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Table of Contents
- THC: The Famous Cannabinoid
- Delta-9 THC vs Delta-8 THC: The Differentiators
- What is Delta-8 THC?
- What is Delta-9 THC?
- Is Delta-9 THC Stronger than Delta-8 THC?
- What’s Better: Delta-8 THC or Delta-9 THC?
- Delta-8 THC and Drug Tests
- The Bottom Line on Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC
If you’re familiar with the psychoactive effects of the cannabis plant, you’re well acquainted with delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This is the cannabinoid that made marijuana famous. But other THC cannabinoids have begun turning heads over the last few years, and delta-8 is one of them. Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC comes from hemp and marijuana plants, and both compounds have intoxicating effects. That’s really where the similarities end.
In the delta-8 vs delta-9 showdown, there’s a lot to understand about potential benefits, side effects, safety considerations, and risks. Here’s what you should know about the differences between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC—and why one is a much better choice.
THC: The Most Famous Cannabinoid
THC is one of more than 120 identified cannabinoids in hemp and marijuana plants. This is the compound responsible for the signature “high” we associate with cannabis. But delta-9 isn’t the only form of THC in cannabis—there’s also delta-8 and delta-10, though neither compound is as well known or as well studied as delta-9.
For decades, cannabis was illegal in the United States under federal law. In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized hemp and maintained restrictions on a single cannabinoid, delta-9 THC. While other cannabinoids, including CBD (cannabidiol), became legal on a federal level, delta-9 remains restricted.
To meet federal law, products made with delta-9 THC are limited to a THC content of no more than 0.3% by dry weight and must be derived from hemp plants, not marijuana.
The passage of the Farm Bill and its subsequent restrictions on delta-9 THC triggered interest in the lesser-known delta-8 THC, for better or for worse.
Delta-9 THC vs Delta-8 THC: The Differentiators
In a side-by-side comparison, the differences between delta-9 THC and delta-8 THC boil down to their chemical structure, potency, effects, legal status, and safety profile. Here's a quick refresher:
- Chemical structure. Both compounds are a form of THC, and they share a similar molecular structure, aside from the location of a specific double bond. With delta-9 THC, this placement is on the ninth carbon chain (hence the name). With delta-8 THC, the bond is on the eighth carbon chain (again, the clue is in the name!). It's a slight difference, but it affects how both cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system.
- Potency. The strength of effects is directly related to how delta-9 THC and delta-8 THC bind to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Because delta-9 has a stronger bond, its psychoactive effects are far more pronounced. Delta-8, on the other hand, doesn't bind as tightly, resulting in milder effects.
- Effects. The potent psychoactive effects of delta-9 THC present as intense feelings of euphoria, happiness, creativity, and altered perceptions of time and space. In high doses, delta-9 THC can cause adverse effects, including anxiety, confusion, or paranoia. Delta-8 THC is known for a clearer-minded effect, with milder euphoria. But it can also trigger adverse side effects, which are largely related to how it's manufactured.
- Legal status. While delta-8 THC is technically legal federally, some states are banning it. Delta-9 THC is restricted under the 2018 Farm Bill, and products using this compound must be derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight to be legal on a federal level. Individual state laws vary.
- Safety profile. Delta-9 THC has been studied far more extensively than delta-8, so its safety profile is more established. Products purchased from reputable brands and verified with third-party lab reports are considered safe. Delta-8 THC, however, has significant safety concerns stemming from a lack of regulation and how it's produced.
How THC Works In The Body
The endocannabinoid system is a three-part network of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that regulates processes such as pain and emotional regulation, appetite, sleep, immune function, and more. The goal is to maintain homeostasis, or balance, in the body.
As a phytocannabinoid, THC mimics naturally occurring endocannabinoids produced in the body to create effects. Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC both activate the body's CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors are located in the brain and the central nervous system.
The psychoactive effects of THC occur as a result of THC binding to these receptors. But the structural differences between delta-8 and delta-9 mean a difference in strength when these compounds bind to CB1 receptors. That's why delta-9 THC has more potent psychoactive effects, and why delta-8 THC produces a milder experience.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is naturally occurring in the cannabis sativa plant, but it's present only in minimal amounts. Delta-8 is technically a degraded form of delta-9 THC that arises as the cannabinoids are exposed to light and heat.
