What is Delta 8 THC?

There’s nothing like a new product to get the cannabis world talking, and it seems that everyone is talking about it lately. We know what you’re thinking, “We already know all about THC?” but that’s where you’re wrong!

Delta 8 THC is closely related to Delta 9 THC, the cannabinoid we’re all familiar with, but there are some fascinating differences.

In the following article, we’ll take a closer look at what it is, if it’s legal, how it’s different from Delta 9 THC, whether it will get you high, and what to look for when buying.

Known Potential Health Benefits of Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 can provide pain relief.

Delta 8 THC has received significant attention for its capacity to relieve pain. This claim is based on a survey in which 41% of therapeutic users claimed persistent pain as the reason for using it.

Delta 8 THC uses various mechanisms to relieve pain. For starters, it has shown the ability to reduce pain signals in the neurons and spinal cord directly. The direct regulation of the neurological system helps to alleviate discomfort.

Furthermore, Delta 8 THC interacts with immune cell receptors, decreasing swelling associated with joint and muscle aches. By reducing swelling, it addresses a common source of pain and suffering.

Delta 8 THC also interacts with reward center receptors, which might reduce unpleasant experiences. This interaction in the brain’s reward system adds to Delta 8 THC’s overall pain-relieving effects.

While more research is needed to understand the mechanisms and potential long-term effects fully, reported experiences and survey data indicate that Delta 8 THC has promise as a compound for pain management. This may lead to a multifaceted approach to pain relief through its direct impact on nerve signaling, anti-swelling properties, and modulation of reward pathways.

Delta 8 can improve sleep quality.

Delta 8 THC is gaining popularity for its potential to improve sleep quality. Several users reported success in getting deep and restorative sleep.

One of the key reasons customers choose Delta 8 products for sleep is their relaxing properties. Delta 8 promotes restful evenings by reducing stress and overthinking, frequently leading to sleep problems.

Scientifically, Delta 8 interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with stable sleep patterns. For example, it can improve the efficiency of melatonin and dopamine synthesis. Melatonin is an important hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, and Delta 8 effect on its production can lead to more coordinated and comfortable sleep. Furthermore, by adjusting dopamine, Delta 8 can reduce the likelihood of nightmares and promote a more pleasant sleep experience.

While individual reactions may differ, the reported experiences and neurochemical effects of Delta 8 point to its potential as a natural help for improved sleep quality. As with other sleep-related interventions, consumers need to study Delta 8 cautiously. They may consider speaking with healthcare specialists, especially if they have underlying sleep issues.

Delta 8 can calm an overactive immune system.

Delta 8 THC is emerging as a notable molecule due to its ability to treat an overactive immune system. Add to it Delta 8’s ability to deliver unique health advantages.

This lesser-known cannabinoid has received attention for its anti-swelling and neuroprotective characteristics. Such qualities suggest it could be useful in soothing a hyperactive neurological or immune system.

Delta 8 THC’s anti-swellingy properties are very effective in modifying certain immune responses. Swelling is an important part of the immune system’s response to numerous stimuli, but when it becomes excessive, it can cause discomfort and other symptoms linked with specific medical diseases. The ability of Delta 8 THC to lower soreness suggests a potential treatment while also encouraging a more balanced immune response.

Furthermore, Delta 8 THC’s neuroprotective qualities may explain its capacity to soothe a hyperactive immune system. The contact with the neurological system may help regulate immune response, reducing excessive reactions that could lead to health problems.

Delta 8 can stimulate appetite.

Scientific evidence states that Delta 8 THC can quicken a person’s dormant appetite. A study looking at the effects of Delta 8 THC on food consumption in mice found that it has the ability to enhance hunger.

In the study, test subjects who were given a low dose of Delta 8 THC showed a significant increase in food intake compared to the control group. The difference is a 16% increase in the short term and a 22% increase in the long run.

Interestingly, the study found that the group given Delta 8 THC ingested more food than the group given Delta 9 THC despite having identical performance in cognitive mazes and brain activity. This shows that Delta 8 may be more efficient at increasing hunger than its more well-known counterpart, Delta 9 THC.

These findings may have ramifications for people who suffer from eating disorders, have a general lack of appetite, or want to gain weight by increasing food intake and caloric consumption. Delta 8 THC’s potential to boost appetite may provide a practical answer for people who struggle with insufficient food intake.

How Does Delta 8 THC Work?

Delta 8 THC is a known structural isomer of Delta 9 THC (a main psychoactive compound naturally occurring in a hemp plant). The only difference in chemical structure would be the placement of a double bond between the two major cannabinoids. Even though this is a slight dissimilarity, it seems to influence their potency and effects.

The human body consists of a unique network of chemical signals and cellular receptors densely packed throughout the body. This is what we call the human endocannabinoid system or simply ECS.

Experts are still conducting studies to understand further how ECS works. So far, we discovered that ECS plays an essential role in regulating a range of bodily functions and processes, such as:

• Mood
• Sleep
• Appetite
• Pain

Findings from hemp and cannabis research studies propose that Delta 8 THC interacts with the same cannabinoid receptors as Delta 9 THC. This effect is explained by their almost identical chemical structures.

