What is the Difference Between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?

Delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC differ greatly, despite their similar sounds. There is quite a difference between delta 8 and delta 9 when comparing these compounds.

From their legality to highs and everything in between, we’re talking about the differences between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC.

Table of Contents:

• What is Delta-8 THC? 
• What is Delta-9 THC? 
• Are Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC Legal? 
• How Do Delta 8 and Delta 9 Differ Legally? 
• Where Do Delta 8 and Delta 9 Come From? 
• Do Delta 8 and Delta 9 Show Up Differently on a Drug Test?
• Does Delta 9 Get You Higher Than Delta-8?
• What is a Delta 9 High Like? 
• How Long Will Delta 8 Stay In Your System For a Drug Test?
• Where to Find the Best Delta-8 THC Products
• Final Thoughts: Difference Between Delta 8 and Delta 9 

What is Delta-8 THC? 

There are many cannabinoids in cannabis, including delta-8 THC. Delta-8 promotes mildly psychoactive results because of its ability to work with the cannabinoid receptors in our brains. Many people see D8 purely because of its more gentle, soothing results in the mind and body. 

Cannabis contains cannabinoids naturally, but only in very small amounts. The delta-8 THC found on the market is actually synthetic due to this reason.

In order to make delta-8 products, professionals start by extracting high amounts of hemp-derived cannabinoids, typically CBD or THC. Through a process called isomerization, the professionals manipulate the chemical structure of these cannabinoids to produce delta-8 THC.

So, if you find delta 8 pre-rolls, for example, the flower is actually a hemp flower that’s been infused with delta-8 THC distillate. 

Related Article: What is Delta 8 THC?

What is Delta-9 THC? 

Delta-9 THC, however, is the most abundant psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis plants. This compound is present in very large amounts within the marijuana plant, making it easy to work with and infuse into other products. However, in order for delta-9 THC to be legal, this compound has to come from hemp, not marijuana. 

People turn to the delta-9 THC compound for various reasons, but primarily for the desired effects that it is known for.

You can find delta-9 THC products in various forms on the market these days, but if you’re buying them online, it’s important to note that these products are hemp-derived. If you’re going to your local dispensary, you’re buying marijuana-derived D9. 

Are Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC Legal? 

The legality surrounding delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC is complicated, to say the least. At the federal level, both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are legal if they follow certain guidelines. 

In accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived products containing 0.3% THC or less are legal in the United States. Marijuana-containing products are no longer legal if they contain more than this amount of THC.

Consequently, hemp-derived delta-8 THC products and hemp-derived delta-9 THC products are legal throughout the country. However, the regulations don’t end there.

States still have the power to impose their own laws surrounding cannabis. Thus, many places have begun banning or strictly regulating cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, making them illegal to buy or consume. 

These laws change frequently, so it’s important to look up the regulations in your area to see if you’re allowed to buy delta-8 or delta-9 THC products at all. If you are, you can buy them online from CannaAid and have the products shipped directly to your door. 

How Do Delta 8 and Delta 9 Differ Legally? 

The biggest difference between delta 8 and delta 9 legality is concentration. Delta-9 THC products, when hemp-derived — are only legally allowed to contain up to 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight. Products simply cannot contain more THC than that if they want to be federally legal. 

Delta-8 THC products do not have a specific cap on their D8 amount. You can have products with varying amounts of delta-8, and they are still federally legal as long as they don’t have more than 0.3% D9 THC by weight.  

Where Do Delta 8 and Delta 9 Come From? 

Cannabis plants contain delta 8 and delta 9 THC. Delta 9 THC is present in much higher amounts than delta-8 THC, though, making it easier for extractors to work with. Because of this, you can find delta-9 THC flower, D9 edibles, delta-9 pre-rolls, and so many more products that have been infused with naturally occurring delta-9 extract. 

Delta-8 THC is also found in hemp plants, but it is considered a minor cannabinoid. This means that D8’s presence in the plant is very small, making it nearly impossible to extract and work with in reasonable amounts. So, the delta-8 THC you see on the market today is actually synthesized, made from converting CBD molecules into D8. 

Do Delta 8 and Delta 9 Show Up Differently on a Drug Test?

When it comes to drug testing, both delta 8 and delta 9 THC are going to show up the same on a drug test. Let’s explain.

