Is Delta 8 Or Delta 9 Better?

Jan 09, 2023The nama Team

Delta 9 and Delta 8 are both naturally-occurring tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compounds found in cannabis. Each has a different effect. Which is best? It depends on what you want from your cannabis experience.

Is Delta 8 Or Delta 9 Better?

Delta 8 is a milder, more mellow THC than Delta 9, yet Delta 9 is the one folks usually turn to when choosing to microdose THC.

We created this guide to help you decide which one might be better for you.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC: What Are The Differences?

While they are both THC, Delta 8 and Delta 9 are slightly different, both in chemical structure and in their respective effects.

Structurally, the only difference between Delta 9 and Delta 8 THC is a double bond on one of their carbon atoms. The double bond is located on the 9th carbon atom for Delta 9 THC, and on the 8th carbon atom for Delta 8 THC.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC (Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a type of THC found in the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativaCannabis indica) in small concentrations. It is considered the nicer younger sibling of Delta 9.

Like all cannabinoids, Delta 8 THC binds to cannabinoid receptors found in the endocannabinoid system in our body. This compound produces milder effects than Delta 9 THC and is unlikely to make you high.

Delta 8 THC can either be natural or synthetic.

  1. Natural Delta 8 is extracted from cannabis plants. However, natural concentrations are low.
  2. Many companies make Delta 8 synthetically from CBD. This involves using organic solvents to reflux CBD and change its chemical composition.

 

Delta 8 THC products include Delta 8 gummies, chocolates, candies, cookies, tinctures, vape cartridges, and Delta 8-infused beverages.

What Is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as Delta 9 THC or Δ-9-THC) is one of the many forms of THC found in hemp and marijuana plants.

All THC compounds can produce psychoactive effects and make you feel high at sufficient dosages, with Delta 9 providing the strongest effects.

Delta 9 THC products include Delta 9 gummies, chocolates, candies, cookies, tinctures, vape cartridges, and Delta 9-infused beverages.

Our Delta 9 THC edibles contain low doses of Delta 9: enough for you to experience the many benefits of THC without experiencing unwanted psychoactive effects. Many folks consider them the perfect way to microdose THC and get all the purported benefits of that practice.

Does Delta 8 Get You High?

Though very high amounts of Delta 8 THC can get you high, this compound shouldn’t cause psychoactive effects at normal doses—such as those contained in our gummies. Instead, Delta 8 will make you feel relaxed and may slightly uplift your mood. Our gummies with Delta 9 THC are a bit stronger, but still shouldn’t cause a high at a single-gummy dose.

Does Delta 9 Get You High?

Delta 9 THC can get you “high” or “stoned” at a high enough dosage. Delta 9 gummies are a type of cannabis-infused candy that contain low doses of Delta 9 THC. Our Delta 9 gummies don’t have enough THC to get you stoned, but you will experience the beneficial effects of microdosing THC.

The effects of Delta 9 products can vary depending on the person, with factors such as genetics, tolerance levels, and other variables playing a role. Generally speaking, Delta 9 THC is known for causing relaxation, euphoria, and increased appetite. If you're new to Delta 9 gummies, it's important to start with a low dose and see how you react before consuming more.

Is Delta 8 THC Safe?

Delta 8 is safe to use. However, taking too much Delta 8 can lead to potential risks. Short-term adverse effects including increased heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and nausea may occur when taking too much Delta 8. These side effects should subside within a few hours.

When you consume our Delta 8 gummies, you don’t need to worry about unwanted effects, as our doses are low enough to not cause psychoactivity.

Is Delta 9 THC Safe?

When used responsibly and in small doses, Delta 9 is a safe product. Additionally, microdosing Delta 9 has many benefits.

As with anything, start with low amounts of Delta 9, and go slow when exploring Delta 9 products to reduce the risk of any negative side effects. Responsible THC consumers will test out the product first to see how they react before indulging in more.

