Between Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC, there’s one clear winner in terms of potency and clean extraction methods.


Sponsored by cbdMD


If you’re looking for a good clean chill, look no further than Delta 9 THC. It’s a potent type of THC that’s more natural and more effective than its synthetically weaker cousin, Delta 8 THC.

In fact, Delta 8 THC occurs naturally in cannabis but in very small quantities. Therefore, many companies “encourage” Delta 8 formation synthetically, prompting many to label this lesser-known THC as a synthetic variety.

Superior Delta 9

For many cannabis enthusiasts, two things matter greatly:

  1. All natural. Cannabis enthusiasts know that nature is better. They shop quality products that are organically grown and responsibly sourced. They are not inclined to welcome a synthetic variety of something that nature has already perfected.
  2. Potency matters. When we’re talking about THC, its potency as a finished product is, well, everything. This reduces the amount of product you must consume to get the results you’re after.

Delta 9 meets these expectations, delivering superior benefits over Delta 8.

Topic 2 Article Image 2

How Delta 9 and Delta 8 Differ

Let’s first establish that both Delta 9 and Delta 8 are varieties of THC that come from industrial Cannabis sativa hemp plants.

Other than the fact that they are both THC cannabinoids, from there they differ. So while a CBD company may try to tell you they are the same, they are not the same molecules and this may determine how they affect your body.

–      Extraction and Production

We mentioned the extraction process for each of these cannabinoids differs. It’s not a matter of simply extracting molecules from the plants and calling it a day.

Delta 9, for example, begins in the living cannabis plants as THCa molecules, which naturally converts over to Delta 9 THC as the plant dies or is dried out. This makes Delta 9 THC extraction a more natural process that does not require a chemical catalyst.

Also, Delta 9 is abundant in hemp, making it less difficult to extract and more economical to produce. And because of its potency, many CBD consumers are perfectly happy with the natural Delta 9 THC they know and love.

Delta 8, however, is confusing for a lot of people, and for good reason. This less potent form of THC is now being sold as a suitable substitute for Delta 9 and to be quite blunt, the two can’t compare.

While Delta 8 does form in the hemp plants like Delta 9, the quantities are very low, making extraction of it bothersome and expensive.

Many companies ignore Delta 8 and focus on Delta 9, but because Delta 8 can be made from other cannabinoids (like CBD), it can also be an economical option for cannabis companies. It sounds good until you look at how they are making Delta 8.

Delta 8 does not occur naturally in or out of the cannabis sativa plant in substantial quantities to make it economical to extract in large-scale quantities. Therefore, most of it is made by introducing crystalene solvents in a laboratory setting to catalyze higher formation of Delta 8 THC molecules. Some of these solvents are known to be harmful to human health.

Because it’s cheaper to do this, many companies offer this watered-down, weaker version of THC in their formulations. Furthermore, some say this method creates synthetic THC molecules prompting some states to crack down on its use.

–      How They Make You Feel

Will either Delta 9 or Delta 8 THC make you high? If so, which one will make you more high?

These are common questions but the answers are more complex than simply answering one or the other. Key points to remember when discussing the intoxicating effects of THC in CBD products:

  1. THC can get you high – but generally not in the concentrations allowed by federal law within CBD products.
  2. Delta 9 THC is considered stronger than Delta 8 THC.
  3. More THC-sensitive users will feel more heightened effects from using Delta 9. Designed to provide balance to your body, many of these products do contain upwards of 10 mg of Delta 9 THC per serving.Topic 2 Article Image

Where to Purchase Delta 9

Delta 9 THC is a key cannabinoid compound in the cbdMD Full Spectrum CBD+THC products, helping to deliver well-rounded health and wellness benefits for users, including a greater sense of calm and improved sleep.

But if you’re looking for something a little extra, there are two gret products from the trusted experts at cbdMD:

1. Delta 9 THC Gummies

These come packed with 10 mg of Delta 9 THC per gummy, so take accordingly. Try starting with a ¼ of a gummy to see how you feel. You don’t want to over do it, but you do want to experience the hemp-based benefits designed to help you every day.

2. Delta 9 THC Microdosing Capsules

Think of these as your go-to all-day support. A smaller serving size of hemp extract, including THC and other cannabinoids, designed to give you the support you need throughout the day. These give users that extra measure of calm when they need it most.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.