When you are considering using hemp products either as a way to alleviate pain or anxiety or recreationally, it is essential that you know the differences between products and what the substances in them are doing to your body. The more you know, the better a choice you can make in picking the right product for you. First, we will look at the differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC and compare their psychoactive effects. Next, we will explain the difference in energy levels you feel on Delta 8 versus Delta 9 and look at the health and wellbeing implications of both. Finally, we will help you choose which is best for you.
What Are Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC?
Both substances are kinds of THC, although usually when THC is mentioned, it refers to Delta 9. THC is the main psychoactive component in cannabis. Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 are cannabinoids, meaning they derive from a cannabis plant.
Both cannabinoids are derived from the cannabis plant and can cause a person to become intoxicated when consumed through eating edibles, smoking, or vaping.
If we want to be scientific, the only molecular structural difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC is that Delta 8 has a double bond on its eighth carbon atom and Delta 9 has a double bond on its ninth carbon atom. But, in simpler terms, the differences between the two types of THC include their psychoactive effects, or what kind of high they provide you, as well as their risks of giving you a bad high, and their legality.
Let’s start to break down the differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.
The Psychoactive Effects
Research by the University of Buffalo about the difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 highs found that Delta 8 THC is Delta 9’s “nicer younger sibling”. This is because Delta 9 is significantly more potent than Delta 8 and thus provides a stronger high, as well as adverse effects like munchies, anxiety, and paranoia.
By contrast, Delta 8 creates a gentler, more euphoric high. The state of mind in which Delta 8 puts consumers is often used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks, stress, depression or bipolar disorder, and chronic pain.
Productivity
Delta 9 is likely to make you lackadaisical and sleepy, while Delta 8 THC is linked to a feeling of productivity and energy. In fact, consuming a microdose of Delta-8 has been found to cause an increase in brain function, which often leads to an overall rise in productivity.
While you tend to lose a chunk of your day high on Delta 9 lounging on the sofa, unable or unwilling to do very much, Delta 8 can actually help you to get things done, while you are in a great mood.
Health and Wellbeing
As we have said, Delta 9 is more potent and leads to a much more intense high. Unfortunately, this comes with some downsides. Many past users of Delta 9 report that they have experienced a feeling of being too high. This experience can be scary and last for hours. The person who has overused the Delta 9 THC might have intrusive thoughts, feel out-of-body, have panic attacks or be nauseous.
You are much less likely to overdo it with Delta 8, due to its gentler high. Moreover, heavy use of Delta 9 THC has been linked to future treatment for addiction, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and psychosis. The strength of Delta 9 is a valid health concern and should not be overlooked. For these reasons, Delta 9 is illegal in many states, while Delta 8 is legal.
Which One Is For You?
This has been a brief summary of the differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. First, Delta 8 provides a more euphoric, energetic high, while Delta 9 creates an intense and lazier high. These two different states of mind can cause a consumer to act differently. A user of Delta 8 might feel energized and joyful, while a user of Delta 9 might feel sleepy, hungry, and not very present. There are several unfortunate health concerns linked to Delta 9 THC due to its strength, while Delta 8 is used to combat feelings of anxiety and depression.
So, with all of this in mind, which is best for you? We recommend you try Delta 8 THC and the associated products to experience a legal and euphoric high.