Consider microdosing THC with our THC gummies, made in accordance with federal law and containing microdoses of THC derived from hemp.

Our Delta 9 edibles are federally legal and allow for very precise microdosing. Depending on the desired edible dose, you could opt for:

Our Euphoria Sour Gummies: 10mg of Delta 9 THC and 10 milligrams of CBD

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THC Legality

Delta 8 and Delta 9 legality is a complicated topic. Read on to learn about the legality of each type of THC.

Is Delta 9 THC Legal?

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, known as the 2018 Farm Bill, drew a legal distinction between hemp and marijuana. In so doing, it legalized Delta 9 THC products on a federal level in the US, provided they meet the following conditions:

 

  1. The THC concentration in products cannot exceed 0.3% of THC by dry weight
  2. The Delta 9 THC has to be extracted from hemp, not marijuana

 

All our Delta 9 gummies are Federally legal because they meet the criteria of the 2018 Farm Bill.

Most states have adopted Farm Bill criteria into their own legislation. As of November 2022, only Kansas and Idaho have banned all forms of Delta 9 THC, meaning our delicious gummies can be sold in 48 states.

Not sure if Delta 9 products are legal in your state? Check out our state-by-state guide on the legality of Delta 9 THC.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

Products containing Delta 8 THC are federally legal if they are made in compliance with two conditions set by the 2018 Farm Bill:

  • They are infused with THC derived from hemp
  • They can’t have more than 0.3% of THC by dry weight.

 

Although, Delta 8 is legal on a federal level, it is a controlled substance and still illegal in fourteen states:

  1. Alaska
  2. Arkansas
  3. Arizona
  4. Colorado
  5. Delaware
  6. Iowa
  7. Idaho
  8. Kentucky
  9. Montana
  10. Mississippi
  11. New York
  12. Rhode Island
  13. Vermont
  14. Utah

 

Our Delta 8 THC Elevate gummies are compliant with the Farm Bill (thus are Federally legal) and contain 12.5 mg of Delta 8 per gummy.

Understanding The Potency Of Delta 8 and Delta 9

Delta 8 and Delta 9 hit differently. Delta 8 is considered milder and less potent than Delta 9. Effects differ from person to person, however.

Delta 8 THC Levels

It's important to understand the levels of Delta 8 THC found in different products. Delta 8 THC is naturally present in very small amounts; most cannabis plants have less than 1% Delta 8 THC.

Delta 8 THC has much lower potency than Delta 9. However, if you are new to using cannabis products, it may have a powerful effect. It all depends on how much you take and how well your body tolerates the substance.

The effect of the same dose of Delta 8 will differ from one user to the next.

Delta 9 THC Levels

The potency of Delta 9 THC is determined by the concentration of THC in a product.

Any product that contains under 10mg THC is considered a low-dose product. At 10mg, most people will feel relief from stress, anxiety, and pain—and may feel creative and focused.

Any product that contains 5mg or less of THC is considered a microdose product. All our THC edibles, such as our Delta 9 edibles, are considered low-dose or microdose cannabis products.

Ultra-low-dose THC products, such as our Energy Gummies, contain 2.5 mg of THC per serving.

Delta 8 THC Effects

The effects produced by Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC can differ from person to person.

Delta 8 THC will make you feel relaxed and may produce a mild euphoric effect. It is often used to help with inflammation, pain, and relaxation. Some people also find that it helps with insomnia and anxiety.

Unwanted effects of Delta 8 THC—dry mouth, eye redness—usually occur at higher doses and don’t occur at all for some users.

If you take Delta 8 in an edible (such as our Delta 8 THC gummies), it may take 60 to 90 minutes for your body to digest and absorb it. The effects should then last for 3 to 8 hours.

