What is Delta 8 THC?
Find out what makes this cannabinoid different from regular THC.
What is Delta 8 THC?
When talking about THC, many think about Delta 9 THC. Delta-9-THC is the psychoactive component in marijuana that gives the typical marijuana high. However, it is not the only cannabinoid that has psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits as well. Delta-8 THC is little known of but is also an “exogenous bliss molecule.” Delta 8 THC is typically Delta 9 THC’s double bond isomer. It is able to bind to the CB1 receptor found in the nervous system, albeit it has a lower affinity for this receptor. Consequently, it causes a mild cerebral high as compared to its counterpart delta-8-THC. Additionally, it has therapeutic effects including antiemetic properties, analgesic, neuroprotective, and appetite stimulating properties.
Where does Delta 8 THC Come From?
Delta 8 THC is found naturally in the cannabis plant; however, it is present in minimal amounts. Commercial extractors have since been using selective breeding processes and molecular isolation in extracting concentrates that are rich in Delta 8 THC and rare cannabinoids. Oleum Extracts is a high-level cannabis extractor in Washington that is spearheading the extraction of delta 8 THC. They are creating vape cartridges made of this compound.
Delta-9 THC can also be converted into Delta 8 THC, hence forging new avenues for enjoying cannabis vaping. However, this calls for sophisticated processing and refinement.
How Delta-8-THC Differs From Regular THC
Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol is the most commonly known form of THC. The “delta” indicates the place in which a double bond is found on the molecule. Delta 8 is Delta 9’s isomer, which means that it comes with a similar number of atoms in its molecular structure.
The main difference between the two is based on the exact position of the double bond, as it is slightly shifted in the subsequent molecule. This implies that Delta 8 THC is subtly different from Delta 9, and researchers have speculated that its interaction with cannabinoid receptors is different than that of Delta 9 THC. Research is still on to identify how the impact of the two compounds differs on a human body’s overall endocannabinoid system.
What’s the Relevance of Delta 8 THC?
Government researchers in 1974 carried out a study on mice to learn whether Delta 8 THC has harmful effects on the immune system.
Instead, they discovered that cannabinoids have incredible cancer-killing abilities. As this was hard to believe, it took the government decades to admit the relevance of Delta 8 THC. A number of Delta 8 cancer treatment success cases have been reported thereafter, and people are continually appreciating the usefulness of this compound.
Other Benefits of Delta 8 THC to the Body
Delta-8-THC gives a unique, potent high. Patients who have tried this compound have reported persuasive body relaxation, clear-headedness, and stimulation with a lesser psychoactive effect. One research proved that Delta 8 THC has properties that may help reduce tension and stress, stimulate appetite, and lessen nausea. While another study suggested that delta-8-THC is more effective (200%) as an anti-emetic as compared to delta-9-THC. The National Cancer Institute reports that Delta 8 THC is:
- Antiemetic: helps in combating nausea
- Anxiolytic: fights anxiety and panic
- Analgesic: relieves pain
- Appetite stimulating
- Neuroprotective: Supports your nerve cells
Delta-8-THC for recreational users
As mentioned above, delta 8 THC has minimal psychoactive properties. However, this does not mean that recreational users cannot enjoy smoking or dabbing this compound. Generally, this compound is considered to be 50% less potent than delta-9-THC. It is also pretty hard to come by considering that it is found in minimal amounts in the cannabis plant. That said, it may be ideal for users who may be averse to extreme cannabis intoxication. The high you can expect from this strain is something to relax your body and boost your spirits. Do not expect this compound to “take you to cloud nine” as delta-9-THC does. A study by EVO Labs suggested that this compound is actually “more upbeat, energetic and productive.”
Bottom Line
Above is an impressive list of health remedies from a compound that is relatively unknown. Delta 8 THC users have reported countless medicinal benefits, and more research is underway to verify these qualities as well as discover more of its medicinal benefits. Better, Delta 8 THC has minimal psychoactivity; hence you need not worry about getting severely intoxicated by this compound.
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