Cheef Botanicals

Delta 8 vs Delta 9: What Are the Differences?

Modern life can be hectic and stressful no matter where you call home. Taking care of yourself is important, and we are fortunate to live in a time when we have easy, legal access to the hemp plant. Diverse hemp-derived products provide a bonanza of health benefits, giving you options for what may work best for your health and wellness needs. If you’re new to hemp wellness or even an experienced pro, have you explored the differences between Delta 8 vs Delta 9 products?

Many often conflate both of these cannabis plant cannabinoids as one and the same. However, both are very different in how they benefit the consumer. Come with us as we explore how and why Delta 8 and Delta 9 can both play a role in your personal approach to better health and wellness and what separates one from the other. Having options is good, so let’s dive into the details so you’ll better understand the two THC products and their benefits.

What Is Delta 8?

Delta 8 (Delta 8 THC or D8) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis plants. Enthusiasts have made Delta 8 THC popular in recent years thanks to its relaxing properties and clear-headed euphoric effects.

Contrary to what you may have heard, Delta 8 is not a synthetic cannabinoid. Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made in a laboratory and do not occur in nature. Delta 8 THC is 100% natural and is a minor cannabinoid present in extremely limited quantities in hemp plants — less than 1% of a hemp plant contains Delta 8 THC. As a result, it’s not practical to obtain enough raw plant material to extract D8, and it would be prohibitively expensive. But there is another way to harvest Delta 8 THC, and nature herself made it easy.

person holding hemp leaf in palm

The cannabinoid Cannabidiol (CBD) is abundant in hemp, and its chemical structure is remarkably similar to Delta 8 THC. Using plentiful, hemp-derived CBD obtained through the CO2 extraction process as a source solves the Delta 8 THC scarcity issue. And because of their similar chemical structures, reputable D8 companies like Cheef Botanicals can convert CBD into Delta 8 THC using a simple, clean, and safe production process called isomerization. The end result is abundant amounts of Delta 8 THC.

With D8 now available in sufficient quantities, this opens the doors to various Delta 8 THC products for consumers to enjoy. D8 products currently available include gummies, tinctures, soft gels, flower, pre-rolls, vape cartridges, and more.

What Is Delta 9?

Delta 9 (Delta 9 THC, D9, or THC) is the iconic cannabinoid from cannabis plants, particularly of the marijuana variety, that produces potent, euphoric effects. Enthusiasts appreciate how D9 puts their heads in the clouds with powerful, elevating euphoria and deep cerebral stimulation while keeping their bodies at ease.

For centuries, societies around the world have grown cannabis plants rich in Delta 9 THC for perceived medical benefits as natural remedies. The wellness benefits of Delta 9 THC persist to this very day, with the cannabinoid becoming a staple of many health-conscious individuals’ daily regimens.

Delta 9 THC is naturally plentiful in marijuana plants, but like Delta 8 THC, only trace amounts — 0.3% or less — are in hemp plants. Hemp is rich in CBD, which shares a similar chemical structure to D9. Because of this similarity, hemp industry brands utilize the previously mentioned production process of isomerization to convert CBD into Delta 9 THC. What results is hemp-derived Delta 9 THC that companies like Cheef Botanicals can use in various products for consumer enjoyment! The most popular hemp-based Delta 9 THC products are edibles such as gummies and tinctures.

farmer admiring hemp crop at dusk

What Are The Key Differences Between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?

The key differences between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC come down to their chemical structure, benefits, side effects, potency, and legality. Let’s examine each one in detail.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Chemical Structure

Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are isomers of each other. This means that they have a similar molecular formula, but their only difference is in their arrangement of carbon atoms. For Delta 8 THC, nature placed a double bond on the eighth carbon atom in the chain.

For Delta 9 THC, if you think the double bond is on the ninth carbon atom, you’re right! That’s why we refer to the two cannabinoids as D8 and D9! It’s all based on how the molecules and atoms line up within the chemical chain nature created.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Benefits

Including D8 or D9 (or both) in your healthy lifestyle has many benefits. For example, D8 and D9 support our endocannabinoid system (ECS). Both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC interact with this network of cell-signaling cannabinoid receptors located throughout your central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Your ECS helps keep your body in balance by regulating several key biological processes, including mood, appetite, and sleep.

