What Are Delta 8 and Delta 9?

Delta 8 and Delta 9 are cannabinoids naturally occurring in the Cannabis sativa plant. They are chemical compounds found in both cannabis and hemp, which are different varieties of the plant species. More than 100 cannabinoids exist in the cannabis sativa plant. You may wonder, does Delta 8 have THC? Yes, Delta 8 has THC, but it is much less abundant than it is in Delta 9.

What are Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC?

What is Delta 9 exactly? Is Delta 9 real weed? Is Delta 9 legal? Delta 9 is the cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for producing a high. It is present in real weed, and it is legal in concentrations of no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight. But most states require you to possess a cannabis card prescribed by a doctor before you can purchase it legally.

Is Delta 9 THC synthetic? Delta 9 was grown naturally and extracted from the hemp plant for many years. However in the last few years some companies have been making synthetic versions by converting cannabidiol (CBD) into Delta 8 and Delta 9.

Cannabinoids are psychoactive substances that bind to specific receptors in the brain, interact with the nervous system and produce calming effects. They can also create less pleasant effects, such as anxiety, drowsiness and paranoia.

Delta 8’s chemical structure makes it less intense than that of Delta 9, meaning the effects are milder. Edibles, vaping, smoking, tinctures, capsules, suppositories and oils are examples of how users ingest the products. The Journal of Cannabis Research reports the results of a study in which participants compare Delta 8 and Delta 9. User reported effects from both products include:

• Relaxation, pain relief and euphoria
• Difficulty concentrating
• Short term memory problems
• Heightened awareness of time

The primary findings were that Delta 8 THC is more manageable than Delta 9, allowing individuals to use it any time of the day because it doesn’t interfere with functioning as Delta 9 does. Many wonder, “How long does Delta 8 stay in your system,” and “Is Delta 8 safe?”

The answers vary due to amount consumed, consumption patterns, body fat, where the substance is stored, and the product manufacturer.

For many, Delta 8 can be detected in blood for two to three days and in urine for a few days in infrequent users and up to 30 days in frequent users. Misuse of any substance makes it unsafe and can lead to adverse results on your physical and psychological health.

Are Delta 8 and Delta 9 Addictive?

Because Delta 8 and Delta 9 are easily accessible people get a false impression about the products, which can be addictive and cause harm to a person’s physical and mental health.

Like other addictive drugs that cause a high Delta 8 and Delta 9 alter how the brain functions, releasing dopamine and other feel-good chemicals at high rates. Some people casually refer to Delta 9 as “real weed” and Delta 8 as “lite weed.”

Despite these impressions the misuse of either Delta 8 or Delta 9 can lead to a cannabis use disorder, also known as cannabis addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists 11 criteria for cannabis addiction:

1. Using it for longer periods and in larger amounts than intended
2. Trying to quit or cut back but can’t
3. Spending much time engaging in activities involving cannabis
4. Craving cannabis
5. Neglecting social responsibilities to use cannabis
6. Using cannabis even though it causes relationship problems
7. Failing to fulfill obligations at work, home and socially due to cannabis use
8. Using cannabis despite knowingly worsening mental or physical health conditions
9. Putting oneself in physically harmful or risky situations to continue use
10. Building a tolerance to cannabis
11. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when quitting or going without

One significant difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 is that commercial Delta 8 products are synthetic and have not been tested or approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. Makers of Delta 8 may use harmful chemicals to enhance their products, all without regulations.

Someone may not know what they are consuming when they use Delta 8. Numerous tests and strict regulations apply to Delta 9 to ensure consumer safety. Still, overuse or misuse can lead to toxicity. Symptoms of cannabis toxicity include:

• Extreme confusion
• Extreme anxiety or panic
• Paranoia
• Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Respiratory problems

According to UCLA Health, the National Poison Control Center reports that between 2021 and 2022 there were 2,362 exposure cases to Delta 8. In addition, the FDA received over 100 adverse event reports among those using Delta 9, with 55% being admitted to a hospital or requiring medical intervention.

Treatment Options for Delta 8 and Delta 9 Addiction

Treatment for THC, Delta 8 and Delta 9 addiction is available for those who need it. Depending on the severity of an addiction, treatment may occur in an inpatient or outpatient clinical setting. The most effective treatments are below.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on how thoughts influence a person’s emotions and behavior. CBT participants learn to recognize and change negative thinking that may lead to unhealthy behaviors. CBT teaches early recovery, coping and relapse prevention skills that are necessary for long term abstinence.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

Therapists use MET with people who are not ready for change even though they are experiencing adverse consequences. The therapy involves techniques like the Marijuana Check-Up, which is an intervention designed specifically for individuals who use cannabis. These methods help people with cannabis use disorders realize they have a problem and become motivated to change.

Contingency Management (CM)

CM is a treatment program that rewards people who are in recovery from cannabis use disorders when they reach certain milestones. Examples of milestones include staying sober for 30 days, completing treatment requirements and gaining employment.

Most therapists use a combination of all techniques when treating someone with THC, Delta 8 or Delta 9 addiction. Each method is easily adaptable to each person’s needs, which is an advantage since Delta 8 and Delta 9 misuse is rising.

Recap

Delta 8 and Delta 9, like any other drugs, offer some temporary benefits for some individuals. Misusing them can create short term and long term problems both physically and mentally. Misusing either can also lead to addiction. If you need help due to misuse of Delta 8 or Delta 9 reach out for support today.