A psychoactive drug called Cannabis or more commonly known as Marijuana is a plant with numerous distinctive qualities that is used by people for medicinal or recreational purposes. This drug when consumed commonly gives a feeling of euphoria, peace, relaxation, and memory impairment. However, the intensity of its effects varies depending on the kind of cannabinoid consumed.
What Is Delta-8-THC?
A cannabis compound called Delta-8 occurring naturally in minute concentrations on cannabis plants is known for its mildness whilst containing the similar main active ingredient found in Delta 9 THC.
This Delta-8 allows an increase in appetite and eases pain, nausea, and anxiety as it contains neuroprotective properties (source: Domash).
This drug will certainly make the consumer high but not have the same intensity of effects as Delta-9 as it is also a bit less potent.
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What Is Delta-9?
Delta-9 is a cannabis property first known in the year 1964. This drug is known to give effects of elation, relaxation, calmness, memory impairment, laughter, and hunger (Observer Content Studio). Similar to Delta-8, Delta-9 can also be found naturally in cannabis. Its molecules when consumed binds with CB1 receptors all the way through the person’s brain and body as it gives off a high feeling (Domash).
The two cannabinoids are known to have differences in the intensity of their effects, but both have similarities in their names and chemical structures. The scientific name for THC is Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta-9 THC or just Delta-9, while delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is short for Delta-8 THC or Delta-8. Both THCs are chemically similar since both have a double bond in their structures which is believed to give off the high feeling and intoxication (Leafly Staff). However, the main contrast of the two leads to the location of a bond between two atoms making up each THC molecule. The double bond of Delta-8 is found on the chain’s 8th carbon, while the double bond of Delta-9 is located on the 9th carbon in the chain (Farah). Because of its location, Delta-8 is deemed to be less potent and not as psychoactive as Delta-9.
In an article written by Domash, Delta-8 in the United States is authorized for use and purchase according to the 2018 Farm Bill, unlike Delta-9 which is considered to be highly illegal. THC levels of lower than 0.3 percent are the only ones authorized to be sold. In fact, an article written by Farah states that the regular THC or Delta-9 is a Schedule I substance under the U.S. federal law passed in 1970 which means it is classified to be similarly dangerous as heroin and LSD. However, banning Delta-8 was not until August of 2020 that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released an updated list of controlled substances. If Delta-8 is sourced from Cannabis Sativa, it is considered illegal. But, if it came from hemp like Dimo Delta-8 products, it is considered legal based on the 2018 Farm Bill.
Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 have their own unique characteristics and are fairly similar whilst having several differences in terms of their legality, side effects, chemical structure, and potency. Due to the illegalities, doing research on cannabinoids is difficult and costly which is why not many studies on cannabinoids especially on the new Delta-8 are found.