Want to know how Delta 8 vs Delta 9 debate will pan out? Well, this is the perfect place for you to then. We will look at two of the most prominent cannabinoids, Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, in order to determine which one is the better one. Read more to find out.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
It is always a better idea to start off slow and look at the cannabinoids individually instead of rushing to the Delta 8 vs Delta 9 debate. And the first cannabinoid in our list is Delta 8 THC. This is a naturally occurring cannabinoid primarily found in the hemp class of plants and in trace amounts. When we compared delta 8 with other cannabinoids like HHC, we found that it has some psychoactive tendencies.
Delta 8 is a very popular choice of cannabinoid for industrial usage. Cannabis-based businesses have made an effort to bring gummies, candies, tinctures, edibles, and several other products. Some companies have even brought cannabis-infused drinks that can make you feel buzzed and alive at the same time.
From a scientific perspective, Delta 8 THC is actually an isomer of Delta 9 THC. This means Delta 8 and Delta 9 share a similar chemical structure. However, there is a slight variation in the molecular structure.
Risks & Benefits Of Delta 8 THC?
Understanding a psychoactive substance demands that we understand the risks and benefits of the respective substance. Let us look at some of the risks and benefits that can help us understand Delta 8 THC with added clarity.
Risks:
- Extreme lethargy
- Disorientation
- Panic Attacks or anxiety
- Dry eyes and cottonmouth.
- Increases heart rate
- Impaired Coordination and mobility.
Benefits
- Anagelsic (pain reliever)
- Better sleep
- It can calm a person’s overactive state of mind.
- Enhanced Appetite
- Stimulates sensory neurons.
- Reduced inflammation and stiffness in joints.
What Is Delta 9 THC?
The next chapter of understanding the Delta 8 vs Delta 9 debate is to understand Delta 9 THC and what it is. Delta 9 THC is the most abundant cannabinoid found in the cannabis class of plants. Till now, scientists have discovered at least 108 different types of cannabinoids. And out of all those cannabinoids, Delta 9 THC is the most prominent one.
Similar to Delta 8 THC, several businesses have made a point to exploit the goodness of Delta 9. Some of the most famous Delta 9 products include vapes, moon rocks, edibles, capsules, etc.
Companies primarily sell Delta 9 THC as a medicinal herb. These companies make a point to bank on the beneficial side of the product and sometimes miss out on the cons. Delta 9 THC is the least synthesized cannabinoid present in the market. This is because the cannabinoid is abundantly available across a wide spectrum. Also, Delta 9 is the most potent cannabinoid present in the market.
Risks & Benefits Of Delta 9 THC?
Similar to Delta 8 THC, the Delta 9 also has some really potent benefits and risks. As a result, in order to truly understand cannabinoids objectively, we need to look at these two aspects.
Risks
- Greenout
- Heightened paranoia
- Loss of identity
- Poor motor function
- Hypotension. (low blood sugar)
- Cottonmouth and dry eyes.
- Couch lock or sedation
- Heightened heart rate.
Benefits
- Calming an uneasy mind.
- Alleviating anxiety
- Increased appetite
- Positive mood alteration (feelings of euphoria)
- Increased imaginative capabilities.
- Better Sleep
- Analgesic in nature.
Delta 8 vs Delta 9
With the fundamentals out of the way, we can now concentrate on the points that make these cannabinoids similar as well as different from each other. However, before we dive deep, we need to realize that both of these cannabinoids come from a similar set of chemicals. Therefore, we need to keep this in mind and proceed with more grounded expectations.
Differences
Availability is the first major difference between the two cannabinoids. Delta 9 is a quite abundant cannabinoid that can be found in all cannabis classes of plants. Due to its abundant availability, this cannabinoid is seen as a major cannabinoid. Delta 8, on the other hand, is a minor cannabinoid. It is not available abundantly. Hence, companies need to synthesize this cannabinoid in order to use it for industrial usage.
Potency is the next factor that sets these two cannabinoids apart. Users claim that Delta 9 THC is quite a potent substance. In fact, it is the only naturally occurring cannabinoid that has the potential to knock off your boots. Such high potency makes this substance perfect for recreational as well as commercial usage. However, Delta 8 THC is a much calmer substance. In other words, Delta 8 THC does not have the same levels of potency as Delta 9 THC. Hence, Delta 8 is usually used for medicinal usage. However, the latest invention from companies has ensured that Delta 8 is also used for recreational purposes.
Similarities
Both cannabinoids are believed to be capable of producing potent mood-altering effects. Users of Delta 8 and Delta 9 have agreed that these cannabinoids helped them to calm down. It also helped them avoid feeling extreme emotions.
Another very important aspect that makes these cannabinoids similar is the way they react to your body. Medically speaking, both cannabinoids affect the CB1 receptors of our bodies. CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system are responsible for several functions in our bodies. Some of the prominent functions include hunger, sleep, mood, etc. Hence, these cannabinoids function quite similarly.
Lastly, both cannabinoids produce similar effects like body and mind high, along with a sense of euphoria and sedation. However, the intensity of these effects differs according to the potency.
End Note
So, we have reached the end of our article comparing two very prominent cannabinoids. Our final verdict of the Delta 8 vs Delta 9 debate is that these cannabinoids are mostly similar in several aspects. Even though they somewhat differ chemically, they are still quite similar in several aspects. Therefore, you cannot really judge them to determine which one is better.
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