Is Delta 8 or Delta 9 Better for Pain?

We already know that microdosing THC helps alleviate chronic pain. But which cannabis compound is better for pain management, Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC?

Microdosing THC has a variety of therapeutic benefits on our health. Due to its potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, low doses of THC can reduce inflammation and treat chronic pain.

Read our article on all the benefits of microdosing THC.

Introduction to Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC

Delta 8 and Delta 9 are two naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa and cannabis indica plants. Delta 8 is typically derived from CBD through a complex process of extraction, since concentrations in cannabis plants are extremely low.

Although they come from the same plant, Delta 8 and Delta 9 differ in their chemical structure and effects on our body. Delta 8 is often referred to as “Delta 9 THC’s nicer younger sibling” because of its milder euphoric effects.

The biggest difference between Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 8 THC) and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC) lies in their molecular structure. A double bond on the 9th carbon atom for Delta 9 THC and on the 8th carbon atom for Delta 8 THC may be responsible for the different effects these two cannabinoids have on our endocannabinoid system.

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of signals and receptors located in our brain. It is involved in regulation of important bodily functions:

• The immune system
• Appetite
• Reproduction
• Pain reception
• Memory processing
• Mood changes

Delta 8 and Delta 9 interact with two main cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. As a result, they have different potency and therapeutic benefits on our health. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, causing a variety of changes in our bodily functions. That is why excessive THC doses can alter a person’s consciousness level, influence their cognitive skills, and produce euphoric feelings.

CB1 and CB2 receptors are largely responsible for regulating our sensitivity to pain. Delta 8 binds primarily to CB1 receptors located in our nervous system, enhancing their regulatory properties. Just like Delta 9, Delta 8 products can treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. The two cousins help people suffering from eating disorders by increasing appetite and reducing pain and anxiety.

CB2 receptors are located in our immune cells. Due to their beneficial properties on CB2 receptors, Delta 8 and Delta 9 have significant pain-relieving effects on our body.

Our THC gummies offer a variety of edibles to help relieve pain. They contain hemp-derived Delta 9 THC, cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids at optimal low doses.

CBD is great for inflammation and chronic pain relief. An article published in the National Library of Medicine shows that CBD can potentially decrease anxiety and improve sleep quality.

Are you struggling with sleep? Why not try our Sleep Plus Gummies? They contain 25mg of CBD, only 2 mg of THC, and a well-known sleep aid, melatonin. Low doses of THC promote sleep and provide relief from pain and anxiety. This unique blend of terpene-rich hemp extracts will provide the restful eight-hour sleep you truly deserve.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a type of THC found in cannabis plants at lower concentrations. Like its cannabinoid cousins, Delta 8 binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS. Yet, user experiences with Delta 8 THC indicate that it is less psychoactive than Delta 9. Delta 8 THC products have a higher dosage threshold for producing psychotropic effects.

Natural concentrations of Delta 8 in the cannabis sativa plant are low. That’s why most companies produce Delta 8 synthetically from CBD.

The best way to microdose Delta 9’s nicer younger sibling is with our Delta 8 THC gummies. They contain 12.5 mg of Delta 8 derived from the hemp plant. These fruit-filled edibles are great pain relievers and can help users by reducing anxiety and increasing appetite. To ensure safety and quality, all our products are subjected to rigorous third-party lab testing.

What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is the major psychotropic compound in the cannabis plant, responsible for psychoactive effects at sufficient doses. At lower doses, you won’t get high. Instead, Delta 9 will produce feelings of relaxation, calm, and mild euphoria.

Our Delta 9 edibles are a safe way to incorporate low doses of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC to your daily routine while still being productive and functional. Taking our delicious Delta 9 edibles might produce mild feelings of euphoria, deep relaxation, a slight increase in appetite, and most importantly, pain relief.

Delta 8 and Delta 9 in Pain Management

Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are powerful pain relievers. Delta 9 may produce stronger effects on pain due to its higher potency, but Delta 8 can successfully alleviate mild pain.

The most common use for medical cannabis is pain relief. Many cannabis users attest to microdosed cannabis helping relieve pain: cancer pain, pain resulting from movement disorders, neuropathic pain, and more. Due to its powerful analgesic properties, microdosing THC can even alleviate migraine pain.

A 2015 research showed that cannabis can be used to treat various chronic pain conditions. THC products—like our Hemp Euphoria Gummies—might effectively relieve chronic pain, including pain caused by arthritis, neuropathy, and cancer.

Delta 8 in Treating Pain

Multiple studies have confirmed Delta 8’s pain-relieving properties. One comparative study suggested that Delta 8 has potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Delta 8 might be able to desensitize our nervous system, acting as an efficient method for increasing pain tolerance.

