By J Gordon Curtis

How is Delta 8 THC different from Delta 9 THC?

With the recent story by the New York Times, the secret is officially out on Delta 8 THC. While we have discussed the molecule in general, how it is made, and whether or not it is safe, we have not yet discussed how it will make you feel and how it differs from it’s outlawed cousin, Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol.

Will Delta 8 THC Get Me High? 

Let’s get the most key similarity out of the way: yes. Delta 8 THC does offer a very similar intoxication to the one provided by Delta 9. Though the high is often reported as being a little less “stoning” and a bit more “clear headed.”

This could be due to the fact that Delta 8 2/3rds the relative potency of it’s illegal counterpart. The different naming of this molecule points to the bond being on the 8th carbon point as opposed to the 9th. This minor molecular difference means there are a lot of similarities and a few minor differences.

Will Delta 8 THC Make me Paranoid?

Here lies a major difference (at least, anecdotally) between the two molecules. The lower potency of Delta 8 THC paired with the slightly different molecular structure seems to make it less likely to lead to a place of paranoia. This could likely be due to the fact that THC has a biphasic (or two-phased) nature when it comes to anxiety. 

In smaller doses (or, in this case, less potent doses) THC has proven to be a powerful anxiolytic (anti-anxiety.) In large doses, however, it can lead to paranoia and a spike in anxiety. Due to illegality of cannabis, strains on the black market are often bred to have as high of a percentage of THC and as low of a percentage of CBD as possible. This has lead to many thinking they inherently cannot handle THC.

In reality, however, a THC that is less potent can be more enjoyable. Obviously, one can see how that’s a tough sell in the illegal market.  

Delta 8 THC Vs. Delta 9 THC

Even in a fully decriminalized future (which, we believe is imminent, by the way) we believe Delta 8 has a bright future. Though studies are currently scarce on it, the potential of a THC that leaves the user feeling uplifted without as high of a risk of paranoia has far-reaching medicinal and recreational implications. 

We have personally known many who have switched over entirely if for no other reason than the peace of mind that it is federally legal. THC is so much more than just a molecule that gets you high and we are grateful that we are able to have this element of the “Perfect Plant” here at and online now!