Cannabinoids have been making tons of headlines for quite some time now — but have you caught this one? Her name is delta-8-THC, and she’s a sister to delta-9, the THC you’re familiar with already. If you’re curious about how she may relate to CBD, too, we’ll dive into a little of that as well.
What is delta-8-THC?
Delta-8-THC is only slightly different chemically speaking than delta-9-THC. It is yet another compound derived from Cannabis sativa or the hemp plant. However, how delta-8 reacts with your neurological system and your CB1 receptors is quite different. This leads to probably one of the most important questions you’ll ask about delta-8 now that you know the basics: how does delta-8 make you feel?
How does delta-8 make you feel?
Delta-8 is about one-third to one-half as psychotropic (or psychoactive) as delta-9-THC. This means that the high won’t pack quite as much of a punch as delta-9. Granted, delta-8 is sure to affect everyone a little differently depending on your unique body system. Delta-8 also has some similar therapeutic benefits to delta-9, particularly for people with anxiety, nausea, or appetite issues. In fact, the majority of delta-8 users report an upbeat, focused, and milder high that helped their whole body relax — and even made them feel less hungry.
The research
It probably wasn’t a huge revelation that delta-8 is simply a variant of delta-9. However, this slight chemical shift causes a “completely different profile.” Cannabinoid variants are cropping up as extraction methods get more effective and sophisticated. In fact, delta-8 exists in very small quantities in cannabis plants. Until recently, it was difficult to extract enough delta-8 to justify more widespread use.
Prominent Israeli researcher Dr. Raphael Mechoulam first identified delta-9 (and thus, delta-8) as early as 1964 with his isolation research. Later in 1975, scientists discovered that delta-8 was able to shrink cancer tumors in rats. Even more promising, delta-8 given to pediatric cancer patients reduced nausea in 100% of cases in a 1995 study. We discuss other health benefits and potential uses of delta-8 in the bottom section.
CBD, Delta 8, and Delta 9
With a process developed by Mechoulam years ago called isomerization, it’s possible to convert CBD into delta-8 or delta-9. Other processes have developed as well. This is great news for fans or soon-to-be fans of delta-8, considering the recent prominence of CBD. When it comes to how potent delta-8 is, it’s easy to remember. CBD will produce the mildest effects on your body with delta-8 being just a step above, with delta-9-THC above that.
Why delta-8 may be great for you
If you’re asking “why delta-8-THC?” as well as “what is delta-8-THC?” we hope to clear this up, too. Not only does delta-8 possess a lot of the same benefits as delta-9, such as being antiemetic (fights nausea), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and appetite-boosting or regulating, but it also has far fewer barriers to access.
As we’ve discussed, delta-8 essentially falls on the spectrum for “effects” between CBD and THC — THC being the “high” end. If you’re someone that suffers from anxiety or negative effects from delta-9-THC, too, delta-8’s milder high may be perfect for you. Though we discussed that delta-8 may offer appetite boosting effects, this will likely depend on the particular product. In addition, delta-8 may work for the following situations or symptoms:
- Hangovers
- Menstrual cramps
- Low libido
- Recovery from a TBI (traumatic brain injury)
Delta-8 is legal
Perhaps you’re not on board with THC yet due to reasons of legality, and that’s understandable. Many states are behind on the legalization of delta-9-THC, but it’s a different ballgame for delta-8. Since delta-8-THC will be produced from CBD, it is federally legal. This is a huge reason to see if this compound could help you with any of the above concerns. Wondering where you can buy Delta 8? We’ve got you.
Though we love delta-9 on Direct THC Online, there’s always room for more exciting cannabis research. Be sure to check back soon for more updates, or read the rest of our blog.