Other research confirms beneficial medical and therapeutic effects of Delta 8 THC for pain relief. It seems that Delta 8 can regulate the body's inflammatory responses and reduce pain and swelling in mice. This research was conducted to test the efficacy of topical cannabinoids (Delta 8 and CBD) in reducing corneal hyperalgesia (pain caused by ocular neuropathy) and inflammation.

Delta 9 in Treating Pain

Delta 9 THC products have potential benefits in treating a variety of chronic pain. Medical cannabis has long been used to treat symptoms accompanying cancer chemotherapy. A recent survey found that 30% of young adult cancer patients use Delta 9 THC to deal with symptoms of pain, appetite loss, and insomnia.

Delta 9 shows promise at reducing negative side effects from chemotherapy and alleviating trauma-induced nerve disorders resulting from tumor growth. Delta 9 THC gummies offer a variety of microdosing products to manage pain and treat a lieu of chemotherapy side effects like nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, and depression.

Effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9

Although they come from the same plant, effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC differ, with the main differentiator being the psychoactive potency of the two deltas.

Is Delta 8 or Delta 9 Stronger?

It is generally believed that Delta 9 THC produces stronger effects than Delta 8. According to a study on consumer experiences with Delta 8, its effects are milder and less psychoactive than Delta 9’s. That’s what makes Delta 8 gummies a perfect choice for those new to microdosing.

Researchers at the University of Buffalo found that Delta 8 gummies cause feelings of relaxation and pain relief—without interfering with the users’ ability to perform daily activities.

What are the Side Effects of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?

Delta 8 and Delta 9 can have adverse effects such as paranoia and anxiety—but these effects show up at doses much higher than contained in our edibles.

At high doses, Delta 9 THC produces temporary adverse effects—dry mouth, increased heart rate, anxiety, paranoia—but they usually subside quickly. All nama’s products contain low doses of Delta 9; low enough that most users will experience only positive effects.

So far there is very little research on the potential negative side effects of Delta 8. Delta 8 is considered safe as long as you buy products from reliable companies. Production of Delta 8 THC often requires turning cannabidiol into Delta 8—a process that can be done with different extraction processes, some of which involve harmful solvents. When shopping for Delta 8 products, make sure that the compound was derived from CBD using the CO2 extraction method.

Best Microdosing Delta 8 and Delta 9 Amounts

People who microdose THC report that 1-5mg of Delta 9 THC produces the best chronic pain relief. With Delta 8 THC, a good serving size for pain relief—especially if you’re a first-time user—is between 5-10 mg.

Many cannabis products contain Delta 9 THC and cannabidiol. Their combination provides the best results for managing pain and for other medical conditions. When THC and CBD are taken together, they produce the so-called entourage effect.

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect refers to the synergic benefits of Delta 9, CBD, and other cannabinoids. The presence of one enhances the beneficial properties of another, so benefits of THC are boosted by the presence of CBD, and vice versa.

The medical benefits of the entourage effect include:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Positive effects on insomnia and sleep disorders
• Relief in mood disorders and symptoms of depression, anxiety, etc.
• Pain relief

You can produce the entourage effect by taking microdosed cannabis products that contain more than one cannabinoid. A popular nama product is CBD gummies. Many of them contain both CBD and THC to produce the full spectrum CBD effect. An even better way to create the full entourage effect is with our full spectrum gummies!

Broad spectrum CBD gummies do not contain THC. The combination of CBD, CBN, CBG, and other minor cannabinoids and terpenes produce a version of the entourage effect. Many people want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without THC, so they choose either broad spectrum or our CBN gummies.

See our article on the differences between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD and how their therapeutic effects can boost your health.

Delta 8 and Delta 9 Legality

Many people are still baffled: how is Delta 9 legal (and Delta 8, for that matter) when marijuana isn’t?

Is Delta 9 THC Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill made a distinction between hemp and marijuana, legalizing all Delta 9 THC products on a federal level in the US. Delta 9 THC is federally legal if derived from hemp and if the THC concentration in the product does not exceed 0.3% by dry weight.

Most US states have adopted the Farm Bill criteria, but to make sure Delta 9 is legal in your state, read our state-by-state guide on Delta 9 legality.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

Delta 8 THC is federally legal if compliant with the two conditions set by the Farm Bill. Our Elevate Gummies are legal at a federal level because they are derived from hemp and the THC content does not exceed 0.3% by dry weight.

Despite federal legality, some US states consider Delta 8 a controlled substance. As of 2022, Delta 8 is illegal in fourteen states:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Iowa
• Idaho
• Kentucky
• Montana
• Mississippi
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Utah

Is CBD Legal?

Hemp-derived CBD is legal at the federal level in the US if compliant with the Farm Bill. CBD derived from marijuana is governed by the same laws as marijuana-extracted THC.

All our products—including CBD gummies for sleep with hemp-derived CBD and THC—are compliant with the Farm Bill.

nama CBD FDA & Legal Disclaimer

Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They are not a replacement for prescription medications and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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