Delta 9 THC Effects

The strength of Delta 9 and its effect on a person depends on 2 factors:

  1. The dose of Delta 9 taken
  2. How accustomed the consumer is to taking Delta 9 THC

 

Additionally, the following factors also influence how Delta 9 affects the person taking it:

  • What is the consumption method? Some THC substances travel through the lungs and become accessible more quickly (like vaping or smoking). Some products must be digested (like edibles, gummies, oils, or capsules). These various forms may influence how long it takes to affect your brain and how powerful Delta 9 will affect you.
  • What is the quality of the Delta 9 used? Is it pure? Is it saturated with chemicals or other substances? What percentage of Delta 9 THC is consumed? Higher levels have far greater impacts.
  • How often is the product used? If you take Delta 9 THC and other cannabinoids on a daily basis, they will remain in your system and influence how responsive you are to new inputs of Delta 9.

Is Delta 8 or Delta 9 Stronger?

Generally, Delta 9 THC is stronger than Delta 8 THC. According to a recent study, the effects of Delta 8 are much milder. Due to their milder effects, Delta 8 gummies are a great choice for people new to products containing hemp.

Is Delta 8 or Delta 9 Better For Medical Purposes?

Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are two of the most popular cannabinoid compounds on the market today. Both have been shown to have medicinal benefits, but it can be difficult to decide which one is better for you. Here's a look at some of the main benefits Delta 8 and Delta 9 offer to medical patients.

Delta 8 THC Benefits

Delta 8 THC's advantages and lower psychoactive profile have made it an attractive option for some people. Delta 8 users report a variety of medical benefits of using Delta 8 for physical and mental health.

  • Many patients choose Delta 8 THC for pain relief over other cannabinoids. According to studies on the topical administration of Delta 8 THC, it can alleviate chronic pain. Neuropathy, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis all have chronic pain and inflammation. In addition, CBD and THC may reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can also help to relieve pain and other symptoms.
  • Delta 8 has very similar effects to Delta 9; however, it is less potent. Stress reduction, euphoria, uplifting effects, and sedation are among them. These benefits are helpful to individuals who suffer from insomnia (see our guide to THC and sleep for more on this).
  • Delta 8 THC can help with nausea and vomiting. It may be as efficient as Delta 9 THC in this regard.
  • Delta 8 THC may have neuroprotective effects.
  • Delta 8 can also elevate choline and acetylcholine levels, which may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Delta 9 THC Benefits

According to cannabis research studies, consuming low doses of Delta 9 THC products may bestow potential benefits for medical conditions such as nausea associated with chemotherapy, loss of appetite associated with HIV/AIDS, and chronic pain. Cannabis consumers use THC microdoses to treat pain, anxiety, depression, and even stage fright.

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Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Which Is Better?

Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 are two of the most well-known cannabinoids, and they both have unique properties that make them suitable for different purposes.

Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 can offer different benefits, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.

If you're a beginner cannabis user or you want a milder high, then Delta 8 is a good choice. It can also be a good option for nighttime use, since it's not as stimulating as Delta 9.

On the other hand, if you're an experienced cannabis user who wants a stronger effect, then Delta 9 is a better option. It's great for daytime use since it can help you focus and be more productive.

We sell Delta 9 and Delta 8 products online and ship to your door across the US. Our premium Delta 9 and Delta 8 products contain only the most quality ingredients—non-GMO American hemp extract and real fruit flavors—and go through rigorous third-party lab testing for quality and potency.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 FAQ

Delta 8 and Delta 10 are isomers of one another, which means that while they are similar chemically, their chemical structures vary slightly. This gives them slightly different biological properties and functions.

Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC isomers are found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. Delta 9 is a main cannabinoid, whereas Delta 8 and Delta-10 are minor cannabinoids (found in much lower concentrations).

Regardless of these distinctions, Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta-10 all have psychoactive effects on the body and have the potential to interact with the endocannabinoid system.

CBD, Delta 8 and Delta 9 are all cannabinoids found in cannabis plants.

Delta 8 occurs naturally in such small amounts that most Delta 8 on the market is a synthetic cannabinoid. CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp plants, and does not have any intoxicating effects.