Delta 8 and Delta 9 are similar to how we enjoy coffee. Sometimes we want a strong espresso, while other times, a milder brew is perfect. Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC products are similar in that regard. Here are a few helpful tips for what you might expect from a D8 or D9 experience:

Delta 8 THC BENEFITS

If you want to loosen up but not lose yourself, Delta 8 THC is for you. Here’s why many prefer Delta 8 THC’s milder sensations:

  • Produces mild, clear-minded euphoria. Delta 8 THC allows you to gently relax and stay focused during the day or ease into your evening without feeling like you’re in over your head. The euphoria you experience from Delta 8 THC is mild in comparison to the more potent effects of Delta 9 THC.
  • Lowers anxiousness. Recharge and reset on your terms at your pace.
  • Uplifts mood. Delta 8 THC helps change your perspective in a subtle, easygoing way.
  • Stimulates cravings. If you can’t quite find the time to eat during your hectic day and suffer from low appetite, Delta 8 THC will help ensure proper sustenance and stimulate appetite.
  • Supports relief from bodily discomfort. Gently ease muscle tension after the gym or a long run, hike, or swim.
  • Supports mobility. Movement is the key to good health, and D8 helps keep you going.
  • Supports a good night’s sleep. Ease into dreamland without feeling locked to a couch or swallowed by the bed.

cool dude relaxing on the grass

Delta 9 THC Benefits

For people seeking more powerful euphoric sensations, Delta 9 delivers in ways other cannabinoids can’t. So go ahead and see if Delta 9 THC is your ticket to tango. Here’s how Delta 9 THC can benefit you:

  • The most powerful cannabinoid in the world. If you’re seeking a strong euphoric experience, Delta 9 will pump you up!
  • Creates a sense of uplifting, stimulating euphoria. Climb the ladder to your favorite playhouse, where all the fun happens! You’ll feel a sense of deep cerebral stimulation as you unlock mental barriers and level up your consciousness to new creative heights.
  • Calms the body and helps relieve stress. Relaxing on the sofa, in your favorite chair, or in a sun-drenched alpine meadow never felt so good. You’ll feel deep, total-body relaxation as you enlighten your mind.
  • Promotes better sleep. Good sleep is essential, and Delta 9 THC delivers night after night.
  • Boosts creativity. Sometimes we all need some inspiration to get our creative juices flowing again. Delta 9 THC helps opens the floodgates.
  • Supports a healthy appetite. Eating well is also important for good health, and Delta 9 may have you visiting the fridge more often.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Potency

As we mentioned earlier, Delta 8 is less potent than Delta 9. In general, Delta 8 is for people seeking mild euphoria and relaxation while remaining clear-headed. Delta 9 supports a more stimulative sensation for both the mind and body. This It’s especially helpful for dealing with a stressful day or situation.

Delta 9 THC’s potency can be attributed to its ability to bind directly and tightly to your ECS receptors. This lock-and-key relationship between Delta 9 and your ECS receptors, especially those in your brain, is why THC can impart such potent benefits.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Effects

Delta 8 and Delta 9 are safe for most people and generally well-tolerated — as long as you follow your dosing guidelines. If you’re new to D8 or D9, it may be best to start with a low dose, wait an hour, then see how you feel before taking any more.

The potential benefits certainly outweigh any possible adverse effects. But if you overindulge, you may experience some temporary and mild effects such as:

  • Dry eyes
  • Dry mouth
  • Upset stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Drowsiness
  • Increased appetite

Your personal experience goes a long way in determining your tolerance levels to D8 and D9 products. When in doubt, remember the GLASS rule: Go Low And Start Slow.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Legalities

Hemp-derived Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are both 100% federally legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This act of Congress legalized hemp production and hemp-derived products at the federal level. Under this federal law, the Delta 9 THC content in hemp plants and hemp-derived products cannot exceed 0.3%. From the federal government’s point of view, hemp-derived D8 and D9 products are not part of the Controlled Substances Act as long as they comply with the Farm Bill’s requirements.

