Post: Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC: What’s the Difference?

Key points

Delta-9 and delta-8 THC are different molecules.

There are health risks with the use of delta-8 THC.

Kids and adolescents should not use any form of THC unless medically appropriate.

In the field of endocannabinoid medicines, you may have heard of two forms of THC known as delta-8 and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compounds (hereto referred to as “delta-8” and “delta-9”). So, what is the difference between these two compounds? What’s the Difference Between Delta-9 and Delta-8 Molecules?

Both delta-9 and delta-8 molecules are derived from marijuana. Delta-9 is the more famous of the cannabinoid THC molecules. Delta-9 THC is known for its psychoactive (“getting high”) effects and is often referred to as “THC.” Delta-9 is derived from its parent compound, the “mother of all cannabinoids,” cannabigerol (CBG—see diagram). Source: Dr. Peter Bongiorno Delta-8 is a metabolite of delta-9 and is naturally available from cannabis in low quantities. Commercially sold since 2018, delta-8 is available to consumers because it can be synthesized from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) through a synthetic cyclization process. This process uses several different chemicals to create delta-8 from CBD. Hemp is a different plant from marijuana and contains minimal and nonpsychoactive levels of delta-9 THC but can be used to make delta-8 THC because it has abundant amounts of CBD.

Delta-8 and delta-9 are nearly identical molecules (save one difference in the location of a double bonding of shared electrons). Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC molecules can bind to endocannabinoid receptors CB1 (mostly in the brain’s central nervous system ) and CB2 (mostly in the rest of the body) to create a psychoactive effect.

Both delta-9 and delta-8 are potent psychoactive substances. However, delta-8 has garnered interest because some states restrict delta-9 while still allowing delta-8 to be sold legally, as it is naturally derived from CBD extracted from hemp. This is a result of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, known as the "Farm Bill," which permitted the sale of hemp products containing less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC while still prohibiting marijuana products with significantly higher levels of delta-9 THC. Consequently, delta-8 products, including gummies, […]

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC: What’s the Difference?