The D8 high is often more focused on the body than the mind. People usually report feeling calm and relaxed, with a sense of ease in their muscles and a gentle physical comfort. This makes delta 8 THC a good choice for individuals who want to relieve stress or tension without feeling mentally out of control. Unlike delta 9, which can cause rapid or racing thoughts, delta 8 THC tends to keep the mind clearer, allowing for more focus and relaxation.

One of the major differences between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC is the lower likelihood of paranoia or anxiety. Those who use delta 8 THC rarely experience the fear or nervousness than can come with a strong delta 9 THC high.

Additionally, delta 8 THC shares some of the common THC side effects like dry mouth and increased appetite, but these are usually milder than with delta 9 THC. The high from delta 78 lasts for a few hours but tends to wear off more gently, making it easier to return to normal activities without feeling groggy.

D8 vs D9 Similarities

Although Delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC differ in many ways, they also share similarities since they both come from the cannabis sativa plant and have a similar chemical structure. Both forms of THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which governs mood, pain, and appetite. [4] This means Delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC both produce feelings of stress relief, relaxation, and euphoria. They both cause the high associated with marijuana use, although the effects of D8 are milder.

Another similarity is their effect on appetite. Both delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC are known for inducing hunger. This can be helpful for people who struggle with a low appetite due to medical conditions.

Delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC also both cause some of the same side effects, such as:

• Dry mouth

• Red eyes

• Dizziness

The effects tend to be mild, but both increase with higher doses.

Additionally, both forms of THC are consumed in similar ways. They can be smoked, vaped, eaten in edibles, or taken in oils and tinctures. The method of consumption impacts how quickly the effects are felt, but the overall experience is broadly similar.

Method of Consumption

Delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC can be consumed in the same way. However, each method influences the onset and duration of effects differently.

Smoking is one of the most common methods. When delta 8 THC or delta 9 THC is smoked through a pipe, joint, or vape pen, the THC enters the bloodstream quickly, triggering almost immediate effects. This makes smoking a popular choice for people who want rapid relief.

Edibles – cookies, gummies, or brownies – take longer to kick in because they need to be digested first. It can take up to an hour until the effects begin, but they last much longer than smoking. Individuals who want long-lasting relief without needing to dose frequently.

Oils and tinctures are also popular, especially for those who want to avoid smoking. These are taken by placing a few drops under the tongue, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream efficiently. Tinctures deliver a quicker onset of action than edibles, but they last longer than smoking weed.

Some people use topical applications like creams or lotions, but these are more for targeted pain relief and do not produce the psychoactive effects associated with eating or smoking delta 8 THC or delta 9 THC.

Effects

Both delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC produce a range of effects on the body and mind, but the intensity and duration can differ.

Delta 9 THC is known for its strong psychoactive effects, making people feel a powerful euphoria or high. This high may lead to altered senses like brighter colors or enhanced sounds.

It’s also common for delta 9 to create a feeling of deep relaxation, where you feel too relaxed to move around much. Beyond this, some people may experience paranoia, anxiety, or rapid heartbeat when using delta 9 THC in higher doses.

Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, has a more subtle effect. People report feeling a sense of calm, mild euphoria, and mental clarity. While D8 still provides a high, it’s less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia.

Both types of THC can:

• Increase appetite

• Cause dry mouth

• Give a relaxed body high

The effects of delta 8 THC are softer and more manageable than those delivered by traditional THC (D9).

Withdrawal

Both delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC can lead to withdrawal symptoms if used regularly and then stopped abruptly, but withdrawal is usually milder than that associated with substances like opioids or alcohol.

Common withdrawal symptoms for delta 9 THC include:

• Sleep problems

• Irritability

• Mood swings

• Decreased appetite

Some people may also experience anxiety, restlessness, or headaches.

THC withdrawal symptoms usually last 2 weeks or less, depending on how much and how often someone uses D8 or D9.

