How is delta 8 different from delta 9 and CBD?

 

The last few years have been lovely for delta 8 and 9 products, especially after the 2018 farm bill, which legalized these cannabinoids on the federal level.

Perhaps you were looking for the best delta 8 THC brands when you came across these cannabinoids that stole your attention and left you wondering what the difference is. If so, this article is for you!

Delta 8 vs. Delta 9

Either of them is found in the same plant, the cannabis sativa. Although they share the same origin, some differences set them apart. Here are some of them:

Molecular structures

Delta 8 and delta 9 have almost similar molecular structures except for the difference in the location of the double bond. As their name suggests, delta 8 has a double bond on carbon no. 8 while delta 9 has it on carbon no. 9. The bond difference is somewhat subtle.

Molecular cohesion/stability

Speaking of stability, delta 8 has more than delta 9. Delta 9 oxidizes and degrades into simpler compounds like delta 8 and CBN, aka. Cannabinol, making it a less stable substance. On the other hand, delta 8 is incapable of degradation and oxidation, thus having a longer shelf life.

CB1 receptors affinity

What is delta 8 THC and delta 9 target cells? We said it, CB1 receptors! The effects in the body are produced the moment these cannabinoids bind with the receptors. But do they have the same affinity? No. Delta 9 has a lower binding affinity than delta 8, considering the more potent effects on anxiety reduction and relaxation.

Effects on body

These cannabinoids differ in their work in having different potency of results. Delta 8 is milder than delta 9, so all its effects in the body are more temperate versions of delta 9's effects. However, it does cause a euphoric high but of milder efficacy.

Delta 8 vs. CBD

These two cannabinoids are often confused with each other. Nevertheless, they are different substances! Here’s how:

Euphoric high

CBD is not a psychoactive substance, so it doesn't give a euphoric high to the person. But it does have many health benefits, like lowering anxiety and treating insomnia and other severe disorders. While delta 8 gets a person high with euphoric effects and mood uplift.

Legality at the state level

CBD has been legalized under federal law since 2018 when the farm bill was updated after 5 years. But what is delta8 THC legality rule? It's the same as CBD! Both cannabinoids must contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight. Some states have legalized both products for medicinal use, while others have restrictions on one or both products.

Safety in use

The FDA approves CBD as a safe product for consumers and patients under prescription. CBD has little to no side effects. Delta 8, on the other hand, is not approved by FDA, but the number of cases that reported unpleasant side effects was the same as CBD.

Conclusion

Although these cannabinoids are extracted from the same plant, they differ in structure or function.