Breaking Down What Differentiates the Two and Their Role in the Cannabis Industry
Although there is plenty of opportunity in the cannabis industry, there is much to know regarding the particulars of growing cannabis and extracting its compounds. Additionally, the industry still faces a lot of legal pushback at the federal level; however, legislation is far more lenient at the state level.
Currently, cannabis is legal for medicinal use in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Recreational use of cannabis is legal in 18 states and D.C. This is a huge shift from how things were a mere 10 years ago.
Now that legislation is more relaxed regarding the legal status of cannabis at the state level, it has drawn the attention of many potential cannabis investors who are looking to get in on the ground floor of a growing operation or dispensary – generally a wise investment as the industry continues to grow. Of course, many cannabis investors only have a broad understanding of the cannabis industry and its products.
The Two Main Cannabinoids of the Cannabis Industry
Most people are familiar with THC and CBD, which are the most popular cannabinoids in the cannabis industry. CBD is the non-impairing, non-habit-forming compound that’s known for its various potential health benefits. Many people use it to treat anxiety, sleep, or to deal with physical pain.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound that causes the “high” or euphoric feeling that is classically associated with imbibing cannabis. However, many cannabis investors are surprised to find out there are more than 100 cannabinoids per cannabis plant, and the scientific community is only really beginning to understand them.
One of the lesser-known cannabinoids, delta-8 THC, is gaining in popularity as of late because of its similarities to delta-9 and its potential health benefits. However, upon closer inspection, these two cannabinoids are more different than people may think.
Let’s break down what makes the two cannabinoids similar before delving into the many differences between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.
How Are Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC Similar?
Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC are compounds that are found in the cannabis plant and can be extracted. They both activate the body’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors which causes effects such as:
- Improved appetite
- A “high” or euphoric feeling
- Reduction in pain
- Increased ability to sleep
- Increased feelings of relaxation
- Reduction in anxiety
Additionally, delta-8 and delta-9 THC can both be consumed in excess, which will result in the following effects:
- Disorientation
- Anxiety or panic
- Lethargy
- Dry mouth or eyes
- Loss of coordination/impairment
- Increased heart rate
Delta-8 and delta-9 THC can both be inhaled via vaping device or consumed in edible formats such as gummies, chocolates, and other food items.
How Are Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC Different?
Although delta-8 and delta-9 THC seem very similar up until this point, they actually have less in common than many people think. Here are the top seven differences between these two compounds:
- There is a slight chemical difference between the two. Delta-9 has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom. Delta-8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom in its molecular structure. This chemical difference is what causes a difference in physical and cognitive effects when being used.
- Delta-8 and delta-9 THC essentially share the same exact list of psychoactive effects. What differentiates the two is the potency. Delta-8 is far less potent than delta-9 THC. In fact, delta-8 is called “diet weed” in some circles.
- There is far more of the delta-9 THC compound in cannabis compared to delta-8, which is what makes the latter so difficult to extract. Due to its low levels, most growing operations don’t bother with delta-8 because it’s an additional extraction expense with very little payoff.
- Delta-9 THC can be imbibed by smoking the cannabis bud. Delta-8 can only be imbibed if it’s extracted and synthesized, which is the reason it’s only found in vape pens and edibles.
- Delta-9 THC is illegal at the federal level. Delta-8 is still legal at the federal level; however, that may change in the very near future. It’s worth mentioning that 21 states have either banned or restricted delta-8 products due to safety concerns.
- Delta-8 probably won’t show up on a drug test unless the test is specifically searching for delta-8 THC metabolites. Most common drug tests are looking specifically for traces of delta-9 THC.
- Delta-9 THC has been scientifically studied for nearly 60 years. By comparison, delta-8 THC barely has any scientific studies to its name.
Why THC Testing is So Important
If there’s one thing that’s just as important as growing cannabis, it’s testing it. By federal law, cannabis crops that exceed the 0.3 percent delta-9 THC level must be destroyed at the grower’s expense.
THC levels rise as crops mature, so cannabis growers always need to be mindful of their crops. Most growing operations send their samples to third-party labs, but this can be a slow process, especially if the lab is behind schedule. That’s where Elite Robotics comes in.
At Elite Robotics, we aim to put the power of the lab in the hands of growers and cultivators. Our cannabis testing equipment gives them a quick and reliable way to test their crop samples for CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, and other cannabinoids. It also provides results on attributes such as terpenes, solvents, metals, and microorganisms.
Our goal is to get our cannabis testing equipment in the hands of every grower and cultivator in the cannabis industry so that they may have the convenience of their very own lab, which ultimately saves them time and money so that their businesses can grow.
Are You Considering Entering the Cannabis Industry as an Investor? Contact Elite Robotics About Our Cannabis Testing Equipment!
We’re looking to meet with investors who share our goal and mindset. Learn more about our cannabis testing equipment and how to become an investor by contacting Elite Robotics at (805) 987-6217. Or send us a message directly using our contact form.