Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC and THC-O?

Delta 9 and Delta 8 THC both have similar names and similar structures and are derived from the Sativa cannabis plant family, making them easy to confuse. If you have been researching these cannabinoids, you probably found many products on the market that contain them. As they have become legal on a federal level, their popularity has grown tremendously due to the effects they provide.

And now there’s a new kid on the block poised for a takeover: THC-O. But while the deltas are gentler versions of the classic THC or delta-9 of cannabis fame, THC-O can be three times stronger than its more mainstream cousin.

Because it’s made from hemp, THC-O occupies a different legal status than cannabis products, especially in many states that don’t have a recreational market yet. That being said, there is still some debate about whether THC-O constitutes “synthetic THC” under federal law, which is still a controlled substance and illegal even when derived from hemp, so proceed with caution.

Where are both Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC derived from?

Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC are cannabinoids that are found in the Cannabis Sativa Plant. However, there are different types of plants that provide some major distinctions. The main difference is the amount of Delta 9 THC they contain and their legality. The hemp plant needs to have less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC per dry weight to be considered legal to use.

Otherwise, it falls into the category of the marijuana plant. Aside from Delta 9 THC concentration, both cannabinoids have similar constituents such as CBD, CBG, CBN, trepans, and others. Additionally, the Sativa Cannabis plant derives into female and male plants that differ in how quickly they both grow.

Hemp plants are grown outdoors in suitable conditions, while marijuana is usually grown indoors. With that being said, both plants are very absorbent, meaning that they can extract all chemicals, pollutants, and solvents that are present in the soil. For this reason, when looking to buy Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC products, it is necessary to check whether they are made out of organically grown hemp to avoid putting your health at risk. 

Moreover, the growing conditions can affect the quality and the safety of the final form of the product, so they are crucial to take into consideration before you make any purchase. The products that you buy shouldn’t contain pesticides, chemicals, and other harmful compounds that are very dangerous to one’s health. 

The way it provides effects is by affecting the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your brain’s nervous system. When these receptors are stimulated, the ECS influences how the body reacts to pain, controls hunger, and experiences different emotions, which by doing so affects the mood,

Delta 9 THC is known for being the cannabinoid that provides the potency of the products and what we expect when we think of THC. In lower doses, it is used for the potential therapeutic benefits it provides, such as relaxation, improving mood, relaxing muscles, and improving sleep quality.

In comparison, in higher doses, it has psychoactive properties that can lead to euphoria, anxiety, increased heart rate, and other similar symptoms. Therefore, even though it is non-toxic and safe, when you are consuming Delta 9 products, it is necessary to know the right dosage for you and not exceed the limit.

Delta 9 THC Effects

It is known that Delta 9 THC stimulates the CB1 receptors in the brain that are responsible for making decisions and memory. Higher dosage can provide effects such as perceptual and visual alterations, restlessness, anxiety, excitement, euphoria, and other similar effects. Some people enjoy such effects and the out worldly sensations, while for others; it can be a scary experience. Hence, knowing the right dosage when consuming Delta 9 products is vital as everyone has different body tolerance,

Due to its psychoactive properties in higher concentrations, Delta 9 falls into the category of substances that have a high potential for abuse. Still, Delta 9 THC is also used for treatment as it can provide calmness, muscle relaxation, stress-relieving sensation, improved mood, and similar benefits.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is also a cannabinoid that is a constituent of the marijuana plant or industrial hemp plant. It provides all the beneficial properties of THC but without the over stimulating effects of Delta 9. As a result, Delta 8 is less potent than its more potent ‘cousin’ Delta 9 THC. 

This cannabinoid can also be found in full-spectrum CBD products, and, when combined, they might provide therapeutic and healing properties of relaxation and improved mood. This cannabinoid is found in a range of products that are very popular on the market due to the combination of uplifting and therapeutic properties it provides. Delta 8 THC is also legal in most states in the US.

Delta 8 Effects on you

In order to provide the desired effects, Delta 8 THC interacts with the same receptors in the cannabinoid system as Delta 9 THC. However, it doesn’t stay bound for a long time; so as a result, the effects are milder and less intense than those of Delta 9 THC. 

