The cannabis plant produces about a hundred different cannabinoids. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol (or Delta-9-THC) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, but there are other forms of THC, including Delta 8 THC. Delta-8-THC is often confused with Delta-9-THC. Today in Cannactiva, we tell you the main differences between these two variants of THC.
Main differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9
When we talk about THC, we generally refer to delta-9-THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or dronabinol, of synthetic origin), which is the psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant in higher percentages, up to 30%.
It should be clarified that CBD or industrial hemp flowers contain only traces of THC, in any of its variants (<0.3% THC).
Cannabis rich in THC is popularly referred to as marijuana. Depending on the strain, the THC and other cannabinoid content can vary considerably. Delta-9-THC binds to receptors in the brain and produces psychoactive properties, which is why most of the side effects of marijuana use are attributed to this compound.
Delta-9-THC (or simply THC) is the most abundant THC variant in cannabis. In contrast, Delta-8-THC is present in cannabis in very small amounts. Products containing high amounts of Delta-8-THC obtain it synthetically.
In addition to Delta-9-THC, the cannabis plant produces other variants of THC, which differ in the chemical structure of the molecule and in the way they interact with the body. Among all THC variants, one of the most popular is Delta 8-THC. (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol).
The main characteristic of Delta-8-THC is that it is less psychoactive than its sibling Delta-9-THC.
Delta-8-THC is found in cannabis plants in much smaller amounts than Delta-9-THC. However, a large number of products containing this cannabinoid are sold on the market, such as vapes or gummies, which contain it of synthetic origin (produced in laboratories, usually from CBD or THC).
Effects of Delta 8 vs Delta 9
Initially, it was thought that Delta-8-THC could provide the same medicinal effects of THC, without the intense psychoactive effects, which are undesirable for patients. But the truth is that this supposed advantage has not yet been corroborated by science. Current studies showing properties of Delta-8-THC are mostly preliminary (e.g. in animals or in vitro), and evidence on its potential therapeutic benefits is lacking.
Which of the two is more psychoactive?
There is no certain answer to the question of which of the two types of THC is more psychoactive. In pure form, Delta-9-THC is more psychoactive than Delta-8-THC because it has a higher affinity for the CB1 receptor, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects. In fact, the latter is touted as having milder and more manageable effects than THC.
The actual psychoactive effects depend on the type of product consumed, the form of consumption and the dosage. In other words: eating a gummy candy with 50mg of Delta-8-THC can give more psychoactivity than smoking a bud of cannabis with low THC content.
However, these statements are based on laboratory results. There are other factors to consider, as the effect also depends on the form of consumption (ingested cannabinoids have a higher peak effect than when consumed by inhalation or smoked) and the dose (some cannabinoid products have a much more potent dose than that found naturally in the plant). In addition, there are possible inter-individual differences that modify the psychoactive potency.
Delta-8-THC is usually marketed in pure form, in vapes, gummies and edibles. In these cases, the amount of Delta-8-THC being consumed may be high and give intense psychoactive effects.
In addition, it should be noted that a report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), reported analyses of Delta-8-THC products containing unlabeled substances and contaminants. Since the market for neo-cannabinoids or synthetic cannabinoids is virtually unregulated, it is possible to obtain poor quality products that can be harmful and produce unpredictable effects.
In natural cannabis, psychoactivity will depend not only on the THC percentage of the strain, but also on its CBD content, as well as other minor cannabinoids (including naturally occurring Delta-8-THC) and terpenes, which can influence how cannabis exerts effects in the body. This is known as the entourage effect of cannabis, and explains how other components of the plant interact with each other resulting in a decrease, modulation or increase of the effect of THC.
What is the duration of the effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC?
The duration of the effects of both compounds may vary according to the dose and the way of consumption. In general, the effects of Delta-9-THC can last from 2 to 6 hours. In comparison, the effects of Delta-8-THC tend to be slightly shorter and less intense, although the duration may be similar, depending on individual factors such as tolerance and manner of consumption.
Ingestion of cannabinoids, such as Delta-8-THC gummies, produces a later but higher and more prolonged peak of the substance, which may result in greater mental effects and for a longer period of time.
Differences in extraction of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC
The vast majority of commercially available products include synthetic Delta-8-THC, produced from CBD (cannabidiol) or Delta-9-THC (5).
Delta-8-THC is present in cannabis plants in significantly lower amounts compared to Delta-9-THC. Therefore, most Delta-8-THC products on the market obtain this cannabinoid synthetically.
One of the ways to obtain these cannabinoids has been using CBD extracted from industrial hemp, a technique adopted by certain manufacturers because the production of synthetic cannabinoids is more expensive than cannabidiol extract.
Differences between Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC molecules
The differences between Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC molecules lie mainly in the location of a chemical double bond in their structures. In Delta-9-THC, the double bond is at the ninth carbon position of the molecular chain, while in Delta-8-THC, it is at the eighth position. In chemistry, a small detail like this means that each cannabinoid can act differently.
This small structural difference affects how each compound interacts with receptors in the brain. Delta-8-THC interacts less strongly with CB1 receptors, as it does not bind strongly to these receptors of the endocannabinoid system, resulting in milder psychoactive effects and a different profile of potential therapeutic benefits.
Comparison between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC
Comparative table
Delta 8 THC | Delta 9 THC | |
Origin | Present in cannabis but in a minority form. It is marketed synthetically, in products such as gummies and vapes, produced from CBD or THC. | Abundant in psychoactive cannabis (marijuana) varieties. It can also be obtained synthetically. |
Molecule | Double bond at the eighth carbon position in its molecular chain. | Double bond at the ninth carbon position in its molecular chain. |
Effects | In pure form, it has a lower affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain, resulting in less psychoactive effects than Delta 9. | In pure form, it is more psychoactive than Delta-8-THC, with more intense effects and potential for more significant adverse effects such as anxiety or paranoia. |
Legality | It is not specifically regulated and its legal status varies depending on the region and the regulation on synthetic cannabinoids. | As the main compound of psychoactive cannabis, it is subject to strict restrictions. |
Frequently asked questions about Delta 8 and Delta 9
Legality of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC
In Spain, as well as in other European countries, both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are not legal for sale, mainly because they are psychoactive THC variants. Only industrial hemp with less than 0.3% THC is allowed to be sold, provided it is not intended for human consumption.
Conclusion
Cannabis contains a wide range of cannabinoids, including different variants of THC. Delta 9-THC (or simply THC) is the most abundant THC variant in cannabis and is the main psychoactive compound associated with most of the euphoric effects of psychoactive cannabis use.
On the other hand, Delta 8-THC, which is found in lower amounts and has a lower affinity for CB1 receptors, resulting in milder psychoactive effects. The key differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC lie in their chemical structure, which results in different effects. Products with Delta-8-THC obtain this cannabinoid synthetically and in large doses (higher than those normally found in natural cannabis), therefore, the consumption of products with high Delta-8-THC content can produce psychoactivity greater than natural THC and adverse effects. In any case, both cannabinoids can produce, in the long term or in high doses, adverse effects such as addiction or paranoia.
At Cannactiva, we are still committed to hemp flowers: non-psychoactive cannabis with all the aroma of cannabis and without its psychoactive effects.
References
- What is Delta-8-THC? From researcher Masha Burelo.
- EU Drug Market: Cannabis Production. EMCDDA. https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/eu-drug-markets/cannabis/production_en#level-1-section0
