Delta 8 vs Delta 9 Edibles: Which One Is More Enjoyable?

The CBD edible world has come a heck of a long way from those funny-tasting, “special” brownies whipped up in your kitchen. Ah, the good ole days!

Now you can get THC infused in pretty much anything you can imagine – from Delta 8 gummies to chocolates, to pasta and drinks – the options are endless.

But there’s another emerging THC for the consumer.

Most of us know and probably love the normal kind, and unbeknownst to us, that “normal” kind of THC is actually called Delta-9 THC, aka. Marijuana.

However, few of us are aware that Delta-9 isn’t the only type of THC and not even the only type that gets you “high”.

There’s a new kind of THC Called Delta-8

There’s a new type of psychoactive cannabinoid surfacing with its own unique set of effects known as Delta-8 THC.

Here’s A Delta 8 Beginner’s Guide For 2023 to explain the basics simply without jargon so that you can make your own decisions about trying and using it.

But, first things first, what’s the difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9, and what are the effects of each type of edible? Let’s dive in, shall we?

How to Choose Which One Is More Enjoyable: Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 Edibles

So you’re gummy shopping and you’re trying to decide between a Delta 9 gummy and a Delta 8 gummy. 

To help you decide here is what Delta-9’s users report:

• An intense high that hits you all at once
• Decrease in mental clarity and increase in confusion
• Impaired motor skills
• Possible increase in heart rate, anxiety, and paranoia in a lot of users

And here is what Delta-8’s users report:

• A slightly less psychoactive high with a gradual effect
• A more focused, clear-headed mindset
• A few instances of anxiety or paranoia
• Delta 8 is less potent than Delta 9

If the first set of effects suits you better, then you’re probably a Delta-9 marijuana fan. You want to get stoned.

But if the effects of the second set of effects are more attractive to you, then Delta-8 might be your new THC friend.

Checkout Our Best Delta-8 Gummies: Top 8 Feel-Good THC Edibles

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are substances that will produce a marijuana high, and both have very similar chemical properties, but Delta-8 has been reported to be slightly less psychoactive than Delta-9.

What this means is that Delta-8 seems to produce a more gentle “high” than its stronger counterpart Delta-9.

Because of this, users of Delta-8 tend to report a more enjoyable, gradual high, without any paranoia, anxiety, or mental confusion that is usually associated with Delta-9.

How long it takes to feel good with a delta-8 gummy

The onset of a high from edible THC usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes – and produces a high that just feels different than when you smoke THC.

Edible highs tend to give you a heavier, and longer-lasting high. This happens because your body processes THC differently when eaten.

Delta-8 edibles vs Delta 9: What are the differences in the effects?

A Delayed High + Onset

Similar to Delta-9, there will be a delayed high that occurs with Delta-8 edibles, which is usually at least 30 minutes.

But when the onset does start to occur, the high that begins to set in is often described as more mellow and gradual than Delta-9.

Delta-8 users report that there is a longer and more pronounced “come up” period, as opposed to getting hit hard, and all at once.

Delta-8 users say they tend to enjoy this slower come-up period, saying that they feel happy and productive as they inch their way to reaching the peak of the high.

Less Anxiety and Paranoia

We all know people who have removed marijuana from their lives because of that infamous paranoid, anxious, and overall uncomfortable feeling associated with Delta-9, and I am one of them.

While eating gummies have become a popular way for taking Delta 8, the effects of Delta-9 edibles can be too unpleasant, making it hard to focus and string cohesive thoughts together.

Especially because ingesting THC will already produce more intense effects than smoking. If you still want to participate in those high nights but you crave a mellower high with more mental clarity, you might want to opt for Delta-8.

Appetite Stimulation + Anti Nausea

The National Cancer Institute notes that Delta-8 has, “antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective qualities.”

That translates to… anti-vomiting/nausea, anti-anxiety, appetite-stimulating, pain relief, and neuron-protecting qualities.

While there is a whole lot more we don’t know about Delta-8, researchers found that along with an increase in appetite, it can reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting (known as antiemetic effect).

Research has also found Delta-8 THC to be 200% more effective as an antiemetic compared to Delta-9.

Because of these astonishing medicinal properties and milder psychoactive effects, Delta-8 is becoming more and more recognized in the realm of cancer and chemotherapy too.

Here's What Delta-8's High Felt Like For Me?

These Delta 8 gummies, I realized, are different from other edibles that I take because of anxiety.

I know a lot of us have had those bad Delta 9 THC experiences where you just start panicking. But that just does not seem to happen with Delta-8 THC.

It really helps to just ease my mind and helps me go to bed. They are very relaxing. And ease me into an enjoyable evening’s chill. It’s important to note that the effects of Delta 8 will vary per person.

That being said, millions of people throughout the country use Delta 8 and other cannabis products for a variety of reasons. Some people use it to help with stress, and chronic pain, others use it for sleeplessness, and many people use it for general wellness and recreation.

To sum it up, in terms of its effects, Delta 8 THC can probably best be described as a less potent, more uplifting, and clear-headed version of Delta 9 THC without having anxiety or panic.

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