Delta 8 THC can also lead to similar withdrawal symptoms, although they are often reported as being less intense. D8 is milder than D9, so the body may not react as strongly to stopping its use. That said, someone who uses D8 frequently might still experience insomnia, restlessness, and irritability for a few days after quitting.

In both cases, the optimum approach to managing withdrawal is to taper off use gradually rather than stopping abruptly, seeking support if needed. Stay hydrated, eat well, and engage in calming activities to streamline the D8 or D9 withdrawal process.

Delta 8 THC & Delta 9 Risks & Benefits

While Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC have been deemed relatively safe for use, they both come with some risks and benefits. Research is still being done on these two substances to determine whether they are fit to help treat medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, and other medicinal uses.

There is also rising public health concerns as adverse effects from federal law not requiring FDA approval to be sold. This means the drugs can be laced with other substances in the chemical synthesis process.

Delta 8 THC & Delta 9 THC Potential Health Risks

It’s important to note that while both delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC are legal in some areas, they are still a sector of the cannabis plant industry that is unregulated by the FDA. This results in instances where potentially harmful chemicals can get into the ingredients and cause safety concerns for the users. While many argue that the potential health benefits outweigh these adverse effects, it’s important to consider before using the drug.

More research and empirical evidence is required in order to understand whether the medicinal benefits outweigh the risks. It’s always important to exercise cautionwhen using cannabis products.

Delta 8 THC & Delta 9 THC Potential Health Benefits

Despite safety concerns from their unregulated chemical synthesis process, delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC carry some potential benefits, particularly delta 9 THC as delta 8 THC has much milder effects. Delta 9 THC is often used as medical cannabis in states where it is legal to prescribe.

The health benefits of delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC cannabis products include:

Health Benefits of Delta 8 THC:

1. Mild Pain Relief
2. Reduced Anxiety
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
4. Improved Sleep
5. Nausea Relief
6. Appetite Stimulation

Note: These benefits are mostly anecdotal, as more delta 8 THC cannabis research is needed to confirm any real medicinal effects.

Health Benefits of Delta 9 THC:

1. Pain Relief (often from autoimmune diseases)
2. Appetite Stimulation
3. Nausea and Vomiting Relief (Particularly chemotherapy induced nausea)
4. Muscle Relaxation (commonly used for seizure disorders)
5. Mood Elevation and Euphoria
6. Potential Neuroprotective Effects

Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC | FAQs

Are Delta 8 and Delta 9 the same?

No, delta 8 and delta 9 are not the same. Although both come from cannabis plants, delta 9 is stronger and more common. Delta 8 is milder and often made from the CBD in hemp plants.

Is Delta 8 THC or Delta 9 THC stronger?

Delta 9 THC is stronger than delta 8 THC. It produces a more intense high and has stronger effects on the body and mind.

Is Delta 9 THC real weed?

Yes, delta 9 THC is the main form of THC found in marijuana (weed). It’s what people usually mean when they talk about the psychoactive effects of weed.

Is Delta 9 THC safe?

Yes, delta 9 THC is considered safe to use for those who have been prescribed the substance as medical cannabis. A prescribing doctor can use delta 9 THC in the form of Dronabinol or Nailone as medical cannabis in some states to treat medical condition symptoms like appetite loss, nausea, and chronic pain.

Is there a difference between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC gummies?

Yes, delta 8 THC gummies tend to have milder effects than delta 9 THC gummies – these trigger a stronger high. The strength and federally legal status of each type of THC can vary depending on where you live. Research cannabis laws in your state before participating in the substance.

Will delta 8 THC show up in drug tests?

While most drug tests look for delta 9 THC cannabis products, not delta 8 THC, there is always a chance that there are substances present in delta 8 THC that will show up on a drug test since the substance is not as regulated and may include potential risks of lacing. If you need to take a drug test, it’s best to avoid delta 8 THC.

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Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8724445/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19367510/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8819673/