Beginner’s Guide to Delta 8
Everything you need to know about the cutting-edge legal cannabinoid disrupting the $14 Billion Cannabis Industry!
Estimated Read Time: 5 Minutes
Products produced from cannabis are still considered to be a controlled substances in the United States. This unfortunate reality doesn't seem to be changing, even as a growing number of Americans wish to see it fully decriminalized and/or legalized recreationally. Researchers and scholars have long been searching for alternative solutions as states and countries all over the world strive to legalize it. This is where Delta 8-THC comes in clutch, especially for those living in the United States! If this is your first time hearing of Delta 8-THC, don't worry as most cannabis consumers have yet to hear of Delta 8-THC! Ultimately, this latest addition to the cannabis industry is causing confusion, so it's time to learn more and set the record straight!
What is the Delta 8-THC? How is it useful?
Without further introduction, let's jump into THC's amazing science and the new world of hemp!
A Family of Cannabinoids
Delta 8-THC is one of the compounds found naturally occurring in the cannabis plant, both in marihuana and Hemp. It’s closest cousin is Delta 9-THC, the psychoactive ingredient responsible for the “high”. When “smoking” it is the Delta 9-THC what you experience. These two molecules are very similar, in fact many people cannot tell them apart based on their molecular structure. However, Delta 8-THC binds to receptors in the brain in a very different way, resulting in two completely different experiences.
While Delta 8-THC is new, it offers great possibilities as it rivals many of the beneficial effects of Delta 9-THC. Delta 8 is much less potent and has fewer side effects than Delta 9-THC making it the superior form of THC to many cannabis consumers throughout the United States. Users have experienced and reported these benefits to include nausea, pain, anxiety and paranoia relief amounts other things. What is the biggest difference in the 2 leading cannabinoids? Delta 8-THC carries none of the same fogginess and distortion associated with Delta 9-THC. The resulting psychoactive is cleaner, clearer and more vivid. Unlike Delta-9, Delta-8 is THC legal federally in the Unites States. And we expect it to remain legal for years to come.
You may be asking yourself about now, “Why haven’t I heard of this new godsend?” Often, the term ”too good to be true” is used when explaining Delta 8-THC to someone who has never before heard of it. If you’ll stick with us for a moment we’ll explain the reality of the situation.
Chemistry in a Modern Era
More than 100 cannabinoids (compounds) have been found in the cannabis plant. The relationship each of these can have on the different receptors in the brain has a myriad of effects. As I said earlier, it’s Delta 9-THC which makes most cannabis plants illegal in the United States . Delta 9-THC is known to create a very powerful psychological effect.
CBD is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It's been very popular over the past few years- I’m confident you’ve heard of it before. Do not worry, CBD doesn’t fall into the same category as Delta 9-THC. Instead, they are brothers of THC and both are part of a group named "phytocannabinoids". Delta 8-THC is not part of the CBD classification of cannabinoids.
It’s All in the Bonds!
Both delta 8 and delta 9-THC have a single set of double bonds in the molecular chain. Delta 8-THC contains this bond on the 8th carbon chain, whereas Delta 9-THC contains a bond on the 9th carbon chain, resulting in the rational behind their names. This small difference is responsible for the vast difference in effects felt by the user.
The human body has a system called the endocannabinoid system. There are two main groups of receptors in this system: CB1 and CB2. There are many different receptors, and they usually determine a lot in the experience felt by the end user. Mood, energy, hunger, well-being and many other areas are affected by this system; it’s a very important system.
The first group of receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system and brain. This CB1 receptor is primarily associated with psychoactive effects. Delta 9-THC fiercely binds to these recipients. So, you may feel dizzy, delusional, or even paranoid after using Delta 9-THC. Additionally, Delta 8-THC connects to this same CB1 receiver, but in a completely different way. This difference causes less psychological activity and greatly promotes concentration and participation. Delta-8 also interacts primarily with the CB2 receptor found in organs. Both of these receptors interact with Delta 8-THC to bring about an overall better experience.
Medical Applications
The biggest advantage of Delta 8-THC is its low potency compared to Delta 9-THC. This lower potency will always produce less psychoactive effects. Studies have shown that consuming higher doses of Delta 8-THC carry much less paranoia and anxiety than doing the same with Delta 9-THC. Studies also show that Delta 8-THC carries about 50-75% of the traditional psychoactive effects associated with Delta 9-THC. In many respects, it can be considered a more stable version of THC. Users can focus on their work while enjoying the expected soothing effects of THC. The user can absolutely detect the difference in mental state, but there is much less fog and much more energy!
Medically, early studies have already shown promising results of Delta 8-THC use. Namely, these include a 2018 pre-clinical trial study which suggested that Delta 8-THC was excellent in “reducing pain and inflation in mice”. According to the National Library of Medicine, it has published new data indicating that Delta 8-THC is “effective as Delta-9 at soothing anxiety, nausea, and stimulating appetite in humans.”
The future of Legal THC in The United States
The H.R.2 - Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 opened the door to a realistic and viable alternative to traditional cannabis use in the United States. Delta-8 THC has been in use for more than a year and has already received a lot of attention due to its widespread use.
Delta 8 remains legal in the Untied States under federal law. Citizens can continue to provide comments and details to ensure it stays this way. If you would like to add your name to your petition, please visit the DEA website and leave a comment.