As a milder THC version with less intense psychoactive properties, Delta 8 THC is commonly used among users for improving appetite, sleep quality, mood, reducing stress and inflammation, and for other potential health benefits.

As opposed to Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 can only be found in smaller amounts in the cannabis plant, and for that reason, it takes more effort to be extracted, and the process is very costly. This means that it is often produced in labs using different extraction methods.

Delta 8 Effects on you

In order to provide the desired effects, Delta 8 THC interacts with the same receptors in the cannabinoid system as Delta 9 THC. However, it doesn’t stay bound for a long time; so as a result, the effects are milder and less intense than those of Delta 9 THC. 

As a milder THC version with less intense psychoactive properties, Delta 8 THC is commonly used among users for improving appetite, sleep quality, mood, reducing stress and inflammation, and for other potential health benefits.

As opposed to Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 can only be found in smaller amounts in the cannabis plant, and for that reason, it takes more effort to be extracted, and the process is very costly. This means that it is often produced in labs using different extraction methods.

Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 Dosing

No matter what cannabinoid you go for, you should start slowly with a lower dosage and potency and increase according to your tolerance. This is essential to avoid severe side effects and other uncomfortable symptoms.

For Delta 8 THC, the advised dosage is between 10mg to 60mg, while for Delta 9, the dosage is lower, varying between 5mg and 30mg. It is vital to remember that everyone has different body tolerance, metabolism as well as needs and preferences, so the dosage for you might not be the same as somebody else’s. 

If you are not sure, you can search for dosage charts or consult a medical professional on what is suitable for you, especially if you are also using other medications. Equally essential to mention is that when purchasing both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC products, it is necessary to look for brands that offer more potency options and start with the lowest one as a beginner. 

Molecular Structure of Delta 8 and Delta 9

When we are talking about a chemical structure, we must mention that Delta 8 is an isomer of Delta 9 and their chemical formulation is similar, but the molecule structure is different. Besides the similar chemical structure, even the slightest difference can lead to different effects, and for that reason, these two cannabinoids differ.

 The main thing that distinguished both cannabinoids is the placement of the two carbon atoms double bonds. Such molecular placement also determined their names as the double bond on Delta 9 THC is on the 9th atom, whereas the double bond on Delta 8 THC is on the 8th. Many people look for THC due to its health benefits, while others use it solely for recreational purposes.

 Either way, Delta 9 THC is considered more potent than the other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, and for that reason, it is very popular in the market.

The effects of this cannabinoid are strong, so maintaining a proper dosage is necessary. It is often confused with Delta 8 THC, found in various products online, but the benefits they provide are slightly different.

Extraction Methods of D8 and D9

The extraction process is a process during which the cannabinoids are extracted from the cannabis plant, and it is very significant during the whole manufacturing method. There are three types of extraction methods that the manufacturers implement. Let’s briefly talk about each of the methods.

THC – Extraction Methods

Alcohol extraction

If you are not going for companies that implement CO2 extraction, this method is to go for. As the name itself suggests, alcohol is used in order to pull the cannabinoids out of the cannabis plant. However, such a method might not be suitable for people that have a history of alcohol addiction.

CO2 extraction

Effects 

One of the major differences between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC is the effects that they produce. This is typically the deciding factor for most people who are uncertain about which one they want to take.  

Delta 9 is considerably more potent than Delta 8. Some belief it to be about twice as strong overall, Side effects is also more considerable with Delta 9. These can include paranoid delusions, mental fog, impaired motor skills, and increased feelings of anxiety.

This is the safest and the cleanest method of extraction and it is an industry-standard. This is because such extraction has the ability to turn liquid into gas. Using high pressure and low temperatures, CO2 turns into a liquid form which is used for extracting the cannabinoids out of the cannabis plant. Once they are extracted, the solution is then heated up, and the pressure is relieved, leaving the product pure. This extraction method, however, is more costly than the others.

Solvent extraction

That leaves us to the solvent extraction method during which petroleum-based chemicals are used to pull the cannabinoids out of the cannabis plant. With that being said, with this method, some solvents may be left behind on the final product, making the product risky for the health.