Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC: Chemistry & Pharmacology
Δ9-THC (“delta-nine”) is the principal psychoactive compound associated with cannabis. By default, when we talk about “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 have the same chemical formula, C21H30O2. They differ in the location of a single double bond.
Delta-8 and delta-9 have very similar pharmacology, interacting with very similar receptors in the brain and body. However, the subtle difference in their chemical structure means that they interact with some receptors in slightly different ways. The CB1 receptor, a key 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 more strongly.
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 strongly than delta-9, its intoxicating effects are expected to be milder. Although delta-8 is “new” in terms of its commercial presence today, it has been known and studied to some extent for several decades, including how the strength of its effects differs from delta-9.
Animal studies have generally shown that delta-8 causes similar physiological and behavioral effects as delta-9 THC, although a higher dose is typically required. A limited number of historical human studies have seen comparable findings. For example, inhaled delta-8 and delta-9 have produced similar physiological and psychoactive effects (e.g. increases in heart rate, reported ratings of feeling high), with delta-8 being less potent. Roughly speaking, those historical studies indicated that inhaled delta-8 may be roughly half as potent as delta-9.
These scientific results are consistent with what modern-day consumers tend to report for the psychoactive effects of delta-8 THC, often describing it as “lighter” or more “energizing” than a delta-9 THC experience. This is in line 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, with higher doses of delta-9 more likely to produce relaxation/sedation, a more “stoned” feeling (memory impairment, disorganized thinking), and side effects like anxiety or paranoia.
Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC: How Are They Produced?
Cannabis plants do not directly produce cannabinoids like THC. They produce cannabinoid acids, which need to be transformed into cannabinoids. Most commercial plants produce high levels of delta-9 THC-acid (THCA), which must then be decarboxylated (“activated”) into delta-9 THC. This transformation can be achieved by the consumer through heat application (e.g. with a lighter or vaporization device), or the production processes used by manufacturers.
Delta-8 THC is found in negligible levels in Cannabis and therefore not extracted directly from plants. Instead, it is typically synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD) under laboratory conditions. This often involves the extraction of CBD from hemp, which is then chemically transformed into delta-8 THC in the lab through a process called “cyclization.” If you purchase or consume a product high in delta-8 THC, it was likely produced in this way. The way that delta-8 THC is produced 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 excluded from the legal definition of marijuana in the Federal Controlled Substances Act. One could argue that delta-8 THC products are not federally illegal if derived from hemp with <0.3% delta-9 THC.
On the other hand, because delta-8 THC is often produced in the lab through the cyclization of CBD, it can be considered a synthetic cannabinoid. Under this definition, it would be a controlled substance.
This is a legal question, but one which depends on the scientific details of how delta-8 THC is produced.
Potency, Dose & Biphasic Effects: How to Think About Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC
All things considered, 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 both suggest it’s not as strong as delta-9. With this in mind, it has been interesting to see how people talk about and market delta-8 products. This has sometimes included marketing its effects as qualitatively different from delta-9 THC.
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