Delta-8 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Understanding Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Delta-8 THC is an isomer of THC (Delta-9), often regarded as the analog of delta-9-THC. While THC is often available in a significant quantity in the cannabis and hemp plant; delta-8-THC is present in these plants in trace amounts, well below 1%.
To learn about other cannabinoids go to our Cannabis Hemp Dictionary page.
Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in small amounts in the hemp and cannabis plants. It is valued for its psychoactive properties, which produce highs that are similar to but less intense than those created by Delta 9 THC.
The Delta 8 high is often described as feeling gentler and more mellow than a Delta 9 high. Delta 8’s effects tend to be more physically than mental. A common refrain among users describes Delta 8 as feeling like an indica, while Delta 10 feels like a sativa. Most estimates rate Delta 8’s potency at about two-thirds that of Delta 9’s. However, it is important to remember that using more Delta 8 will never exactly replicate the feeling of using Delta 9.
One reason for this is that Delta 8 is an isomer of Delta 9, meaning that both molecules have the same chemical formula, but different arrangements. This slight difference changes how Delta 8 THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Although it occurs naturally, Delta 8 THC makes up only about 1% of the hemp plant. Because extracting Delta 8 THC from hemp is not cost-effective, most products use a form Delta 8 that is produced by chemically altering CBD. This process involves combining CBD with a light acid and heating it until it undergoes a chemical change into Delta 8.
Potency Difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC?
The difference in potency between Delta-8 and Delta-9 is rather subtle. While both are psychoactive, giving you the "high" feeling, Delta-8 THC has about half the potency of regular THC.