Preliminary studies suggest that Delta 8 THC binds to innate cannabinoid receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system with lesser potency as compared with Delta 9 THC. This diminished binding strength results in a decrease in the psychoactive potency of the THC cannabinoid. This might explain why users commonly report that Delta 8 has milder psychoactive effects compared to standard THC.

While our understanding of Delta 8 THC’s mechanism of action is still in its early phases, we know that ongoing research aims to discover the intricacies that surround this intriguing hemp molecule. More research studies are necessary to comprehensively grasp how Delta 8 THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system.

Additionally, if you’re curious about its effects and duration, you might wonder how long does Delta 8 stay in your system compared to other cannabinoids like Delta 9.

Delta-8 and CBD Similarities

Delta-8 THC and CBD, both made from hemp plants, have a lot in common when it comes to how they work and what they can be used for, even though they give you different vibes. Delta-8 THC can give you a little high, but CBD won’t get you high at all. But they both have some good things going for them that make people interested. 

Let’s check out what they have in common:

• Made from Hemp: Both Delta-8 and CBD come from hemp plants, all-natural stuff.
• How it interacts with your body: They interact with something called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in your body, which helps keep things like your mood, sleep, and appetite in check.
• Alleviate discomfort: They can both help with things like discomfort and swelling.
• Help with stress: People like to use them to relax and chill out, and to help with anxiety.
• Legalities: In a lot of places, as long as they’re made from hemp and contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, they’re totally cool according to the 2018 Farm Bill.

How Does Delta-8 THC Differ from CBD?

Delta-8 THC and CBD, they both come from hemp, but they work differently in our bodies and have different effects. Unlike CBD, Delta-8 THC can make you feel a little bit “high,” but in a gentle way.

●    Effects on our Minds: Delta-8 THC can give us a mellow and happy feeling, but CBD won’t make you feel intoxicated.

●    How they affect our bodies: Delta-8 THC attaches to CB1 receptors in our brains, which can change our mood and thoughts. CBD, on the other hand, interacts with our endocannabinoid system in a more subtle way.

●    Chilling out or staying clear: Delta-8 THC can help with relaxation and bring about some happiness, while CBD is more about keeping calm without messing with how we see things.

●    The legal stuff: When it comes to the law, the legality of Delta-8 THC varies in different places, but CBD usually has less legal issues.

●    What people are after: People often choose CBD for wellness and therapeutic effects, while those who want a light “high” tend to go for Delta-8 THC.

Can Delta-8 and CBD be combined?

For sure! When you mix Delta-8 THC and CBD, it’s like a match made in heaven. They bring out the best in each other, creating an awesome entourage effect. If you’re all about relaxation, sleep, or stress relief, this combo is the way to go. Check out these Delta 8 Gummies for Sleep – they’ve got both cannabinoids, so you can enjoy all the good stuff in one tasty package.

• Delta-8 delivers a chill vibe and a touch of happiness.

• CBD is like a mind-calming superhero, reducing stress without making you feel high.

• Together, they team up to give you some deep, blissful sleep and overall wellness.

Throwing Delta-8 and CBD together is like a power move if you want that extra kick of therapeutic benefits.

Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC

Delta 8 and Delta 9 are two closely related isomers of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the primary psychoactive compound present in both hemp and cannabis plants. Although they are present in hemp extract, Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC hold distinct properties that set them apart.

Carbon Double Bond Positioning

(Image is for reference only. If possible, we generate our own? Thanks!)

• Delta 9 THC has a double bond on the 9th carbon atom in the molecular structure.
• Delta 8 THC has a double bond on the 8th carbon atom in the molecular structure.

This slight difference in the positioning of the carbon atoms’ double bond (as shown in the image above) leads to variations in their properties and effects.

Chemical Synthesis

Delta 9 THC is naturally occurring in cannabis plants, while Delta 8 is present in much smaller quantities.

Delta 8 THC is often synthesized from CBD (cannabidiol) through a chemical process that involves isomerization, where the positioning of the double bond is altered from the 9th to the 8th carbon.

Effects

Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in the body, producing psychoactive effects.

However, Delta 8 THC is often described as producing a milder “high,” meaning it produces less intense psychoactive effects and a more relaxed and clear-headed experience. Delta 9 THC is generally considered to be more potent and can produce stronger psychoactive effects.

Legal Status

The legal status of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC varies depending on the jurisdiction.

In many places, Delta 9 THC is still illegal due to its classification as a controlled substance. Delta 8, on the other hand, exists in a legal gray area in some countries and states. This is especially true if the cannabinoid is derived from hemp and may not be explicitly prohibited in certain laws.

Can Delta-8 and Delta-9 be combined?

Totally! When you mix Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, you can get a really nice balance of effects. It’s like having the good vibes and happiness from Delta-9, but also feeling super chill and clear-headed from Delta-8. People are loving this combo because it brings out the best of both cannabinoids. They call it the “entourage effect” because it’s like they team up and make each other even better. If you want to try it out, check out Stirling’s Delta 8 and Delta 9 Fusion Bliss Bites. They’re these yummy treats that have both Delta-8 and Delta-9, so you can relax, unwind, and just enjoy the best of both worlds, all in one tasty bite.