Cannabis is still illegal in a lot of states - and it seems like this will be the case for the foreseeable future. As the battle for it's legalization continues, researchers and scientists have been exploring alternative solutions. Delta-8 is an emerging force in the cannabis world, and it's time you heard about it. So what is Delta-8? And how does it work? Let's get to know about it.
The Cannabis Family
Delta-8 THC is a type of chemical found in cannabis plants that does not give users any psychoactive effect, but can still enhance their mind's cognitive functions. It has been shown to have an affinity for affecting the brain’s neurons and blocking them from receiving transmissions - essentially deadening sensation or feeling when smoked due interruption by outside forces such as pain signals sent out through our nerves during injury.
While Delta-8 THC can be found in nature, it's not as common or well known compared to its counterpart - Delta 9. This chemical is what gives marijuana that characteristic "high" effect and makes people feel relaxed.
Users have reported a similar euphoria and calming sensation from Delta-8, but with less paranoia.
Hemp-derived Delta 8 THC is a more clear, crisp and energetic high than the cloudy fogginess you get from smoking weed. It's also legal in most states which means it may stay that way for awhile!
The Chemistry Behind
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are over 100 types of them! Each bond with a slightly different set of receptors in your brain, producing a range of effects. Delta-8 THC is created when Delta-9 THC breaks down during the curing and storing process of cannabis flower, or through chemical conversion methods. Delta 8 has a lower psychotropic potency than Delta 9, but it's still quite strong - about 50% as powerful. Delta-9 THC is the big illegal one (when above 0.3% THC). It produces pretty powerful psychoactive effects. CBD is another cannabinoid found in the plant. It has recently become extremely popular, and you’ve probably heard of it. CBD exists in its own classification. It is the relative of THC, and both are actually part of a group called “phytocannabinoids”. Delta-8 is not part of the CBD family.
Delta-8 naturally exists in cannabis in very minute amounts. Delta-8 THC is similar to it’s more familiar cousin in several important ways, but it also brings a number of distinct differences. The main one is the way the two molecules bond with the receptors in your body.
Delta-8 and Your Anatomy
Both delta-8 and delta-9-THC have one set of double bonds in their molecular chains. And while Delta-8-THC contains that bond on the 8th carbon chain, delta-9-THC contains the bond on the — you guessed it — 9th carbon chain. That subtle difference translates to noticeably different effects on how the body binds and responds to the two molecules.
Your body has a system called the endocannabinoid system that has 2 sets of receptors: CB1 and CB2. There are a lot of different receptors, and as a whole they determine a lot about your waking experience. Your energy level, mood, happiness, hunger any many other areas are all affected by this system. It’s a very important system.
Scientists have found that the psychoactive effects of cannabis are caused by a group of receptors in your brain and central nervous system. The CB1 Receptor mainly deals with these substances, which can lead to feeling groggy or disoriented after use as well paranoia if too much is consumed at one time; however there's also another type called Delta 8 THC interacting differently than regular bud because instead it binds mostly outside organs such like our intestines where you'll feel calmer without any anxiety crashes coming through quite so strong.
Delta-8 THC's Medical Applications
Delta-8 is often thought of as a more tolerable, less psychoactive version of THC. Users can still focus and go about their work while enjoying the relaxing effects that come with it - all without any worry or distortion in mind! The high will be clear to notice but not hazy like you would get from other strains whose potency might have been too strong for someone's liking. The high is much clearer, and comes without the worry and distortion. Users will notice the difference in mental state, but it will feel far less hazy, and instead more energetic.
Need to know more about Delta-8? Check out our Delta 8 FAQ article here.
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