Delta 9 occurse plentifully in cannabis and is more potent than CBD in terms of felt effects. It interacts strongly with the body’s endocannabinoid system and central nervous system, specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD, in contrast, interacts weakly if at all with CB1 and CB2.

CBD and THC interact within the body in a synergistic dynamic termed the entourage effect. Other cannabis compounds, such as CBN and CBG, participate in the effect as well.

The best way to get the entourage effect is with full spectrum CBD products such as our full spectrum gummies, as they contain low doses of THC in addition to CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids.

Broad spectrum CBD products don’t contain THC, but may contain other compounds such as CBN.

Common broad spectrum CBD products include such as CBD oils, CBD gummies, CBD capsules, and CBD tinctures.

Delta 9 THC can induce a high at sufficient dosages (much higher than those found in our edibles).

If you can't decide whether to take CBD or Delta 9, try our Euphoria gummies that combine the benefits of both compounds.

We wrote a guide on the differences between CBD and THC, so give that a read.

Delta 9 is the strongest form of THC. While the effects of each Delta can vary from one user to another, Delta 9 gummies are generally stronger than Delta 8 gummies. Delta 10 THC, in turn, produces the mildest effects.

Recreational and medical marijuana is legalized in 19 states and territories, including North Carolina, California, and Washington DC.

Some states, such as West Virginia, North Dakota and South Dakota, only allow medical cannabis use, while others, such as South Carolina, ban all forms of marijuana use.

Marijuana laws and the legal status of marijuana products are likely to change in the next few years as more states legalize marijuana. Until then, you can get the benefits of THC and CBD legally with our delicious edibles, including our legal, hemp THC gummies.

One dose of Delta 8 THC products will make you fail a drug test for a few days after you take it. Whether you’ve taken a Delta 8 gummy, a hit from a Delta 8 vape, or a dose of Delta 8 oil, you can expect it to clear from your system completely within 10 days.

Yes, Delta 9 will show up on a drug test, as will all other forms of THC. If you know you’re going to be drug tested, stop taking products with THC about a month or so before the test, even if the product in question is fully legal.

Delta 9 THC is found in both indica and sativa strains of cannabis plants. Our Delta 9 products contain hybrid strains that combine the benefits of both indica and sativa. For more info on why we opt for hybrid cannabis over indica or sativa, see our guide to sativa vs indica edibles.

Delta 9 is legal on a federal level when hemp-derived and when it does not exceed 0.3% of a product’s dry weight. All our Delta 9 edibles are federally legal in the US.

To learn more about the many wide range of cannabis types, read our guide about the different strains of Delta 9 for clarification. Also, you may like our guide on the best strains for anxiety and focus.

When considering Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9, dosage is everything. Too much THC (of either variety) can negatively influence sleep, so a low dose is best. THC has a calming effect at low doses, and when combined with CBD—such as in our full spectrum gummies—makes for a terrific sleep aid.

In general, consuming Delta 9 at low doses, especially when combined with CBD, helps you to fall asleep. Similarly, a low-dose Delta 8 product can also aid in sleep.

Because Delta 9 THC is the stronger of the two THC types, it takes less of it to achieve an equivalent calming effect.

Thanks to the recent popularity of cannabidiol (CBD), there are many consumer products on the market containing this compound. Some of the most popular ways to consume CBD are CBD gummies, CBD oils, CBD capsules, and CBD vapes. We offer the highest-quality, vegan gummies with CBD on the market, made from the finest American hemp and containing the perfect CBD dosage to help you unwind.

Some CBD products do contain Delta 9, while others do not. There are three main types of CBD products:

  • CBD isolate products, which only contain CBD
  • Broad spectrum CBD products–for example, broad spectrum CBD gummies—which contain CBD and other minor cannabinoids (such as CBN, CBG, and terpenes), but no THC
  • Full spectrum CBD products, which contain all compounds found in cannabis, including Delta 9 THC

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