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Why People Are Switching to Delta 8 From Delta 9 THC

Scott Jones

The cannabis and hemp revolution is upon us. Not only are products more legal than ever, but there are also more options than ever, maybe even some you didn’t even know were available to you. A lot of people who have spent their cannabis careers with good old-fashioned weed are noticing that some of these new options, like Delta 8, are a better fit for their lifestyle for a variety of different reasons. There are quite a few differences and benefits to Delta 8 products versus your standard THC product. Let’s see if maybe it’s time for you to make the switch.

What is the Difference Between Delta 8 and THC?

If you’re going to make the switch to Delta 8, you should probably first know what it is. If you want an in-depth look at Delta 8, you can read all about it here, but for now we’ll work off an overview. The first thing to realize is that THC (tetrahydrocannabol) is a term for a type of chemical molecule that can come in many forms. Delta 8 is in fact just a different form of THC than you might have heard about.

When you’ve heard people talk about THC in the past, they were most likely talking about what is technically known as Delta 9 THC. This is the cannabinoid molecule that we find in high density in the cannabis plant, and the psychoactive compound that gets you high when you smoke it or eat an edible. Delta 8 THC is a nearly identical chemical molecule, the only difference is the location of one double bond in their carbon chain. If you aren’t a chemist, that probably doesn’t mean much to you. The idea is it has a slightly different chemical makeup, and therefore has slightly different psychoactive effects. 

While Delta 9 THC is found concentrated in cannabis plants, Delta 8 THC products are typically derived from the hemp plant. Although Delta 8 THC does occur naturally in both cannabis and hemp plants, when creating Delta 8 products, the first step is extracting the CBD from the hemp plant. This CBD then goes through a process known as cannabinoid conversion and is changed into Delta 8 THC. Because of this Delta 8 products are considered derivatives, meaning that the final compound is derived from CBD through the conversion process. While cannabinoid conversion is a process that can occur naturally in cannabis and hemp plants, when buying lab derived Delta 8 THC, it is important to make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable source. The Green Dragon only sources products from producers with the highest laboratory standards using the highest quality resources. 

Although Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are different, it is important to note a couple of their similarities as well. Though their psychoactive effects are different, both can still cause impairment so operating a vehicle under the influence of either is not advised. Additionally, you might assume that because they have a different molecular makeup, using Delta 8 would keep you from failing a drug test. The truth is, you can still fail a drug test even if you are using Delta 8. If you need more information on passing a drug test while using THC products, you can read our article on cleansing strategies here.

Why Choose Delta 8 Over Delta 9 THC?

Now we know what is fundamentally different about Delta 8 and where it comes from, let’s find out if maybe it’s the better THC choice for you. Delta 8 has a variety of advantages over THC, from its availability to its effects. Here are a few reasons why people are making the switch.

Delta 8 is Federally Legal

This is one big reason. Although cannabis is becoming more widely legal, both recreationally and medicinally, it is still considered illegal by the federal government. This is not the case with Delta 8. The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp and hemp products federally legal in the United States. As we talked about earlier, Delta 8 products are converted from the CBD found in hemp plants. That makes it a hemp product, and thus federally legal to buy and sell. If cannabis is not yet legal in your state, it makes sense to rely on a safe, legal product like Delta 8.

Delta 8 is Widely Available

Because Delta 8 is federally legal, it is more available than Delta 9 THC. It’s important to remember that just because Delta 8 can be easily found, not all Delta 8 products are created equal. In fact, the best way to shop for Delta 8 is to do so online. The primary advantage to shopping online is access to third-party laboratory results. At The Green Dragon, you can easily find lab results for every product on its product page. Don’t know what you’re looking at? No worries, you can learn to read a certificate of analysis (COA) here. Another advantage of shopping online. Not only do we offer more reliable, higher quality products at The Green Dragon, but we also offer incredible variety. Any type of Delta 8 product you could want can be easily delivered straight to your door.

Delta 8 is A Smoother High

As I mentioned earlier, because Delta 8 has a different molecular structure than Delta 9 THC, its psychoactive effects are different. The prevailing opinion is that this results in Delta 8 having a smoother, milder high than smoking cannabis. It is important to note that the prevailing opinion is just that, an opinion. The only way to know how Delta 8 will affect you individually is to give it a try. Still, Delta 8 is considered by many to be a great place to start for beginners because of its milder effects, and many Delta 9 THC users are switching in order to maintain a more functional, focused mindset while still enjoying the high itself.

What Kind of Delta 8 Products Are Available?

As I mentioned, when buying from a reputable source like The Green Dragon CBD, there are a wide variety of Delta 8 products to choose from. Let’s run through the gamut so you know what’s available and can decide what might be best for you.

Vaporizer Products

Vaporizer products take a concentrate, juice, or oil and heat it into a vapor to be inhaled. These are perfect for beginners because they are discreet, easy to use, and easy to control the dosage. Vape product options include:

  • Disposable vape pens – a self-contained vape pen that you can use until depleted, then throw away
  • Vaporizer cartridges – A cartridge that can be attached to a rechargeable, reusable battery. When the cartridge is empty, it can be removed and a new one attached.

Smokable Delta 8 Products

If you love the puff of standard THC products, there’s a wide variety of smokable Delta 8 options for those looking to make the switch. They come in different strains too, so if you’re not sure which is best for you, check our guide here. Smokable products include:

  • Flower – Delta 8 flower looks, smells, and smokes like cannabis. Perfect for those who like to smoke from their favorite pipe or roll their own joints or blunts
  • Pre-rolls – Joints of Delta 8 flower that are rolled for you so you can just fire up without the muss and fuss of rolling your own
  • Dabs – The most concentrated and potent Delta 8 product, dabs are great for experienced users looking for a fuller Delta 8 experience

Oral and Edible Delta 8 Products

The most discreet options for Delta 8 products are oral products and edible products. These are also the easiest to control the exact dosage but have a longer onset time of effects. Oral and edible products include:

  • Gummies – Gummies are the most popular edible option. Be sure to read the label closely so you understand the dosage and remember it can take up to an hour before feeling the full effects, so be patient if you’re new to edibles
  • Candies – If you want to combine your high with your sweet tooth, you can also find other candy options like chocolate bars and hard candies
  • Tinctures – The most popular oral option, tinctures offer measured droppers so that you can take them sublingually, or under the tongue

Ready To Make the Switch?

Maybe you’ve moved from a state with legal recreational marijuana to a state without. Maybe you’re looking for a clearer, more invigorating high. Maybe you just want something you can safely have dropped off on your doorstep. Whatever the reason, if you’re one of those people looking to switch from THC to Delta 8 (or a newbie looking to give Delta 8 a try) there’s no better place to look than The Green Dragon CBD. We hope you give it a try, and when you do, let us know what you think in the comments! If you still want to learn more about Delta 8 THC, you can always browse our other Delta 8 blog posts or reach out to a representative through our contact link. 

Why People Are Switching to Delta 8 From Delta 9 THC
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Have you been using Delta 9 THC products (good ole weed) but you're ready for a change? This is the blog for you! Read on to find out more!
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Why People Are Switching to Delta 8 From Delta 9 THC
April 2, 2024
Delta 8 THC
Delta 9 THC