Which is Stronger: Delta 8 or Delta 9?

With the growing market, there are a number of products available for the masses — cannabis lovers, that is. While there’s enough to go around, we understand that the sea of products offered can make it difficult to understand their individual properties and functions. For example, is delta 8 stronger than delta 9? Or the other way around?

In general, a lot of people don’t know the differences between delta 8 and delta 9, including their potencies. As two unique cannabinoids, it’s essential to know how these compounds differ and what kind of highs they’ll bring based on their potencies.

But first, let’s start by talking about what THC is in general.

When people discuss THC and weed, they usually refer to delta 9. However, there are a few different THC variants on the market today, making it important to distinguish which one you’re referring to.

THC is a cannabinoid or a class of chemical compounds, that’s well-known for its ability to bind with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, including the brain. Because of THC’s ability to work with these receptors, it’s able to cause psychoactive effects, which result in the high feelings that most people associate with cannabis.

But, again, there are a few different types of THC compounds to be aware of. And while these compounds are similar, they still have slightly different results that are important to differentiate. So, let’s compare delta-9 THC to delta-8 THC down below.

Delta 9 is a cannabinoid abundantly found in the cannabis plant. This compound is incredibly popular and tends to be the most well-known cannabinoid (other than CBD, typically). 

The term “delta-9” refers to the chemical structure of the THC variant, indicating the placement of a double bond on the molecular structure itself— we will explain this later.

When thinking about cannabis, many associate it with getting high. Well, delta-9 THC is the main compound responsible for those effects. However, Delta 9 THC also offers a wide range of supportive results that help make the cannabis experience more pleasant and comforting overall.

In brief, the cannabinoid receptors in the body are found in the central nervous system in the brain and bring about myriad experiences. However, every person’s reaction to delta-9 THC will be different, so you can’t expect the same results as your friend or family member. Every THC experience is unique.  

Perhaps one of the newest cannabinoids taking the spotlight right now is delta 8. This cannabinoid is naturally present in the cannabis plant, but it’s present in incredibly small amounts. This makes D8 a minor cannabinoid, while D9 is more of a major cannabinoid.

Still, delta 8 THC has similar psychoactive effects to delta 9 THC, though their potencies do differ —don't worry, we will discuss more about that later. Delta 8 THC is good for those who are looking to experience psychoactivity but maybe don’t live in a place where they can easily access products like cannabis, especially if it isn’t legal medically or recreationally.

In terms of potential applications, we still need to learn more about the cannabinoid before we can say what it might be good for. However, due to its closeness to delta 9 THC, we can assume these two versatile cannabinoids have similar potential effects on the body. But, again, every person’s reaction will be different, and the only way you can determine whether or not Delta 8 products work for you is to try some for yourself.

There are various delta 8 products available on the market, despite the cannabinoid only being in the public’s attention for the past few years. You can find things like Delta 8 pre-rolls, Delta 8 moon rocks, Delta 8 distillate, Delta 8 gummies, and so much more through both in-person and online retailers. These days, delta 8 THC is more popular than ever before.

Scientifically speaking, both of the cannabinoids delta 8 and delta 9 derive from the same plant — you guessed it, cannabis. When you go back to the root of it all, these cannabinoids come from a different compound: CBGA.

As cannabis plants begin to grow, they develop the CBGA cannabinoid. This compound is essentially the base compound — also known as the “mother of all cannabinoids"—for all of the other cannabinoids found in the plant. Once the plant reaches levels of maturity and light cycles change, the CBGA cannabinoids start to transform into THCA and other acidic cannabinoids. 

All this said, THC is a cannabinoid that is the precursor to THC. When exposed to heat or light, THCA breaks down and turns into THC, creating the cannabinoid you know and love. Thus, delta 9 products are curated by extracting and isolating this cannabinoid straight from the plant itself.

However, while this process is true for delta-9 THC, the delta-8 THC you see for sale on the market today isn’t coming from the plant. All of the delta 8 available is lab-made.

As we mentioned, delta 8 THC is only present in minuscule amounts within the cannabis plant. Due to their low concentration, it’s hard for cannabis extractors to work with them. So, experts have discovered ways of synthesizing this cannabinoid in labs, making it from hemp-derived CBD.

Essentially, after the hemp CBD molecules have been extracted and isolated, chemists rely on a process called isomerization. Isomerization works by treating the CBD extract with reagents to transform its chemical structure from cannabidiol to delta 8 THC.

The legal status of delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC differs depending on where you are as well as the types of products you have. However, we will provide you with a brief overview, starting with cannabis delta 9.

Weed-derived Delta Nine is still federally legal in America and may only be consumed in amounts less than 0.3%. However, it has been legalized in almost 40 states when medical or recreational cannabis laws were passed. So, many people across the country have access to delta 9 THC products, either thanks to a medical card or simply by being at least 21 years old.

But delta 8 is different. Former President Donald Trump signed into law the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows the safe consumption of hemp so long as it doesn’t contain more than 0.3% delta 9 THC. Because of the cannabinoid’s federally legal status, you’re able to buy all different types of products online, including Delta 8 carts, Delta 8 softgels, Delta 8 tinctures, Delta 8 dabs, and more.

Unfortunately, various states have started placing bans on cannabinoids, as well as other THC isomers, making them illegal in several places across the country. So, before you try to buy delta 8 products, make sure to check the regulations in your area to see whether or not the cannabinoid is legal.

Now, let’s answer the million-dollar question: which cannabinoid is stronger, — delta 9 or delta 8 THC? 

Perhaps the main difference between delta 8 and delta 9 is the potency, whereas delta 9 is far more potent than delta 8 THC. The highs that come from delta 8 THC tend to be much more subtle and gentle than your typical high from delta 9 THC, making it a great option for beginners or anyone who may find that delta 9 is just too intense.

In fact, delta 8 THC has even been dubbed delta-9 THC’s “nicer younger sibling,” implying that its more gentle effects are more manageable and enjoyable for some consumers.

Delta 9 THC is a very powerful cannabinoid, and it’s better to begin with compounds like delta 8 if you’re just starting out. This way, you can dip your toes into the world of THC, giving your body a subtle adjustment first. Then, as your tolerance builds, delta 9 THC can be a wonderful cannabinoid to try.

The exact difference in potency isn’t clear, but it appears as though delta 8 is about half as powerful as delta 9 regarding effects and psychoactivity. So, if you’re seeking a milder compound, delta 8 should be your go-to. But if you need something stronger, Delta 9 is a great step up.

If you’re looking to find legal delta 8 and delta 9 products online, The Hemp Collect has you covered.

The Hemp Collect offers a huge selection of delta 8 and delta 9 products, making buying easier than ever before. You can find the best Delta 8 Disposables, Delta 8 Dabs, Delta 9 Caramels, Delta 9 Gummies and so much more right on our website.

All of our products are made and sold following the guidelines outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill, making them federally legal in the US. This way, you can purchase with total confidence, knowing that you’re on the right side of the law. And, if you want to double-check, you can always view our products’ third-party lab test results that demonstrate exact cannabinoid levels and more. 

With The Hemp Collect, finding legal delta 8 and delta 9 THC has never been so effortless.

No matter what kind of delta 8 or delta 9 product you’re looking for, The Hemp Collect has everything you need and more — and at an affordable price, too. We craft our products with the utmost care and precision, helping you have the best and most powerful delta 8 or delta 9 experience possible.