Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Difference between Them

Delta 8 and Delta 9 differ in potency and molecular structure. Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are similar cannabinoids but differ by the location of the double bond, according to a comprehensive review by Dr. Linda Klumpers and Michael Tagen in the British Journal of Pharmacology. Delta-8 has it on the eighth carbon, while Delta-9 is on the ninth. The small change results in Delta-8 producing milder psychoactive effects that users report as smoother or more manageable, while Delta-9 binds more strongly to CB1 receptors, causing more intense psychoactive effects. Delta-8 is derived from hemp CBD and exists in a legal gray area, while Delta-9 is more strictly regulated.

Delta-8 THC is often chosen by users who are looking for a more balanced experience or support for general well-being without strong intoxication. Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive component in marijuana and is known for delivering stronger effects that some users may describe as intense. Delta-9 is available through licensed dispensaries, which are legal and are subject to strict testing standards. Delta-8 is sold over the counter but lacks quality control. Consumers searching to  Buy Delta 9 must check local laws, as its legality varies by jurisdiction.

The difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 is shown in the table below.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for health effects?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 in health effects start with their chemical structure and potency. Delta-9 THC has a double bond on the 9th carbon atom, while Delta-8 THC places the bond on the 8th. The structural variation changes how they interact with CB1 receptors in the brain, making Delta-9 stronger and psychoactive than Delta-8.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 in health effects are listed below.

• Psychoactive Effects: Delta-9 produces a stronger psychoactive effect and causes feelings of anxiety or paranoia in some users. Delta-8 causes a gentler, calming experience.

• Onset and Duration: Delta-9 acts faster and lasts longer. Delta-8 has a slower onset with less intensity.

• Side Effects: Delta-9 is associated with increased anxiety, elevated heart rate, and sensory changes at higher doses. Delta-8 tends to cause fewer and milder effects.

• Withdrawal: Some users report changes in sleep patterns or mood when discontinuing Delta-8 or Delta-9, typically mild in nature.

• User Experience: Delta-8 and Delta-9 are reported by users to support relaxation and may influence appetite. Delta-9 is often chosen for stronger effects, while Delta-8 suits users sensitive to side effects.

• Legal and Safety: Delta-9 is regulated and sold through dispensaries. Delta-8 is synthetic, less regulated, and may contain impurities.

The health effect differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC result from their differing molecular interactions with the endocannabinoid system. Delta-9’s stronger binding to CB1 receptors creates more intense psychoactive responses, including potential feelings of anxiety and altered perception, according to studies reviewed by Renaissance Recovery and Healthline. Delta-8’s reduced receptor affinity leads to milder, more tolerable responses, making it better for users prone to mental discomfort. Research highlights risks in Delta-8 production, including harmful byproducts from synthesis, making regulatory oversight a critical health factor. The distinction explains why controlled Delta-9 products, including delta 9 sleep gummies, are popular for relaxation.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for side effects?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for side effects stem from their chemical structure and psychoactive strength. Delta-9 THC produces stronger effects that some users may find overstimulating, while Delta-8 causes milder effects with fewer mental disturbances. 

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for side effects are listed below.

• Intensity of Psychoactive effect: Delta-9 causes a more intense psychoactive experience, while Delta-8 produces a subtler high.

• Anxiety Risk: Delta-9 feels more intense or uncomfortable for sensitive users.

• Physical Effects: Delta-8 and Delta-9 cause dry mouth, red eyes, and dizziness, but Delta-8’s effects are gentler.

• Onset and Duration: Delta-9 acts faster and lasts longer than Delta-8.

• Withdrawal: Users experience stronger effects after stopping Delta-9 use.

• Safety: Delta-9 is better studied and regulated, while Delta-8 poses unknown risks due to variable product purity.

The differences in side effects are due to how each cannabinoid binds to CB1 receptors in the brain. Delta-9 THC has a stronger binding affinity because its double bond is on the ninth carbon atom, unlike Delta-8’s eighth carbon position. The stronger interaction causes more intense psychoactive reactions. Delta-9’s stronger effects feel mentally intense for some, based on findings from MedsNews and Renaissance Recovery. Delta-8’s weaker receptor activity results in more manageable psychoactive effects with fewer negative symptoms. The answer to the question “Is delta 9 bad for you?” is that it is not inherently harmful but contributes to unwanted effects with excessive use.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for managing anxiety or stress?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for managing anxiety or stress stem from their chemical structure and psychoactive strength. The main difference lies in potency. Delta-9 THC is stronger and may feel overwhelming or intense for some users, especially at higher doses, while Delta-8 THC delivers a gentler, calmer experience.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for managing anxiety or stress are listed below.

