Everything that you wanted to know about Delta-8 THC!

It’s hard to go online without seeing something about Delta-8 THC. We know what you’re thinking. THC has been around for years. So why is everyone suddenly talking about it like it’s something completely new? Well, Delta-8 THC isn’t the same as the regular Delta-9 THC that everyone knows and understands.

The cannabis plant is much more complicated than people give it credit for. When it comes to understanding the cannabis plant and the compounds within it, we still have a long way to go.

When you think of traditional THC, you’re most likely thinking of Delta-9 THC. It’s Delta-9 THC that has been the target of lawmakers worldwide for decades. However, since Delta-8 THC has hit markets across the United States, more and more cannabis enthusiasts have been making the switch from traditional THC to Delta-8 THC.

Thousands of people are getting excited about Delta-8 THC. So, what’s all the fuss about? In the following article, we’re going to look at what Delta-8 THC is, the legal status of Delta-8 THC, and what the effects of Delta-8 THC are like.

If you’re curious about trying Delta-8 THC, but want to learn more about it, then you have come to the right place!

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid found in both hemp and marijuana plants. As you can probably tell from the name, Delta-8 THC is very similar to Delta-9 THC, but not quite the same. There are a few key differences between the two cannabinoids.

Like traditional THC, many people are looking to Delta-8 THC for the same potential benefits that it may offer. In addition, anecdotal evidence suggests people are using Delta-8 THC to treat pain, nausea, and anxiety.

Both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC occur naturally in hemp and marijuana plants. However, you’ll only find very small trace amounts of the cannabinoid Delta-8 THC. The two dominant or major cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While both molecules are similar, there are some small differences between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC.

At a chemical level, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC have a similar molecular makeup. Both compounds have a double bond in their structures. Scientists believe that the double bond is responsible for the euphoric high or intoxicating effects that you experience when you consume either cannabinoids.

However, it’s the placement of the double bond that separates the two. In Delta-8 THC, the bond falls on the eighth carbon atom in the chain, and in Delta-9 THC, it falls on the ninth carbon atom. It’s this difference that affects how Delta-8 THC binds with the receptors in the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and why the euphoric effects of Delta-8 THC are less than that of Delta-9 THC.

Inside all of us is a complicated cell signaling system known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS comprises a series of receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are linked together and spread throughout the body. It’s believed that the ECS is responsible for regulating important bodily functions such as appetite, fertility, reproduction, sleep, and appetite.

It doesn’t matter whether you have ever tried any cannabis products. You still have an ECS. Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA), and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG). However, sometimes our body doesn’t produce enough of these endocannabinoids or breaks them down too quickly.

What Is The Legal Status of Delta-8 THC?

While we don’t know as much about Delta-8 THC as we do other cannabinoids, we’re starting to discover a lot more. Early research into this minor cannabinoid is looking extremely positive. For example, in one study conducted in 2018 and published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, they called a synthetic version of Delta-8 THC a ‘potent anti-inflammatory’ that has very similar effects to prednisone.

It’s one of the hottest topics in the cannabis world right now. So, is Delta-8 THC legal or illegal? The simple answer is it’s currently existing in limbo in a legal gray area that’s neither legal nor illegal. To check out why there is confusion, we need to look at a little bit of history.

In 2018, the US Farm Bill made it federally legal to grow hemp and produce goods from hemp. It was this farm bill that led to an explosion in CBD products across America. CBD is found in hemp, and as long as it contains less than 0.3 Delta-9 THC, then it’s legal at a federal level. At the same time, they made hemp and products made from hemp, such as CBD legal. They also defined the difference between hemp and marijuana.

Hemp must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. If it has more than 0.3%, then it is considered marijuana and illegal. So, therefore, Delta-8 THC derived from hemp is legal because there is nothing set in place which states that it is illegal. However, several states have taken legal action to have Delta-8 THC listed as a Schedule 1 Narcotic. Still, currently, the federal government hasn’t made any move to have it added alongside its big brother Delta-9 THC.

What Are The Effects of Delta-8 THC?

One of the biggest drawbacks to Delta-9 THC is its negative side effects. Many people experience anxiety and paranoia at high doses, along with laziness and mental fogginess. Delta-8 THC is more like a blend of CBD and Delta-9 THC. Consider it the light beer of the cannabis world.

You will get all the same potential benefits of traditional THC, without the negative side effects which many people find unpleasant.

The Beginner’s Guide to Delta-8 THC – Conclusion

Delta-8 THC certainly has its critics. Some people claim that because the cannabinoid only exists in trace amounts in hemp, not enough to make it viable for commercial applications, and it has to be produced synthetically, it shouldn’t be legal, but that hasn’t stopped a huge market from flourishing across the United States in a very short time.

As you can see, we still have a lot to learn about Delta-8 THC, but initial studies and anecdotal evidence from thousands of users across the country are looking very promising. If you’re considering trying Delta-8 THC and are taking any medication or suffering any medical conditions, then please speak to your doctor or healthcare professional first.

If you have any questions about Delta-8 THC or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.