Understanding the difference between these two types of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — delta-9 THC and delta-8 THC — is critical, as the latter has made its way into the New Jersey market and is available at non-licensed retailers.
While delta-8 THC is widely available, it comes with significant risks and drawbacks that every consumer should be aware of.
To help you make the right choice for your needs, we’ve created this in-depth guide to delta-8 THC vs. delta-9 THC.
Understanding the differences between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC
Experience and effects
Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC both come from cannabis plants, though how they are produced is somewhat different.
Delta-9 THC, the most well-known type of THC, is found in abundance in mature cannabis plants. Meanwhile, delta-8 THC occurs naturally in only trace amounts and is synthesized in a lab by converting hemp-derived Cannabidiol (CBD) through a process known as isomerization.
Both types of THC produce intoxicating effects and may help manage symptoms such as anxiety, low energy, chronic pain, sleep disruptions, and nausea, as well as conditions such as Tourette’s Syndrome.
Additionally, delta-8 THC products were previously unregulated by the State of New Jersey; many available delta-8 THC products contain cannabinoid content so high the experience often overwhelmed consumers.
Side effects
The side effects of delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are frequently said to be similar. They include the munchies, dry mouth, and altered perception of time.
It’s important to understand that researchers do not yet know all of delta-8 THC’s potential side effects.
Delta-9 THC, on the other hand, has been closely studied, so its side effects — which are easy to manage — are generally agreed upon.
How it interacts with your body
Both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC bind to the cannabinoid receptors in your endocannabinoid system, resulting in intoxicating effects. These receptors are commonly referred to as CB1 and CB2 receptors.
It is believed that delta-8 THC has a lower affinity than delta-9 THC for CB1 receptors in the brain, explaining why some people find delta-8 THC to feel less potent.
Early scientific research suggests that a difference in chemical structures between these two forms of THC is why delta-8 has this lower affinity.
In delta-8 THC, the double bond in the molecule’s chain of carbon atoms occurs on the eighth carbon atom. In delta-9 THC, it occurs on the ninth carbon atom.
A double bond on the eighth atom may experience less attraction to CB1 receptors than a double bond on the ninth atom.
Much more research, however, remains to be conducted on cannabinoid interactions with the ECS.
Origin
Delta-8 THC is usually synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.
Delta-8 THC occurs in very low amounts in the cannabis plant, so to produce it in large quantities, CBD is put through a chemical process known as isomerization to convert it to delta-8 THC.
Delta-9 THC, on the other hand, occurs naturally in higher amounts than any other form of THC in the cannabis plant.
In THC products sold at licensed cannabis dispensaries, the source of delta-9 THC is simply everyday cannabis flower.
Federal regulations
According to the federal 2018 Farm Bill, hemp with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC is legal. It is referred to as “non-intoxicating hemp.”
This phrasing left a legal gray area: The bill does not limit the content or presence of other types of THC, including delta-8 THC.
As a result, the FDA neither evaluates nor regulates delta-8 THC.
However, the DEA has issued a rule that categorizes “all synthetically derived THC” compounds as a Schedule I controlled substance, effectively outlawing it at the federal level. Enforcement, however, has been limited.
New Jersey regulations
Although delta-8 THC is currently not regulated at the federal level, New Jersey passed a law banning the sale of delta-8 THC to all people under the age of 21.
The law also required that these products be sold only in licensed dispensaries and adhere to the same regulations as delta-9 THC products.
However, a federal judge struck down portions of the law as it related to “hemp” or non-intoxicating delta-8 THC, ruling it violated the 2018 Farm Bill.
As a result and as of now, New Jersey is only able to enforce the age restrictions on delta-8 THC, which remains available at non-licensed retailers and continues to avoid state-mandated testing standards.
Testing, availability, and quality
In New Jersey’s current regulatory environment, delta-9 THC products must undergo significant testing for potency and contaminants before being sold to consumers by licensed dispensaries.
Delta-8 THC products are not held to the same standard, though the law that was partially struck down in federal court would have required it.
Outside licensed cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey, unregulated, hemp-derived cannabinoids can still be found in gas stations and convenience stores. These “gas station weed” products are generally untested, their labeling is unreliable, and they are potentially unsafe.
