Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. But it was not until around the mid-20th century that serious scientific research on the herb commenced.
These studies have established that marijuana may provide numerous therapeutic benefits. It has also emerged that the plant produces at least 130 compounds known as cannabinoids, which account for its medicinal properties. One such compound is delta-8 THC.
But if you’re encountering this term for the first time, it’s natural to wonder what the substance is all about and its potential effects on the human body. Well, this article shall attempt to address all those concerns.
Read on as we unpack the seven fun facts you need about delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 THC Is a Derivative of Tetrahydrocannabinol
The best way to understand delta-8 THC is to begin by familiarizing yourself with tetrahydrocannabinol.
Commonly abbreviated as THC, tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the two most popular and widely researched cannabinoids in cannabis. The other one is cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is usually contrasted with CBD in terms of its effects on the human body. Both compounds provide immense pharmacological benefits. However, THC also has psychoactive effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the compound that usually comes to mind when referencing marijuana’s mind-altering properties.
Now, THC exists in several isomers. The most popular one is delta-9. Other lesser-known THC isomers include delta-8, delta-10, and THC-0.
All Delta-8 THC Products Are Not Made Equal
This is a significant fact to remember while shopping for delta-8 THC products.
Like other cannabinoids, delta-8 goods can differ significantly in their quality and composition. Some of these products contain a higher potency of delta-8. Others feature moderate amounts of delta-8 plus other cannabinoids, including delta-9, delta-10, and cannabidiol.
Whether you’re a consumer or retailer, it’s essential to conduct your due diligence while shopping around for delta-8 products. That mainly entails dealing only with established sellers and investing heavily in client feedback.
For instance, reading treetop delta 8 review will enlighten you on the quality of products offered by this giant cannabis retailer. You can then proceed to place your order from the point of information.
Delta-8 THC Will Get You High
We’ve already pointed out that delta-8 is an isomer of tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid that accounts for most of cannabis’ psychedelic properties. That automatically means that delta-8 THC can get you high.
Like its parent compound, tetrahydrocannabinol, delta-8 THC alters the state of mind by binding directly to endocannabinoid receptors spread around the brain and central nervous system (CNS). Those receptors are known as CB1 receptors.
CB1 receptors differ from CB2 receptors mainly in their location in the body. The latter category of endocannabinoid receptors is widespread in the body’s peripheral organs, such as the limbs and gut.
Now, non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD usually interact with CB2 receptors. That explains why such compounds do not possess psychedelic properties.
Delta-8 THC Produces Mellower Psychedelic Effects
The fact that delta-8 THC is psychoactive makes it an excellent choice for recreational marijuana consumers.
But the real reason behind the explosion in the popularity of this cannabinoid is that it produces a less intense high compared to other more potent tetrahydrocannabinol isomers, such as delta-9.
According to most users, delta-8 provides a pleasant euphoria marked by heightened energy levels and incredible mental relaxation. Due to these effects that delta-8 is a favorite THC isomer for recreational and medical cannabis users.
Delta-8 THC Offers Immense Therapeutic Benefits
A high isn’t the only feeling you get when consuming delta-8 THC. The cannabinoid also contains numerous pharmacological applications.
Now, the health benefits of delta-8 THC are pretty much similar to those of its parent cannabinoid – tetrahydrocannabinol.
Research has shown that THC may relieve various medical conditions, ranging from pain and inflammation to stress, anxiety, and depression. The compound has also demonstrated a potential for treating insomnia, nausea, inappetence, erectile dysfunction (ED), and neurodegenerative disorders like schizophrenia.
Delta-8 Is Federally Legal
The passage and subsequent enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized all hemp-derived cannabis products at the federal level. That makes delta-8 federally legal, considering that the cannabinoid is generally obtained from hemp.
Hemp is a cannabis cultivar with significant amounts of CBD and lower concentrations of THC.
The extraction of delta-8 from hemp involves a series of reactions that convert raw hemp extracts to CBD first and then to delta-8.
However, remember that cannabis laws differ worldwide. So, the fact that delta-8 is legal in the United States doesn’t automatically make it legal in your specific jurisdiction.
Delta-8 THC Products Are Not FDA-Approved
Despite its numerous medicinal properties and widespread legalization, it’s unfortunate to report that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is yet to approve delta-8 THC.
Therefore, it’s essential to beware of cannabis manufacturers and retailers marketing their delta-8 goods as FDA-approved.
However, the apparent lack of FDA approval doesn’t necessarily reflect delta-8’s efficacy. It only means that the agency is yet to evaluate the compound’s widely reported therapeutic benefits.
Wrap Up
Delta-8 THC is a relatively new cannabinoid. But the compound has already garnered significant popularity due to its numerous positive effects on the body.
Just remember to exercise caution while shopping for delta-8 THC goods. That includes buying quality products from reputable sellers and ensuring the compound is legal in your jurisdiction before using it.
