Delta-8 and delta-9 are both cannabinoids that come from the cannabis sativa plant, which naturally produces more than 100 cannabinoids. Delta-8 THC is a chemical cousin of delta-9 THC, and both are similar in both their names and their chemical structures. However, there are some differences between the two:

• Psychoactive effects: Delta-9 THC is more potent than delta-8 and accounts for most of the THC that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, which makes it easy to extract, explaining why it’s more commonly smoked. Delta-8-THC, however, is about half as potent. It’s also produced in far less quantity and thus has to be processed from a concentrate. That’s why most people consume it in edibles such as gummies or brownies, or by vaping. Delta-8 THC has been reported to cause low levels of anxiety and paranoia compared to Delta-9 THC.

• Chemical structure: The chemical difference between delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC is the position of a double bond on the chain of carbon atoms they structurally share. Delta-8 has this double bond on the eighth carbon atom of the chain, delta-9 on the ninth carbon atom, and delta-10 on the 10th carbon atom. These minor differences cause them to exert different levels of psychoactive effects.

• Medical benefits: People who seek delta-8 THC for medicinal benefits seem to prefer it over delta-9 THC because delta-8 THC does not cause them to get very high. Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC have been reported to provide relief from pain. Delta-8 THC is also reported to have therapeutic and medicinal effects that can treat pain and sleeplessness while not causing couch lock, paranoia, or munchies.

In conclusion, while both delta-8 and delta-9 THC are cannabinoids that come from the cannabis sativa plant, they have some differences in their psychoactive effects, chemical structure, and medical benefits.