Although our society has only recently become more accepting of cannabis, humans have used it for thousands of years. Its first documented use was in western China approximately 2,500 years ago.
Some of the most popular cannabis plant strains include delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC. Not everybody understands the key differences, though.
This information will help you decide which is best for your needs. Let's explore what you need to know about delta 8 THC vs delta 9 THC.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol THC is a mild psychoactive ingredient located within cannabis plants. It's naturally present in small amounts. As a result, most delta 8 is created using CBD since the amounts of THC are so low.
What Is Delta 9 THC?
In contrast to delta 8 THC, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol levels are much more concentrated within cannabis. It's also the most prominent cannabinoid that's known to cause psychoactive effects. Some users choose it for this attribute.
Other Differences
Although both substances interact with the endocannabinoid system, the way they do so is slightly different. Delta 8's double bonds are on its 8th carbon atom.
Delta 9's double bonds are on its 9th. This minor difference in placement changes the way substances affect the body.
Delta 8 Effects
As previously mentioned, delta 8 has a mild effect compared to delta 9. Taking small doses often doesn't provide the "high" feeling many people expect.
Delta 8 that's derived from a hemp plant can facilitate relaxation. Other effects include:
- Appetite stimulation
- Mild pain relief
- Slight euphoria
Delta 8 is best for people who want a low-intensity way to improve their overall mood.
Delta 9 Effects
In many cases, a standard dose of Delta 9 will induce psychoactive effects. Someone might experience delayed reactions, difficulty thinking, a distorted perception of time, and impaired coordination.
For this reason, many people find delta 9 unpleasant unless they're experienced with using the substance. However, there are ways to circumvent this issue.
Users sometimes choose to microdose the substance to get the benefits without the drawbacks. Positive effects of delta 9 are decreased anxiety, improved relaxation, and better focus.
People also find they are more talkative. In some situations, delta 9 can lead to reduced inflammation and pain relief.
Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 Benefits
For those looking to manage anxiety, both substances are suitable options. Keep in mind you'll need to take less delta 9 than you would delta 8.
Taking too much delta 9 could cause your anxiety levels to increase. For pain relief, delta 9 is the superior option.
Delta 8 simply isn't potent enough in most scenarios. It's not uncommon for people to use this substance as a sleep aid.
Either strain can help you sleep better as long as you take the appropriate dose. Otherwise, the side effects of high doses could make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Since these strains have mood-boosting effects, it's not uncommon for people to use them to treat depression. If used in this manner, it's strongly recommended to microdose.
When the body releases a large amount of dopamine, there will eventually be a "crash" that follows. This can leave someone feeling worse than before. If you use these strains responsibly, you likely won't encounter problems.
Delta 8 THC Dosing Guide
People often take delta 8 THC in 10 mg doses. This is considered a low dose and provides minor benefits without substantial side effects.
High doses can be as much as 60 mg. If you take an isolated delta 8 THC tincture, low doses begin in the 1 to 5 mg range. This is due to the fact that tinctures contain no plant matter.
Due to the way delta 8 interacts with the human body, people will build a tolerance fairly quickly. You may need to increase your dosage over time.
Delta 9 THC Dosing Guide
A low dose of delta 9 THC is around 5 mg. Anything more than 25 mg is considered high.
Taking more than 100 mg of delta 9 can cause notable complications, such as heightened anxiety and dry mouth. Fatigue is also common. Use this strain responsibly, as it's more potent.
Legal Status
The 2018 Farm Bill Declared that products containing no more than 0.3% hemp-derived THC are federally legal for sale.
This has given distributors the opportunity to legally sell delta 8 and delta 9 strains. However, different states have different regulations regarding sales and consumption. You should also note that forms of THC derived from marijuana are federally illegal.
Marijuana is still viewed as a controlled substance by the federal government. Depending on where you live, you may not be able to purchase delta 8 or delta 9 within your state. You may also have issues ordering products online.
Sourcing
If you choose to try either of these substances, it's imperative to acquire them from the right source. This is the only way to ensure you know exactly what you're getting.
When looking for a resource, consider their past reputation. A quick online search provides insight into what other customers have to say. You should also look into their shipping speed.
How fast can you expect to receive your order? The good news is most companies offer quick shipping times. Do they have a solid customer support policy?
Dealing with issues on your own can be frustrating and even impossible. Prioritize companies that have a large selection of products.
This will ensure you find choices that meet your needs. Ask about the company's legality, as well.
Be wary of businesses that aren't transparent about this detail. This is a red flag you can't ignore.
The last thing you want is to encounter legal problems when purchasing products. With enough due diligence, you shouldn't have issues getting the best results.
Make Your Decision Carefully
The tips in this guide will ensure that you understand the key differences between delta 8 THC vs delta 9 THC. From here, you can make the best decision for your needs and reap the benefits.
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