• Psychoactive Intensity: Delta-9 THC produces a stronger psychoactive effect that may feel uncomfortable for sensitive users, while Delta-8 THC offers a milder, clearer effect.

• Onset and Duration: Delta-9 acts faster with a more pronounced peak, while Delta-8 delivers a gradual and smoother onset.

• Common Use Case: Delta-8 is preferred for daytime use, while Delta-9 is stronger but requires careful dosing.

• Side Effects: Delta-9 contributes to feelings of unease or increased alertness in some users, while Delta-8 tends to have fewer and milder side effects.

• Sleep Support: Delta-9 supports restfulness when used in relaxing settings, while Delta-8 is less sedating.

Research by Childs et al. (2017) shows that Delta-9 THC has a biphasic effect. Lower doses reduce anxiety, while higher doses increase it. Kruger and Kruger (2022) describe Delta-8 THC as a milder cannabinoid with reduced anxiety risk. Structural variations in double bond position affect how each interacts with CB1 receptors. Some users report more restful sleep after using Delta-9 products. These findings relate to the question “Does delta 9 help with anxiety?”, helping explain user interest.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for sleep support and insomnia relief?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for sleep support and sleep support or nighttime relaxation lie in receptor binding and potency. Delta-9 THC binds more strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain, supports deeper rest and quicker relaxation. Delta-8 THC, with a weaker affinity for CB1 and stronger binding to CB2 receptors, leads to milder psychoactive effects and greater physical relaxation rather than direct sedation.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for sleep support and sleep support or nighttime relaxation are listed below.

• Potency: Delta-9 is about twice as potent, providing stronger nighttime support.

• Effect Character: Delta-8 provides physical comfort with clearer mental focus, while Delta-9 promotes deep calm and mental ease.

• Receptor Binding: Delta-9 targets CB1, while Delta-8 targets CB2.

• Sleep Quality Impact: Delta-9 influences sleep cycles and supports a calmer night, while Delta-8 encourages rest through overall relaxation.

• User Preference: Delta-8 is favored by users sensitive to THC, while Delta-9 is chosen by users needing stronger sleep support.

Delta-9 THC was associated with quicker rest and deeper relaxation by activating CB1 receptors linked to sedation, according to research by the University at Buffalo and the University of Michigan involving over 1,200 participants. Delta-8’s CB2 activation supports a relaxed state and a sense of calm, based on findings reviewed in the British Journal of Pharmacology. Delta-8 research for sleep remains limited, while Delta-9 is more studied and associated with improved nighttime relaxation.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for mental clarity and focus?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for mental clarity and focus stem from their distinct psychoactive profiles. Delta-8 THC provides a milder, smoother experience that supports mental clarity and everyday focus. Delta-9 THC produces a more intense effect that may influence alertness in some users. The core difference results from Delta-8’s lower binding affinity to CB1 receptors in the brain, which promotes a calmer, more balanced experience and supports a calmer, more focused state.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for mental clarity and focus are listed below.

• Potency: Delta-9 is stronger and feels mentally intense for some users, while Delta-8 is gentler and more manageable.

• Onset and Duration: Delta-9 acts faster and lasts longer, reducing clarity for some individuals, while Delta-8 has a slower, smoother onset.

• Mental Effects: Delta-9 clouds short-term focus in sensitive users, while Delta-8 supports calmness and creativity.

• User Experience: Delta-8 provides a clearer, more controlled experience.

• Supportive Qualities: Potential benefits of Delta-8 are being explored for its calming and stabilizing properties.

Delta-8’s weaker CB1 receptor activity explains its more stable mental effects than Delta-9, based on findings from Renaissance Recovery and Asana Recovery, and structural research from Klumpers and Tagen in the British Journal of Pharmacology.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for psychoactive strength or intensity of high?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for psychoactive strength stem or level of effects from their chemical structure. Delta-9 THC has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom, while Delta-8 THC has it on the eighth. The minor structural shift may affect how strongly Delta-9 THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain, which results in a more noticeable psychoactive experience. Delta-8 THC is often associated with milder psychoactive effects.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for psychoactive strength or intensity of psychoactive effect are listed below.

• Potency: Delta-9 THC is commonly reported to be nearly twice as strong as Delta-8.

• Psychoactive effects: Delta-9 is commonly reported to produce more intense mood and sensory experience, which some users associate with anxious feelings, while Delta-8 is often described as providing a more clear-headed or relaxed experience.

• Onset and duration: Delta-9 has a faster and more noticeable onset, while Delta-8 delivers a slower, more moderate high.

• Side effects: Some users report feelings of unease or heightened alertness with Delta-9, while Delta-8 is often reported anecdotally to be better tolerated by some users.