This lack of regulation means that you’ll never know the full compound profile of a gas station product. There could be contaminants present, including heavy metals, mold, or residual solvents.
By comparison, the state spells out all testing requirements in an expansive 36-page testing guidance document that licensed cannabis businesses must follow. These include cannabinoid and terpene testing, as well as testing for heavy metals, residual solvents, microbes, pesticides, moisture content, and foreign material.
As a result, you’ll always know exactly what’s in a product sold at a licensed dispensary. The product’s certificate of analysis (COA) will always detail the contents in full, attesting to the product’s unbeatable quality.
To obtain a product’s COA, check the packaging. There will be a URL you can enter into your browser or a QR code you can scan to be immediately directed to the COA.
Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 comparison chart
| Feature | Delta-8 THC | Cannabis-derived delta-9 THC |
| Potency | Lower, less likely to overwhelm consumers; however, unlicensed products tend to contain excessive concentrations that can overwhelm. | Higher, but are often not overwhelming if you start low and go slow. Licensed products contain tested, reliable concentrations. |
| Side effects | Need to be studied more | Well-studied |
| How it likely interacts with your body | Binds less strongly to CB1 receptors due to double bond on eighth carbon atom | Binds more strongly to CB1 receptors due to double bond on ninth carbon atom |
| Origin | Converted from CBD that naturally occurs in hemp plants | Naturally abundant in the cannabis plant |
| Federal regulations | Federally unregulated; each state has its own regulations | Federally illegal Schedule I controlled substance; legal for adult use in NJ |
| Who can buy it in New Jersey | Consumers ages 21 and older unless you buy from a gas station | Consumers ages 21 and older |
| Lab testing required in New Jersey? | No | Yes |
| Where it’s available in New Jersey | Many retail stores such as gas stations, convenience stores, and liquor stores | Licensed cannabis dispensaries only |
Tips for trying regulated cannabis products for the first time
Although all cannabis products sold at licensed dispensaries are regulated and thus trustworthy, beginners often face a learning curve.
These tips may help you have an enjoyable experience.
- Start low and go slow. Consume only a small dose at first, and only consume more if, after your product’s expected onset time has passed, you want stronger effects. Use our guide to trying cannabis for the first timeto determine what a small dose means based on the type of product you’re consuming.
- Consume cannabis while in the presence of a loved one. When you’re exploring cannabis with someone familiar with it, you have someone there to help you through any overwhelming moments. The same is true if someone completely sober is present with you.
- Choose a comfortable environment. Cannabis experiences always go better when you’re in surroundings that keep you at ease. These surroundings minimize the likelihood of overwhelming experiences.
- Inhale slowly. If you’re smoking or vaping your cannabis, there’s no reason to rush your inhale. Instead, take a slow draw, then give the smoke or vapor a moment or two to settle in your lungs. Don’t hold your breath in for too long, but don’t immediately exhale either.
- Stay hydrated. Dry mouth is a well-documented side effect of cannabis consumption, especially if smoking. Staying hydrated may help you manage this symptom.
- Keep snacks around. If your cannabis consumption brings on the munchies, having snacks on hand keeps you from needing to leave your comfortable environment to get food.
- Take a break if need be. If you’ve consumed too much cannabis, give yourself a break. Relax in your comfortable environment, then give your body time to adjust. Only once you’re ready again should you consume more, and it’s always okay to cap yourself at the amount you’ve already consumed.
- Get help choosing the right product. Licensed dispensary menus contain hundreds of products. The best way to find the right one is to work with knowledgeable, non-judgmental dispensary staff whose passion is matching you with the perfect product for your exact wants and needs. That’s the experience you get at Blue Oak.
Shop premium cannabis goods at Blue Oak
Located in Bloomfield near Montclair, Blue Oak Dispensary provides a supportive, discreet environment for trying regulated cannabis for the first time.
Stop in and ask our expert sales specialists for assistance, or schedule a consultation and tour to gain an even deeper understanding of the cannabis experience.
Whether you’re entirely new to cannabis or have decided to shop licensed-only after consuming gas station weed, we’re here to help you integrate cannabis into your holistic well-being — and elevate your everyday.
