Delta-8 and delta-9 are both forms of THC found in cannabis and hemp plants. While cannabis and cannabis-derived THCs are illegal in the US, hemp has become legal. So there are a lot of hemp-derived THC edibles available on the market.
While delta-8 and delta-9 THC are two of the most popular forms of THC edibles available, many people are unclear as to how they are different from each other and which one is better.
In this article, we have explained the differences and similarities between delta 8 and delta 9 edibles so you can find the one that is right for you.
What are delta-8 edibles?
Delta-8 edibles are food products, like gummies, chocolates, and mints, that are infused with hemp-derived delta-8 THC. They offer a milder psychoactive and therapeutic experience and are particularly known for their relaxing and uplifting effects.
What are delta-9 edibles?
Delta-9 edibles are also food products similar to delta-8 edibles, but instead of delta-8 THC, they are infused with hemp-derived delta-9 THC. Delta-9 edibles offer a strong psychoactive experience and are known for their euphoric effects.
Choosing between delta-8 and delta-9 edibles: things to consider
1. Psychoactive and therapeutic effects
Delta-8 edibles offer a milder psychoactive experience and are known for their full-body relaxing effects, while delta-9 edibles offer a strong psychoactive experience and are known for their euphoric, energized, and uplifting effects.
While both THC edibles can be used recreationally, a delta-8 edible is better suited when you are looking to wind down for the day and relax or just sleep. In short, it is more suited for nighttime use. Additionally, delta-8 THC will not be overwhelming and it also offers more therapeutic benefits as compared to its counterpart.
On the other hand, a delta-9 edible can be used when you are looking for a boost of energy to enjoy the day or have fun with your friends, or simply get stoned. In short, it is more suited for daytime use.
Although not all THC edibles are created equal, the exact effect may depend on the kind of edibles you are using, the dosage, the constituents of other cannabinoids, and how your body is processing the cannabinoid.
2. Legal status and availability in the U.S.
Cannabis and cannabis-derived THC edibles are federally illegal in the US, but they are legal in certain states. However, hemp and hemp-derived products that comply with the Farm Bill are federally legal, yet a few states have different opinions on delta-8 THC.
The legal status of a hemp-derived delta-8 THC edible varies from state to state in the US, with some states completely legalizing it while others have decided to impose restrictions.
Because hemp plants naturally contain very little delta-8 THC, the commercial delta-8 THC used in edibles is produced by artificially synthesizing specific hemp extracts, like CBD. While the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not govern this space, many states are skeptical about the safety profile of an artificially created cannabinoid, hence the restriction on delta-8 edibles.
On the other hand, delta-9 THC is found in abundance in hemp plants, and it is naturally synthesized for commercial use, making all hemp-derived delta-9 edibles legal in all 50 states of the US.
So, if you live in a state where delta-8 THC is illegal, then delta-9 edibles are your only choice.
3. Safety and dosage
Cannabinoids like CBD, delta-9 THC, and delta-8 THC are naturally occurring compounds that have a very safe profile; however, the commercial delta-8 THC that is used in edibles is artificially created from CBD, while delta-9 THC is naturally synthesized.
So, it’s plausible that a delta-9 edible will have a better safety profile as compared to a delta-8 edible. Nevertheless, delta-8’s effects are more predictable and manageable, while the effects of delta-9 can be overwhelming for certain individuals.
Talking about the dosage, delta-8 THC is less potent compared to delta-9 THC, so the recommended dosage for delta-8 edibles is higher than that of delta-9 edibles. However, the exact dosage heavily depends on the quality of the edible and a person’s tolerance level.
Nevertheless, while using any THC edible, it is recommended that you start with a low dosage, say 5 mg for a delta-9 edible and 10 mg or less for a delta-8 edible, and wait for a couple of hours to observe its effects. If you don’t feel the desired effects, increase the dosage by 5 mg in the next session and repeat the same process till you find a dosage that works for you.
In most cases, a dosage between 10 mg and 40 mg per day of delta-8 edible will work for most people in producing satisfying effects, while a delta-9 edible will be sufficient at a dosage between 5 mg and 25 mg.
4. Personal preferences
Your personal preference will heavily influence your decision between delta-8 and delta-9 edibles. If you are looking for a milder psychoactive experience, delta-8 edibles may be the right choice for you. If you are looking for a stronger THC experience, delta-9 edibles may be a better choice.
On the other hand, if you are looking to use a THC edible at nighttime to relax, wind down for the day, and sleep better, a delta-8 edible will be better suited for you. If you are looking for an edible to energize your body and uplift your mood, then a delta-9 edible will be a better choice.
Moreover, if you’ve never used THC before in any form and are planning to try it for the first time, a delta-8 edible will be more suited for you as it causes a mellow, manageable high. While a delta-9 edible can be too potent for a first-time user, you can always take a smaller dosage for more manageable effects and it will also be more cost-effective.
Read More: Delta-8 THC vs Delta-9 THC
Disclosure:
The information in this article is intended for general use only and may not always be appropriate for everyone’s needs. Your health and wellness are unique to you, so before acting on anything we say, seek personalized advice from a medical professional.
We value the accuracy and editorial integrity of all our articles, and we strive to ensure that the content we publish is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge.