Delta 9 THC: What You Need To Know

Sure, delta 8 THC sounds really cool and all, but what about the original, the OG, delta 9? What is delta 9 THC? Is it just cannabis? It is marijuana? Are they both the same? There are likely tons of questions you may have. It’s understandable, as there seem to be more and more cannabinoids on the market offering different benefits. Let’s dive in.

Delta 9 for Dummies

Delta 9 THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is commonly shortened to just “THC.” It naturally develops when acids in the hemp plant, or cannabis sativa, break down. In fact, all cannabinoids stem from “The Mother of All Cannabinoids,” known as CBG. This includes CBD, THC, and CBC. CBN, on the other hand, comes from THC.

Unlike the rest of these cannabinoids, THC is extremely psychoactive. This means it affects the brain, and, in turn, the body, too. This a big reason why delta 9 is a big point of contention when it comes to whether it should be fully legal. While it does offer plenty of benefits — including limiting anxiety, pain, nausea, and more — it can affect some people more than others. And, it’s important to use any medicinal product responsibly (no matter how beneficial it is).

Differences between delta 8 and delta 9

You may be wondering, “Why does delta 8 THC sound so similar to delta 9? Couldn’t they have named it something else?” When you compare delta 8 and THC, you should know that delta 8 is what’s called an isomer of delta 9. This means that it is chemically identical, however, its chemical structure differs slightly.

This changes it just enough that’s something else entirely. Furthermore, delta 8 doesn’t occur in the same high levels in the hemp plant as delta 9. It has to be specially extracted from other cannabinoids. But, luckily, that process is getting easier. Like CBD, delta 8 THC products must also have less than 0.3% delta 9 THC to be considered legal.

The high offered from delta 8 THC is also different than delta 9. Users report that they experience greater clarity, feel uplifted, and also experience less paranoia than with delta 9. This makes delta 8’s psychoactivity a great step up for those who do not experience relief with CBD (which is non-psychoactive).

Both types of THC are important

There is plenty of room for both types of THC to be enjoyed. Delta 9 offers an often intense high and is still illegal, while delta 8 offers a milder high and is federally legal. However, you can experience either of these products in similar ways. There are amazing delta 8 options available, including vape, prerolls, gummies, and tinctures.

Both types of THC also offer similar benefits. As you may learn, delta 8’s benefits also include the ability to fight anxiety, pain, nausea, appetite issues, and more. That being said, any cannabis product should be enjoyed after consulting your healthcare provider. He or she can give you the green light to indulge in some uplifting, natural wellness with THC products.

If you want to know more about the differences between delta 8 and THC, check out this post >>