Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC

Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC
Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC
When most people hear the phrase THC, they immediately think of marijuana. However, what they don't realize is that the high produced by marijuana is specifically from delta 9 THC. There is more than one type of tetrahydrocannabinol contained in cannabis plants, including delta 8 THC. Delta 8 has a similar effect as delta 9, but it's not as potent.

Another thing that many people don't realize is that cannabis is divided into two main types of plants, hemp, and marijuana. While these two types of cannabis are related and can be cross-bred, they are not exactly the same. While marijuana and delta 9 THC remain illegal in many states, the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 legalized the growing of hemp in all fifty states. Not only that, but it also legalized the products derived from hemp, including CBD and delta 8 THC.

Whether you live in a state where recreational weed is legal or in one where it is not, you could benefit from trying delta 8 THC. However, proceed with caution; while delta 8 is legal federally, it is not legal in every state. For example, delta 8 products remain illegal in Utah. Before you buy delta 8 online, check to make sure it can be shipped to your state.

The difference between delta 8 THC vs delta 9 are both subtle and dramatic, so please read on to learn more.

The Legality of Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9

The biggest difference between delta 8 THC vs delta 9 is how delta 8 is made. It is extracted from industrial hemp, in a similar way to CBD. Since it is derived from hemp and not marijuana, it's legal, according to both federal courts and the Hemp Farming Act. 

While the issue of legality has been brought up in court, in May 2022, a California federal appeals court ruled that delta 8 THC is legal, according to the Hemp Farming Act. This is because the Hemp Farming Act merely states that any products derived from hemp must contain less than 3% delta 9 THC. It does not mention delta 8 THC at all. Thus, the court ruled that it is legal, despite the fact that delta 8 THC has psychoactive effects.

While delta 8 THC can get you high, it's not nearly as potent as delta 9 THC. Also, since it's made from hemp, it's legally classified as a subtype of CBD and is not in the same category as delta 9 THC.

Is delta 8 THC Legal in Your State?

legal delta8 states

Keep in mind, that laws and regulations can change. If your state is not on this list, check to see if the laws and regulations concerning delta 8 THC have recently changed. But currently, the following states consider delta 8 THC to be legal for sale.
  • Alabama
  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Indiana
  • Illinois
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Missouri
  • Minnesota
  • New Jersey
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Oklahoma
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Washington State
  • Washington DC
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

The Delta 8 THC High vs Delta 9 THC

While delta 8 made from hemp does get you high, don't expect it to have the same effect as delta 9 and marijuana. 

The delta 8 vs delta 9 THC high is usually described as only half as potent. However, it's also unlikely to result in any negative side effects, such as paranoia or feelings of anxiety. Also, it's unlikely to result in “couch-lock”. 

A delta 8 high is generally described as:
  • Light
  • Euphoric
  • Happy
  • Creative
  • Alert
  • Pain-free
Best of all, delta 8 products are legal in most states and can be purchased online, or at your local dispensary.

However, you must keep in mind, that when it comes to drug testing, there's no difference between delta 8 THC vs delta. If you must do a drug test to keep your job, you'll still test positive if you use delta 8 THC. So, while the federal government says delta 8 is legal, it could result in a positive drug test, putting your job at risk. 

If you'd like to enjoy a light, pain-free, and euphoric high, you might like delta 8 THC. However, like any other psychoactive substance, you'll need to avoid driving while under the influence. Also, it could trigger a positive drug test. But, if drug testing is not an issue, and it's legal in your state, there is no reason not to try delta 8 THC products.

Delta 8 THC Products

Delta 8 THC is extracted from industrial hemp, in a similar way that CBD is extracted. However, unlike CBD hemp strains that produce smokable bud, you can only find delta 8 as an extract, that is then made into different products. This is because, unlike CBD, the amount of delta 8 THC contained in hemp flowers is tiny and must be concentrated.

The types of delta 8 THC products you can typically find are:
  1. Vape cartridges
  2. Gummies and other edibles
  3. Tinctures and oils
If you see delta 8 flowers or prerolls for sale, it's CBD hemp that's been sprayed with delta 8 concentrate.

Often, delta 8 producers create products that emulate the effects of various cannabis strains. For example, you might find vape cartridges that have a similar effect as Bubba Kush Indica or Suver Haze Sativa. Also, delta 8 gummies can be found in a variety of delicious fruit flavors. However, unlike most edibles, the effects may take minutes to kick in.

To buy delta 8 THC products online, you'll need to be 18 to 21 years of age, depending on where you live and where the company is based. Also, while delta 8 THC has been deemed federally legal, it may not be legal in your particular state. Be sure you know the law. If delta 8 products remain illegal in your state, a reputable online dealer will not ship there.

The Advantages of Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9

Even if recreational weed is legal where you live, there are special advantages to using delta 8. For one thing, the delta 9 THC in marijuana is too strong for some people. For example, smoking marijuana or using delta 9 products can trigger feelings of paranoia in some people. For others, the “couch-lock” associated with some strains of marijuana can be debilitating. Thus far, these negative side effects haven't been documented for delta 8 THC.

Some states have legalized medical marijuana, but not recreational weed. If this describes your state, check to see if delta 8 THC products are specifically banned. If they are not, you might be able to buy delta 8 THC products online. However, once again, check your state laws to make sure that you can legally have delta 8 products shipped to your home. Also, check for the legal age to purchase cannabis products in your state.

Like any other psychoactive substance, do not purchase delta 8 products off the street; they could be fake and made with harmful drugs. Only purchase delta 8 THC from a local licensed dispensary or a reputable online dealer.

If delta 8 sounds appealing, do your research before making a purchase. You'll need to ensure it can be legally shipped to your home. Also, look for a quality brand that uses organic hemp and a low-temperature, solvent-free distillation process.

As more and more states open up to the recreational and healing benefits of cannabis, you'll see more acceptance of cannabis derivatives such as delta 8 THC. Delta 8 provides users with a mild, happy high that is not debilitating like some strains of marijuana. It's worth a try if you find that marijuana and delta 9 products are too strong for you.