Because it’s so scarce, the vast majority of delta-8 THC products on the market today aren’t naturally derived. Instead, companies use synthesized delta-8, which is typically manufactured by placing CBD isolate in an acid bath to alter its molecular structure.
It’s a complex chemical synthesis process that requires serious safety and quality control. When that’s lacking (and unfortunately, that's pretty common), you're left with a delta-8 THC product that has potentially harmful chemicals, impurities, and solvents in the finished product. Depending on quality, the starting material—the CBD—can also contain contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals if it’s conventionally grown or processed.
Potential Health Benefits
The psychoactive effects of delta-8 THC are milder than those of delta-9, which is how the compound earned cute nicknames like “diet weed” and “marijuana lite.” Milder effects are one reason delta-8 THC is so appealing to people, especially to those who are new to cannabis.
Delta-8 THC products are also readily accessible and sold in various forms, from gummies to vapes, which contributes to their popularity. But even as the delta-8 THC market continues to grow, so do concerns about this compound relating to how it’s produced and sold.
Side Effects
Delta-8 THC has common side effects that are comparable to the effects of delta-9 THC. These include a dry mouth, dilation in the blood vessels of the eyes that makes them appear bloodshot, drowsiness, and slower reaction times. Adverse effects include a faster heart rate, anxiety (though delta-8 THC is typically associated with a reduced likelihood of this side effect), and gastrointestinal distress, like nausea or even vomiting. Adverse effects are more likely with higher doses of delta-8 THC.
Here's the catch. Since the market for these products is so poorly regulated, there is considerable variation in potency and quality. That means expected effects and unpleasant side effects alike can be unpredictable.
Safety Concerns and Legality
The rise of synthetic delta-8 THC, which is what you find in products sold domestically, is relatively new, and the compound itself exists in something of a legal gray area. The 2018 Farm Bill is explicit about delta-9 THC, and delta-8 THC is legal largely because the Farm Bill doesn’t say otherwise, which amounts to something of a legal loophole. That’s why it might be legal in states where delta-9 THC is not, though more states have started to ban this compound specifically.
Legality aside, the biggest issue with delta-8 THC relates to safety. While it’s often marketed as a “safer” alternative to traditional THC because of its milder effects, that’s not the case. Unfortunately, the delta-8 THC market isn’t regulated well, and consumers pay the price.
In 2022, the FDA pulled no punches in a consumer update outlining what it described as the “serious health risks” of delta-8 THC. These products aren’t evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use, and the agency notes that it has received over 100 reports of adverse events between 2020 and 2022—77% of which involved adults and 55% were severe enough to require medical intervention or hospital admission. Side effects included hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and confusion.
The FDA further warned that the chemicals used in the production of delta-8 THC products create the potential for harmful byproducts in the finished product, as we’ve already covered. The consumer update also raised concerns about uncontrolled or unsanitary manufacturing settings that might contribute to unsafe contaminants.
In more cause for alarm, the FDA noted that delta-8 THC products “likely expose consumers to much higher levels of the substance than are naturally occurring in hemp cannabis raw extracts. Thus, historical use of cannabis cannot be relied upon in establishing a level of safety for these products in humans.” In other words, you can't trust the label, and you can't assume there's any level of safety in these products.
Long story short, delta-8 THC—and especially the ubiquitous synthetic version—is too new to be well understood. More research is needed because we don’t yet know the risks of the compound itself. Plus, because the market is so poorly regulated, many delta-8 THC products are highly contaminated and contain higher concentrations than advertised.
What is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC is also naturally occurring in cannabis plants. In fact, it's one of the most abundant cannabinoids in the plant, and as we've covered, its psychoactive effects are far more pronounced as a result of its stronger binding to CB1 receptors.
Like delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC has multiple avenues of administration. It can be ingested in edibles, inhaled, applied topically, or taken sublingually.
While a lot of unknowns plague delta-8 THC, there’s substantial research on delta-9 THC and how it interacts with the body. Legal markets for this compound are more tightly regulated, and third-party lab testing is far more common. Purchasing from a reputable manufacturer that prioritizes transparency, like Cornbread Hemp, means you can trust the quality, purity, and safety of its products.
