The cannabis plant has two main subspecies, Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa, and they can be differentiated by their different physical characteristics. Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC come from the cannabis sativa plant, which naturally produces more than 100 cannabinoids or active components. However, while the plant contains significant amounts of THC delta-9, it contains very little THC delta-8, a minor cannabinoid. Concentrates, such as drops, wax and oil, can have much higher amounts of THC (40 to 90%) than other forms of cannabis, which typically have around 20% THC.
Concentrates can cause a faster and more intense effect than other forms of cannabis and may increase health risk. Cannabis added to food and beverages has a delayed and longer-lasting effect than smoked or vaped cannabis. Many of the most popular dispensary strains can be potent, and a strain with 25% THC might not be as pleasant as one with 16% THC. Both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are composed of the same set of elements (carbon, hydrogen and oxygen) and only differ slightly in the arrangement of those elements, says Dr.
Despite their similarities, delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC also have important differences that you should understand before consuming either substance. THC delta-8 and THC delta-9 can produce the positive or adverse effects mentioned above, since both THC delta-8 and THC delta-9 activate the body's CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, including those in the central nervous system.
