Science of Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC: Chemistry, Effects, Potency and Production

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC: Chemistry and Pharmacology

Δ9-THC (“delta nine”) is the main psychoactive compound associated with cannabis. By default, when we say “THC,” we mean Delta-9 THC. “Delta-eight” (Δ8-THC) is a nearly identical compound. In the language of chemistry, it’s an isomer of delta-nine THC—the same number of atoms of each element. As isomers, delta-8 and delta-9 share the same chemical formula, C21H30O2. They differ in the position of a single double bond.

Delta-8 and Delta-9 share very similar pharmacology and interact with very similar receptors in the brain and body. However, the subtle difference in their chemical structure causes them to interact with some receptors in slightly different ways. The CB1 receptor, an important part of the endocannabinoid system, is essential for the psychoactive effects of THC. Both delta-9-THC and delta-8-THC activate the CB1 receptor, but delta-9-THC does so to a greater extent.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC: Psychoactive Effects

Because delta-8 and delta-9 THC both activate CB1 receptors, both have intoxicating effects (they can get you high). Since delta-8 activates this receptor less than delta-9, its intoxicating effects should be milder. Although Delta-8 is “new” in terms of its commercial presence today, it has been known for several decades and is being studied to some extent, including how the potency of its effects differs from Delta-9. For a comprehensive overview of delta-8 and delta-9 THC, see this review article.

Animal studies have generally shown that delta-8 has similar physiological and behavioral effects as delta-9-THC, although a higher dose is usually required. A limited number of historical human studies have yielded comparable results. For example, inhaled delta-8 and delta-9 have produced similar physiological and psychoactive effects (e.g., increase in heart rate, reported high scores), with delta-8 being less potent. Broadly speaking, these historical studies suggest that inhaled Delta-8 may be about half as effective as Delta-9.

These scientific findings are consistent with what modern consumers are reporting about the psychoactive effects of delta-8-THC, often describing it as “easier” or “more energizing” than a delta-9-THC experience. This is consistent with the pharmacological differences between these two versions of THC, as well as the dose-dependent, biphasic effects of Delta-9: lower doses tend to produce more “euphoric” or “energizing” psychoactive effects, higher doses of Delta-9 tend to be more relaxing /sedation, a more severe “stoned” feeling (memory impairment, disorganized thinking) and side effects such as anxiety or paranoia.

Delta-8 vs Delta-9 THC: How Are They Made?

Cannabis plants do not directly produce cannabinoids like THC. They produce cannabinoid acids that need to be converted into cannabinoids. Most commercial plants produce high levels of delta-9-THC acid (THCA), which then needs to be decarboxylated (“activated”) to delta-9-THC. This conversion can be achieved by the consumer through the application of heat (e.g., with a lighter or vaporizer) or through the production processes used by manufacturers.

Delta-8 THC is found in negligible amounts in cannabis and is therefore not extracted directly from plants. Instead, it is typically synthesized under laboratory conditions from cannabidiol (CBD). This often involves the extraction of CBD from hemp, which is then chemically converted in the lab into delta-8 THC through a process called “cyclization.” If you buy or consume a product high in delta-8 THC, chances are it was made this way. The way delta-8-THC is manufactured has implications for how we might interpret its legal status.

Legal Implications of Delta 8 Production

According to the Farm Bill (Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018), hemp products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are exempt from the legal definition of marijuana in the Federal Controlled Substances Act. It could be argued that delta-8 THC products are not federally illegal if made from hemp containing <0.3% delta-9 THC.

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On the other hand, since delta-8-THC is often manufactured in the lab by cyclizing CBD, it can be considered a synthetic cannabinoid. By that definition, it would be a controlled substance.

This is a legal question, but it depends on the scientific details of how delta-8-THC is made.

Potency, Dose, and Biphasic Effects: How to Think About Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC

All in all, it’s reasonable to think of Delta-8 as a less potent version of Delta-9 THC. Both have intoxicating psychoactive effects, but scientific evidence and anecdotal consumer reports suggest it’s not as potent as Delta-9. With that in mind, it was interesting to see how Delta 8 products are being talked about and marketed. This has sometimes included marketing its effects as qualitatively different from delta-9-THC.

As far as I can tell, there are no apparent qualitative differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 in terms of their psychoactive effects. Instead, differences can be explained by potency and dose. It is well known that Delta-9, like many drugs, has dose dependent effects. A relatively low dose is likely to have different effects than a higher dose. Think about it with common sense: taking a few hits of a joint will make you feel very different than smoking several grams of the same weed alone. The lower dose will obviously have “lighter” effects. Her high is probably better described with words like “euphoric” or “energizing,” while the larger dose leaves you feeling “stoned.” This is the biphasic effect.

If you can think of Delta-8 as a lower potency version of Delta-9, then you need to take a higher dose to feel the effects of Delta-9. If you prefer the effects you normally get from Delta 8 products, it simply means that you prefer the effects of a lower dose Delta 9 experience versus a high dose experience. If that applies to you, it’s worth considering your delta-9-THC shopping habits. If you enjoy that “lighter,” less “stony” feeling, you should either consume a smaller amount of a product high in delta-9 THC, or stop worrying about buying products with the highest THC percentage possible. This is especially true if you enjoy the ritual of rolling and smoking a whole joint, for example. If you’re looking for that “Delta 8 high,” then consuming a Delta 9 product can get you to the same destination as long as it’s a lower potency product.