By now, delta 8 THC has been on the market for quite a while, and many hemp enthusiasts out there have been able to explore and fully enjoy its unique effects. Delta 8 was the first psychoactive cannabinoid to enter the legal hemp market, proving to be quite revolutionary, and it remains enormously popular to this day for good reason. But, in spite of its popularity, many still don’t quite understand exactly what this compound is, or its more specific properties that can be highly valuable.
What Exactly is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the hemp plant alongside the other 100 plus cannabinoids present in the plant’s flowering buds. While its cousin delta 9 THC exists in about 0.3% of the chemical structure, delta 8 is even more minor, being found in less than 0.1%.
Delta 8 is easily best known for being a psychoactive cannabinoid, and that being said, it’s been a gamechanger on the hemp scene. Delta-8 is mildly psychoactive – about 70% as psychoactive as delta-9. Meanwhile, its relationship to the endocannabinoid system is quite distinctive, as you’ll soon discover.
Delta 8 THC is very similar to delta 9 THC, and for good reason. Delta 8 is actually the natural byproduct of delta 9 that has oxidized while remaining in the plant material. Essentially, as the hemp plant ages, some of its delta 9 content is converted into delta 8, which ends up taking on new properties while retaining many associated with delta 9. Delta-8 is a weaker form of delta-9, as its molecular structure enables it to yield its own distinctive effects.
The History of Delta 8 THC
Exists in mother nature, delta 8 THC was not created in some lab, but we’ve actually been consuming it in its natural form all along. It was, in fact, first discovered back in 1941, having first been isolated at the University of Illinois by chemist Roger Adams. A year later, scientists began studying the cannabinoid through oral administration in an effort to understand its unique properties and potential benefits to humans. In 1966, scientists developed distillation methods for isolating the cannabinoid which are still used to this day.
The most exciting research pertaining to delta 8 took place in the 1970s, when researchers began to learn that delta-8 had extremely valuable properties beyond its psychoactive effects. From there, interest in delta8 has only grown, and because of the 2018 Farm Bill, it’s finally been established as a federally legal cannabinoid.
What are the Properties of Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a very unique cannabinoid in terms of how it works with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Delta 8 has a strong affinity for CB1 receptors, which are the cannabinoid receptors found in the body’s nervous system. CB1 receptors are tasked with regulating processes of the body within the nervous system, and because delta-8 works primarily on these receptors, its effects on the nervous system may possibly be more potent than those of other cannabinoids.
#1: Effects on Nausea
Delta 8 THC has been shown in studies to have a useful effect on those dealing with nausea, possibly reducing instances and severity of nausea so that a person can eat more comfortably throughout the day.
#2: Effects on Stress
Research has shown that delta 8 THC may have anxiolytic properties. Anxiolytics aim to reduce anxiety and stress levels by rebalancing the neurotransmitters in the brain that dictate our mood. Primarily, delta 8 may balance cortisol levels, with cortisol being the neurotransmitter responsible for the “fight or flight” response. Many people who use delta 8 say that they feel more at ease, and this is one of the most common reasons for taking it.
#3: Neuroprotectant Properties
Delta 8 THC has been studied for its potential neuroprotectant properties which pertain to the function of theneurological system. Neuroprotectants “protect” the neurons and neural pathways, in a way that can improve overall neurological function. Neuroprotectants are extremely valuable to those with neurological conditions including epilepsy, dementia, and traumatic brain injury. Many cannabinoids in hemp, in fact, are shown to act as potential neuroprotectants.
#4: Effects on Pain
Pain is a function of the nervous system, found within the pain receptors belonging to the nerves. These pain receptors are stimulated, and reactively send pain signals to the brain. Analgesics interrupt this communication process to lower pain levels.
Delta 8 THC has been shown in findings to offer potential analgesic properties. Again, because delta 8 focuses so heavily on CB1 receptors in the nervous system, it could possibly offer more potent analgesic properties than many other cannabinoids.
#5: Effects on Appetite
Delta 8 might be able to stimulate appetite, which is something that it would share in common with delta 9 THC.
What is the Psychoactive Nature of Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC, as mentioned earlier, is about 70% as psychoactive as delta 9 THC. This means that the high is milder than that of marijuana. Still, a beginner should start slow as the psychoactive effects of any cannabinoid are tolerance-dependent and can be quite strong for those who have not developed a tolerance to THC of any kind.
So, what’s the high like? The large majority of those who take delta 8 say that it feels like an indica strain of cannabis. This means that the effects are more mellowing and soothing, rather than energizing. This is why a lot of people prefer to take a serving of delta 8 THC in the evening hours, either after a long day or at bedtime.
When compared to delta 9, delta 8 seems to do a better job at helping a person retain clarity and focus. In other words, it doesn’t seem to be as consciousness-altering. And, a lot of people report lower levels of paranoia when using delta 8 than they do with delta 9, although ultimately this will depend on the individual user.
Types of Delta 8 THC Products
Delta 8 THC comes in all kinds of forms, so you can decide how you want to experience this one-of-a-kind cannabinoid on your own terms.
- Vapes: Delta-8 vapes remain the most popular way to experience the cannabinoid. They come in pre-filled cartridges as well as disposables. Can be found in a wide array of popular strains, as these formulas contain terpene profiles borrowed from the hemp plant. Also offer fast-acting and powerful effects that last for about an hour or two.
- Tinctures: Delta-8 tinctures offer a slightly milder type of high, but the effects are more long-lasting and come on more gradually. They come in a wide array of milligram strength options which is great for those who want a precise serving of delta 8 each day.
- Edibles: Delta-8 gummies and other types of edibles offer a stronger “body high,” which is the nature of ingesting psychoactive cannabinoids. Also, the effects can last for up to 8 or so hours, and it doesn’t hurt that they’re delicious.
- Capsules: Those who desire the properties of edibles but don’t want to consume a food product can simply opt for delta-8 capsules, which come in various milligram strengths and promote the same “body high” and long-lasting effects.
- Flower: Delta-8 flower has proven to be quite popular, consisting of raw CBD flower buds infused with delta 8 THC extract to offer a psychoactive effect alongside the known properties of terpenes and other cannabinoids. You can find various strains, and both loose bud and pre-roll options.
- Dabs: Delta-8 dabs are concentrates flash-vaporized in dabbing devices, and they’re known for delivering extremely potent effects compared to other delivery methods.