• Natural abundance: Delta-9 is common in cannabis, while Delta-8 is rare and synthesized from CBD.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 are explained by the review by Dr. Linda Klumpers and Michael Tagen in the British Journal of Pharmacology, which notes that the double bond’s position may impact receptor binding and intensity of psychoactive effects.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for addiction potential or tolerance buildup?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for addiction potential or tolerance buildup lie in potency and how each compound interacts with cannabinoid receptors. Delta-9 THC is stronger and binds strongly to CB1 receptors, which influence long-term usage patterns. Delta-8 THC is about half as powerful and binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, resulting in milder effects and associated with milder psychoactive effects and slower tolerance.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for addiction potential or tolerance buildup are listed below.

• Potency and Psychoactive Effects: Delta-9 produces stronger effects, which result in faster tolerance buildup.

• Receptor Binding: Delta-9 targets CB1 receptors, while Delta-8 interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which affect how tolerance develops over time.

• Dependence and Withdrawal: Delta-9 has been linked to heavier, long-term use in some individuals.

• Cross-Tolerance: Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC cannabinoids lead to cross-tolerance due to shared CB1 activity, though some users report using Delta-8 during Delta-9 breaks.

• Tolerance Management: Users alternate Delta-8 with Delta-9 to alternate compounds and potentially reduce frequent use of one type.

Delta-8's reduced CB1 receptor affinity explains its lower psychotropic potency and reduced potential for rapid tolerance development, according to a study published in PMC and expert reviews from DeNovo Recovery and CBD Nationwide. Anecdotal evidence shows that some users report rotating between cannabinoids during breaks, though scientific research on cross-tolerance remains limited.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for impact on appetite or metabolism?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for impact on appetite or metabolism center on their potency and interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Delta-9 THC is more psychoactive and increases appetite or food cravings in some users, leading to what some describe as “the munchies.” Delta-8 THC increases appetite, but with milder effects and fewer psychoactive symptoms, offering a gentler alternative for users seeking appetite support without overstimulation.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for impact on appetite or metabolism are listed below.

• Potency and Receptor Binding: Delta-9 THC binds more strongly to CB1 receptors, which trigger greater food interest.

• Appetite Stimulation: Delta-9 is favored by some for its stronger appetite impact, while Delta-8 delivers a subtler experience.

• Clinical Context: A 1995 study examined Delta-8’s effects in a clinical setting.

• Anxiety and Side Effects: Delta-8 is reported to produce fewer anxiety-related effects, which some users say contribute to a more relaxed eating experience.

• Metabolic Support: Delta-8 helps users feel more balanced in stress-related eating habits.

Delta-8 THC was studied for appetite and nausea responses in clinical populations, according to research in Life Sciences by Mechoulam et al. (1995). Delta-9 THC activates CB1 receptors more strongly, which contributes to increased food interest or intake. Delta-8  supports appetite balance and general well-being with its gentler action and assists users looking for appetite balance.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for use by beginners or first-time users?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for beginners or first-time users begin with their molecular structure. Delta-8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom, while Delta-9 THC has it on the ninth. The slight variation makes Delta-8 about half as potent as Delta-9, affecting how the two compounds interact with cannabinoid receptors. Delta-8 is less intense and more suitable for beginners seeking a mild experience, while Delta-9 is often associated with a more noticeable effect.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for use by beginners or first-time users are listed below.

• Potency: Delta-8 is milder, often taken in larger amounts to achieve comparable experiences.

• Psychoactive Effects: Delta-8 feels gentler to some users, with fewer intense sensations.

• Source: Delta-8 is synthesized from hemp-derived CBD, while Delta-9 is extracted from marijuana.

• Legality: Delta-8 is federally legal under specific hemp regulations, while Delta-9 is federally illegal but allowed in some states.

• Product Types: Delta-8 appears in edibles, tinctures, and vape carts, while Delta-9 is found in flowers, edibles, and concentrates.

• Dosage: Beginners start with 5–10 mg of Delta-9, depending on individual tolerance.

The differences in user experience are explained by how each compound binds to CB1 receptors. Delta-8’s structural bond position weakens binding, leading to fewer reported discomforts like restlessness, according to research summarized by the State of Michigan and Forbes Health. Delta-9’s stronger receptor activity feels more intense to beginners.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for legality across U.S. states?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for legality across U.S. states center on federal classification and state regulations. Delta-8 THC is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill when derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law, although it is legal for adult-use or medical purposes in certain states.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for legality across U.S. states are listed below.

• Federal Status: Delta-9 THC is federally restricted, while Delta-8 THC faces legal ambiguity due to its synthetic origins.

