What You Need To Know About Delta 8 and Delta 9 Isomers Of THC

Most people are familiar with only two active compounds found in cannabis – THC and CBD.

But, little do they know there are several other compounds found in the plant.

For this article, we will only stick to THC.

Most consumers look for THC as a recreational compound. And probably you do too.

But that’s not why you’re here.

When shopping for THC, you must have come across two variants – Delta 8 and Delta 9.

Wait…what?

Yes, there are typically two variants of THC available in the market.

Extraction Process

Delta 9 is the more abundantly found compound in cannabis. And for this reason, it is usually cheaper and easier to extract.

Whereas extracting Delta 8 isomer usually requires more effort.

Typically, extracting a gram of Delta 8 THC would require about 200 marijuana plants. Perhaps, that is the reason why Delta 8 THC is costlier than Delta 9.

Thankfully, there is an easier alternative to this process. Technically, CBD can be processed to form Delta 8 THC, cutting down the need for huge piles of marijuana plants for extraction.

Effects Of Isomers

Another drastic difference between the two isomers is, they don’t usually create the same effect on consumption.

Delta 9 is the more potent isomer and usually gets you high, but sometimes it can also cause hallucinations, paranoia, and other side effects.

On the other hand, Delta 8 is a milder version of the former. Although it also gets you high, it does not lead to hallucinations, paranoia, or any other side effects. In other words, Delta 8 is the same as Delta 9 but offers only the goodness in the latter.

You can also click here to learn more about the effects of Delta 8 and 9 variants.

State And Federal Regulations

It is noteworthy that cannabis and its products have varying legalities throughout the country. More so, marijuana is still illegal under federal law, despite it being legal in several states.

In fact, medical cannabis and its products are legal across 36 states, but only 18 states have legalized it for recreational usage.

That being said, Delta 8 THC is now widely made from CBD, or better said, extracted from hemp. Meaning it is legal across all 50 states in the US.

Besides, it may come as a surprise to you that Delta 8 THC is actually federally legal.

The reason being, it is extracted from hemp, which is federally legal across the country.

However, it is also noteworthy that there are statewide bans in some cases on Delta 8 THC concerning its extraction out of non-commercial facilities.

For Delta 8 THC to be legally accepted, it is necessary to get it tested in a lab for 0.3% concentration in terpenes and other carriers. In other words, the Delta 8 THC cannot exceed 0.3% concentration in terpenes and carrier oils to be legal across all states.

Final Thoughts

The choice between Delta 8 and 9 isomers is pretty clear. Delta 8 THC is friendlier, widely accepted, and most importantly, dominates the retail market. Besides, it does not come with any of the traditional side effects of THC.