Comparing Effects, Differences, and Legality

You can think of delta-8 vs. delta-9 like sisters, but they’re not twins. They’re alike, sure, but they have different chemical structures setting them apart.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 chemicals

Both delta-8 and delta-9 are forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found naturally in the cannabis plant.

Those structural differences we mentioned are slight, mainly due to the different positioning of carbon-carbon double bonds.

Both delta-8 and delta-9 have a psychoactive effect, which means they can make you feel high. But delta-9 is the more well-known between the two, and it hits a little harder in terms of potency.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 effects

Delta-8 is thought of as a gentler sibling to delta-9 for good reason. A 2022 study found that delta-8 has a milder effect (less intense of a “high” feeling) and fewer adverse effects than delta-9.

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 for short, is one of over 100 cannabinoids in the plant. So yes, you can find her there, existing naturally, but only in tiny amounts, which is why it’s considered a minor cannabinoid.

This means that all those mouth-watering delta-8 products you see are likely made synthetically — by turning CBD or delta-9 into delta-8.

Unfortunately, we don’t have much research about synthetic cannabinoids, and the FDA doesn’t evaluate delta-8 THC products or approve them. The FDA has concerns about health risks associated with these products since they’re so readily available for purchase and there is no regulation and often misleading labels.

Delta-8 benefits

That 2022 study we mentioned earlier showed that participants experienced significant relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief from delta-8.

Delta-8 risks

Since we mainly only have vintage research about delta-8 right, we only know a little about its risks.

Here are a few possibilities when it comes to risks:

• sedation
• confusion
• dry mouth
• hypotension
• seizures and seizure-like activity

Is it legal? You know these things can change, but for now, delta-8 is legal federally but not across every state.

Delta-9, on the other hand, is naturally found in droves in the cannabis plant, meaning THC items generally contain delta-9. It’s also more potent, so it will be the THC form that causes a more noticeable high.

Delta-9 benefits

Some recent research suggests a slew of possible benefits of delta-9 THC.

Here are just a few things THC may help with:

Delta-9 risks

Research also points out some unfavorable risks to keep in mind.

These include:

• dysphoria
• hallucinations
• paranoia
• sedation
• confusion
• headache
• dry mouth
• hypotension
• seizures and seizure-like activity

Is it legal? Delta-9, the big badass sister, is not legal federally, but many states have legalized it for medicinal or recreational use in some states.

Delta-8 is only found in small amounts in the cannabis plant, so delta-8 products are usually synthetic (bummer, we know). Delta-8 does offer similar benefits and fewer adverse effects than its more potent big sis known as delta-9.

Delta-9 is the more high-producing THC found iconsiderablege quantities in the plant. Be sure to consider the risks of both forms of THC before dabbling, and remember legality varies depending on where you live.