• State Legalization: Delta-9 is legal in California and New York, but illegal in Idaho and Wyoming. Delta-8 is legal in Florida and Texas but banned in Alaska and Colorado.

• Access: Delta-8 is purchased in some states without a prescription, while Delta-9 typically requires dispensary access in legal states.

• Regulation: Delta-8 lacks standard regulation, while Delta-9 is tested and labeled in legal states.

• Travel: Delta-8 legality depends on the destination state, while Delta-9 remains illegal for air travel federally.

Legal distinctions stem from the 2018 Farm Bill’s definition of hemp and subsequent DEA rulings in 2020 and 2023 that challenge the legality of synthetically derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC. Regulatory inconsistencies stem from varied interpretations of hemp law and manufacturing methods, based on publicly available cannabinoid law analyses. It contributes to differing public interpretations of the question, “Is Delta-9 THC legal?” The answer depends heavily on local jurisdiction.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for federal regulation and classification?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for federal regulation and classification center on their legal status under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Delta-9 THC is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance unless derived from hemp and present at levels below 0.3%, making most delta-9 THC products federally illegal. Delta-8 THC is federally legal when derived naturally from hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. The status becomes unclear due to its frequent synthetic production, placing it in a legal gray area and subject to different interpretations.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for federal regulation and classification are listed below.

• Source and Synthesis: Delta-8 is synthesized from hemp-derived CBD, while Delta-9 occurs naturally in marijuana.

• Legal Status: Delta-9 is federally illegal except in compliant hemp products, while Delta-8 is conditionally legal depending on production method.

• State Laws: Delta-9 is legal and regulated in California and New York, while Delta-8 is banned or restricted in Alaska and Colorado.

• Safety Oversight: Delta-9 is tested and regulated at the state level, while Delta-8 is less consistently regulated at the state level, which impacts product quality and testing standards.

• DEA Interpretation: The DEA states that synthetic Delta-8 and Delta-9 do not qualify as hemp and are controlled substances.

The DEA clarified in February 2023 that synthetically derived cannabinoids are treated as controlled substances. Legal analyses and reviews by cannabis law scholars emphasize that the synthetic nature and origin of these cannabinoids create major legal distinctions under federal law despite similar structures.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for availability in dispensaries or online shops?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for availability in dispensaries or online shops center on legal classification and source. Delta-8 THC is derived from hemp and remains federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, making it accessible in online shops, gas stations, and wellness stores without needing a medical card in most states. Delta-9 THC is derived from marijuana and remains federally illegal, limiting its sale to licensed dispensaries in states with legalized medical or recreational cannabis laws.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for availability in dispensaries or online shops are listed below.

• Origin: Delta-8 is synthesized from hemp-derived CBD, while Delta-9 is naturally abundant in marijuana.

• Legal Access: Delta-8 is available without a medical card, while Delta-9 requires legalization and dispensary licensing.

• Regulation: Delta-9 is subject to state-level oversight and testing requirements, while Delta-8 is less regulated, resulting in inconsistent product quality.

• Potency and Market Appeal: Delta-8 has milder effects and is favored in unregulated markets, while Delta-9 is stronger and tightly controlled.

Delta-8's legality is tied to its hemp origin and compliance with the <0.3% Delta-9 THC limit. Its semi-synthetic production has drawn scrutiny regarding manufacturing quality from some industry observers. Delta-9 remains federally prohibited but benefits from state-level regulatory oversight.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for how they’re made or extracted?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for how they’re made or extracted center on natural abundance and production method. Delta-8 THC exists in trace amounts in cannabis, so it is synthesized from hemp-derived CBD through a chemical process known as isomerization. Delta-9 THC is naturally abundant in marijuana plants and is extracted from cannabis flower, but  hemp-derived delta-9  is produced to meet federal legal definitions under the 2018 Farm Bill. Delta-9 is a naturally occurring extract, while Delta-8 is semi-synthetic due to its reliance on laboratory conversion.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 in how they’re made or extracted are listed below.

• Source Plant: Delta-9 is extracted from marijuana, while Delta-8 is derived from hemp.

• Extraction Method: Delta-9 extraction uses plant material directly, while Delta-8 is made by converting CBD using chemical reagents under controlled lab conditions.

• Synthesis: Delta-8 undergoes chemical transformation, while Delta-9 does not.

• Purity and Safety: Delta-8 retains trace byproducts from its conversion process, while Delta-9 products are subject to state-level oversight and quality requirements.

• Testing: Delta-8 and Delta-9 require advanced testing to distinguish due to their similar structures. 

