Delta-8 vs delta-9 high
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Delta-8 vs Delta-9 THC: Comparing the Psychoactive Effects
Introduction to Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Delta-9 THC are both psychoactive compounds found in the Cannabis plant. While Delta-9 THC is well-known for its potent psychoactive effects, Delta-8 THC has recently gained popularity, especially in regions where Delta-9 THC remains illegal. This article explores the differences in the psychoactive effects of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, drawing on recent research findings.
Psychoactivity and Potency of Delta-8 vs Delta-9 THC
Delta-8 THC: Milder Psychoactive Effects
Research indicates that Delta-8 THC is generally considered to be less potent than Delta-9 THC. Users often report that Delta-8 THC provides a milder, more clear-headed high compared to the intense psychoactive effects of Delta-9 THC1. This milder effect is one reason why Delta-8 THC is sometimes used as a substitute for Delta-9 THC, particularly in states where Delta-9 THC is illegal4.
Delta-9 THC: Stronger Psychoactive Effects
Delta-9 THC is known for its strong psychoactive properties, which can lead to significant alterations in perception, mood, and cognition. This compound is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and is responsible for the "high" that users experience. The potency of Delta-9 THC can lead to more pronounced effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and sometimes anxiety or paranoia2.
Consumer Experiences and Preferences
Medical and Recreational Use
A survey of Delta-8 THC consumers revealed that many use it for medical purposes, such as treating anxiety, stress, depression, and chronic pain. Participants in the survey compared Delta-8 THC favorably to Delta-9 THC and pharmaceutical drugs, noting fewer adverse effects with Delta-8 THC2. This suggests that while Delta-8 THC may be less potent, it is still effective for various therapeutic uses.
Popularity and Accessibility
Delta-8 THC has seen a surge in popularity, particularly in states where Delta-9 THC is illegal. This trend is reflected in online search data, which shows higher interest in Delta-8 THC in states without legalized recreational cannabis4. The accessibility and lower cost of Delta-8 THC products also contribute to their growing use1.
Behavioral and Physiological Effects
Animal Studies on Delta-8 THC
Pre-clinical studies on male rats have shown that Delta-8 THC can affect behavior and physiology. For instance, Delta-8 THC exposure led to initial hyperlocomotion followed by hypolocomotion, indicating a biphasic effect on movement. Additionally, Delta-8 THC, especially when combined with cannabidiol (CBD), produced significant analgesic effects and reduced body temperature5. These findings align with the known effects of Delta-9 THC but suggest that Delta-8 THC may have a different profile of action.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Regulatory Challenges
The legality of Delta-8 THC varies by region, and its unregulated status poses potential risks. Products may be contaminated or have inconsistent effects due to the lack of standardized synthesis methods1. Moreover, the absence of federal age restrictions and the marketing of Delta-8 THC products to younger audiences raise public health concerns1.
Analytical and Medico-Legal Issues
The presence of Delta-8 THC in drug tests can complicate legal and medical interpretations, as it can be mistaken for Delta-9 THC. This issue has been observed in urine drug testing, where Delta-8 THC metabolites can interfere with the identification of Delta-9 THC metabolites3.
Conclusion
Delta-8 THC offers a milder alternative to Delta-9 THC, with potential therapeutic benefits and fewer adverse effects. However, its unregulated status and the potential for contamination pose significant risks. As interest in Delta-8 THC continues to grow, further research and regulatory measures are needed to ensure its safe and effective use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: A Scoping Review and Commentary.
Delta-8 THC is a less potent psychoactive substance, but its legality, accessibility, and marketing make it a potential risk to public health and safety.
Systematic ReviewConsumer Experiences with Delta-8-THC: Medical Use, Pharmaceutical Substitution, and Comparisons with Delta-9-THC.
Delta-8-THC may be equally effective for desired purposes of cannabis use and lower in undesirable effects compared to delta-9-THC, with significant substitution for both drugs.
Observational StudyAnalytical and medico-legal problems linked to the presence of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) - results from urine drug testing in Sweden.
Delta-8-THC and other isomers on the recreational drug market may cause analytical and medico-legal problems due to confusion with delta-9-THC.
Popularity of Delta-8 THC on the Internet Across US States, 2021.
Rapid growth in interest in delta-8 THC suggests its role as a substitute good for delta-9 THC, with higher search volumes in states without legalized recreational cannabis.
Observational StudyBehavioral Effects of Vaporized Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol, and Mixtures in Male Rats.
Vaporized delta-8 THC, CBD, and CBD/delta-8 THC mixtures significantly increase locomotion and have analgesic effects in male rats, with mixed results.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyDelta-8- and Delta-9-THC Use Frequency, Use Motives, and Mental Health Outcomes
Delta-8-THC use frequency is unrelated to mental health problems, but use motives, such as social and coping, may predict mental health outcomes.
Observational StudyA crowdsourcing survey study on the subjective effects of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol relative to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (8-THC) has weaker negative effects and stronger positive effects compared to CBD, with users deeming it legal, similar to 9-THC, and less intense.
Observational StudyA repeated test procedure to assess onset and duration of the cue properties of (-) delta 9-THC, (-) delta 8-THC-DMH and (+) delta 8-THC.
(-) delta 8-THC-DMH is more potent but has a slower onset of action than (-) delta 9-THC, with a stereoselective action, and its effects decay between 8 and 24 hours after injection.
Non-RCTAnimal Study