Even though Delta 8 and Delta 9 products are federally legal under the Farm Bill, laws regarding D8 and D9 may differ when you cross state lines. Although certain states may allow for the medical use of marijuana, the purchase of recreational marijuana from legal cannabis dispensaries, and the purchase and consumption of Farm Bill-compliant hemp products, that’s not always a guarantee.

There are a handful of states that restrict or even ban hemp-derived Delta 8 or Delta 9 cannabis products regardless of federal legality. If you’re a resident of one of these states, the D8 and D9 products you’re consuming are technically legal, but not on the local level. It’s always best to check your state’s laws if you need more clarification.

farmer harvesting hemp plants

Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Which One Is Right For Me?

If you are deciding whether Delta 8 THC or Delta 9 THC is right for you, the answer comes down to personal preference and what feels right for you. The beauty of D8 and D9 is that you can enjoy them at different times for different reasons. Everyone’s journey to better health and wellness takes alternate paths. Try both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC products and decide for yourself which way to go.

Disclaimer: It’s important for you to consult a licensed medical professional to determine if you are healthy enough to consume hemp-based Delta 8 and Delta 9 products. These products are not meant to be a substitute for any medications you may be taking, treatments you may be undergoing, or cures for any medical conditions you may or may not have.

 

Why Choose Cheef Botanicals for Delta 8 & Delta 9 Products?

Cheef Botanicals is the perfect place to buy Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC products because we share your health and wellness ideals. It’s a way of life, and that means ensuring our products are the best you can find anywhere every time. We stand behind and believe in everything we offer at Cheef Botanicals, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Premium Quality Delta 8 THC & Delta 9 THC Products

We make all our Delta 8 and Delta 9 wellness products with several quality assurances that set them apart from other online retailers. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to our premium quality D8 and D9 products:

  • Superior, USA-grown hemp: We source our unrivaled hemp exclusively from the rich farmlands of Colorado and Oregon. These hemp producers have decades of experience and cultivate their crops per the strict standards of the 2018 Farm Bill.
  • Natural ingredients: You won’t find any artificial ingredients, flavors, or colors in our D8 and D9 products. No potentially harmful chemicals or additives. They’re as natural as sunlight!
  • Lab tested for quality: Third-party labs test all our products for potency and purity. You can confirm the results by viewing the Certificate of Analysis (COA) — a third-party lab test certifying the ingredients for each product.

Save 25% On Our Delta 8 and Delta 9 Products… Forever!

In addition to our top-shelf quality, our customers save money on every order! Your bank account can take a beating when it comes to the price of top-shelf D8 and D9 products. That’s why we’re here to offer your finances some much-needed chronic pain relief with plenty of ways to save money!

As one of the best online hemp industry retailers on the planet, we make saving easy. Here’s how you can save money every time you shop with us:

  • Save 25% sitewide — forever. Sign up to save with our free subscription program and save 25% on every order! Even better, choose convenient bi-weekly or monthly deliveries of your favorite Cheef Botanicals products!
  • Get info about smart deals that save even more money. Subscribe to our Cheef Botanicals newsletter and stay in the know about the latest deals and new products. And be on the lookout for our upcoming sales events!

Final Thoughts – Delta 8 vs Delta 9

As we go about our daily lives, we all want to be happy and content and take good care of ourselves. Nature’s gifts of Delta 8 and Delta 9 help us on our individual journeys and let us choose which works best. Whether it’s the gentle, relaxing sensations from Delta 8 THC or the more invigorating potency of Delta 9 THC, take a step back, relax, clear your head, and enjoy the D8 or D9 experience of your choice.

Cheef Botanicals makes exploring both Delta 8 and Delta 9 options easy. We encourage you to try them both to see what feels right, at the right time, for you. Our premium products, COAs, excellent prices, and no-fuss returns let you delve worry-free into the worlds of Delta 8 and Delta 9. Trust us, either way, they’re both wonderful places to visit.

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