Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC: Differences and Similarities

Updated April 22, 2026

An image of Karena Mathis, author for gratitude lodge
Authored By:

Karena Mathis

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Sean O'Neill
MS, LMFT 112879

Explore treatment options today. For general drug info, contact your doctor.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC: Differences and Similarities

Updated April 22, 2026

Authored By:

Karena Mathis

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Explore treatment options today. For general drug info, contact your doctor.

Dispensaries often offer a slew of cannabis products. From several strains of flowers to an assortment of edibles, there are a lot of options when it comes to modern-day marijuana. Two popular names in the cannabis industry are delta-8 and delta-9.

Although they are both known for their psychoactive properties, these cannabinoids have differences that the user should be aware of. Read on to learn more about the differences and similarities between the two and how you can stay safe and informed when it comes to cannabis.

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Delta 8 Vs Delta 9: What Is It?

Delta-8 and delta-9 are both a type of psychoactive cannabinoid found in sativa cannabis. Sativa strains are known for their stimulating effects and energizing highs, making them popular options in dispensaries.

Delta-8 occurs naturally in low amounts within cannabis plants. However, in recent years, plants have been bred, and strains have been crossed in order to produce flowers that are potent in delta-8. Delta-8 is usually marketed as a compound in CBD products, although it is also available in THC-heavy products.

On the other hand, delta-9 (aka D9 THC) occurs naturally and much more abundantly in marijuana. It is the most common form of THC and is found in most marijuana products. The FDA has not approved either of these cannabinoids for safe use, and they could be marketed in ways that may put you at risk.

Differences Between Delta 8 Vs Delta 9 After Smoking

When it comes to smoking delta 8 vs. delta 9, both strains can produce a “high.” However, delta-9 packs more of a punch.

Delta 9 THC High Effects

When you smoke any strain, chances are there is delta-9 present. The effects of smoking delta-9 range from beneficial to risky. The beneficial effects of smoking delta-9 may include:

  1. A feeling of relaxation
  2. A decrease in anxiety
  3. Increased appetite
  4. Euphoria, happiness, and exhilaration
  5. Heightened imagination
  6. Improved sensory perception
  7. Improved sleep
  8. Potential benefits in pain management

On the other hand, it has also been reported that delta-9 could have adverse effects, like:

  1. Paranoid feelings and thoughts
  2. Increased anxiety
  3. Sedation and lethargy
  4. Confusion
  5. Feelings of dysphoria
  6. Dry mouth
  7. Hypotension

The way delta-9 will affect you depends on how much you smoke or ingest, your metabolism, the quality of the cannabis product, and more. It can be difficult to determine whether delta-9 will procure good feelings or adverse effects.

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Delta 8 THC High Effects

Delta-8 can have similar effects on a person as delta-9, although usually in a milder sense. Naturally, delta-8 is not as intense as delta-9, but some cannabis and CBD products have been synthesized to have a high amount of delta-8, which can lead to similar effects as those of delta-9. Effects of delta-8 are both good and bad and may include:

  1. Easing pain relief
  2. Boosting appetite
  3. Calming nausea
  4. A pleasant, relaxed feeling
  5. Confusion
  6. Anxiety
  7. Dizziness
  8. Bradycardia (slowed heart rate)
  9. Hypotension
  10. Hallucinations

D8 Vs D9 Similarities

Delta-8 and delta-9 have many overlapping similarities, including methods of consumption, effects, and withdrawal.

Method Of Consumption

Since both are cannabinoids, they are often found in all kinds of weed products. These can include:

  1. Pre-rolls
  2. Blunts
  3. Flowers
  4. Vapes
  5. Cartridges
  6. Pens
  7. Gummies
  8. Cookies
  9. Brownies
  10. Tinctures
  11. Topicals
  12. Cannabis concentrates, like wax

Delta-9 and delta-8 can both be eaten as edibles or tinctures, smoked, or used as topical products.

Effects

Although intensity can differ between these two cannabinoids, both may get you high and can produce feelings of relaxation and other benefits. In the same vein, they both may cause adverse feelings or health risks, such as paranoia or hypotension.

Withdrawal

Over half of regular cannabis users experience withdrawal symptoms, especially in those who smoke or ingest delta-9 cannabis. Withdrawal is more likely to happen if you use marijuana often and have become dependent on it.

Symptoms of delta-8 or delta-9 withdrawal include:

  1. Anxiety
  2. Irritability
  3. Anger and aggression
  4. Disturbed sleep and dreaming
  5. Loss of appetite
  6. Depressed mood
  7. Headaches
  8. Tension
  9. Stomach pain
  10. Excessive sweating

Symptoms usually begin about 24 to 48 hours after cessation, peaking at days 2-6 after cannabis use has stopped. Symptoms may last up to three weeks or longer for chronic cannabis users.

Delta 8 Vs Delta 9 | FAQs

Are Delta 8 And Delta 9 The Same?

Yes and no. They are very similar because they are both psychoactive cannabinoids that can be found in different marijuana products. However, delta-8 occurs naturally at a much lower level in cannabis and often has less intense effects. Delta-9, on the other hand, is found in higher quantities in many marijuana products and can cause a more intense high.

Is Delta 8 Or 9 Stronger?

Delta-9 is stronger than delta-8. However, some cannabis products have been synthesized to create higher and more concentrated amounts of delta-8. The result is that some delta-8 products may be as strong as delta-9 products.

Is Delta 9 Real Weed?

Yes, delta-9 is real weed. It is the most common kind of cannabinoid found present in various types of marijuana products.

Is There A Difference Between Delta 8 And Delta 9 Gummies?

The difference between the gummies lies in their intensity and concentration. Sometimes, delta-8 is marketed alongside CBD, which claims to have all the physical benefits of regular THC without the psychoactive effects (“the high”). On the other hand, some gummies include delta-8 along with its more psychoactive counterpart, delta-9.

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Sources

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10369762/
  2. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9110555/

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