You’ve heard of delta-8 THC, the new “legal high” on the block. The euphoric characteristics of this chemical, which are similar to those of delta-9 THC, have made it immensely popular. However, you will not experience the paranoia and anxiety that come with taking delta-9.
The 2018 Farm Bill included removing hemp and its derivatives with deficient delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol levels from Schedule I Controlled Substances, allowing the United States to produce hemp. Another widely used cannabinoid, CBD flower UK, might now be sourced from hemp by manufacturers.
After CBD’s meteoric rise to fame, firms created delta-8 THC by extracting it from CBD. This brings us to the subject of today’s article. We’ll talk about delta-8 THC, including where to find it, how safe it is, and where to use it safely.
Delta-8 THC: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Cannabinoid Delta-8 is a relatively new compound. It has anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nausea effects. THC in delta-8 is less potent than in delta-9, the predominant THC type found in cannabis. Let’s first go over the fundamentals of cannabis and THC so we can better grasp delta-8.
When It Comes to THC, What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9?
According to what we’ve learned so far, delta-9 is the most important cannabinoid in the cannabis plant when getting people high. It’s present in higher concentrations in marijuana than in hemp. The CB1 and CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system bind to delta-9 or simply THC.
THC gives you a high when it connects to the CB1 receptors. However, it produces a calming effect when it binds to CB2 receptors in the brain. Delta-8 pen piqued the interest of medical researchers due to its groundbreaking discoveries. To put it another way, delta-9 doesn’t only make you feel good. Among its potential uses are as an anti-nausea agent and an appetite stimulant.
The architectures of delta-8 and delta-9 are very similar. However, they differ significantly in terms of a chemical structure and the position of bonds. The carbon chains 8 and 9 of delta-8 THC contain this double bond, while chains 8 and 9 of delta-9 THC include the same double bond. Shape and binding to the endocannabinoid system of the body are both affected by this.
In the same way, as delta-9 THC attaches to CB1 receptors, delta-8 THC does, as well. However, due to its slightly altered structure and shape, its affinity for the CB1 receptor is different. For this reason, delta-8 THC has a softer and less obscure high than delta-9 THC. This means that delta-9, whether given orally or inhaled, produces euphoric effects. These claims are well-supported by both clinical and anecdotal evidence.
Even though many people prefer the mild high of delta-8 to the potent one of delta-9, scientific data suggests otherwise. Both delta-9 and delta-8 are known to be converted in the liver to 11-hydroxy-THC, according to experts. As a result, they warn against using either delta-8 or delta-9 THC products without consulting with a physician first.
Despite this, research shows that delta-8 THC has a slew of unique characteristics and therapeutic advantages. Because of this, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular, especially among individuals who dislike the side effects of delta-9 THC but still want the medicinal benefits.
Is Delta-8 THC Permitted to Be Used Medically?
To begin with, some businesses are actively advertising delta-8 THC as a safe and legal alternative to marijuana. The 2018 Farm Bill says this is correct technically. It’s illegal to possess or use Schedule I narcotics like marijuana since it includes delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This category includes medications with a significant abuse potential but little therapeutic value. They are strictly regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Conclusion
Federal legislation, on the other hand, makes no mention of delta-8 THC. As a result, it’s still considered illegal because it’s made from CBD produced from legal hemp. To be more precise, CBD is the source of nearly all of the delta-8 THC sold on the open market. It’s available at CBD stores, dispensaries, head shops, petrol stations, and the makers’ websites. Many other delivery modalities are available, including tinctures, gummies, flowers, and vapes.
