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THC or tetrahydrocannabinol gained a lot of notoriety because it is easily associated with weed. In reality, there are actually multiple forms of THC. Delta 9 THC already has its reputation carved because of its abundance in cannabis plants. Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, is just starting to make a name for itself in the world of hemp-derived products and for good reason. To learn more about their differences and similarities, we’ve gathered some of the most helpful information on delta 8 and delta 9 below.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (∆8 THC), more commonly known and marketed as Delta 8 THC, is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in plants of the cannabis family. You may also hear delta 8 referred to as D8 THC. Legal, market-ready delta 8 products are derived from hemp (more on this later) but unfortunately, hemp does not produce an abundance of delta 8. Through research, we’ve learned to synthesize delta 8 through a conversion process using other cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol).
Speaking of research, even though most people are just getting familiar with D8 THC, the cannabinoid is actually one that is highly studied in science. Medical professionals, scientists, and others have been captivated by the cannabinoid’s mild psychoactive nature and potential therapeutic benefits ever since it was first isolated from cannabis.
What is Delta 9 THC?
When people mention THC, they’re most likely referring to delta 9 THC. This cannabinoid, also known as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9 THC), is found in abundance in cannabis plants and in very minimal amounts in hemp. It is the cannabinoid mostly associated with cannabis use, thus the notoriety.
The euphoric “high” that you get from weed is most likely thanks to the delta 9 THC. And even more than delta 8, this particular cannabinoid has been researched quite a lot thanks to its therapeutic effects and other perceived health benefits, especially when it comes to pain management. However, delta 9 THC has also been villainized because of its association with intoxication.
Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Key Differences
For the uninitiated, it is easy to mistake delta 8 and delta 9 THC, as they are both cannabinoids that are found in plants from the cannabis family like hemp. They, too, are molecularly similar, and even with different potency levels, the “high” derived from one can easily be mistaken from the other. That’s why we’re here to take a closer look.
Intoxicating Effects and Potency
When it comes to potency, both delta 8 and delta 9 are psychoactive cannabinoids by nature. However, delta 8 is far less potent and this is easily distinguishable by those who’ve used delta 9. In other words, delta 8 may cause a slight euphoria or telltale high, but this would not be an experience as intense as it would be if you were to consume the same amount of delta 9.
The intoxicating effects of delta 8 can vary depending on the person. There are several factors that contribute to this, like physiology or tolerance. Still, most people do report a positive experience, touting that delta 8 helps them feel more relaxed or even more creative and focused. They can attest that after consuming delta 8, they’re still able to function normally and go about their day without any impairment of their senses. Some people describe the D8 THC usage experience as a mild “body high” that still allows them to focus and stay alert.
Delta 9 experiences can also vary, but they are almost always associated with an intense level of euphoria that affects both the mind and body pretty profoundly.
Therapeautic Effects
Going back to the fact that delta 8 is not as potent as delta 9, it is a viable alternative to the latter when you want to relax and unwind, without the intense high. Much like delta 9, delta 8 may be beneficial if you need to step back from your usual routine, take a break from tedious work, or just clear your mind before doing anything. Some even report getting a bit of relief from bodily discomfort.
The only difference is, you can get these benefits without necessarily feeling completely out of sorts because of intense euphoria. So, if you have a project that you need to get done, but you need to focus in spite of bodily discomfort, a delta 8 THC gummy may be just what you need.
Endocannabinoid System Actions
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made up of two primary types of receptors that interact with cannabinoids: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system and brain; CB2 receptors are primarily found in immunological cells. Delta 9 THC shows a direct affinity for CB1 receptors, but delta 8 seems to have an affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors. This could explain the more muted psychoactive effects of delta 8.
Legality
As mentioned earlier, delta 8 products are legal in most states because the cannabinoid is derived from hemp and not the cannabis we’re familiar with. So in terms of legality, delta 8 has an advantage over delta 9. While delta 9 is still classified as illegal in quite a few states, delta 8 is not.
The 2018 Farm Bill stated that products derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3 percent delta 9 THC are legal on a federal level. In technical terms, this makes delta-8 THC legal because it is created via extracts derived from hemp. Nevertheless, the cannabinoid currently falls into a sort of legal gray area in some areas and has faced restrictions in others.
And as hinted earlier, some states have made their own laws restricting the sale of delta 8. For example, in the state of Kentucky, there is an ongoing legal battle with the state’s lawmakers trying to restrict the sale of products that contain delta 8. Oddly enough, delta 8 has even been outright banned in Colorado, even though Colorado is a fully legal cannabis state.
Find the Best Delta 8 and Delta 9 Products at Galaxy Treats
Whether you’re looking to try Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, or both, Galaxy Treats offers a huge selection of hemp-derived delta 8 and delta 9 products including:
Made to meet the highest level of quality, all Galaxy Treats products are made in the United States from industrial hemp and are third party lab tested for potency and purity.
Shop the full Galaxy Treats line up online at GalaxyTreats.com and enjoy fast, free shipping on all orders over $35!
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