Potential Health Benefits
Delta-9 THC has been studied for its potential benefits in a range of conditions, such as chronic pain, seizures, anxiety, and mental health concerns like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It shows promise in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea, which makes it an option for people with certain types of cancer.
And because it can stimulate appetite (known colloquially as "the munchies), it may be helpful to people who are struggling with low appetite as a result of medical conditions.
Of course, the psychoactive component can't be overlooked. Increasingly, many people are exploring delta-9 THC products, like Cornbread Hemp’s THC gummies, as an alternative to alcohol in social situations. Its psychoactive properties make it a mood enhancer, helping people feel happier, more relaxed, or more creative.
Side effects
Some of the side effects from delta-9 THC are similar to those from delta-8 THC. Both compounds affect salivary glands, leading to dry mouth. Both cause blood vessels in the eyes to expand. Both can elevate heart rate and impair motor skills.
Adverse effects are also possible. The most likely negative effects are anxiety, panic attacks, or paranoia, but these are often the result of too much delta-9 THC. That's why paying close attention to recommended serving size and potency is so important, and why the golden rule of cannabis consumption is to start low and go slow.
Unlike delta-8 THC products, you aren't at risk of exposure to questionable contaminants when you buy delta-9 products from a reputable manufacturer with valid certificates of analysis.
Safety Concerns and Legality
Products with Delta-9 THC are federally legal when they meet requirements set forth by the Farm Bill. They must be derived from hemp, not marijuana, with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. That’s how Cornbread Hemp THC Gummies, which have 10mg of THC per gummy, are entirely legal on a federal level.
State laws, however, can vary (which is why our gummies can be shipped everywhere but Idaho!). Many states have legalized medical cannabis and/or cannabis for recreational use, so it’s important to check local laws to understand what’s permitted where you live.
As for safety, delta-9 THC has been extensively studied, which means researchers have a much better understanding of its safety profile. In today’s THC market, delta-9 THC is the safer option when you’re buying from a brand you trust. You can’t say the same about synthetic delta-8 THC products, especially considering the lack of regulation over production processes.
Is Delta-9 THC Stronger than Delta-8 THC?
Delta-9 THC is indeed stronger than delta-8 THC because of its molecular structure, which affects how the compound binds to CB1 receptors. A stronger bond means more substantial psychoactive effects. Keep in mind, however, that the benefits of the milder high associated with delta-8 THC are overshadowed by the very real health risks stemming from how these products are manufactured.
What’s Better: Delta-8 THC or Delta-9 THC?
At this point, we hope we've been very clear that delta-9 THC is the better choice. Delta-8 THC products are readily available and associated with a milder experience, but the trade-off just isn't worth it. The manufacturing process for synthesized delta-8 THC and the lack of oversight in the market set the stage for products that are inaccurately labeled and filled with potentially harmful chemicals.
If you're new to the psychoactive effects of THC and looking for a beginner-friendly product to ease into the experience, consider Cornbread Hemp's THC Gummies. In addition to their federally legal status, each gummy has 10mg of THC and 10mg of CBD. It's a combination that creates a mellower experience and a reduced likelihood of adverse side effects like anxiety or paranoia.
What's more, Cornbread Hemp THC Gummies are the only USDA-certified organic gummies in America, and our sugarcane ethanol extraction process ensures our finished products are safe and consistent. From our Kentucky-grown hemp to our Flower-Only extracts, our commitment to quality—and your safety—is unwavering.
Delta-8 THC and Drug Tests
Are you eyeballing delta-8 THC products as a workaround to drug testing? Bad news. Despite its milder effects, the chemical similarities between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC mean the former is just as likely to show positive on a drug test.
The Bottom Line on Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC
Whatever you're hoping to accomplish with THC—therapeutic benefits, pain relief, appetite stimulation, relaxation, sleep, and the list goes on—you're much better off with delta-9 THC from a safety and efficacy standpoint. It's naturally occurring and extensively studied, and companies like Cornbread Hemp are following the letter of the law to ensure quality and safety. At this point, that's not something that can be said for delta-8 THC products. So why take the risk?
