THC is one of the primary active ingredients in hemp plants, and it is fast becoming popular because of its medicinal and recreational benefits. However, there are many types of THC products in the market; so, it may be challenging to choose the one that suits your needs.
This guide will walk you through Delta 8 and Delta 9 flowers and their main differences to help you choose the best THC for your needs. But first, let’s understand what the Delta-8 and Delta-9 flowers are.
What is Delta-8 THC Flower?
Delta-8 THC flower is a minor psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant. Since it’s found in trace amounts in the plant (less than 1%), it is extracted and added to hemp flowers, creating a legal product. Delta-8 concentrate is also added to ready-made sprays, oils, tinctures, and edibles.
There’s a myriad of benefits in Delta-8 THC flower, both medical and recreational. It relieves pain, relaxes your body and mind, and provides a smooth smoking experience. What’s more, Delta-8 is legal in most states, so users don’t have to worry about any legal issues.
Scientists and researchers discovered Delta-8 THC in 1942. In 1970, after numerous studies and research, it was found to have psychotropic abilities.
What is Delta-9 THC Flower?
Delta-9 THC flower is the most popular molecule of the hemp plant besides CBD. It is more potent than Delta-8, and it is mainly used for recreational purposes.
The Delta-9 flower offers several medical benefits in small doses, such as improving your moods and sleep, relaxing your muscles, and reducing stress and anxiety. However, its psychoactive properties can increase your heart rate, anxiety, paranoia, and euphoria in large doses.
Most people consume THC through smoking, edibles, or topical application. Ideally, the hemp plant should contain less than 0.3% THC. If the plant’s Delta-9 THC exceeds 0.3%, it is classified as a marijuana plant. Knowing this distinction is paramount because hemp and marijuana plants’ legality differs in the US.
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What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 Flower vs. Delta-9 Flower?
Here are the main differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC flowers:
Chemical Structure
Typically, the Delta-8 flower is an isomer of the Delta-9 flower, which means they have the same molecular formula but different structures and properties. Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 flowers have double bonds, but they are placed in different positions.
The double bond in Delta-8 is on the 8th carbon chain, while that of Delta-9 is in the 9th carbon chain, hence their names. This may seem like a slight distinction, but it has different pharmacological effects.
Production of Delta-8 and Delta-9
Before consuming any THC product, it is essential to know how they are produced.
Delta-9 flower, a major cannabinoid, is found in plenty of hemp plants. Because of its abundance, its extraction tends to be cheaper and faster. Delta-9 can also be extracted from marijuana.
On the other hand, extracting Delta-8 from the hemp plant is more challenging. That’s because Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid, which means the hemp plant produces it in minimal amounts. Therefore, the best and safest way to extract Delta-8 is synthetic processes using solvents.
Although the extraction and conversion processes are costly, the Delta-8 THC produced is pure as it undergoes rigorous filtration and distillation.
Psychotropic Potency
Although Delta-8 and Delta-9 have indistinguishable molecular structures, their double bond placement gives contrasting effects. This difference helps people choose the type of THC they want depending on their needs.
Delta-9 is more potent than Delta-8, so its response in your body will be much stronger. When you use Delta-9, you will get instantaneously high. The high may also be accompanied by intense and rapid side effects that may trigger paranoid delusions, decreased motor skills, and extreme feelings of anxiety and depression.
In contrast, Delta-8 has fewer psychotropic effects. So, you will still get “high,” but your motor and cognitive skills will remain functional. Delta-8 makes users feel relaxed and calm because its action is slow and gradual. Due to this, more people are switching to Delta-8 because they get the same medical and therapeutic benefits with tolerable side effects.
Medical Benefits
Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 flowers have medical benefits to the body and help with nausea, vomiting, and hangovers.
Some of the proven benefits of Delta-8 include:
It is a powerful antiemetic.
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Improves appetite
- Its sedative effects reduce anxiety
- Offers neuroprotective effects
- It is a potent pain-reliever
Delta-9 also has several benefits when used for medical reasons. These include:
Stimulating appetite
- Relieves chronic pain
- Helps in combating seizures
- Offers potent antioxidant effects
- Provides anti-inflammatory effects
Delta-8 and Delta-9 have different legal statuses in different states, so it is paramount to know your state laws before using any of these products. However, Delta-9 THC is more regulated in most states because of its adverse side effects and potential for addiction and abuse.
So, Which THC Is Better?
After going through the differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC flowers, the one you choose will entirely depend on your needs and whether it’s legal in your state. These two products offer medical and recreational benefits, but it is best to start with Delta-8 as it has mild psychotropic effects.
