February 8, 2021

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

So you've just found out that there's more than one type of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Now you're asking, "What is the difference between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC?"

Well, you've come to the right place- Don't worry, we're not going to drone on and on about chemistry.

Instead, we'll put everything in plain, simple, easy-to-understand terms.

What is THC?

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a compound that can be found in cannabis (aka "cannabinoid"). Nothing too complex.

THC is commonly referred to in the context of marijuana, specifically Delta-9 THC. What you should know is that Delta-9 is not the only type of THC out there. There are several variants, which include Delta-8 THC. The significance of any cannabinoid, in general, is that it binds to the cannabinoid receptors of your endocannabinoid system.

"Cannabinoid receptors?"

"Endocannabinoid system?"

Don't stress. In your body, you have an endocannabinoid system. It's a nerve signaling system that helps maintain stable conditions and functions.

There are also substances produced in your body called endocannabinoids which activate the cannabinoid receptors in this system. THC also happens to activate these receptors. Because of varying chemical structures, different types of THC (such as Delta-8 and Delta-9) and other cannabinoids like CBD create different reactions with these receptors.

What Are the Effects of Cannabinoids?

As we mentioned earlier, THC is a cannabinoid. So what are some of the effects of these types of compounds? The answer is a bit complex.

That's because there are at least 113 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis.

Some of the most well-known cannabinoids are:

Delta-9 THC
Delta-8 THC
Cannabidiol (CBD)

However, there are also a lot of others that are not as well known, which include:

Cannabichromevarin (CBCV)
Cannabichromevarinic acid (CBCVA)
Cannabicyclol (CBL)
Cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA)
Cannabicyclovarin (CBLV)
10-Ethoxy-9-hydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol
8,9-Dihydroxy-delta-6a-tetrahydrocannabinol
Cannabitriol (CBT)
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ8-THCA)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid (THCA-C1)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA)
Cannabifuran (CBF)
Cannabiglendol
Cannabiripsol (CBR)
Cannbicitran (CBT)

So the answer to this question? There is no definite answer that can accurately describe the general effects of cannabinoids since they vary so widely.

However, we can dive deeper into specific cannabinoids such as Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC.

What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is the most prominent cannabinoid in cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana. The name comes from the fact that it has a chemical bond on its 9th carbon chain.

Effects of Delta-9 THC can include:

Feelings of euphoria
Increased sensory awareness
Changes in perception

Like all cannabinoids, Delta-9's effects can vary from person to person.

Compared to other cannabinoids, Delta-9 can seem like it's the most "intense." Delta-9, when extracted from hemp and at a 0.3% concentration by dry weight or lower, is legal in all 50 states. Yes…all 50 states (as of this writing). Be sure to check with your state laws and your physician before trying Delta-9 THC.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is not as prominent in the cannabis plant. It appears only in small amounts in industrial hemp.

Hemp and marijuana are the same species; the differentiation is mainly legal. In the United States, hemp is cannabis with levels at or less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 is known to have several effects, which include:

Uplifting feelings
Relaxation
Sense of wellbeing

Delta-8 is federally legal, as of the 2018 Farm Bill, which considered all cannabinoids derived from hemp, but it is not legal in several states.

It came under threat in Texas in 2021.

However, Hometown Hero fought against this proposed ban, and we won.

Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC

There are some qualities of Delta-8 THC that you may find favorable to Delta-9.

Although Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both THC forms, they have different reactions, and those reactions can vary from person to person.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Delta-8 exhibits lower potency than Delta-9.

People with a sensitivity to the effects of cannabinoids may find the impact of Delta-8 more manageable than the effects of Delta-9. Even with that considered, we encourage you to take care in your approach to trying Delta-8 THC. If you're looking for the correct dose, we have an article that covers that exact subject.

Another critical consideration with Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 is legality. As of June 14, 2021, materials containing Delta-9 THC levels greater than 0.3% are considered as Schedule I controlled substances.

Delta-8, on the other hand, is legal on a federal level through the 2018 Farm Bill. Delta-9 is legal in some form or another in some states.

In other states, it's illegal in all forms. You may find that Delta-8 is legal in your state, which prohibits Delta-9.

You may also find that in states where Delta-9 is legal, some of the restrictions applied to Delta-9 do not apply to Delta-8.

Laws regarding Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC vary from state to state. It is best to take time to do your research to make sure that whichever form of THC you desire to consume complies with your local laws.

Can You Mix Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC?

You can mix Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC.

However, there are a lot of things you need to consider before doing so.

Here are just a few of them:

Your state’s laws on Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC
Consulting your doctor about taking Delta-8 and Delta-9 products
Determining how these types of products affect you
Cannabinoids can have a range of effects, and there's a range of laws in their regard.

Make sure you consult medical experts and comply with local laws.

If you're in the clear about trying Delta-8, we recommend our article about how to find the correct dose for you.

Is Delta-9 Better Than Delta-8?

When it comes to whether or not Delta 9 is better than Delta 8, or vice versa, the answer will depend on each person.

Some will enjoy one, while others will prefer the other. Either way, it is up to you to determine which one is more appealing.

Each compound offers different effects with a unique experience, so by trying them individually, you’ll be able to find your favorite and give feedback to others confidently.

Where to Buy Delta-8 THC Online

Curious about trying Delta-8 THC? Not sure if there's any store that sells it near you? You can order it online!

At Hometown Hero, we offer a wide variety of Delta-8 THC products, all directly extracted from hemp.

Plus, through Hometown Hero, every purchase you make goes towards helping out veterans.

Here is just a range of the products we offer:

Edibles: Gummies, Chocolates, Baked Goods
Tinctures
Flower