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Getting To Know Delta 8 THC: Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC?

Getting To Know Delta 8 THC: Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC?

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What exactly is the deal with Delta 8 THC? Why is it so popular now and how is it different from the regular Delta 9 THC? We explore all this and more in today’s article. Let’s dive in. 

The Different Types of THC 

Delta 8 THC is one of the lesser-known cannabinoids present in cannabis. It has similar characteristics as the widespread Delta 9 THC, albeit less potent and milder in effects.  Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC, that is the question!

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) are the two popular cannabinoids in cannabis. While CBD is primarily present in Hemp, THC is the primary compound in Marijuana. This is the ingredient that creates the euphoric high associated with Marijuana.  

THC is broken down into different types; Delta 2 THC, Delta 6 THC, Delta 7 THC, Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, and Delta 10 THC.  

In this article, we are going to be concentrating on Delta 8 and Delta 9, with emphasis on Delta 8 THC.  The similarities between both are that they are forms of THC, and they have similar chemical structures and number of atoms in their structures. The differences between both compounds lie in their chemical composition and the effects they have on people.  

 

 

So, What Exactly Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid present in cannabis plants. The compound became popular due to sharing close similarities with the famous Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC is short for 8-tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta 8 THC is an isomer of Delta 9. Isomers are chemical molecules with similar molecules (chemical formula) but different chemical structures. Therefore, Delta 9 and Delta 8 are isomers. They have the same number of atoms, but the arrangement of atoms is different in each compound.

The differences in the arrangements of the atoms in both compounds are what give them distinct properties. While Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC have the same chemical formula, they are arranged differently, meaning they have different properties. Delta relates to the double bond location inthe THC chemical structure. The double bond position is in the eighth position in Delta 8, and for Delta 9, it is in the ninth position. 

Bottle with logo

The Difficulty In Finding Pure Delta 8 THC Products

Selective breeding is one of the ways to produce a higher concentration of Delta 8 THC. This process involves aging the marijuana plant. Basically, breeders harvest the flower and store it in a jar. The jar is exposed to air and natural light or UV light.

Chemical conversion is another way to produce high concentrations of Delta 8 THC. Companies process Marijuana extracts such that large amounts of Delta 9 THC break down into Delta 8 THC.

What’s the dose of Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is roughly 50% as potent as Delta 9 THC. This means you need twice the Delta 8 THC to produce the same effect as you would derive from Delta 9 THC. For example,you will need 20 mg of Delta 8 THC to derive the same effect as 10 mg of Delta 9 THC.

The standard dosage of THC Delta 9 is 5mg to 20 mg. The standard dosage for THC Delta 8 is between 10mg to 20mg. Effective dosage is subjective to individuals. So persons can use less or more of the standard dose.

The effective dose of Delta 8 THC depends on certain factors such as; body size, age, weight, tolerance levels, resistant levels, means of use, etc. For people who regularly consume other cannabinoids, Delta 8 will produce a much weaker feel than standard THC.

Note;the research done on Delta 8 at this moment is very little.Therefore it isn’t easy to establish how strong the effects of Delta 8 THC are at this moment. As a rule of thumb, we recommend that you start with a little dose and wait for the effects to start before consuming more dosage. Mind you, the consumption method will play a key role in how the cannabinoid takes effect in yourbody.

Does vaping produce different results?

Vaping THC Delta 8 will produce a much faster result than consuming edibles like Delta 8 gummies.

What about tolerance?

Tolerance happens when there is frequent use of a particular chemical substance. Regular use of compounds such as THC alters the activity of specific endocannabinoid receptors in the body, leading to the decrease of the compound overtime.

This phenomenon is experienced in various types of chemical compounds and medications.

Tolerance is experienced more in Delta 8 THC than Delta 9. Therefore, the more you use Delta 8 THC, the weaker the effect on you. To derive more effect from Delta 8, you will need to up your dosage regularly.

woman eating a hemp lively gummy on the beach

 

Delta 8 THC Gummies

Gummies are another fun way to consume Delta 8 THC. Delta 8 THC gummies provide a precise dosage of the product. Gummies offer an easy way for persons to get started with Delta 8 THC. A word of caution; gummies can be sweet, which makes them easy to consume. However, pay attention to the amount you take so you don’t take more than the needed dosage.

 

Delta 8 THC Vapes

Disposable Delta 8 THC vape pens and Delta 8 THC vape cartridges are already available to use incombination with reusable pens. There is a good number of premade vape pens for different vape models on the market now. Vapes give you the option of using Delta 8 THC distillate alone or in combination with other e-liquid ingredients like vegetable glycerine to get more interesting vapor.

However, you won’t find Delta 8 THC Juul pods. Instead, there are the regular threaded vape cartridges available if you are new to vaping, exercise caution when taking Delta 8 THC for the first time. Using Delta 8 THC vapes is very easy, just turn on the device, and take a long deep breath. Absorptionis directly proportional to the length of the draw.

Absorption and potency

So the longer the vapor stays in your lungs when you draw, the more the product is absorbed into your blood. First-time vapers are advised to go easy, take a puff every few minutes, and wait for the effects to kick in before taking another puff. Avoid using too much Delta 8 THC for the first time.

Delta 8 THC is milder than Delta 9 THC and it has a delayed effect in most people, so you get to feel it after a while. Rather than taking several puffs, go for a few ones, and build up from there. 

Is Delta 8 legal? We do a deep dive on this subject HERE

 

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