The body breaks down THC variants into a metabolite called THC-COOH when you consume them. This metabolite is what is present in the system, lingering around for days or even weeks at a time. 

Drug tests, especially ones seeking the presence of marijuana, are working to detect the THC-COOH metabolite, as this shows that you’ve had cannabis in the system recently. Sadly, these drug tests cannot differentiate where this metabolite is originating from, so they will simply report that you’ve tested positive for cannabis consumption—even if you’re not having marijuana at all. 

Until you have passed your drug test, it’s best to stay away from THC variants if you’re concerned about any THC metabolites in your body. Then, once you’re in the clear, you can go back to enjoying your delta-8 gummies or delta 9 pre-rolls. 

Does Delta 9 Get You Higher Than Delta-8? 

As a whole, delta-9 THC is known for getting consumers higher than delta-8 THC. The actual reason behind this is still somewhat debated, but many researchers believe that delta 9 THC has a stronger affinity to the CB1 receptors in the brain than delta 8 THC due to where the double-bond structure occurs on the molecular structure. 

For example, both delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC have double-bond structures, but D9’s occurs on the ninth atom, while D8’s occurs on the eighth. This difference in location appears to have a direct correlation to the affinity of the CB1 receptor, allowing delta-9 THC to provide a more distinct high than delta 8 THC. 

However, many consumers enjoy delta 8 THC specifically because the high is less intense than delta 9 THC. If you’re newer to the world of THC or find that delta-9’s results have been too much in the past, delta-8 THC may be the better cannabinoid for you. 

What is a Delta 9 High Like? 

A delta-9 THC high will have a slightly different effect on every individual. This is why it’s important to not compare your experience to someone else’s, as the cannabinoid simply functions differently depending on the body system. In general, though, the most prominent effect of a delta-9 THC high tends to be euphoria. 

Most people will report a delta 9 THC high being quite blissful or upbeat, and this is one of the primary reasons consumers seek out the cannabinoid in the first place. Others may find the compound helpful, especially if you’re someone who is usually uptight.

It’s not uncommon for consumers to feel like their senses are heightened; you may also feel a bit hungrier! All of this is pretty usual for a delta-9 THC high. You may also experience mild side effects after enjoying a delta 9 THC product. 

How Long Will Delta 8 Stay In Your System For a Drug Test?

How long delta 8 THC stays in your system for a drug test is going to vary based on the type of test you take as well as personal factors like frequency of consumption, body chemistry, and the potency of the product you’re enjoying.

But here are some general guidelines for the detection window of delta-8 THC in different types of drug tests:

• Urine Drug Test: D8 THC may be detected in your urine for about 2-7 days after consumption if you’re an infrequent user. But if you consume the cannabinoid frequently, it may persist for several weeks. 
• Blood Drug Test: Delta 8 is detectable in the blood for a shorter period of time than urine tests, and they’re used to determine intoxication at the time of an accident or incident. Usually, these tests can detect D8 for about 24-48 hours after consumption. 
• Saliva Drug Test: A saliva drug test can detect cannabis in the system for about 12-48 hours post-consumption. 
• Hair Drug Test: These tests are quite uncommon, but hair drug tests can detect the presence of delta-8 THC nearly 90 days—sometimes longer—after your last dose. 

Where to Find the Best Delta-8 THC Products 

Whether you’re looking for delta 8 edibles, delta 8 distillate, delta 9 oils, delta 8 vape cartridges, or something completely different, CannaAid has everything you could need and more. Our top-quality delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC products are designed for consumers of all experience levels to enjoy, and you can find blends that give you the exact results you’re looking for. 

From delta 8 tinctures to a delta 8 disposable vape pen and even delta 8 softgel capsules, our D8 product selection is diverse yet affordable. Truly, there’s nothing you can’t find in our online store. 

Final Thoughts: Difference Between Delta 8 and Delta 9 

Cannabinoids delta 8 and delta 9 differ in some ways. This is why it’s crucial to determine what kind of cannabis experience you’re looking to have before determining which compound is best for you. After all, delta 8 and delta 9 contrast in their strengths, effects, and even legality, so mixing these two up simply isn’t an option!

Once you’ve determined which compound is best for you, head on over to CannaAid to shop for the infused product of your canna-dreams.