Delta-8’s low presence in nature and its chemical similarity to Delta-9 demand controlled synthesis and lab testing to support accurate identification, based on cannabinoid research from ACS Laboratory and forensic studies by Tiscione et al. (2020).

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for being naturally vs. synthetically derived?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for being naturally vs. synthetically derived center on natural abundance. Delta-9 THC is naturally abundant in marijuana plants and is extracted directly. Delta-8 THC appears only in trace amounts in cannabis and is synthesized from hemp-derived CBD. It makes Delta-9 a naturally derived compound, while Delta-8 is considered mostly synthetic in commercial use.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for being naturally vs. synthetically derived are listed below.

• Source Plant: Delta-9 is extracted from marijuana, while Delta-8 is derived from hemp.

• Production Method: Delta-9 is extracted directly, while Delta-8 is synthesized using chemical conversion.

• Regulatory Oversight: Delta-9 is regulated in California, while Delta-8 remains under evolving federal scrutiny.

• Purity Considerations: Delta-8 may contain trace byproducts from processing, depending on the method used.

• Legal Status: Delta-9 is federally illegal but state-regulated, while Delta-8 is federally legal due to its hemp origin.

A report by Ardent Cannabis titled “Synthetic vs. Natural Cannabinoids,” along with sources from Healthline and Forbes Health, explains that Delta-9’s natural abundance allows for more straightforward extraction processes. Delta-8 production depends on converting CBD using acid catalysis, which results in byproducts if not properly refined. The chemical method has raised ongoing discussion about regulatory clarity and quality standards.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for stability and shelf life of the compound?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for stability and shelf life of the compound center on their molecular structure. Delta-8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom, which makes it more chemically stable and resistant to oxidation. Delta-9 THC has the double bond on the ninth carbon, making it more reactive and prone to degradation over time.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for stability and shelf life of the compound are listed below.

• Oxidation and Degradation: Delta-9 THC readily oxidizes into other cannabinoids over time, affecting its overall profile, while Delta-8 THC does not.

• Shelf Life Duration: Delta-8 THC is generally more resistant to breakdown over time compared to Delta-9.

• Storage Sensitivity: Delta-8 and Delta-9 degrade under heat, light, and oxygen, but Delta-8 THC tolerates these conditions better.

• Stability Characteristics: Delta-8’s chemical stability has drawn interest for applications that require longer shelf life.

The reasons for these differences are based on molecular behavior during oxidation. Delta-9 THC's double bond location promotes rapid conversion to CBN, shortening its shelf life and altering its cannabinoid profile, according to research cited by Vida Optima. Delta-8 THC is already partially degraded and maintains structural stability for extended periods. because it resists the transformation. The stability is backed by findings showing Delta-8’s limited susceptibility to oxidation and extended shelf life.

What Are the Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for recreational vs. medicinal use?

The differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for consumer use preferences stem from their chemical structure and potency. Delta-8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom, while Delta-9 has it on the ninth, making Delta-8 about 50–75% less potent. The structural difference leads to milder psychoactive effects for Delta-8, which are preferred by users seeking calmness without strong intoxication. Delta-9 is associated with stronger psychoactive experiences compared to Delta-8, but has a higher risk of anxiety or paranoia.

Differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 for recreational vs. medicinal use are listed below.

• Psychoactive Effects: Delta-9 produces stronger psychoactive effects, while Delta-8 is often reported to deliver milder, more manageable experiences.

• Medicinal Use: Delta-9 has been studied more extensively for use in certain wellness contexts, while some users report that Delta-8 provides a milder experience with fewer discomforts.

• Source and Production: Delta-9 is abundant in marijuana, while Delta-8 is synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.

• Legality: Delta-8 is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, while Delta-9 remains federally illegal, though allowed in California, Colorado, and Illinois.

• Availability: Delta-8 is sold over the counter, while Delta-9 is restricted to licensed dispensaries.

• Safety and Regulation: Delta-9 is more strictly tested, while Delta-8 contains impurities due to synthetic processing.

• Drug Testing: No difference, as Delta-8 and Delta-9 show up as THC metabolites in standard drug tests and result in a positive test.

Delta-9’s stronger binding affinity contributes to more pronounced psychoactive effects, according to Forbes Health and a report from CBD Oracle. Delta-8 binds less effectively, resulting in fewer side effects such as anxiety or paranoia. Delta-9 has been the subject of more peer-reviewed studies than Delta-8. Delta-8 has been studied less extensively than Delta-9 in clinical contexts. Legal classification differs by origin. Delta-8 comes from hemp and is federally legal, while Delta-9 is marijuana-derived and federally restricted, despite being state-regulated in some jurisdictions.