One of the most significant differences is legality. CBD is legal federally, as well as in most states. Conversely, delta-9 is federally legal though regulated in some places.
Today, we’ll break down all you need to know about delta-9 vs. CBD, including the following:
- Delta 9 Basics and Benefits
- Is Delta 9 CBD?
- CBD Overview and Benefits
- Laws: CBD vs. Delta-9
- Which one is stronger?
- Safety: Delta 9 vs. CBD
What Is Delta 9?
Delta-9 is one of two primary cannabinoids found in cannabis Sativa, CBD being the other. Used recreationally for over 3500 years, delta-9 is usually just known as THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. Most often, you’ll find delta-9 in marijuana. Most importantly, delta-9 THC is psychoactive, meaning you will get high after usage.
Why Is Delta-9 A Primary Cannabinoid?
How Is Delta-9 Sourced?
The cannabis plant has two varieties - hemp and marijuana. Both types contain the entire cannabinoid profile, including CBD and THC. In 2018, congress passed The Farm Bill Act, which made hemp legal. Conversely, marijuana is still illegal, making hemp ideal for CBD products.
Delta-9 THC gets its mojo primarily from marijuana, where it’s abundant. Hemp contains low levels of THC, making it easy to extract CBD and keep products at the legal limit of 0.3% THC. When it comes to THC extraction, here’s what you need to know:
- Delta-9 Is found in both hemp and marijuana
- Delta-9 is legal as long as it’s sourced from hemp
- If sourced from marijuana, delta-9 is federally illegal
Benefits: Delta 9
Delta-9 THC is currently approved by the FDA (nabilone and dronabinol) for treating nausea in chemotherapy and AIDS-related complications. As discussed, delta-9 works with your body’s cannabinoid system, known as the Endocannabinoid System, or ECS. When ingested, delta-9 may also help with the following conditions:
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Anxiety
- Creativity enhanced
- Seizures
- Insomnia
What Is CBD?
CBD is sourced from hemp. Known as cannabidiol, CBD is also a primary cannabinoid because of its ability to bind with receptors in your ECS. Unlike delta-9 THC, CBD won’t make you high. The non-psychoactive component of CBD makes it highly attractive to consumers who want the benefits of cannabis without getting high.
CBD is non-addictive and is considered safe and well-tolerated by the World Health Organization (WHO). You may notice some CBD products contain THC. By law, CBD may have a small amount of THC (0.3%). That’s because, in order for CBD to work its best magic, you need to consume the entire cannabinoid profile, including THC.
Known as the entourage effect, CBD mixed with a carrier oil for absorption and 100 plus other cannabinoids, THC included, have multiple health benefits. You won’t get high with CBD-based delta-9 products because of their low volume of THC.
If you’re still squeamish about consuming any THC, many excellent THC-free CBD products are available. In fact, most THC-free CBD-based products still contain the entire cannabinoid profile - it’s just missing THC.
Benefits: CBD
The FDA recently approved a CBD-based drug called Epidiolex for treating severe seizures in epilepsy patients. Apart from FDA-approved drugs, CBD may also help with the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- PTSD
- Insomnia
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropathic pain
- Acne
Are Delta 9 and CBD Legal?
Laws regarding both delta-9 and CBD vary by state. For the most part, CBD is legal in every state. If your CBD-based product contains 0.3% or less delta-9 and it’s sourced from hemp - it’s federally legal.
Delta-9, on the other hand, is illegal in most states. Some exceptions include states like Colorado and Washington, which allow marijuana on a recreational level. Delta-9 is federally legal, however, if it meets a few of the following conditions:
- It’s sourced from hemp.
- Your product contains 0.3% or less THC.
- You must be 18 to purchase.
Is Delta 9 Stronger Than CBD?
Yes, most definitely. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning you won’t get high when using it. Delta-9 is one of a handful of THC cannabinoids, the others being HHC, delta-8, and delta-10. Delta-9 is the most potent form of THC, based on its ability to bind to CB receptors. The other THC derivatives are considered minor cannabinoids and are much less powerful than delta-9.
Delta 9 vs. CBD: Drug Tests
While THC-free CBD-based products will not appear on a drug test, delta-9 will register a positive result. Screeners are interested in THC, not CBD, when looking for drug use. If you have an upcoming test and still want the benefits of cannabis, buy either a THC-free CBD oil or CBD isolate.
Safety: Delta 9 vs. CBD
Delta-9 is a potent psychoactive cannabinoid that may negatively affect your senses. While not all people have “THC sensitivity,” delta-9 may cause several unwanted side effects, including the 
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Rapid heartbeat
- Raised blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Overthinking
Conversely, CBD has relatively few side effects. First of all, you won’t get high from using it, but you may experience some of the following mild symptoms:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
Final Word: Delta 9 vs. CBD
CBD and THC are here to stay. As we move into the frontier of medical science and knowledge of CBD and delta 9 THC’s benefits, laws will be adjusted. For now, CBD and Delta-9 are generally legal (though regulated in certain states).
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Any medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers, or doctors not directly affiliated with EHDelta.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking any Delta products. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new Delta treatment or medication that is not FDA-approved.